UWF Testimony: The Journey of Faith and Service by Sara Hill

The United Women in Faith...

Almost 50 years ago, we came to Patten. The first person I met was Irene Bradford. It was because of Irene that I started coming to this church—not every Sunday, but whenever I could. I was pregnant and was busy running a sporting camp. As time moved on, we became more involved in the church.

I didn't officially belong to the UMW (United Methodist Women, now UWF) then, but I did try to bring my little ones to church. It was a time of peace for me, as the kids went downstairs to the nursery. I'm telling you this for the mothers out there who think their kids' behavior is bad. I'm sure you could ask many of us about our own kids!

I remember my son was sitting on the front row with the young children. I was two rows behind him because I didn't know how he would behave. Well, he picked up a red hymnal from under the pew, found me, and threw it at me! I know God was watching, and I managed to catch it. Later in the service, when I went up for communion, Pastor Pearly O’Dell offered me a "double" with a grin on his face. I knew he understood how I felt—Pastor O’Dell had nine children! So, just remember: **"This too shall pass." Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the World.

 

Finding Fellowship and Mission

My first remembrance of the women’s group was attending the annual Christmas Fair. While waiting for the sale to start, the lights would blink—that signaled the beginning of the frenzy. People had their money ready to get that special handmade gift. Marguerite Sinclair’s little mouse tree ornaments were a treasure to get. And don't forget the fudge and popcorn balls!

I think I started going because some friends (Sally and Cecily) made it sound like something I would enjoy. Eva Rice was president when I started attending meetings. I don’t remember when she asked me to be the president because she was moving, but I agreed without knowing what a ride I was in for!

The purpose of The United Women in Faith is: To know God, experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ, develop a supportive fellowship, and expand mission through participation in the global ministries of the church.

As a local group of about 25 women, we include ladies of this church, other churches, and some who don’t attend any church. We work to help people locally, statewide, and globally.

Our Work in Action

Yearly, we have helped our church financially, supported our local food pantry, and assisted the local school. We bought new chairs downstairs, a new refrigerator, and two televisions. Thank you, Bob and Rick, for putting up the big one downstairs! Now, we can cook! Our suppers have helped support our missions, and leftovers always find their way to people who could use an extra hand and a smiling face.

I told you how I remember the Christmas Fairs when I first moved here. Now, I hope people will talk about our Fall Teas. We have fellowship, lots of laughs, good food, support from the local community, and the food pantry gets money to support its mission. A big thank you goes to Debbie Porter for helping us. She told us about it, organized it, and even baked the cookies for it. Katy Howes and others solicit gifts for our baskets, and Jean Howes puts them together. It takes the whole organization—thank you.

This year, for our world mission, we sent money to a mission in Laos that Pastor Joyce shared with us. Locally, we are working on giving Dunkin' Cups filled with a warm pair of socks and a gift card to Project Recovery in Houlton. Thank you, Jean and Denise! Another local project is Project Hope and Justice in Houlton, which is a shelter for women and children in crisis. Each year, our ladies bring in personal care items for them. It amazes me how much we are willing to share with those in need.

The Heart of the Group

We do have fun too! We treat ourselves by going out to eat. And I think the highlight of the year is our Christmas party. We play games, exchange gifts, and maybe this year we’ll sing some carols.

This is what we do, but I haven’t said what the ladies do for me. I couldn’t lead this group if each one of them didn't help me—from making phone calls and keeping track of the money, to taking minutes, having devotions ready, and yes, even offering their opinions. I truly believe God is working through us to share His love.

Thank you to all who serve!