Sunday, June 3, 2012

"Feeding the Multitude"

Those of you who have followed this blog for awhile have seen a few posts regarding my participation in the United Methodist Women of my church.  I presently hold an office in my local Unit, as well as an office for my District.

Well, I've been away a few days for a UMW event that occurs only every four years - the Southeastern Jurisdiction Quadrennial Meeting for the UMW.  It was held in Birmingham, Alabama this year, with the theme of "Feeding the Multitude."  Those who attended had been asked to bring along non-perishable food items that would be given to those who serve the hungry in Birmingham.  There were large baskets in the center of the tables at Friday evening's dinner.  This is where the donations were placed, creating a most meaningful centerpiece!

There were five to six hundred attending, and we were blessed to hear the message given by Bishop Violet Fisher.  She challenged us to "add another leaf to the table!"  The scripture passage came from John 6:1-14, which tells the story of the loaves and fishes.  In fact, this story appears in all the gospels.

What are WE doing to "feed the multitude?"  Have we "added another leaf to the table?"

On Friday there was time to venture out on the trolley.  We passed some picture-worthy locations, and I tried to take this one of the beautiful park.

From the moving bus.

As you can see, it is not the best picture around.:-)  It would have been good to be able to get off the bus and walk through this park for better pictures of several other areas.

Program book.

The Program Book contained the order we would follow for the meeting, plus bios of those who were participating in parts of the service.  Also included were copies of the songs we sang.  I was pleased to be part of the Quadrennial Choir as I was able to arrive in time for the scheduled rehearsal.:-) 

Oddly enough, Internet access was not a "given" in the hotel where we were staying and meeting.  So - I have become a bit behind with my usual "blog business."  I'll try to catch up with those of you whose blogs I have been following in the next few days.

Now, I know this is not the topic I had announced for the next blog post, so that will come up next.  Also, that first Tuesday date is coming around again, and I am cooking for the Adult Day Care of my church.  There will be some recipes in the near future as well. 

Today is absolutely gorgeous here, and we are enjoying the day.  I hope that is true for you where you are!

Thank you for following along.  I really enjoy your comments.


10 comments:

  1. I once worked at the Cokesbury store in Nashville, which I enjoyed very much. My synagogue shares space with a United Methodist Church and I keep up with a lot of activities there. I think it's a good idea for all of us to "add another leaf to the table." Thanks for this important reminder.

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  2. My middle son in Charlotte NC attends a the huge Methodist church there. Beautiful structure and one of the largest I have been to.

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  3. What a great message to remember to "add another leaf to the table"...something we should all be doing. I love that you are so involved with your church. My Mother was Methodist and we attended that church quite often. xo Diana

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  4. Here is that church. :-)


    http://www.mpumc.org/

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  5. You have been a very busy lady the last few days. I grew up in the Methodist church. Even though my daughter is a member of the Grace United Methodist Church here I have only attended a few times. I need to remedy that.

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  6. I'm happy that you were able to get out and see parts of Birmingham, even though it is difficult to take a clear picture from a moving vehicle. Often, these events are so structured that there's no time set aside for attendees to choose a different activity, so it's good that you were able to get somewhat acquainted with the town. I have thought about you, coming home from that trip, then having to turn around and fix a lunch for the day care group; you always do such a great job of working everything in!
    Our church has a pantry that is stocked with donations as people bring them in, as well as a clothing ministry. It seems that many folks come by to ask for help, and those are some ways that we are able to help without putting a strain on anybody's budget. I'll look forward to seeing your next entry, as it's always encouraging!

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  7. Hi Nellie...I think it's wonderful to get away to church activities like you are doing. The Methodist women I've known have always been very service-oriented. Take care. Susan p.s. Oh! Thanks so much for the visit to my blog! Loved having you stop by.

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  8. Hi Nellie! How wonderful to learn about the activities at your church. The concept of "adding a leaf to the table" is universal!

    Thanks for sharing...

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  9. You visited me and now I'm visiting you and becoming a follower. How interesting that you went to such a big conference. I am sure you were well and truly blessed! Blessings. Joan

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  10. Hi Nellie, WELL--we have something else in common!!! I worked in the UMC for about 25 yrs. I was the Director of Christian Education most of those years. BUT--I became a Diaconal Minister, and then got my Master's Degree in Ch. Education --and became a Permanent Deacon.

    Changing from laity to clergy wasn't hard for me --although my calling was not in the clergy ministry. My last job (Hendersonville, TN) was as the Asoociate Minister. I did some preaching, weddings, funerals, visitation---in addition to Adult CE. I got married in 2001--and retired in 2003 and moved to Fairfield Glade.

    Anyhow---when I was in Florida and Lousiana, I was very involved with UMW. I was a local officer, a district officer and a conference office over the years. I was the Treasurer at one time and also was Christian Personhood for awhile... I have wonderful memories of my experiences in UMW...

    So glad that you are involved. I hope that it gives you as much pleasure as it did to me.

    Thanks for sharing.
    Hugs,
    Betsy

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