What do these two organizations have in common? Plenty. However, I must say the women’s group accomplishes more. I know, at this time of year this is not a popular thing to say, but when you’re right, you’re right.

Santa’s elves work all year round preparing for one night when girls and boys all over the world get toys. This is admirable. By contrast, the Methodist women work all year round amassing articles for the Big Sandy Christmas craft sale. This year it will be December 2, at the Jerry Martin Memorial Hall and also the Museum. In contrast to Santa’s elves, the Methodist women do not discriminate by providing just for boys and girls and not just for one night. Many charities and good causes for adults and children near and far are donated to with the profits of our sales from the craft show.

It has been rumored our sale money goes towards a huge party, just for us. Alas, this is not so. We give each year to the Rescue Mission in Great Falls, Big Sandy Library, the Great Falls Receiving Home, the Big Sandy Food Bank, the women’s prison in Billings,( Prison Faith Chapel),the Big Sandy Firemen’s fund, and UMCOR,(United Methodist Committee on Relief). UMCOR receives a large amount from us each year. This year our money went towards assistance for people affected by the hurricanes.

We also contribute to a “mitten tree” which we cover with mitts, scarves, hats and socks for children in need. These are collected and sent to the Rescue Mission. Before Christmas we do shoebox gifts, filling the boxes with clothes and toys for a girl or boy of a chosen age. These are sent to Browning United Methodist Church for distribution.

Throughout the year we send hand made cards, for special occasions, to the Big Sandy Medical Center residents and also residents at the Activity Center. Just before Mother’s Day we arrange and send vases of flowers to each mother residing in the Medical Center. This spring we sent over eighty sun dresses for little girls in Africa. Some of us contributed material and postage. Others with more skill, ( initials M.E. and R.M.) sewed the dresses.

Our women’s group also provides for funeral and wedding lunches. We have a mighty six members but there are also other ladies in our church who contribute their time and skills in many other ways, though they are unable to attend group sessions due to work obligations.

As you will have seen by now, Santa’s Workshop has nothing on the Methodist Women’s Workshop!

Please come out and support us and the charities we help on December 2 at the Christmas craft sale. Our lengthy table of hand made goods this year will include, dish towels, dish cloths, baby blankets, fudge, divinity, place mats, crocheted necklaces, loaves of bread, lightly used books, jars of sparkling jelly, preserved food of all kinds( ex: relish and sauerkraut), cookies, Christmas ornaments, and caramel corn.

Come, admire, and buy!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS to all and to all a good sale from the Methodist Women’s Workshop!!