St. John’s UM Women Mother/Daughter Banquet and Graduate Awards

The St. John’s United Methodist Women held their annual Mother/Daughter Banquet on recently. President Patty Wilfong began the covered-dish celebration, enjoyed by ladies of all ages, with a brief greeting and prayer. Following the dinner, Potomac Highlands UMW District Officer, Mrs. Wilda Henline, presented district certificates to the group for completing the District Reading Program and the District Goals. She then gave a devotional program entitled “A Call To Prayer and Self Denial,” with scripture from Jeremiah centered on faith, hope and love in action. The program included a time of sharing, remembering unique family food items and special mealtime events. Henline ended the program with a closing litany. Wilfong thanked Henline for attending the dinner and presented her with a special gift. Willetta Bolinger then shared the poems “My Grandmother Taught Me” and “Angels in Disguise.”
Nola DeVilder recognized the following former “Mothers of the Year,” presenting those in attendance with a red geranium: Sandy Jones – 1996, and Karen Goff, Beth Long and Sarah Bowley – 2006. The “2016 Mother of the Year Award” was presented by Linda Lawrence to: Rachel Carr, Clarice Knotts and Beth Long. She also awarded Judy Fairbanks with the “Special Mission Recognition” pin. Door prizes were given to several individuals.
Shelby Kisner closed the evening with a Memorial Service honoring those the group had lost since Mother’s Day of 2015. She shared a reading entitled “The Heaven File,” and candles were lit for: Elizabeth Jean “Betty” Grow Knotts – December 29, 2015, Virginia Marguerite Bonner Raines Sheets – October 15, 2015, Margaret Marie Filler Evic Harlow – February 1, 2016 (mother of member Jackie Stevens), and Mary Louise Holland Tuell – March 16, 2016 (mother of member Tracey Dent).
The St. John’s United Methodist Women meet the second Tuesday of each month in the church fellowship area of Smith Chapel at 7 p.m/ All women are invited to join.. For more information. contact the church at 304-478-2620 or at stjohnsparson@yahoo.com.
The ladies of the St. John’s United Methodist Women’s Group also recently honored some special Tucker County graduates by presenting Bibles to the Class of 2016 Graduating Seniors connected with the church as a participating member or through a parent or grandparent. President Patty Wilfong shared scripture from Psalms 119:105 and Psalms 119:11: “Your Word is a lamp to my feet, and a light on my path.” “I have hidden your Word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” She and Pastor Philip Dent then presented Bibles to twelve graduates. Bibles were awarded to: Zachary Bishoff, Scottie Bowley, Olivia Goff, Daniel Kisamore, Austin Lambert, Marcus Mason, Charlene Maxwell, Kaylee Nedrow, Trevor Poling, DeWayne Purnell, Madison Reall, and Jasper Snyder. Pastor Dent closed the ceremony with a prayer of blessing and guidance for the graduates and their families. St. John’s United Methodist Church and the ladies of the UM Women wish to offer congratulations and best wishes to all the graduates.