Women's Ministries
—Laughter, Learning & Loving God
United Methodist Women
Memorial Drive UMC has an active unit of United Methodist Women.
With over 400 women, we are responding to human needs through mission works, studies and projects.
We emphasize making a difference in the lives of women, children, and families—locally, nationally and worldwide.
Small Circle Meetings and the larger General Meetings are held each month from September through May, providing our members with fellowship, education and leadership opportunities. Annually we present three seminars formally known as Goals of Excellence Studies. We welcome everyone to our meetings and studies; however membership is reserved for women of all ages. Childcare will happily be arranged if notified in advance.
The Hearts and Hands Holiday Market, held each October, is our primary fund-raiser. An array of vendors and delightful merchandise is carefully selected for this fair. All of the profits from this three-day event benefit UMW's mission efforts. Recently, we have been able to give in excess of $40,000 to projects in the Houston area and beyond.
For additional information about our UMW, please call the church office at 713/468-8356.
Click here to visit UMW's website.
To read the monthly UMW newsletter,
Good News, click
here.
Goals of Excellence Studies
As part of the UMW activities, we annually present three seminars in the spring known formally as “Goals of Excellence Studies”. These address current issues, concerns, and topics, in an effort to educate and enhance our understanding of these multifaceted and often complex situations so that we can walk more fully in this world.
This year they will be held on February 12, March 11, and April 8 in Room D126 from 8:30 am - 12:30 pm. Pease join us for these meaningful and compelling studies. The studies come under three categories: Spiritual Growth, Education and Interpretation, and Social Action. Each study is organized as a stand-alone event, so feel free to attend them all or pick and choose according to your interests and schedule. They are open to anyone who wishes to attend. For more information, click
here.
Hearts and Hands 2008
Our 22nd Annual Hearts & Hands Holiday Market will take place from Monday–Wednesday, October 27–29, 2008 at Memorial Drive United Methodist Church. Hearts & Hands is the annual fundraising event conducted by the United Methodist Women of the church. One hundred percent of the profit we receive from this show goes to support local, national and international mission projects.
The reputation of this show requires that the Vendor Selection Committee work hard to locate quality vendors with a variety of merchandise to offer our faithful customers. It is in this way that people continue to frequent our show and pass the word along to their friends and neighbors. That benefits both the vendors and our mission work.
Click here to download the vendor application for Hearts and Hands 2008.
Bible Studies
Faith Journey for Women Bible Study
A supportive and welcoming community of believers offering study designed for both beginning and experienced Bible students. Contact Lynet Dunn for the fall schedule of bible studies at
lynetdunn@mdumc.org.
Faith Journey also offers... Fellowship events held on a regular basis.
Nursery for children.
A wonderfully warm and welcoming community.
Prayerful support for all members.
Contact Shirley Broome at 713/468-8356, X113 or email
shirleybroome@mdumc.org to register for classes.
Monday Night Bible StudyAn ongoing informal study, this program has been described as "a telephone to God." In a casual and relaxed atmosphere, women read and discuss a pre-selected book of the Bible. There is no required preparation for this class. The group simply gathers each week for the alloted period of time. The group meets on Mondays in F223/224 from 7:00 - 8:00 pm and enrollment is always open. There is no cost for this study. Contact Lynet Dunn for more information at
lynetdunn@mdumc.org.
Annual Events
Annual Women's Retreat
This 48-hour retreat provides a time for renewal—both physical and spiritual. Participants arrive to a warm welcome and then spend time worshipping, laughing and learning how to acquire a deeper relationship with God. Women return home refreshed with many new friends and a more committed relationship to God.
Annual Women's Dinner
Each fall over 500 women gather for an elegant evening of fine dining, fellowship, music and an inspirational message. Fifty hostesses plan tablescapes that boggle the imagination while the men of MDUMC serve as the gracious dinner waiters. Following dinner, women gather in the sanctuary to hear a delightful and inspiring message from the guest speaker.
To fully understand the magnitude of this event, view our gallery of pictures.
Dinner & a Movie
What is more fun that enjoying a delicious meal you didn't prepare, a good movie and visiting with friends? That perfectly describes Dinner & A Movie… it's all about fun! Every two months, a new movie selection is offered along with a meal based on the theme of the movie followed by a discussion about the spiritual aspects of the movie. And, of course, popcorn! This event is usually held at 4:30 p.m. at the west end of The Connection Center. Childcare is provided. Please make reservations. For information or reservations, contact Lynet Dunn at 713/468-8356 ext. 133 or
lynetdunn@mdumc.org.
Footnotes
Footnotes, MDUMC's Women's Book Club, meets monthly for discussion and lively conversation, aiming to use good books as a way to relieve stress and stimulate their minds. Footnotes meets in the Welcome Center at The Connection Center at 7:00 p.m.
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September 20 |
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini |
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October 18 |
The Double Bind by Chris Bohjalian |
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November 15 |
The Thirteenth Tale by Dianne Setterfield |
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December 13 |
Silver Bells by Luanne Rice (date subject to change) |
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January 17 |
Collaborator of Bethlehem by Matt Meynonn Rees |
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February 21 |
Plum Wine by Angela Davis-Gardner |
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March 20 |
Those Who Serve Us by Jenna Blum |
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April 17 |
Diana Chronicles by Tina Brown |
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May 15 |
TBA (something humorous) |