Alton Area Church Women United Group Hosts May Friendship Day Service

ALTON - Church members and leaders from across Alton gathered for the Alton Area Church Women United organization’s May Friendship Day.

On Thursday, May 14, 2026, community members met at Main Street Methodist Church in Alton for the program. Church Women United is a national movement that unites women of different churches and faith backgrounds to worship and serve the community together. Diane Foster and Sandra Revels shared information about the organization and its May Friendship Day during the event.

“In 1941, women of this movement formally organized nationally as an ecumenical movement of interdenominational Protestant women from diverse racial, ethnic age and economic backgrounds,” said Diane Foster. “Its purpose was toward the betterment of the community, peace in the world, and the development of women’s full potential in society.”

Revels shared that May Friendship Day started as “an annual observance to strengthen a growing sense of unity, the joy, Christian fellowship and the power of Christianity in the day of need.” Today, Alton’s chapter of Church Women United marks May Friendship Day with a luncheon and service.

Pat Jordan, the vice president and Ecumenical Chair, opened the event. Chaplain Vernetta Caffey provided an opening prayer and meditation. Shirley Johnson led the May Friendship Litany.

This year’s theme, “A Place Called Home,” was especially relevant as Church Women United presented checks to local organizations. Church Women United hosts several Lenten services throughout the spring season. At every service, they take donations for Oasis Women’s Center and Crisis Food Center.

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Member Eva Perkins shared information about both organizations. She was excited to present a check of $1,526 to each.

“Your mission directly reflects this year’s celebration being ‘A Place to Call Home’ by providing vital emergency shelter to victims of domestic abuse,” Perkins said of Oasis. “You offer safety to those who need to be seen, heard, respected and protected. We deeply value your dedication to the most vulnerable individuals in the community.”

Debbie Frakes, a representative with Oasis Women’s Center, thanked Perkins and the group, adding that the donation is “greatly appreciated.”

Perkins noted that Crisis Food Center “directly supports the stability and well-being of local individuals and families in need.” She will deliver the check to Crisis Food Center in the coming days.

Diane Johnston shared that Church Women United decided to donate an additional $500 grant to Alton’s Overnight Warming Location. Judge Ellar Duff, who oversees the Alton location’s department store, said she was “honored” to accept the donation and encouraged community members to “just pop in and see what it’s all about” during the OWLs’ regular season.

Treasurer Velva Parker led the offering. Peggy Johnson provided the closing prayer and blessed the food. The group sang several songs and prayed together to mark May Friendship Day.

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