ANNUAL MEETINGS:  Held by the District and Conference/open to all members.

BIDWELL-RIVERSIDE:  Mission of UMW -family outreach in Des Moines

CIRCLES:  Division of members into smaller components meeting monthly at differing times & places.

IOWA CONFERENCE UMW:  Units contained & organized as a body in Iowa.

DAUGHTER'S DAY: Special function held to celebrate all females of every age.

DAY APART RETREAT:  Special event hosted by Executive Comm. of FD District UMW for benefit of all members in district for spiritual renewal, rest & friendship.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE:  Officers, chairpersons & circle leaders of unit.

FIVE STAR UNIT:  Participation in 5 part plan of missions recognized by the conference.

FORT DODGE DISTRICT UMW:  Units contained & organized as a body within Fort Dodge District of the United Methodist Church in Iowa.

GENERAL MEETING:  Collective gathering of all members of local unit to hear devotions, programs, conduct business & promote fellowship (also referred to as the unit meeting).

INTEREST GROUPS:  Groups functioning within UMW that focus on specific interests.

JOY IN MY HEART BRUNCH:  Special function conducted by the unit prayer chains to celebrate the Advent Season.

LCA:  Local Church Activities

MISSION EDUCATION EVENT:  Condensed version of School of Christian Mission offered over a weekend in the fall.

MISSION EDUCATION EVENT FAMILY CAMP:  Study of missions for families.

MISSION STUDIES:  Studies offered throughout year by District on subjects offered at School of Christian Mission & Mission Education Event.

MISSION TODAY UNIT:  Participation in multiple choice plan of action for missions~recognized at various levels by the District & Conference.

PLEDGE: Amount of money promised yearly to unit by each member.

PLEDGE, THE:  Collective wording of intent of individual member of UMW.

PRAYER CALENDAR:  Mission tool in book form of all United Methodist missionaries organized to coordinate with calendar year.

PRAYER CHAIN:  Linking of members in person & by telephone to address prayer concerns of the unit, church & community.

PRAYER CHAIN GENERAL:  Monthly gathering of all members of all prayer chains.

PRAYER CHAIN GROUPS:  Small gatherings of members for prayer, devotions, lessons & fellowship focusing on needs of prayer chain.

PURPOSE, THE:  Collective wording of intent of United Methodist Women

READING PROGRAM, THE:  Four-part plan for reading a diverse range of books~participation carries special recognition from Conference & District.

SCHOOL OF CHRISTIAN MISSION:  Studies of specific subjects offered by Conference during summer & lasting about three days.

SHESLER HALL:  Mission of UMW for special needs' women located in Sioux City.

SPECIAL MISSION RECOGNITION PIN:  Jewelry pin available from Women's Division that recognizes a contribution of at least $30. for undesignated giving.  Pin is often presented by unit or member or group of members to others in friendship or as recognition of service rendered by recipient.

SPIRITUAL GROWTH RETREAT:  Special function to provide rest, relaxation & spiritual growth.

UMW SUNDAY:  Worship service held during regular worship services of local church & conducted by United Methodist Women.

UNIT MEETING:  Collective gathering of all members of local unit to hear devotions, programs, conduct business & promote fellowship (also referred to as general meeting).

WAF:  Weddings, Anniversaries & Funerals