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WHY i SERVE
United Methodist Women (UMW) is the largest denominational faith organization for women with over 800,000 members whose mission is fostering spiritual growth, developing leaders and advocating for justice. Members raise up to $20 million annually for programs and projects related to women and children in the U.S. and countries around the world. Each year the UMW of First Methodist recognize and honor members who have served through our church and in the community. Congratulations to the 2018 UMW Service Award recipients: Rob Harroun, Jan and Mike Steinkamp, Tasha Whitton, Willa Roof and Donna Britt! Thank you for your service and your stories.
WHY I SERVE: THE POWER OF PRAYER & CARE BY ROB HARROUN
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ears ago, after my family joined First United Methodist Church, my Mom, Thelma Horton (a very service-minded person), became a member of the “Care Team”. I was just starting a new job so, at that time, service was not a real priority. I wasn’t familiar with the Care Team nor was I aware of Mom’s membership.
Despite the devastating illness and the difficult problems she faced, Mom never gave up the hope of returning to the church and her service. Rev. Chris Andrews saw her at the end and said ‘You just look into those eyes of hers and you know she has ‘that spirit’.’
I had to find out who and what this Care Team was. I did and I sought membership Then, one day, I was told that Mom had and was accepted. Through this wonderful terminal metastatic breast cancer. I lived team and other service ministries I was with her during the last two years of her able to give back to others the thoughts, illness. We would open her mail prayers and care given to Mom Through this wonderful Team and and I in our time of need. I thank and I couldn’t help but notice the many beautifully written other service ministries I was able God, our Church, through its cards she was receiving from this to give back to others the thoughts, service ministries, but especially Care Team. Then there were the prayers and care given to Mom my Mom and her service for my flower arrangements and visits and I in our time of need. inspiration to help and serve from her Care Team and Rings others. N Ivy members, some bearing delicious dishes. I began to experience firsthand what TOP: Volunteers from FUMC head out to help others in our neighborhood after the flooding in 2016. ABOVE: Rob Harroun the power of prayer and care were doing for us. pictured with "Sir Winston."
10 930north | www.firstmethodist.org | Fall 2018
