By Betty Jo Hardy, SRCWU Communications Chair

May Friendship Celebration was held at Christ United Methodist Church on May 6 at 12 noon. 138 Women and men attended the celebration based on the theme, “Finding Grace at The Table.” The May Friendship event is traditionally the time of recognition of Young Church Women United Award. Six young women were recognized. Rev. Jill Smith, pastor of Christ UMC welcomed Church Women United and gave a prayer of blessing. Sarah Byerly, church representative from Christ UMC, welcomed the gathering of this annual luncheon. Vickie Kotlarz, Chair of the Celebration, opened the program by giving the purpose of the May Friendship Celebration. Manie Richardson, Milford Hills UMC, gave the opening prayer. Flo Peck led the gathering in a song written for the program, “Shall We Gather at the Table.” Pat Gilbert accompanied on the piano. Doris Brown, Church Women United President led a memorial for Gwendolyn Ellis, the unit Chaplain, recently deceased. Scriptures Psalm 23 and Luke 14:12-14 were shared by Sandra Hunt, Thrid Creek AME Zion and Sarah Byerly. Participants were asked to reflect on who might be missing from the table and to write their names on slips of paper provided. Twanda Mitchell, White Rock AME Zion, read the Poem, ” For the Friends I Haven’t Met Yet.” Rena Morgan, 1st Calvary Baptist, gave the 60 year history of the special offering of the Least Coin. This offering which is used for concerns of peace and justice. Offering was received by Tonya Cornelius, Sills Creek AME Zion. Dora Correl, Ardis Chapel AME Zion gave the departing words of invitation for all to invite others to the table of Grace and Peace. Jean Allen, director of Good Shepherd Clinic, was present to receive the items gathered as well as monetary gifts for use at the clinic. First Presbyterian Women received the attendance Banner. The following young women were recognized: Jamesha Thomas, Ardis Chapel A.M.E. Zion; Tabitha Myers, First Presbyterian; Lydia Price, First United Church of Christ; Jamie Douthit, Milford Hills United Methodist; Felicia Smith, St. Luke Baptist; Camile Denhard, Sacred Heart Catholic. The next gathering of Church Women United will be the Human Rights Celebration on August 5 at Sandy Ridge AME Zion, 1425 Mt. Moriah Church Rd, Landis. The in-gathering project will be school supplies for Communities in Schools.

Betty Jo Hardy
bettyjo.hardy@aol.com