Whitman entertains Church Women United

Members of Church Women United met Dec. 4 for their annual Christmas luncheon in the fellowship hall of the Oakland Presbyterian Church on Wylie Road in Weirton.

Sixteen churches were represented with 27 women in attendance. Karen Tate conducted registration.

The Rev. Dennis Arnold, pastor of West Liberty Christian Church, prayed the blessing for the food.

Marvin Whitman presented a musical sing-a-long. Whitman, a blind music minister who uses his God-given talent to share the Word, accompanied himself on the keyboard with selections such as "Joy to the World," "O Come All Ye Faithful," "Happy Birthday Jesus," and "Silent Night."

Between each song Whitman shared an inspiring thought. He also shared a song he wrote, "Let's Go to Bethlehem" and closed with a fireworks display on his keyboard.

Whitman and his wife Ruth live in his native Wellsburg with their two children, Alan and Julie. He is a graduate of Brooke High School and West Liberty University.

Whitman's parents let him leave their care and attend the West Virginia School for the Blind to learn Braille and give him the confidence to use his life as God led.

Isobel Bell, CWU publicity chairperson, said, "Marvin has the gift to inspire others with his music and has the remarkable ability not to let his blindness hinder his outreach."

Cards were signed for June Holloway and Ruth Gilmore.

Hostesses were Dottie Arnold, Isobel Bell and Carol Village. Kitchen helpers were Jim Arnold, Ralph Bell and Gary Clark.

Village, unit president, thanked all for attending. The monthly project was contributing to the WTOV 9 "Coats for Kids."

The next scheduled meeting will be on Feb. 5.