CHURCH WOMEN UNITED in AUSTIN ANNUAL REPORT 2010
Organizational Assessment: The health of the Church Women United in Austin organization continues to be a strong organization. The board members leading the planning of the programs have developed inspirational elements that make our meetings spectacular! Thank You to the women who agreed to become board members! All our officer positions are filled for 2010. We continue to be challenged economically to meet our budget. We pray the Father will continue to bless our unit, and that we bring glory and honor to Him in all that we do.
Membership is Increasing. At present we have over 90 individual members and over 30 member churches representing 11 Christian Denominations. Several first-time members have joined us during 2010. The Ecumenical Development planning group continues to focus on increasing member church participation, recognizing members who bring first-timers and community awareness of CWU.
2010 began with the Annual Meeting in February at United Christian Church. The 2009 Budget of $4230 was approved and the Annual Report for 2009 was presented. Need to describe what we did.
The World Day of Prayer in March, at Northwest Hills United Methodist Church, used the theme “Let Everything that has Breath Praise God." Short description.
For the April Ecumenical Development Forum, at Grant AME Church, Loretta Hill of Grant AME Church presented diabetes" and challenged us to manage diabetes. The Valiant Woman Award was presented to Johnnie Mae Grattan, describe.
May Friendship Day, with its theme "Living the Vision," was held at Hyde Park Presbyterian Church. We were treated with a tea party. Describe. Fellowship of the Least Coin …
In June we gathered at the Austin Mennonite Church for our annual Wellspring Bible Study. We focused on “scripture study” In Prayer. Details.
In September, the Ecumenical Action Forum was held at Ebenezer Baptist Church using the Peace building block. Mary Berwick, a long-time advocate for peace, presented “Sharing a Vision of Peace.” Description.
In October, Memorial United Methodist Church hosted the Human Rights Celebration, the theme of “Living the Challenge”. We honored Ann Hart, director of Greater Austin Autism ___ ___ with the Human Rights Award. A donation of $500 was made to GAAxx,.
In November, we celebrated World Community Day at David Chapel Missionary Church. “Building the Beloved Community” description.
The 29th Annual International Holiday Market was held November 12-13 at Genesis Presbyterian Church. Church Women United provides volunteers to the annual International Holiday Market. Handcrafted products made by underserved artisans from Latin America, Africa and Asia are available for alternative gift purchases. Having this market opportunity annually allows the artisans to receive fair pay and to plan for the future for their families.
Service Projects At each monthly meeting collections are made of needed items or financial donations for a local charity or non-profit organization. The recipients are chosen by the Ecumenical Action Committee. The response from our members continues to be generous! 2010 Recipients have included: (Get information from Pat T. or from 2010 newsletters) February – Christian Medical Missions Inc. – vitamins, soap, shampoo, toothpaste March – Zambia Medical Mission – Band-Aids, Ace wrap bandages, gauze pads, and individual bacteria wipes April – Volunteer Health Clinic – copy paper, paper towels, toilet paper, Kleenex, pedicures for diabetic patients May – ?? – ?? September – Rainbow Room/Partnerships for Austin Children in Crisis – school supplies, hygiene products October – Blankets Plus – A special offering to help those suffering from war, famine, dislocation in the world. November – Austin Children’s Shelter – healthy snacks, 100% juice boxes, and breakfast cereals
Please check the monthly newsletter to learn what is being collected for the next meeting.
Jail Ministry Modified forms of the Celebrations for World Day of Prayer, May Friendship Day were presented by some of our members to the women at the Travis County Correctional Complex. A special Thanksgiving service was presented in November. There is always time for interaction and conversation, meaningful to everyone who participates.
Citizen Action Many of our members represent CWU to community organizations such as: Austin Area Inter-religious Ministry, CROP Walk, Texas IMPACT, the Model UN Committee, Women in Black, The Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty, and community service. The Lucille Mayberry Memorial Sewing Rooms made and distributed xxx quilts of which xx were baby quilts. (Get information from Peggy Maxwell 338-0408)
Church Women United in Austin will continue to witness to our unity in Jesus Christ through worship, study, action and celebration.
Respectfully yours, Elizabeth Sanders, President Church Women United in Austin
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