The United Methodist Women have planned  a very ambitious 2008 calendar of educational events, service opportunities, reading and sharing -- all in support of our UMW Purpose:

“…a community of women whose purpose is to know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ; to develop a creative, supportive fellowship; and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church.” 

Our Jamieson women have developed a supportive fellowship, adding a special dimension to church attendance, and we welcome all women to participate at whatever level of commitment they are able.  While our two active circles are an important part of our ministry to women, affiliation with a circle or even church membership is not required.  We understand that many of our church women are employed, have family obligations or simply aren’t able to commit to a monthly meeting.  Our members may choose any option:

Seven excited ladies were all packed and ready to leave Jamieson Memorial United Methodist Church on Friday, March 28th at 4:00 PM. We had two drivers, Marilyn Mink and Nancy Lipscomb. Other participants were Carol Dalton, Linda Pulliam, Betty Westbrook, Janet Pennell and Myone Merritt.

We headed off for Camp Alta Mons, located in scenic southwest Virginia, near Roanoke. Alta Mons loosely translated in Latin means "high mountains." It is owned and operated by the Roanoke District of the United Methodist Church. The 875 acre mountain and valley historic site was formerly a healing springs retreat known as Crockett Springs. Alta Mons is now a modern camp and retreat center offering a wide variety of programs and year round facility options.

We stopped on the way for dinner at Old Virginia BBQ in Rocky Mount. After a great dinner, we were on our way again. Marilyn had grown up in the area and knew how to get there. Once we drove into camp we were quickly met by Steve McMillion, the camp director, who guided us to our home for the night-- an old refurbished farm house. It was dark, so we could not appreciate the splendid beauty around us.

It did not take us long to find a spot to settle and make ourselves at home. There was room in the house to sleep 28 people. It had a wonderful kitchen and three baths. We enjoyed fellowship for the evening and had refreshments and devotions with Marilyn leading us in singing and Betty Westbrook reading some poems. Betty read "A Magna Charta of Trust by an Out-Of-Control Disciple" by Leonard Sweet. We also read together a "Statement of Faith," "Reaching for Rainbows," and "I'd Write You a Rainbow," all by Ann Weems. We enjoyed our fellowship and refreshments until midnight when we decided to get some rest for our work the next day. Seven sleepy heads hit our pillows for some much needed rest.

We awoke early to the smell of fresh coffee perking and several deer out in the surrounding area and the chatter of seven happy ladies anticipating our day of mission work. Carol had made some wonderful French toast and sausage and Linda added a mixture of fresh fruit for a delicious breakfast. We gathered for singing and devotionals led by Linda about the seeds we sew in other little things we do each day. She passed out some packets of seeds with Bible verses, and then we were ready to sew our seeds at Camp Alta Mons. Steve came to the house to make plans for what needed to be done. He was very easy to please and grateful for whatever we did. Alta Mons had had some high winds and there were many branches to be picked up from the campgrounds and surrounding grounds. We chose that job and he had a pick-up truck for us to put the branches in and take to a designated area. We did several loads. Betty and Nancy cleaned up the gift shop from a long winter of not being used and folded tee shirts and swept it clean. It was a crisp, cold morning with clouds, so it was good working weather.

A couple of us went back to the house to prepare lunch. Steve had lunch with us and answered lots of questions about the camp. Poor Steve hardly had time to eat. After lunch, he got out maps and showed us the area and how large the camp is and told about the plans for the summer camps. It was very impressive. They provide a variety of camping experiences for 1^st through 12^th graders.   This summer they will be “Walking with Giants” with reenactments of stories from The Old Testament. Campers will learn what it means to walk in faithfulness to God, as "Giants of Faith." Camp Alta Mons purpose is to provide space for everyone to experience God.

After lunch, some of us helped clean the swimming pool after a long winter of debris falling into it. The rest stayed back at the house to clean up from lunch and get things ready for our return trip to Clarksville.

Our trip was all too short and several people said we should stay two nights next year. We certainly had enough food for two days, and we had many laughs, stories and wonderful fellowship.

We left Alta Mons at 4 PM and on the way out of the Shawsville area we were treated to a detour to see where Marilyn grew up. It was a beautiful, huge home that used to be a dairy farm and is now a horse farm. She told us some wonderful stories about the surrounding area.  We had a good trip home.  It was a wonderful trip and we are planning a bigger one for next year.

Click here to watch a complete slideshow of the trip.

Come and bring your friends for an evening of fun, fellowship, and laughter for all ages.  Our comical auctioneers will be presenting valuable and not-so-valuable treasures, trinkets, and services – with all proceeds to benefit our local missions (Project Care For, All God’s Children, shut-ins, and needy families).  Refreshments will be served.  Items for the auction are being collected in a designated room (ask at the church office), or for pick-up, contact Carol Dalton374-2338.   Join us June 13 for one of the most hilarious evenings of the summer!

Education & Interpretation

· Three educational events—March, October, December

· Reading program—maintain library, Response, NW Outlook

· All-church book discussion group

· Representation at UMW Day and VUMAC events

Social Action

· Women’s retreat and mission trip to Camp Alta Mons

· Angel Tree—prison ministry

· Health kits

· Funding and supplies for All Gods Children

· Support Lunch Buddies, Project Care For, Food Pantry, Relay for Life, Society of St. Andrews

· Support needy families, shut-ins, college students, youth

Spiritual Growth

· Prayer Partners

· World Thank Offering

· Call to Prayer and Self Denial

· Use of Response, New World Outlook, Prayer Calendar

· Encourage participation in ecumenical services—Womens World Day of Prayer, Whole Woman’s Conference, Lenten

Services

Membership Nurture and Outreach

· Welcome to new members with invitation to circles

· Work with Social Action in organizing Women’s Retreat/Mission trip

· Work with Spiritual Growth—Salad Supper, Whole Woman’s Conference

Fund development in support of Missions

· Auction, Potato Supper, Mothers Day and Fathers Day Flowers, product sale, soup labels and stamps

The deadline for reporting books read for the UMW Reading Program is Wed, Aug 20th.  Please contact Elaine Senz prior to this date with the number of books you have read.  Even if you did not complete the required four books for a certificate, please report the number of books that you read so that they can be included in the total number count for Jamieson.  Thank you for your participation!

Earn a Reading Certificate:  Do you enjoy reading?   UMW invites all women to participate in our annual reading program.  Each person reading one book in each of four required categories by the end of August 2008, will receive a reading certificate.

There is a bookcase in the Overflow area with book selections from the four required categories:

If you wish to participate, have questions about the program or need forms to record your reading selections, please call Elaine Senz.

Please return any books that you have finished reading.  Thank you!