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Community Corner

Church Women United Bestow Service Awards of Gratitude

This year's theme was "We are in God's Hands and We are God's Hands."

More than 100 women gathered on May 2 at St. Dominic Church for a time of Christian fellowship, worship and dinner, primarily to recognize others whose work had made a significant difference at their individual churches. Church Women United May Friendship Day is held annually in various countries across the globe on the first Friday each May.

This year’s theme was “We are in God’s Hands and We are God’s Hands.”

Some of the honorees had given their time and talents to their churches for years while for others it was only a short time span. However, they all had the same attributes in common: selflessness, dedication and love for the Lord.

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Recipients included: First Baptist, Rev. Sharon R. Holt; First Congregational, Karlene Archambeault; First Lutheran, Kristine Schmidt; Holy Trinity, Sue Locks; Mary Our Queen, Donna Ayers and Marge Rinkavage; Plantsville Congregational, Linda Lindsay; St. Aloysius, Kathy Sima; St. Dominic, Marge Bagdis-Lenois; and St. Thomas, Carmela Avitabile.

Joan Wallace led the event that emphasized the idea that “Through God Our Hands Can Serve.” Presenters from each church came to the forefront to tell of the award recipients’ Christian service, which included teaching Christian education and confirmation programs, visiting the homebound, mentoring and organizing myriad events including Vacation Bible School and festivals.

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The Rev. Sharon R. Holt, pastor of First Baptist Church of Southington, was recognized for her leadership and vision since she came to First Baptist’s pulpit in April 2013. Holt was surprised by the honor since she thought she was attending the event with a group of her church members and was unaware she was being recognized.

Wallace encouraged the church women to spread the news about the organization and its mission of serving God, supporting women’s and children’s missions, and promoting the safety, education and freedoms of women throughout the world.

The benediction echoed this: “We are charged to go out into the vineyard to be your voice, your hands and your feet. Be with us as we go, speak to us along the journey, equip us to carry out the works of ministry in our local churches, communities and even in our own homes. Strengthen us for this journey and allow Your Spirit to be our guide.”

For more information about the local Church Women United chapter, contact any Southington participating church.


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