Austin District UMW honored for work in city

Austin Area Interreligious Ministries (AAIM) honored two recipients for their Hope Award April 10 at St. David’s Episcopal Church in Austin. The Austin District United Methodist Women were recognized for years of distinguished social service, and Rabbi Steven Folberg and Congregation Beth Israel were recognized for opening their doors to AAIM’s 2007 Thanksgiving Celebration.
The Rev. Sara Currie spoke on behalf of the UMW as she presented this award to a representative group of women. She affirmed that members of the Austin District UMW have been trail blazers in the Austin community for many years.
An example of their commitment to social justice and equality in Austin, she said, can be found in the Montopolis Friendship Community Center, which members founded more than 50 years ago. The center provides a rich array of services to the people of the Montopolis community, including early childhood programs, a “seniors” activities project and a scholarship program for local students.
The UMW has a long history of supporting racial and economic justice, public education, and environmental causes within the Austin community and has been a strong supporter of AAIM and interfaith work.
Currie also talked about the three mission studies that UMW undertakes annually and the role of UMW in pushing forward toward the ordination of women.
It is humbling for the almost 1,900 members of the Austin District UMW to be so honored by AAIM.
The group shares a rich legacy of extending hope to others, but as Tom Spencer, CEO of AAIM, so eloquently stated, hope alone is essential but not enough; it requires vigilance, time and labor to blossom.
UMW gives those gifts to make a difference and offer hope.