The United Methodist Women of Franktown are a devoted group of ladies who do much more than is realized. If asked, most members of our church associate the UMW with the Bazaar and cooking, but there is MUCH more to this organized unit than just that.  
 
They are a group of committed ladies who share many laughs, great friendships, and enjoy interesting programs that strive to help them know God and expand concepts on missions.
 
Below is a list of things they do or support throughout the year:
 
Alternative Gift Fair
This is an annual event where the UMW offer the congregation an opportunity to donate to a charity in honor of a person on their Christmas list instead of buying them a gift they don’t really need. The UMW invites representatives from a variety of local charitable organizations, as well as have a booth for our sponsored missionary in the Congo, so people can get information about the charities and decide which one they want to choose.
 
Annual Spring Fling
This is a dance for our wonderful special needs friends, hosted by the UMW. They hire a DJ for the evening, decorate the fellowship hall, provide corsages and delicious refreshments for the clients and chaperones of our local ARC.
 
Trick or Treat for UNICEF
Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF began in 1950 as a way for kids to help kids in need of more than candy. The UMW hand out collection boxes for kids and families of the church to collect coins during the month of October to donate to the cause. More info on this can be found on the UNICEF website at www.unicefusa.org/trick-or-treat.
 
Scholarships to Camp Occohannock on the Bay
Each year, the UMW provides numerous scholarships for children and youth on the Shore to attend the various camp sessions at Occohannock on the Bay.
 
UMW Reading Program
The Reading Program is a study opportunity, but it should also lead to action. The purpose of the program is to encourage United Methodist Women members to:
  • Expand understanding of and participation in God’s mission.
  • Increase sensitivity to all human beings—their needs, interests and concerns.
  • Encourage critical thinking about issues facing humanity today.
  • Grow in understanding of Scripture as it relates to Christian faith in contemporary life.
  • Enhance self-knowledge and act from that knowledge.
  • Strengthen involvement in local and global Christian mission.
These goals can be addressed by selecting titles from member-reviewed books in five categories: Education for Mission, Leadership Development, Nurturing for Community, Social Action, and Spiritual Growth. 
There are four program plans ranging from reading five books a year to reading 20 books a year.   Book lists are released in the fall for that program year, but titles read from four years back will also be credited.  Our media center has many of these titles, and new books are purchased each year to keep up with the current list.  These books have their own well-marked shelf behind the door to the Media Center.  There are dozens of books and many of them are labeled with the year they were chosen and the category in which they belong.   Our United Methodist Women’s group gets credit for each book read even if it is not part of a complete plan.   If a reader completes a plan, a certificate is awarded for her efforts, and we encourage anyone to join us for Reading Program 2016.    You can visit http://www.umwomen.org for the latest updates, and we will soon have book lists in the Media Center for your convenience. 

Reading is always good, but reading for a cause if even better, and   United Methodist Women is a great cause.
 
Bi-Annual Fall Art & Food Festival & Bi-Annual Bazaar
This is the UMW’s biggest fundraising event of the year! Monies raised are used to support many missions, needs, and wants of our community and surrounding world.  Church members are asked to contributed baked goods, canned goods, and frozen meals to help support their efforts. Local artisans and craftsmen are invited rent tables/spaces to sell their original works. Many delicious lunch items offered and served, as well as light music for everyone’s enjoyment.

The Art & Food Festival in held in the fall of one year and the following year is the Bazaar. Auction items are available at the Bazaar.