Oak Ridge FCE

Jean Rehak opened the Oak Ridge FCE meeting March 20, with pledges to the flags and singing an Easter song at the home of Marilyn Retherford. There were 12 members in attendance.

Devotion was given by Barbara Barks with a poem by Judge Roy Moore, "America the Beautiful," and on the lighter side a story on sickness and in health.

Nelda Crader read the minutes from February and Billie Criddle, secretary, gave the treasurer's report. Both were approved.

Leadership training was held March 19 at the University of Missouri Extension Center in Jackson, and those attending for Oak Ridge FCE were Mariesa Lesch, Lee Anderson, Rehak, Crader and Barks.

Cape County FCE All Clubs Day will be held Monday with Lamplighters serving as hostess, devotion by Cheerful Country Doers and program by Judy Herbst from Kage Club. Lois Seabaugh from Town and Country FCE will be doing recognition and awards. Oak Ridge FCE members who will be recognized are Francis "Bebe" Jenkins, five years; Rehak, 20 years; and Mary Dee Ford, 65 years.

The FCE spring district meeting will be held April 24 in Farrar, Mo.

It was decided to postpone the annual garage sale scheduled for May 4 until fall.

The program "heirloom seeds" was given by Barks, who attended the October leadership training in Farrar, where Dortha Strack gave the class. Strack, from Kage FCE Club, provided tomato and flower seed packs to all members.

The Oak Ridge FCE Club approved to send a check to a family who lost all their belongings in the recent tornado that struck the Oak Ridge community.

Members brought several gallons of bleach to the meeting. Lee Anderson will take them to a local animal shelter.

New McKendree UMW

The New McKendree United Methodist Women met March 13 in the church fellowship hall. Mary Klaproth, president, opened the meeting with members reciting of the UMW Purpose.

The minutes were read by Marica Eggers, secretary, and approved. The treasurer's report was given by Klaproth. The general budget was discussed and will be supported by each circle having fundraisers and a donation received by the United Methodist Men from cakes donated for their fish fry.

Jolie McCallister introduced Mindy Sanders from the Safe House for Women who gave the program. McCallister also announced that the Hope Circle is having an upscale bake sale in April with proceeds going to the Safe House.

Edith Eggers, secretary of program resources, announced that new books were added to the library on recycling titled "Green Church." She also announced that Pat Lynn was a new reader.

Lynn, spiritual growth, had no report.

Penny Green, social action, announced that April will be Support School. All members were encouraged to donate socks, underwear or money for local schools.

Shirley Patterson, education and interpretation, along with Eglenna Davis and Tina Crites gave a report on legislative event.

Inez Statler, membership, lead a discussion of starting a circle at the west campus.

Amy Cook, mission ribbons, encouraged all members to collect Best Choice labels and put them in bags of 100. No milk labels will be accepted.

June Engel, supportive community, reported that a small funeral dinner was served last month.

United Methodist Men will have a fish fry April 21 with the following cake assignment: Esther, five; Hope, five; Mary and Martha, five; Wesleyan, three; and Members at Large, three.

The spring district meeting was held March 24 at First United Methodist Church in Sikeston. Those attending were Doris Dace, Elwanda Corbin, Julie Combs, Klaproth, Crites and Cook.

The Mary and Martha Circle received the attendance ribbon. The Esther Circle announced note cards and soap for sale as a fundraiser. Mary and Martha Circle will host the birthday party Tuesday at Jackson Manor.

United Methodist Women weekend will be April 28 and 29. Tara Dameron will be the speaker. Kim Bonney, Gerry Davis, and Eggers will be liturgists. Saturday ushers will be Gale King, Ofelia Williamson and Combs. Sunday ushers at the 9 a.m. service will be Ruth Barks, Pam Jones, Sue Smith, Donna Mason and McCallister. West Campus ushers will be Pam Buck, Mary Maeltzer, Anna Wannamaker and Crites. Candle burning for one minute at $28.07 will be done by Corbin. Klaproth encouraged all circles and individuals to dedicate money in honor of a UMW member. Money is due by April 15.

The next meeting will be at 9:30 a.m. April 10 with the program by the Wesleyan Circle and refreshments by the Esther Circle.

Meeting was closed with a reading from the Prayer Calendar. Refreshments were served by members at large.

-- From staff reports