The United Methodist Women met March 7, with a musical selection by Merle Stensrud. Judy Hargrave of Martha Circle, introduced Arlene Egerdal, who presented the program on the Ecumenical Food Shelf located at the Presbyterian Church. She is one of six directors of the program, which was begun in 1979. It helped 6,700 people in 2011, with nearly 100,000 pounds of food. President Marty Beckmann opened the meeting with a prayer and the United Methodist Women’s purpose. The secretary’s report was given by JoAnn Seuser, and treasurer’s report by Ruth Vermedahl.

Other reports were:

Spiritual Growth by Adean Turner, Education Interpretation by JudyKary, Membership, Outreach and Nurture by Marcelle Emtson and Emma Norton and Services and Reading Program by Judy Hargrave.

The “Sew Happy Quilts” Truck Show will be held at the United Methodist Church on April 28. Each circle member will be responsible for selling two tickets.

March is Minnesota Food Share month. The congregation will be collecting food and dollars during this campaign. The theme this year is “Be the Hero, Fight Hunger.”

Last year the statewide campaign was able to raise combined food and dollars that translated into 36 million pounds of food. Through the Food Fund Incentive Program, donations of money can be used to purchase more food for the food shelf.

Southern Prairie Spring Gathering will be held April 20 and 21, further information will be given to circle members.