Well.., let us bring you up to speed! This is a brief article about UMW (United Methodist Women) and our activities here in our wonderful church. We are involved in Mission work from Tucson to Tallahassee to Tanzania. However, we want to introduce you to our UNIT and our work locally. You may be amazed at the changes in our organization.

Our beloved emblem has remained the same for the past quadrennium - the Cross and the Flame. It reminds us of our heritage: women pioneering in service for our church at home and abroad. As a group of supportive women we try to move with the times, rather than being overwhelmed by them.

Through prayer, commitment and mutual support the LADIES AID has evolved into a vibrant power-base. Our voices are heard in many areas. Where do you find members of UMW? Everywhere.., they contribute endless hours in the work areas of our church - in the community - in our schools - in volunteer work - and are first in line when individuals need help. This is above and beyond their energetic efforts for the UNIT itself.

What is the UNIT? It is the umbrella organization which includes the sub-groups or Circles.

Do United Methodist Women still prepare and serve wonderful dinners? Ohhhhh yes! Do United Methodist Women still make quilts and baby clothes? Ohhhhh Yes! We continue to study - to learn - and consistently encourage our members to share knowledge and wisdom. It is a remarkable support group in many ways.

We will introduce you to all of the groups that make up our Unit. We will list only a few of the projects the groups are involved with; this will be but a microcosm of the work done by these dedicated women.

Circle 1, like all groups in the Unit, is always deeply involved in the preparation and presentation of the Great Red Bazaar - one of our major fund raisers.

In the past five years we have sent large quantities of food to poverty-pockets in South Tucson. The past two years we have been collecting and distributing clothing, furniture, food, books and school supplies to our local Yaqui Indian friends. Periodically members send clothing into Mexico.

Circle 2, too, is very active in work for the Red Bazaar. Individual members work tirelessly on recycling the greeting cards that are sold on our campus, another major fund-raiser.

They have helped individuals with housing, clothing, food and transportation. Their work with YOTO - Youth On Their Own - is exciting. Year-round they collect food, clothing, toiletries, et cetera for these young people. For the past three years they have provided caps and gowns to some students so that they could graduate from Catalina High School. This year they helped 15 students in this manner.

Circle 3 projects include a year-round Food Collection for the Food Bank. Members are also involved in our program assisting our Yaqui Indian friends with clothing, food, furniture, school supplies, et cetera.

Like others, their members contribute generously to our Great Red Bazaar. They also invest endless hours of work on our church campus and in our city.

Circle 5 is a great support group for the Great Red Bazaar. This Circle is involved with the program for our Yaqui friends and contribute much in effort and time collecting items. This group also contributes to the Salvation Army.

A very special project is their attention to shut-ins; this includes home visits, special love gifts of cookies, Valentines, and lots of TLC.

The Sewing Circle was formed in 1954. Their leader would personally drive trucks to Yuma where she would distribute quilts, blankets and baby clothing to the Quechuan Indians. She continued this wonderful "hands-on" Mission work with the migrant families in Eloy, Arizona.

With this rich heritage, the Sewing Circle has moved with the times. The work product from this group now goes directly to TMM, where it is wisely distributed. If you like to sew, check with this group - they meet once a month at our church - and many members work at home on different items. You will also be able to purchase some of their beautiful work at the Great Red Bazaar.

In 1992 Shalom Circle was formed. This group meets in the evening and has a growing membership. Their projects are varied - recently they donated food to the Ronald McDonald House. They also do a variety of things to help the TMM Day Center: sewing, making book covers, et cetera. Like all of our Circles, they actively support the Great Red Bazaar. Their programs are stimulating and innovative.

If you want to improve the quality of life for many people - locally and globally - join with us! We welcome new members. The opportunities to help others are unlimited!