Clergy Spouses

The United Methodist Commission on the Status and Role of Women has posted an online survey on its Web site to help church agencies determine how they can best support the needs of clergy families. The confidential survey is a collaborative effort of the commission with the denomination’s boards of Pensions and Health Benefits, Discipleship and Higher Education and Ministries. Findings are expected to be released at the beginning of February. Clergy spouses can go to www.gcsrw.org/ClergyFamilyandSpouseSurvey.aspx to take the survey.


Dear Circle of Friends,

Wow!  What a busy summer and now an even busier fall.  School, sports, Wednesday night programs, “Pumpkin patch” fundraisers, revivals, Church/charge conferences – they’re all in full swing. Tis’ the season of football games & festivals.  We are already launched on that toboggan ride to Christmas & New Year’s!!  Hope you are rising to the challenges!  I urge you to lift up one another in prayer for energy, strength, courage, inspiration and humor in our daily walk, along with extra wisdom and discernment in this election year.  As most of you know by now, I succeeded Katie Blair as President of our Conference spouses.  In appreciation of Katie’s loving service & leadership we gave her an autographed copy of Cathy Lee Phillips’ new book.  Katie hasn’t had much of a respite because she volunteered to chair the 2009 retreat committee.  She is already hard at work making plans for our benefit.  You should have received a copy of the registration form at your district set-up meeting in July or August.  If not, they are available for download on this same Web page or you can contact your district office. Remember that the deadline is November 30th. 

My first order of business as President was to welcome our new Bishop’s spouse.  I hope some of you were able to attend the reception for them in September.  Unfortunately I could not be there, so on behalf of all of you I sent a gift bag along with a card & note via Kathy and Robin Lindsey.  The following is excerpted from her reply.

How thrilled I was to receive your wonderful package with so many gifts from the Circle of Friends!  The photo album will hold many special memories from our great days ahead in North Georgia! The journal will give me a beautiful way to record my faith journey here. AND the three gift cards to several restaurants of choice will be super for those long trips back into Roswell or just a treat for dinner for Mike and me!  Thank you all sooooo much for being so thoughtful--and generous!

Much love and appreciation,
Margaret

Thank you for your prayers and support. I need all I can get.

Yours in Christ, who is in the center of our Circle,

Mary Elaine Smith