The McKendree UMW group held its November meeting on Nov. 15 at Columbia Cottage Assisted Living and enjoyed lunch in the guest dining room. UMW member and Columbia Cottage resident, Jean Lawrence led the prayer and blessed the food.

Those attending were Tammy Vest, Marian Scott, Linda Huskey, Jeannie Alexander, Pam Holmes, Kay Farrer, Jean Lawrence and Carolyn Besnyl.

During the business session of the meeting, members voted to donate money to the United Methodist Church Organization for relief for Hurricane Sandy victims.

The minutes from the October meeting were read and the treasurer’s report was given.

The Christmas meeting was planned for Dec. 13 at 1:30 p.m. at the church library.

During the November meeting, a Thanksgiving Devotional Program was presented by Carolyn Besnyl and information was given about the World Thank Offering.

Following the program, donations were taken and a prayer of thanks was recited.

Marian Scott played the dulcimer and told the history of the instrument and she also enjoyed teaching the group a Scottish folk song and led several church hymns. She also gave a brief history of each hymn.

The UMW would like to thank Columbia Cottage and Linda Huskey for a delicious meal.

Happy belated birthday to Evan Bowling on Nov. 16; Jerry Reynolds on Nov. 27; Ronnie O’Kelley on Nov. 28; Janna Pevahouse and Colby Bowling, both on Nov. 29; Jewel Hughes, Noah Holder and Ava Mason, all on Nov. 30.

Happy anniversary to David and Elizabeth Self on Nov. 26.

The International Missions Emphasis, Week of Prayer, Mission Study and Lottie Moon Christmas Offering will be Dec. 2-9.

This year’s theme is “Be His heart, His hands and His voice.”

Across the globe, believers are spreading the gospel in the face of difficulty and persecution. How can and should we respond?

The great commission is for every believer. The members of Shady Grove Baptist Church express love and sympathy to Sherry Anderson and family in the death of her father, Richard Cannon of Houma, La.; Dale Boyd and family in the death of his cousin, Russell Mahana of Aledo, Texas; and Travis Turrentine and family in the death of his grandfather, Jimmy Don Hill of Falkville.