United Methodist Women

The UMW of St. Matthew's is an active and dynamic program of fellowship and spiritual growth that has an impact far beyond the lives of the women of St. Matthew's. We have a four-fold approach to supporting the global mission of the church.

Serving Our Community
Local community involvement and outreach programs of our UMW include support to Bethany House, Lazarus at the Gate, Joseph's Coat, Merrifield Food Site, and assistance to programs for abused children. Our UMW also provides support to the Appalachia Service Project and the Jeremiah Project.

Serving Our Own Church
The UMW supports numerous programs of St. Matthew's through the giving of their time, money and talents. We make every effort to be present in times of crisis and in times of joy. Our support includes monetary support to the Capital Improvement Program and the Youth Program, as well as that often invisible support that ensures various activities run smoothly and according to plan.

Sponsoring a Reading Program
Each year the UMW purchases books for the UMW book list and subscribes to Response magazine and New World Outlook, the UMC magazine about Mission Programs. These materials are donated to the Church Library and each UMW member is encouraged to read them. The purpose of the UMW Reading Program is to encourage women, through reading, to become

• Informed ... understanding of and motivated to participate in God's mission today
• Sensitive ... to all human beings, their needs, interests, and concerns
• Alert ... to and knowledgeable about issues facing humankind today to which the Gospel speaks
• Aware ... of who one is and what one can do through self-understanding.

Gathering Together for Fellowship
We look forward to our annual Spiritual Growth Retreat, an opportunity for spiritual renewal and worship with other women of the church, in furtherance of our common goals. We also sponsor a mother-daughter function, a brunch for the women of the congregation, and a number of holiday-oriented events including craft festivals.

Because each woman has different needs and interests, and are at different places in their faith journey and participation in mission, St. Matthew's UMW offers 6 Circles. UMW "Circles" are small groups whose membership provides a supportive community that responds in a meaningful way to all the needs of the women in our congregation. Each circle's programs are planned by its members, and each offers a slightly different focus. So that all the women of the church have an opportunity to participate, some circles meet during the day and others meet in the evenings. The table below lists the 6 circles, their meeting days, times, places and particular focus.

Lydia Circle 
3rd Monday at 7:00 p.m. in the Wright Parlor

This new circle will develop creative supportive fellowship and expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church. 

Elizabeth Circle
4th Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. at the church
Local missions, service project, or outside speaker and fellowship

Esther Circle
3rd Thursday at 10:00 a.m. and at the church
Service projects, study programs, and fellowship

Mary Circle
2nd Monday at 9:30 a.m. at the church
For young women with small children. Child care is provided.
Local outreach programs for children, and fellowship

Priscilla Circle
1st Wednesday at 7:30 p.m at the church
Local outreach, service projects, outside speakers, and fellowship

Ruth Circle
3rd Tuesday at noon at the church or one of the members' homes for lunch
Study program and fellowship