Iowa Conference United Methodist Women has awarded Be Bold grants to several local units to be used for community projects that will enhance the Purpose of UMW.
The grants were made possible by a planned gift to Iowa Conference UMW from the late Barbara Csomay of Kanawha. She was a retired music teacher and marching band instructor, and a member of Kanawha United Methodist Church.
The grants were to be awarded later in 2020, but are being awarded on a shortened timetable to help meet the needs of communities affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Additional grants may be awarded for calendar year 2020; the deadline for applications to be received is May 15.
Recipients include:
— Sioux Rapids First UMW, $1,000 to provide assistance to the Sioux Rapids Food Pantry.
— West Union UMW, $1,000 to provide assistance to the Open Hands Food Ministry of the North Fayette Valley Ministers Association.
— Center Chapel UMW, $1,000 to provide assistance to the Helping Hand food pantry in Indianola.
— Archer UMW, $1,000 to provide assistance to the Sheldon Summer Lunch Program.
In addition, Be Bold grants have been awarded to women in ministry to participate in an educational event or class.
Recipients include:
— Rev. Joni Hickey of Thurman, $350 for tuition assistance to St. Paul’s School of Theology in Leawood, Kan.
— Kasey Dredge of Mount Ayr, $500 for tuition assistance to the Iowa Annual Conference Licensing School.
— Rev. Joan Thomas of Greene, $200 for tuition assistance to Garrett Theological Seminary in Evanston, Ill.
— Rev. Dr. Karen Nelson of Cedar Falls, $500 for tuition assistance to attend a training for Spiritual Directors at Mt. St. Scholastica in Atchison, Kan.
Dredge said she is thankful the grants are available to all women in ministry through UMW, no matter their age or level of study.
”My belief was that UMW was for the older generation of ladies in the church,” she said. “Now I know that the UMW is for ANY woman that is part of the church."
