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UMW Makes a Difference

The story of the young man and the starfish illustrates what UMW (United Methodist Women) is all about.

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The Young Man and the Starfish
An old man was taking a sunrise walk along a beach. In the distance, he caught sight of a young boy who seemed to be dancing along the waves. As he got closer, he saw the young man picking up starfish from the sand and tossing them gently back into the ocean.

"What are you doing?" the old man asked.
"The sun is coming up and the tide is going out. If I don't throw them back into the ocean, all of these starfish will die," answered the boy.
"But young man, there are miles and miles of beach, with starfish all along it . . . you can't possibly make a difference," the old man replied.
The young boy bent down, picked up another starfish and threw it back into the ocean, past the breaking waves. "It made a difference to this one."

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United Methodist Women is a mission organization whose members give of themselves through prayer, action and financial gifts in order to make life better for women, children, youth and marginalized neighbors throughout the world. The Worthington UMW is a unit of the Capital Area North District, and supports mission programs through five channels of undesignated mission giving:

• Pledge to Mission—an individual pledge to support the UMW;
• Special Mission Recognition—a gift from the unit to the district in honor of an individual member for outstanding service to the UMW;
• Gift to Mission—a gift from the unit to the district in honor of any person to celebrate a special event;
• Gift in Memory—from an individual member to the district in memory of a loved one;
• World Thank Offering—additional undesignated gifts made out of gratitude for God's abundance and in celebration of the joys of life.

The five channels of giving can be likened to the five points of a starfish, with each channel representing one point, and the points joining together to form a whole and give the starfish life. Every gift we give, no matter how large or small, contributes to the creation and continuation of the starfish, and makes a difference in the lives of others. We can make a difference through our five points of giving. We invite you to join us on the beach as together we meet Christ's challenge.
– C.J. Shaw, UMW President

UMW Membership

Membership in Worthington United Methodist Women is open to all women, of all ages, who indicate a desire to belong and to participate in the global missions of the church. Guided by the leadership of the UMW Executive Board, the organization is made up of various small units called Circles, which meet monthly for spiritual programs and fellowship. In addition to participating in fundraising activities, circle members serve the church community by hosting Sunday coffee hours, receptions and other social gatherings, providing homebound remembrances, and assisting church committees where needed. Several circles are available for women with different interests and schedules. Below is a list of our current circles and contact information. For specific meeting dates and/or additional information, see our monthly church newsletter, The Messenger, or contact the circle leader.