March 20 twenty three of us went to Garvan Gardens and had a blast.

UMW Sunday was celebrated on March 21, 2010. The Rev. Brittany Richardson preached the message, "From Law to Love" at both morning services. Circle members ushered and led the Sanctuary worship service which included a memorial to the deceased, prayer shawl blessings, and the presentation of the Special Mission Recognition Award. This year's recipients were Kay Hardin and Dr. Scott Hardin. In addition to working with local missions such as the Home RepairTeam, Habitat for Humanity, and the IHS Gleaning Garden, the Hardins have led several Mission Teams, both construction and medical, to Rio Bravo Mexico.

This past week Circle 5 (First UMC El Dorado) met in the home of Melba and Tommy Johnson and built Easter baskets for children who will spend the holiday in hiding because of violence in their home. The baskets were delivered to the office of Turning Point. Pictured are Kay Hardin, Liz Butler, Melba Johnson, Angie Green, Myra Turnage and Pat Odom.

RIO BRAVO MISSION TEAM REPORTS A SUCCESSFUL MISSION Due to the H1N1 Flu outbreak in May of 2009, the 2009 Rio Bravo Mission trip was rescheduled for later in the year. The combined medical/construction team left on December 27, 2009 and returned January 1, 2010. Over 240 patients were given care in the medical clinic and at 2 remote sites. One Casita was completed for an elderly couple. The team was also able to reconnect with four families we have built Casitas for in past years. First UMC was able once again to show the love of Christ to those in need in Rio Bravo. Team members: Mark Carpenter, Sandy Carpenter, Matt Carter, Scott Hardin, Kay Hardin, Callie McKinnon, Cindy McKinnon, Rick McKinnon, Halie Moreno, Mike Morrison, Robin Morrison, Daniel Polk, Emily Polk, Jonathan Polk, Patty Polk, Dustin Ray, Brittany Richardson, Harvey Shehane, Trevor Smith, Hollie Smith, Betty Thurmon, Clark Watson.

Over 250 local women, of all ages, races and from numerous denominations, braved the frigid weather on January 9 and filled the sanctuary.

Jan Silvious, guest speaker who has authored several books and spoken to women’s groups through the country, urged those at the confer-ence to "Get yourself some friends-friendship is so important. Live for today and don’t worry about tomorrow.

Babbie Mason, a Christian singer-songwriter who has released several CDs, lead the singing and performed several selections from some of her CDs.

An offering was taken during the conference, with the money to benefit the El Dorado Sight Impaired Group Help Team and Ozark Mission Project-an effort that brings together youth and adults for service in the spirit of Christ to individuals and families who are in need of minor construction and yard work.