United Women in Faith
United Women in Faith (previously called the United Methodist Women) are very active in the missions of the community and of the church. Members share a unique fellowship as they learn about and support missions in all parts of the world. Individual women’s groups, called “circles” have their own focus and leadership. They enjoy fellowship and devotional time together.
Oriental United Methodist Church has four United Women in Faith circles that meet on various dates and times, and each circle welcomes visitors and new members. The circles all support the United Women in Faith with dues, and one circle each year hosts the annual UWIF Breakfast. If you are looking for a women’s organization that focuses on helping the church and the community, one of the OUMC circles has a spot for you!
Friendship Circle
Originally organized in 1990, the Friendship Circle’s mission statement is to support the various charitable works and mission projects of OUMC and beyond, including providing financial support for a student at a mission school in Paraguay as well as supporting Pamlico County’s Girls on the Run program. The circle helps during church holidays, decorating the altar during Lent and hanging the greens during Advent, as well as providing food for church functions. The circle helps with OUMC kitchen-cleaning duties and supports the UMW with its annual dues.
- Meeting Time: Second Thursday at 11:30 a.m. at Yawl’s Café, River Dunes; no meetings in July and August.
- Contact: Linda Bacon at lindabacon@embarqmail.com or call the church office at (252) 249-0213.
Sand Dollar Circle
Founded in 1977, the Sand Dollar Circle consists of women of all ages from OUMC. The circle assists with many church and community events, as well as supporting many missions in the county, particularly those that benefit children such as the Pamlico Partnership for Children, Camp Don Lee, the Angel Tree at Christmas, and the county school supplies drive in the fall. The circle also leads and staffs OUMC’s Children’s Church. Other church activities include sponsoring the annual church-wide Soup and Sandwich Luncheon, organizing OUMC’s community-wide Easter Egg Hunt, and decorating the Chrismon tree for Advent. The mission of the Sand Dollar Circle is to serve God, our church, our community, and our country as well as support each other in our walk of faith and spiritual growth.
- Meeting Time: Second Monday at 6:30 p.m., usually at a member’s home; no meetings in June and July
- Contact: Cathy Dunbar at csdunbar@hotmail.com or call the church office at (252) 249-0213.
Sara Veal Circle
Founded in 1995, the Sara Veal Circle is a welcoming group of women — sisters of the heart, really. We pray together and play together. Supporting charities from Oriental to Paraguay, we strive to be a reflection of Christ in the world. Although meetings officially begin at 9:30 a.m. most members arrive earlier to connect with each other over coffee and conversation.
- Meeting Time: Second Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. in the OUMC Fellowship Hall
- Contact: Terrell Scott at scottt@northstate.com or call the church office at (252) 249-0213.
Sojourners Circle
The Sojourners Circle, which was formed in 1982. The meetings are hosted by one or two of its members, who prepare a lesson and sometimes a guest speaker for the meeting. The circle collects an offering at each meeting, the proceeds of which are given to worthwhile causes such as the UMW quarterly payments, Rise Against Hunger, the Coastal Women’s Shelter, Bibles for women in prison, Paraguay Student Scholarship, UMCOR Hurricane Relief, and OUMC Thanksgiving Boxes. The circle also contributes to the Pamlico County High School Band’s trips and the Christmas Boxes for Project Agape project. Church functions also are supported by circle members, who provide refreshments for memorial services and other events and participate in OUMC kitchen-cleaning duties.
- Meeting Time: Second Monday at 11:30 a.m. at M&M’s Café or at 2 p.m. in the OUMC Fellowship Hall; no meetings in July and August
- Contact: Karen VanGamper at kvangamper@gmail.com or call the church office at (252) 249-0213.