On July 19, 1973, the Shiner FUMC organization known as the Woman's Society of Christian Service changed its name to the United Methodist Women (UMW). Today's UMW is a very active organization with monthly meetings and activities. From holding a Trunk or Treat event on Halloween for the children of Shiner to collecting gifts for disadvantaged children through the Angel Tree charity, staging a Live Nativity and an Easter Egg Hunt, and Vacation Bible School in the summer, the UMW has many ways for those who want to show God's love to the community to be involved.

The Shiner FUMC Food Pantry was just an idea that the pastor at the time, Jay Brown, had along with some of the church members. They wanted to start a ministry that would be representative of this church and its concern for the community it serves. One of the members, Linda Rigby, suggested a food pantry. The idea was a very welcomed one, so on April 1, 2010, the Food Pantry was begun. There were many forms to fill out and many calls and trips to Victoria Golden Crescent Food Bank and once that was all accomplished the Food Pantry was up and running. Along with the idea of a food pantry, some of the members decided to have a light breakfast for the people waiting for the food pantry, which continues to this day. There are many volunteers who help and more are always welcome. The Food Pantry is open every Thursday from 9:00am to 1:00pm. An average of 35 families come each Thursday. The age groups range from age 0-19, 19-63, and 64+.  The groceries are purchased from the Golden Crescent Food Bank in Victoria, Texas. For every $17.00 spent by FUMC,...Sometimes a bin of vegetables or fruit will be donated by HEB or Walmart. There are many generous donors who keep the pantry well stocked, including: Shiner Baptist Church, Rotary Club of Shiner, Shiner Heritage Quilters, United Lutheran Church of Shiner, First National Bank of Shiner and many individuals, clubs and businesses who have food drives to bring items to the pantry. The Food Pantry could not operate without the hard work of Hallie Moore, the person in charge. And long-time volunteers Pearl Roberts, Rachel Schroeder, Nancy Littlefield and Alice Evans help her keep things running smoothly and efficiently.

United Methodist Women

The Food Pantry