Based on other churches establishing a scrapbooking group, DUMC formed its own group in June of 2006. This group meets once a month to work on personal family albums, share ideas, and share stories. There have been at least 10 participants each month, with much interest that has been expressed by others. The group takes the summer months off, as well as the month of December. In Feb 2009 an overnight scrapbooking retreat at the church is being planned.
The Prayer Shawl ministry began in May of 2006 in response to a charity knitting/crocheting class offered during the Living Faith Festival. Since that time, over a dozen women have made at least 50 prayer shawls that we know of. The shawls have been given to friends, family members, acquaintances, Katrina volunteers, the Relay for Life event, and Stephen Ministry care receivers. As the shawls are being made, the crafter prays for the recipient, whether or not she knows who it will be. It is our hope that the shawls will offer tangible evidence of God’s love and comfort to each recipient. The group meets monthly during the school year, alternating evening and daytime meetings. Women who are unable to attend the meetings create shawls at home and give them directly to the Stephen Ministry leaders for distribution after they have received a blessing from one of the pastors.
Participation in our Adult Softball league varied from 20 – 25 participants, per our volunteer coach, Todd Hembrough. The team averaged 1-2 games per week and met at the local ball field (Bethesda UMC). All participants enjoyed this time of fellowship together.
