Women's Guild

Founded on October 17, 1888 as the "Ladies Sewing Society," the renamed "Faith United Church Guild" is still flourishing 114 years later. Its purpose, as stated in the By-laws, is "to promote Christian fellowship and to enhance the religious, philanthropic and social life of the church". Membership is open to all women, from the church and the community at large, for a token $2.00 annual membership fee.

Elected Guild officers for the upcoming 2002-2003 year are: Beth Bascom, President; Lois Stebbins, Vice President; Janet Roper, Secretary; Nan Cavers, Treasurer; and Marguerite Hammer, Assistant Treasurer. There also is an Executive Board consisting of the chairs of twelve standing committees, which oversees the activities of the Guild.

The Women's Guild Executive Committee

There are five meetings a year which offer fun, fellowship and interesting, informative programs. In the coming year there will be catered luncheons (at a reasonable charge) on October 17 and December 12, 2002 and the annual meeting on April 10, 2003. In addition, "dessert only" meetings are scheduled for February 20 and March 20, 2003.

The Guild's philanthropic contributions include an annual pledge to the church's operating budget, a three year pledge to the recent capital campaign, support for the after-church coffee hour and a donation to the Greater Springfield Council of Churches. Special gifts also have been given over the years to the Senior High Youth group, the YWCA, Visiting Nurse and Hospice programs, the Baldwinville Protestant Youth Center and the Kurn Hattin Homes in Vermont.

Additionally, the Guild is responsible for the maintenance and refurbishing of the Guild Room, the two church kitchens and the Library. The Library, under the direction of Marguerite Hammer, is a special resource of enjoyment and information, offering both secular and religious books to all parishioners and friends.

How are all these philanthropies supported financially?--essentially, by two major annual fund-raising events. The first to come this year will be the Holiday Happening on November 2nd. This is a festive event, which offers luncheon and a variety of holiday crafts and other items that are suitable for holiday shopping.

A word is appropriate here about the Craft Group. An adjunct of the Guild, this group of talented women works all year long in preparation for the Holiday Happening sale. The funds they raise are donated to the church for a specific purpose. This year their gift was fans for the sanctuary. The Craft Group also decorates the Guild Room and sanctuary at Christmas, and over the years the members have made all the Chrismons for the sanctuary Christmas tree.

The second major Guild fund-raiser is the annual Rummage Sale, scheduled for May 2-3, 2003.

Lastly, a refreshment service is offered by the Guild, most frequently at receptions following a funeral or memorial celebration for members of the church. Arrangements can be made through the church office.