First Church has two United Women in Faith groups that offer ladies a time of fellowship and education with other women. Our 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.  A national reading program and mission initiatives are hallmarks of the UMW!

 

Each circle meets monthly, and we meet together as a unit 4 times a year. Our unit is also a part of the Heartland Central District and we all work together in the area to support women and children. One of our unit’s local projects is the Della Lamb Neighborhood House and Charter School.  At Christmas time, the Good Samaritan Circle makes and fills stockings for the children, and the Patience Circle donates and wraps gifts for the children to give to their parents. We usually have a van stuffed full of things for the Christmas Store! We also support Spofford Home for children by joining other area units for a “Stone Soup” dinner each spring to raise funds for Spofford. On a local level, UMW has partnered with the Community Services League with the “Tennies for Kids” program, collecting new tennis shoes for needy children in the Independence area. UMW is always looking for ways we can help support others. Other programs and projects vary throughout the year.