News of the Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Women January, 2013
Reflection “You cannot find peace by avoiding life.” —Virginia Woolf (on her 131st birthday)
What’s New UMW Retreat Weekend is Upon Us February 8-10, Dozens of Metropolitan and Wesley women will head to Priest Field Pastoral Center in Kearney, WVa for fellowship and faith-building. This year’s topic is “Journey to Inner Trust.” Mary Elizabeth Marlow, will lead us in our efforts.
Get Happy Six Sundays of Lent February 17, 24; March 3, 10, 17, 24 7:00-8:30 PM Great Hall, Metropolitan Forget your troubles, Come on … Sing hallelujah …. (Channeling Judy Garland) This year’s Lenten series will focus on “Cultivating Happiness.” Senior Pastor Charlie Parker, and Drema McAllisterWilson, Minister for Congregational Care, will lead this liturgy of healing and renewal, contemplation and communion. Our worship will illuminate practices for Cultivating Happiness within a supportive spiritual community. Contemplative silence invites us to experience the joy of God’s Being from the depth of our own. This service is for all who seek a deeper encounter with the Holy Spirit. Please join us for one or all of these evening celebrations. The collection at each service again will be donated to a UMW charity—this year, The Ballet Studio, Barbara Gaskill’s effort to bring ballet to underserved kids at Brightwood Elementary.
ISO Happy Helpers We need three to four UMW members to serve as greeters for each of the evening Lenten services. Our chapter is participating in the services in lieu of the UMW’s annual service of prayer and selfdenial. To volunteer—as an individual or a Circle—email Pam McFarland, pmcfarland01@verizon.net and specify which dates you can greet. Circle 10 has already claimed February 24, all other Sundays are available.