Gates Named A CWU Valiant Woman

Sandy Hook resident Barbara Gates was recently surprised by the Reverend Sue Klein when she was presented with Church Women United’s Valiant Woman Award at the holiday party of the Newtown CWU unit.

Mrs Gates has been active in CWU for more than 30 years and was one of the founders of the ecumenical food pantry located in St John’s Episcopal Church in Sandy Hook.

The award was presented on behalf of the local CWU unit, where Mrs Gates serves as ecumenical development and action chair. She is a longtime member of Newtown United Methodist Church, where Rev Klein ministers. Mrs Gates was honored for her “remarkable gifts for compassion and outreach into God’s hurting world.”

The Valiant Woman Award is a national CWU award presented to women who have shown devoted Christian leadership and stewardship. Peg Forbell, unit treasurer, received the award at the CWU World Community Day Celebration in November.

The traditional Christmas party was hosted by Linda and Sal Manganaro. Members also heard a report on the national CWU meeting and 70th birthday celebration in Atlantic City held November 30–December 3, which was attended by Unit President Darlene Jackson, who is also a member of the CWU in Connecticut State Board.

Church Women United/Newtown unit was founded in Newtown in 1958 by the late Margaret Winchester and her mother, Pearl Winchester, as a local unit representing women of churches in Newtown. It is affiliated with the national and state Church Women United.

CWU contributes to local projects as well as to international missions for women’s and children’s health. The Newtown CWU established a displaced homemakers’ fund that is administered by The Newtown Fund. Annual activities include participation in World Day of Prayer in March, May Friendship Day, World Community Day in November, and accompanying bible studies.

For additional information about the local unit and its activities, contact Darlene Jackson at 203-426-5192.