By Tomi Henderson
Special to the Houlton Pioneer Times
The Northern Maine United Methodist Women Sub-District Annual Meeting was held on April 10 with the Theme of “Missions Today.” The Sub-District of Northern Maine UMW met at Caribou’s Gray Memorial UMC on April 10, with 26 members and one guest present. Registration and fellowship started at 9:30 a.m. with light refreshments.
President Lavone Walters called the meeting to order at 10 a.m. The opening prayer was given by Lavone, followed by the “UMW Purpose” read in unison. The hymn “Lord I Want to Be a Christian” was then sung. The Welcome was given by Bobbi Pelletier of Gray Memorial UMC. Devotions were given by Lois McDibett starting with Luke 13:10-17 and continuing with various readings.
Elaine Bailey read the secretary’s report for April 11, 2012, which was accepted as read. She then gave the treasurer’s report for the period ending April 10, 2013. The report was accepted as presented. Elaine then had the roll call of units with each reporting on new missions they had undertaken during the past year. It was wonderful to learn of all the projects the various United Methodist Women’s groups have undertaken during the past year.
Karen Ritz-Perkins gave the Northern District Report. She reported that the School of Christian Mission will be held at Southern New Hampshire University, Manchester, N.H. July 26-28; the New England Conference Annual Meeting will be held at Parkway UMC, Milton, Mass. on Oct. 26.
A Special Recognition pin from the NMUM-Sub District was presented to Barbara VanBuskirk by Charlotte Wilson who praised Barbara for her untiring work for the church and UMW over the years.
Lavone then called each unit to come forward and present the names of those who had passed away during the year and offered a prayer at the conclusion of the lighting of the memorial candle. Those lost this past year included: Caribou — Crystal Cunningham, Geraldine Harmon, Greta Thurston and Barbara Tilley; Mapleton — Gertrude Christie and Helen Finnemore; Mars Hill and Easton — Irma Thompson, Eldora Carter, Mona Adams, Lillian Flewelling and Carolyn Malone; Limestone — Laila Smith and Velma McCray; Milo — Carolyn Sinclair; and Bangor 1st —Fran Allen.
A discussion was held regarding changing the day on which the Sub-District Annual Meeting would be held. On motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting day has been changed to Saturday. The 2014 meeting will be held on April 12.
The offering was taken followed by the Doxology with Lavone Walters giving a prayer of dedication. Charlotte Wilson announced that items for the silent auction were on display in the dining room and could be viewed during the lunch hour.
An invitation for the next Sub-District meeting to be held in April 12, 2014 was extended by Presque Isle.
The group broke for lunch following a prayer of blessing given by Rev. Tom Bentom.
Members returned to the nave of the church following lunch for the balance of the meeting and sang “Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior” as the gathering hymn. Special music “Because He Lives” was sung by Florence Gallagher.
President Lavone introduced guest speaker Major Steve Pearl of the Salvation Army. He talked about their formation history and how they are structured, explaining that they are an army and thus have ranks such as in the U.S. Army. For instance, his wife is a major, also, and it is her job to direct clients to the appropriate agency to meet their needs. There is a two-year training period before they can serve. They are headquartered in Houlton, but also have volunteer services in Fort Kent, Madawaska, Presque Isle, Patten and Fort Fairfield. During the question-and-answer period, he mentioned that 70 percent of their income comes from selling donated clothing. They have a youth program, Jr. Soldiers, which is their Sunday School, and Sunbeams, which is a Girl Scout-type organization. They also have a camp on Lake Sebago where they have “Away for a Week” for young people.
Bobbi Pelletier thanked Major Pearl for doing their program and presented him with the day’s offering. She also told him that members had collected items for the Salvation Army Food Cupboard, for which he was very appreciative.
President Lavone thanked those attending for their generosity in bringing the items for the Salvation Army Food Cupboard. She also thanked Caribou for hosting the day’s event.
The closing hymn “Freely, Freely” was sung followed by the benediction given by Lavone.
Those assembled then returned to the dining room where the silent auction items were distributed.
