The Martha Circle met on Monday evening, December 17th in the Social Hall.  Our leader, Ruth Karren, opened the meeting with a prayer.  Devotions were led by Marjorie Conger - there was a reading titled “The Innkeeper’s Lament” - this is a story revealing the innkeepers’ feelings and thoughts when he “had no place in the inn”.  She also read two thought-provoking messages entitled “Ways We Are Different This Christmas” and “Jesus Is Better Than Santa Claus”.

The Guild Treasurer, Grace Novello, gave a financial report on the success of the Bakeless Cake Sale and the Cookie Walk. Arlene Kuhlthau reported that the holiday tray favors were given to the Milltown and North Brunswick Senior Centers to be given to the Meals-on-Wheels shut-ins. Marjorie Conger reported that eighty-three gift packages (and other miscellaneous items) were given to the Roosevelt Care Center. Doris Weber reported that seventeen fruit baskets were distributed to the shut-ins.  The Guild expressed their appreciation to Sally Hettler for making the afghans that were also given to the shut-ins.  In lieu of a grab bag gift, members donated $100.00 to the Needy Cases Fund.

There was a suggestion by Marjorie Conger regarding changing the name of our Circle to just a single name instead of Martha/Esther Circle.  After discussion, Grace Novello made a motion that we just use the name “Martha Circle”. Motion seconded by Marjorie and unanimously approved by all members present.

There will be no Circle meeting in January.  The next meeting will be held on Monday evening, February 18 at 7:30 p.m., in the Social Hall.  Marie Rittman will have devotions and Doris Weber will have refreshments.