Amity Club meets at the Refuge

President Ann Lundy opened the meeting with the Club Collect. The theme of the meeting was Serendipity and the chosen quote was: “The secret of life is that all we have is a gift of grace to be shared.” By Lloyd John Ogilvie. Nita Hearn read the minutes and Lucretia Taylor presented the Treasurers Report. Both reports were approved. Present at the meeting were Evelyn Altmiller, Rita Choat, Nita Hearne, Ann Lundy, Kristy Nantz, Marilyn Norris, Margie Snyder, Gail Spears, Donna Sullivan, Lucretia Taylor, Ronni Walker, Phyllis Whitsitt, Judi Winslow, and Bobby Wright.

Kristy Nantz presented the program. The Refuge operates with a 6-to-7member board, and one of the goals is to support people ”into” a church. They do not replace THE church, but they are encouragers to help direct people to find a church that will most fit their needs. They have an after-school program to assist kids with their homework and provide healthy activities after schoolwork is done and they’re also open on Saturdays from 10AM to 4 PM. Kristy encouraged us to read our collect with heart as it is a very heartful and moving part of our meeting. She shared some statistics that are true of many towns. Did you know that approximately 1/3 of kids live below the poverty level and 2/3 of kids drop out of church after they graduate from school? Somewhere around 1:10 are from broken families and about the same number have been molested at some time in their lives. So, what is our purpose here? How can we make a difference with these kids? Kristy cited several scriptures that were appropriate to use in praying for these kids. There are activities that we could support or participate in that might be supportive of these kids. The Refuge sponsors a ‘Turkey Trot” where some kids and adults run up to 5K, others unable to run can walk whatever they are able to do. Typically, registration starts at 8 AM and the event actually starts at 9 AM. Also, the firemen collect toys for kids such as these. We can all participate in this toy drive with the Christmas season coming up. Most importantly, these kids can use PRAYERS. The Refuge gets sustenance from Texoma Gives.

You don’t have to belong to any organization to help kids such as these by donating to these organizations. They help our community!!!

Please help us by donating whatever you are comfortable with, especially around the holidays, to help those in need.