McKendree United Methodist Women held their June meeting Wed., June 20, at 10 a.m. in the church library.

The devotional was presented by Wylene Carter from, “Our Daily Bread” under the topic of “Unanswered.” The thought for the day was “Delay does not mean denial—keep on praying.”

The secretary, Kay Farrer, read the minutes for the May meeting and the treasurer’s report was given by Carolyn Besnyl, at which time dimes were collected for Camp Sumatonga. Some members indicated they plan to attend a one-day school of missions Sat., Aug. 11, at Lakeview United Methodist Church in Decatur.

Linda Ryan gave a report on cards that were sent to the sick and shut-ins and took requests for this month’s cards. Jeannie Alexander presented a review of Nell W. Mohney’s book entitled “Just Choose Happiness.” This book and the seminars that Mohney teaches are guides to “joyous living.” She believes that the basic answer to happiness is a spiritual one.

Along life’s path, we must make choices. In trust and faith we move forward in life. Then, we must have gratitude for our blessings. Choosing to live today, not in the past, is important; also we should believe in a beautiful tomorrow. There’s a lot written and said about the healing power of laughter. We need to laugh and help others to laugh and be cheerful, Keeping our body, mind and spirit healthy, using prayer power and choosing Christ over chaos are more keys to happiness.

Those in attendance were Earline Morris, Pam Holmes, Wylene Carter, Linda Ryan, Sally Kerr, Carolyn Besnyl, Jeannie Alexander and Kay Farrer. Silas Owens was guest.

The next UMW meeting will be July 18 at 10 a.m. at the church.

McKendree United Methodist Church members are very pleased to welcome the Rev. Mike Vest as their new minister. They also send good wishes with their former pastor, the Rev. Dave Bailey, who is entering a new ministry at Riddle’s Chapel UMC in Limestone County.

Special belated happy birthday wishes go out this week to June Austin on June 24, Tab Terrell and Garrett Vest, both on June 25 and Justin Jones and LaVearle Cannon, both on June 26.

Happy birthday wishes go out to Cary Lacy and Zackery Greenhaw, both on June 28, Robert Self ad Zachary Vest, both on June 29 and Billie Boteler on June 30.

Special belated happy wedding anniversary wishes go out to Matt and Elizabeth Parker. They enjoyed celebrating their 2nd anniversary on June 26.

Members of Shady Grove Baptist Church express Christian love and heartfelt sympathy to Jina and Greg Alred in the death of her father, Wayne Parker, and Charlotte Woznicki and family in the death of her uncle, Albert Elting Jackson.

Members of Shady Grove Baptist Church remembered deceased church members whose birthdays fell in June recently as follows: Jared “J-Mo” Moore, June 20, 1990 – July 30, 2011; Docia Collins, June 12, 1916 – Sept. 26, 2010; Johnnie Hill, June 16, 1921 – Oct. 26, 2007; Ann Haynes, June 25, 1915 – July 29, 2005; Bluitt Wallace, June 28, 1920 – Mar. 28, 2000.

I wish happy birthday to the United States of America on her special day, July 4, 2012. May God bless America and all of our soldiers and their families.