Merle Stensrud opened the Dec. 1 meeting of the United Methodist Women with a piano rendition of “Carol of the Bells.” Perian Buringa of Hope Circle introduced the Rev. Tom Biatek who gave a history and meaning of “Stoles” followed by showing and telling the history of many of his own collection.

The business meeting was opened by Pres. Marty Beckmann with a welcome and prayer. Secretary Fern Urbatsch read the minutes of the November meeting and took roll call. Treasurer Ruth Vermedahl gave her report including the profit from the chicken on biscuit supper.

Jean Mattingly from the nominating committee presented the names of Lea Nolting and Marcelle Emston as Church Women United representatives. They were unanimously elected. The “Fill the Cup” project for Emma Norton was discussed by JoAnn Seuser. She explained that the seventh-grade church school class had helped fill the cups with Christmas goodies for the 37 residents of Emma Norton Home. The project was chaired by Seuser and Shelby Battleson.

Norieta Rippentrop made a motion to give Randy Delger a donation for helping with the fundraiser as recommended by the committee. Seconded by Lu Denzene and carried. Rose Hood made a motion recommended by the treasurer to increase the Emma Norton Home gift to $1,000. Motion passed.

Mission coordinators giving reports included Adean Turner with a reading “Beloved Loneliness” and Judy Kary with an excerpt from “Keeping Christmas” by Peter Marshall.

As Reading Program chair, Dorothy Balder reviewed the book “The Kite Runner” and stressed the importance of returning books to the library.

Several Christmas carols were sung by the group immediately preceding the noon luncheon. The officers for 2011 were installed by Biatek. Beckmann announced in honor of the UMC staff who were invited to the lunch a gift of $150 was given in their names to the United Preschool.

The Jan. 5 meeting will be at 10 a.m.