<HTML dir=ltr><HEAD>
<META http-equiv=Content-Type content="text/html; charset=unicode">
<META content="MSHTML 6.00.6000.16640" name=GENERATOR></HEAD>
<BODY>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial color=#008000 size=3>Dear Clergy Spouses,</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial color=#008000>One month from today is our Annual Conference. As we did last year, we are once again hoping all of you who can will plan to come at 10:00 that day to Clear Branch UMC where Conference is being held. Some of you have been baking cookies for our" Cookies and Conversation" get together. It is one of the few times we have to reacquaint ourselves with each other, meet new spouses in our midst and enjoy lasting friends. Our facilities are limited there but our spirit last year was not. I hope most of you have heard about the fundraiser, "Babies First" we spouses are supporting. We are asking that all your loose change( and your spouses) be brought to help us fill large baby bottles that will in turn be given to help our "Babies First" program here in Birmingham. "Babies First" is yet another wonderful ministry of the United Methodist Children's Home. An even better idea would be to turn your change into gift cards from Target, Wal-Mart or Kmart which can be used by the staff and young Mothers to buy just what their baby needs You will have an opportunity to learn more about it at our gathering and to hear how valuable your interest and support is. Someone form the" Babies First "Program will be there with information on this new ministry in our midst.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial color=#008000>Please don't hesitate to write or call me or you DS's Spouse if you need a ride or can't be there and want to help. There will also be an opportunity to buy lunch there so plan to stay the day if you can. Many of us will be there also for the day. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial color=#008000>We are certainly thinking about those of you who are in the midst of packing- we have all been there so can certainly identify with you. I know too that many of you work out of the home and Fridays are impossible so we will miss you. Our next Clergy Spouse event will be the Retreat October 17 and 18th. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial color=#008000>Blessings on you all in all that you do,</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial color=#008000>Patsy Willimon</FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>