The Beginning of the U.M.W. at Wesley Church

For over 40 years, Wesley United Methodist Church did not have a U.M.W. group, although many attempts had been made to organize one.

In January 2006, two members of the church, Tammy Nilges and Stephanie Adams, brought up the idea of the need for a Women's group at Wesley.  This idea was shared at a tea organized by Wesley's Director of Nurture Ministries, Tammy Nilges.

On April 17, 2006 we had our first organizing meeting.  This was a memorable occasion.  Stephanie Adams, Linda Sullivan, Karen McMahon and Gaye Irwin agreed to meet at the church.  However, upon arrival they realized none of them had a key to the building.  Not to be deterred, they moved on to "Plan B" and met at Panera Bread.

Our first official Unit Meeting was held on July 10, 2006.  We had forty-four ladies in attendance. We consider these ladies our Charter Members. It was a salad supper and a great start to our membership drive.  Dianna Revelle from the District U.M.W. was our special guest that night.  Also joining us was our new pastor, Rev. Williams.

Later that month we installed our first slate of officers: Gaye Irwin, President, Karen McMahon, Vice President, Linda Sullivan, Secretary, and Sandy Murray, Treasurer. Additional officers were later added: Kathy Boyer, Membership, Michelle Sillanpa, Historian, Paula Scott, Director of Communication, Nancy McGuire and Joanne Newcomer.