The women of the Henning Church of God gathered June 12 in the church fellowship hall for their monthly meeting.

Carole Spencer presided and Marty Burns was the hostess. Scarlett Zicafoose gave the opening prayer. Dyan Hefner gave the devotion, “God can heal a broken heart, but he must have all the pieces,” with scripture reference from Proverbs 23:26. God wants the best for us and is the original heart surgeon. There may be many things we want, but God gives us his best. The group also sang, “Give Me Thy Heart.”

All reports were dismissed since Brenda Walters, advocate from the Family Refuge Center, gave a presentation on elder abuse. June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month. There are many ways in which elders can be abused. This can include physical, sexual, emotional, financial exploitation and neglect. It is all about power and control. Many elders are very vulnerable and easy prey. Abusers can worm their way into an elder’s life and manipulate them easily. This type of abuse will only get worse since many baby boomers are becoming of age. Brenda works with Adult Protective Services and other law enforcement agencies because it takes a team effort to protect elders.

Carole thanked members for helping with the bean dinner and Lemonade and Lace Luncheon. The next bean dinner will be held on Oct. 2 and the next yard and bake sale will be Sept. 9. The group reported sending 104 cards, making 18 visits and 48 phone calls. She reminded the group about Craigsville Camp Meeting from June 18-23. Several people commented on their trip to Peru in May.

The group decided that from now on everyone will bring a snack instead of having hostesses. The next meeting will be held July 11.

Dyan Hefner dismissed in prayer and Cindy Fleshman won the door prize.

Attending were: August Hefner, Betty Lou Byers, Carole Spencer, Cindy Fleshman, Donna Scott, Dyan Hefner, Evon Persinger, Jamie Harvey, Joan Vance, Marty Burns, Patty Owens, Pauline Perkins, Shirley Loudermilk, Rosie Blake, Scarlett Zicafoose and Marsha Merritt.