Join Chicks with Sticks!

When I first came to Troy UMC, I expected to serve in some capacity. Based on my “Spiritual Gifts Assessment” and experience at a previous church, I was certain that I would serve in a capacity of caring and servanthood. But to tell you the truth, I was pretty burnt out and was not anxious to jump back in and do “what I always do.”

In the meantime I met another new member crocheting after a TGIW meal. I knit but wanted to learn how to crochet. She offered to teach me. That is how Chicks with Sticks started three years ago. We now have not just a knitting/crocheting group, but truly a ministry that serves at several levels. We teach and share with each other and/or anyone who would like to join us. Simple fellowship has grown into a special bond of caring and supporting each other. The items that we create are blessed each week and then donated to charities both near (here in Troy, Belleville, Granite City) and far (North Dakota, Japan, Columbia South America.)

It is true that for everything that is given, blessings are received tenfold. I have found my place, my passion in serving. I know for certain that this has been an endeavor led by the Holy Spirit.

I would like to take this opportunity to invite others to join us to learn, visit, and share. You may want to come every week or maybe just occasionally. Perhaps our scheduled time doesn’t work for you, but you would like to donate items that you work on at home. All are welcome. We meet every Wednesday evening at the church from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Call me if you would like more information, or just show up! My phone no. is 345-6608.  My e-mail is cindyw@wisperhome.com.

And by the way, I never really learned how to crochet, but my knitting has really improved.

Serve Joyfully!

Cindy Whitcomb

"Hot Curried Fruit" Recipe

"Hot Curried Fruit" was a big hit at the Ladies Christmas Brunch on Saturday, Dec. 3rd. I would like to share the recipe along with a few comments. "Hot" does not mean spicy hot from the curry, but rather hot from the oven. There were reservations from some individuals who were totally put off by the thought of curry mixed with fruit, but they were pleasantly surprised. Try it, you'll like it!

Hot Curried Fruit

1 can (29 oz.) apricot halves, drained
1 can (29 oz.) pear halves, drained
1 can (29 oz.) peach halves, drained - I used peach slices
1 can (20 oz.) pineapple chunks, drained
3/4 cup golden raisins - I substituted with maraschino cherries
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon curry powder

In a 2-1/2-quart casserole dish, combine fruit and raisins ("cherries").
Melt butter in a small saucepan; stir in brown sugar and curry powder.
Cook and stir over low heat until sugar is dissolved. Pour over fruit
mixture; mix gently. Cover and bake at 400 degrees for 30 minutes
or until heated through.
YIELD: 10-12 servings

Submitted by Cindy Whitcomb

Connect with Cindy Whitcomb

1.  How long have you attended Troy UMC?
I have been connected with TUMC since working as secretary in 1990.  I’ve also quilted with the TUMC Quilters for ten years.  My family and I officially joined the church on 10-10-10.

2.  What drew you to this church?

Pastor Dennis, the uplifting worship services, the welcoming congregation, and the variety of opportunities to participate in ministry.

3.  Which service do you typically attend?

10:30 a.m.

4.  Share a favorite Bible verse, and why this is a favorite.

“Be still and know that I am God” Psalm 46:10.  Life can get very hectic as we run around going here, going there, doing this, doing that. Sometimes I feel like a child who needs to be told, “Just STOP! Be still!” and “Know that I am God.” He is the One in control, He is the FIRST priority, and everything else falls into place after that.

5.  What are you passionate about?

My passion is creating things as gifts and for other people’s enjoyment. The Ladies’ retreat this fall was a perfect outlet for that passion. I had a wonderful time sewing tote bags, planning decorations, and baking cookies. I also enjoy quilting, basket weaving, cross stitching and knitting.

6.  Speaking of baking cookies, those cookies you baked for the Ladies' Retreat were not only delicious to eat, but also stunning to view.  Do you have the recipe?

A friend of mine saw the Fall Leaf Sugar Cookies Recipe in the Belleville Newspaper and sent it to me.

7.  Tell us about Chicks with Sticks (who, what, when, where, why).

Last fall (2010) Gail Joyner and I started the Chicks with Sticks ministry from a simple desire to knit and crochet. Gail taught me to crochet, and I shared some knitting tips with her. Several other women of the congregation expressed an interest in what we were doing. We started meeting casually on Wednesday evenings prior to the Wednesday night worship service and it grew from there. Many women from outside TUMC now attend regularly. Our motto is, “We Share Our Craft with Others.” In addition, we share our support and Christian caring with each other.

The group blesses each item when it is completed, and a prayer accompanies the donations. We pray that the (blanket, prayer shawl, Chemo hats, etc.) provide warmth and comfort, blessings and peace to each recipient. Our list of recipients includes St. Elizabeth’s Hosp., Anderson Hosp., Family Hospice of Southern IL, the Cancer Treatment Center in Swansea, Cover St. Louis, and two orphanages in China. Truly it is a ministry of caring and giving, and God’s Spirit has been present throughout the development of this group. I believe that God comes to us through the people around us. It is my personal wish that each of the recipients experience the love of God in a tangible way through this ministry.

Prayer Shawl with the blessing, "May God's grace be upon this shawl, warming, comforting, enfolding and embracing.  May this mantle be a safe haven . . a sacred place of security and well-being . . . sustaining and embracing in good times as well as difficult ones.  May the one who receives this shawl be cradled in hope, kept in joy, graced with peace, and wrapped in love.  Blessed Be!"

8.  Tell us about your family.

My husband, Bruce, works for the National Geospacial/Intelligence Agency in St. Louis, Mo.  He has completed 30 years of service and is anxious to retire soon! Our son, Marshall, is 19 and graduated from Collinsville High School. He enjoys computer gaming, is studying Japanese and is seeking employment. Finally, Truman, a 9 yr. old welsh corgi, is a valued part of our family. (He was named after Harry Truman with whom he shares the same birth date, May 8.)

9.  What are you thankful for?

I am thankful for my family, my church, and the love of my God.

10.  How may we contact you in order to make a further connection?

I can be contacted by phone at 345-6608 or by email at cindyw@wisperhome.com