UMW celebrates 150 years of service
(Courtesy photo) When the Sandpoint Methodist Church was organized over 100 years ago, the women organized for mission. Sunday, April 9, the church held a celebration to honor United Methodist Women’s 150 years of service.
In 1869, six women gathered in Boston to discuss the desperate spiritual and physical needs of women in India. A male doctor could not treat women. Schooling for girls was almost non-existent.
The newly formed organization raised funds and sent an educator and a doctor to India. Ms. Thoburn began a school with six young girls in Lucknow. This school expanded to include Isabella Thoburn College, the first women’s college in Asia. Dr. Swain began her medical work, resulting in the establishment of the first women’s hospital in Asia. Both of these institutions are still serving the people of India
Today, 150 years later, United Methodist Women, 800,000 strong, is the largest denominational faith-based women’s organization in the world. Nearly 100 national mission institutions in the United States supported by United Methodist Women’s giving are empowering women, caring for children, educating and building youth, looking after the neglected, advocating for social justice issues, creating economic opportunities and changing neighborhoods These mission institutions include Atlantic Street Center in Seattle and Tacoma Community Center in Tacoma.
When the Sandpoint Methodist Church was organized over 100 years ago, the women organized for mission. The UMW 150 Year Celebration was held at the United Methodist Church Sunday, April 9. The worship service as well as fellowship hour was conducted by United Methodist Women celebrating and honoring those women near and far who have been so strong serving in mission with women, children, and youth in our neighborhoods. Locally UMW makes quilts for families and seniors, supports Food for Children, Bonner Community Food Bank, Bonner Homeless Transitions, Helping Hands Healing Hearts, and Bonner Gospel Mission.
You do not have to be a member of the United Methodist Church to join us. We meet the second Tuesday of the month. If you are interested or have questions, please contact the church office at 208-263-4232. The Sandpoint United Methodist Women will be going strong working in mission with women, children, and youth for the next 150 years.