St. Vincent CCW

The St. Vincent Council of Catholic Women met Dec. 3 for the annual Christmas party. Special guests were the Rev. David Hulshof and the Rev. Rahab Isadore. Musical entertainment was provided by four students from St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School.

Members brought gifts for Birthright. Marie Todd coordinated a gift exchange.

Patricia Harrison, president, presided over a short business meeting. Reports were given that 32 filled shoe boxes were donated to the Christmas Child Shoebox Project as an international project and that 187 quilted sleeping bags were made and donated to cities in Missouri for the poor and homeless as a community commission project.

An open house will be held at St. Vincent de Paul Church as part of an area tour of Catholic churches from 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 28.

A finger food buffet was served by the Joan Eggimannn, Joan Walter and Nina Minutolo.

New Salem UMW

The United Methodist Women of New Salem United Methodist Church had their regular meeting Dec. 10. Before the meeting, members and spouses ate at Delmonico's restaurant in Jackson.

It was decided to give $125 to the youths that will be going on the WOW trip.

Vanita Hahs became a new member of the UMW.

The new speakers for the church have been repaired.

Dorothy Hahs installed officers for 2008. They are Shirley Grebe, president; Jackie Kurre, vice president; Roberta Seabaugh, treasurer; Margie Roberts, secretary; and Betty Henry, reporter.

Secret pal gifts were exchanged and revealed, and names were drawn for next year.

The next meeting will be in the home of Kurre.

New McKendree UMW

The United Methodist Women of New McKendree United Methodist Church in Jackson met Dec. 4 in the fellowship hall. Mary Klaproth, president, opened the meeting with all members reading the UMW purpose.

Wilma Wilcoxson read "Ladies Aid Society." Doris Davault mentioned that New McKendree's UMW is 110 years old.

Sue Jones read the minutes from the November meeting, and they were approved as read. Amy Cook, treasurer, gave her report, which was accepted as read.

Edith Eggers, program resources, asked all members who have read listed books in the past year to report them to her. Her report is due by the end of the year.

Klaproth reported for Penny Green, social action chair. The names of five families from Jackson School District were selected to receive Christmas gifts from the circles. Gifts need to be delivered by Dec. 20. Green has volunteered to deliver the gifts.

Klaproth announced that the Mission Team has decided to support Christmas for the Elderly in 2008.

Wilma Summers, mission ribbons, announced having new ribbons for sale.

The United Methodist Men will have a fish fry Jan. 19. Cakes are to be supplied by UMW members. Circles were assigned as follows: Esther, two; Hope, three; joy.net, four; Mary & Martha, four; Wesleyan, three; and members at large, two.

There will be no general meeting in January, but the Mission Team will meet.

Circle attendance was reported as follows: Dorcas, one; Esther, six; Hope, three; Mary & Martha, 11; Naomi, one; Wesleyan, seven; and members at large, three.

Violet Reynolds reported that Joyce Peerman will become an at-large member when the Naomi Circle disbands.

Elwanda Corbin presented a list of military personnel for Christmas cards. Donna McClard volunteered to send the cards.

Davault moved that the UMW donate $100 to the church's Christmas offering. The motion was seconded and passed. The offering will be used to pay apportionments this year.

Davault, assisted by Pat Holloway, presented Geneva Godwin with a special membership pin. Davault gave a brief sketch of Godwin's activities as a United Methodist member. Propst presented Patsy Johnson with a special pin also in honor of her many activities with UMW.

The program was presented by the Mary and Martha Circle. Laura Jo Smith was assisted by Pam Jones and Klaproth. Linda Thompson was pianist for the singing of carols.

Church Women United

The Area Church Women United met at the Cape Area Family Resource Center for the December meeting and Jesus' birthday party. Members brought items for the center, and a cookie exchange was held.

Pat King spoke to the group on the program of the center. Many of the youths at the center do not receive Christmas gifts, and she had wish lists for them. Members took a name and will purchase gifts.

It was voted to take funds out of the treasury to buy gifts for the women who meet Thursdays for a potluck, crafts and programs.

Martha Sanderson reported that dues had been increased to $5.

The next meeting will be Hospitality Day and will be at 2 p.m. Jan. 27 at Second Baptist Church in Cape Girardeau.

-- From staff reports