Memphis Teens Join United Methodist Women
from MYRA CLEAVER
When Sue Baker, a member of United Methodist Women at Highland Heights United Methodist Church in Memphis, Tenn., asked five teen women in her congregation if they'd like to form a United Methodist Women circle, their answer was quick.
"I had wanted to ask about joining, but I thought it was just for women," said Tisha, one of the teens Ms. Baker asked. Now all five carry United Methodist Women membership cards.
Members of the teen circle, meeting with adult mentors, are studying the Gospel of John and What's the Purpose, a program booklet published by the Women's Division of the United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries for young women. Highland Heights' organist occasionally joins circle members to teach them hymns suggested in the booklet.
The teen women recently toured United Methodist Neighborhood Center in Memphis to see where their mission work is having an impact. One circle member, Jessica, asked about volunteering at the center. She began that work this fall.
In response to circle members' interest in learning to sew, adult mentors began a sewing class. The teen members are making craft items for the unit's bazaar under the leadership of Dorothy Peel.
All five teen women participated in Memphis Conference's youth school of Christian mission last summer.