X THE LADIES' AID MANUAL A PRACTICAL WORK FOR LADIES' AID SOCIETIES BY R. E. SMITH y NEW YORK: EATON & MAINS CINCINNATI: JENNINGS & GRAHAM Copyright, 1911 by EATON & MAINS DEDICATED TO THE LOYAL LADIES WHO ARE DEVOTED TO THE SPIRITUAL, SOCIAL, AND FINANCIAL WELFARE OF THE CHURCH CONTENTS CHAPTER PAGE I. CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS 9 II. ORDER OF BUSINESS 12 III. RULES OF ORDER 13 IV. APPBOPBIATE SCRIPTURE LESSONS 19 V. APPROPRIATE PRAYERS 20 VI. THE LADIES' AID AND THE PASTOB 25 VII. RECEPTIONS 28 VIII. DINNERS, SUPPERS, AND LUNCHEONS 30 IX. ENTERTAINMENTS AND OTHER MONEY-MAKING PLANS 42 X. SOCIAL IDEAS 58 XI. GENERAL HINTS 68 XII. OFFICIAL RELATION OF THE LADIES' AID TO THE CHUBCH. . 71 FOREWORD Many churches would languish and many more would die if it were not for the consecrated en- deavors of earnest women. From the day when Paul wrote, "Help those women which labored with me in the gospel," until the present day, the Church of Christ has been under an increasing debt of obligation to the women. They have prayed fervently, planned wisely, and toiled faith- fully, in order that the militant Church might be a conquering force in the world. The express purpose of this little book is 1 to help those women who are bearing the burdens of the Church. The aim of the work is practical throughout. The following pages tell how to or- ganize and conduct a Ladies' Aid successfully. No experiments are suggested, but only such methods and plans as have proved successful in actual Church work. All questionable plans 1 for raising money have been scrupulously avoided. The supreme work of the Church is the spiritual development of the character of the individual. But the Church must provide for the development of the individual along other important lines. Every plan suggested in this work may be con- summated in such a manner as to contribute to the social, intellectual, and financial development of the Church, without incurring any just criticism. The book is sent upon its mission with the hope that it will prove of valuable assistance to all ladies who are identified with the work of the Ladies' Aid Societies. R. E. S. 7 CHAPTER I CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS The following Constitution and By-laws may be enlarged or modified to suit each local Society. It should then be adopted by vote of the Society. ARTICLE I. Name. The name of this Society shall be, "The Ladies' Aid Society of the Church." ARTICLE II. Object The object of this Society shall be the promo- tion of the spiritual, social and financial interests of the church. ARTICLE III. Membership All ladies who are interested in the object of the Society, and are willing to cooperate in carry- ing out its plans, are eligible to membership, and shall become members when accepted by the Mem- bership Committee. It is understood that all who join the Society will, when called upon, serve on committees. ARTICLE IV. Officers The officers of this Society shall be a president, two vice-presidents, secretary, and treasurer. The officers shall be elected by ballot, by a majority vote, and shall hold their offices 1 for twelve months, or until their successors are elected. 9 10 THE LADIES' AID MANUAL ARTICLE V. Amendments This Constitution may be amended as follows: A notice of proposed amendment must be sub- mitted in writing one month previous to the meet- ing at which the amendment is to be considered. A two-thirds vote of the members present shall be necessary for its adoption. BY-LAWS ARTICLE I. Meetings This Society shall hold a regular monthly meet- ing on the Tuesday afternoon of each month at two-thirty o'clock. Special meetings may be ordered by the Society or may be called by the Executive Committee. ARTICLE II. Committees This Society shall have two standing commit- tees as follows: Executive Committee. This committee shall be composed of the officers of the Society. The duties of this committee shall be to execute the expressed wishes of the Society, to recommend various plans, etc., to the Society, and to call special meetings when they deem it necessary. Membership Committee. It shall be the duty of this committee to secure and admit new mem- bers. Special Committees for any desired purpose may be appointed at any meeting of the Society. Such committees must first be recommended to the Society by the Executive Committee. THE LADIES' AID MANUAL 11 ARTICLE III. Duties of Officers The president shall preside at the meetings of the Society. The vice-presidents shall preside in the absence of the president. The secretary shall keep an accurate record of all the proceedings 1 of the Society. The treasurer shall hold in trust all funds of the Society and shall only pay such bills as the Society shall vote to pay. ARTICLE IV. Quorum At any business meeting - members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of busi- ness. ARTICLE V. Annual Meeting The annual meeting for the election of officers shall be held on the Tuesday in the month of - . At this meeting all officers and com- mittees shall give a full written report of the work of the year. After the election of officers the secretary shall report in writing to the Quar- terly Conference of the church the name of the president-elect for their approval. ARTICLE VI. Amendments These By-Laws may be amended in the manner prescribed in Article V of the Constitution. CHAPTER II ORDER OF BUSINESS The order of business may be determined by each local Society. The following order, however, will prove entirely satisfactory in most Societies. I. Call to Order. II. Singing. III. Scripture Reading (see Chapter IV). IV. Prayer (see Chapter V). V. Reading of the Minutes of the Last Meet- ing, and Their Approval. VI. Reports from Regular or Special Com- mittees. VII. Unfinished Business. VIII. New Business. IX. Benediction, repeated by all. Dear Lori, as we part, let the light of thy countenance shine upon us, grant us thy peace, and lead us in the way ever- lasting. For thy name's sake. Amen. X. Adjournment. 12 CHAPTER III RULES OF ORDER The following digest of parliamentary law is not complete by any means. Only such rules are sug- gested as may be required by the average Ladies' Aid. The rules are purposely stated in the plain- est language in order that they may be clearly understood by all. It would be well for every Ladies' Aid to adopt these standard Rules of Order to govern their meetings. The adoption of these rules will do much to prevent confusion, dis- cord, and misunderstandings. I. BRINGING BUSINESS BEFORE THE MEETING There are two ways in which business should be brought before the meeting. First, by a motion of one of the members. Second, by the presenta- tion of a written communication. II. A MOTION TO ADJOURN A motion to adjourn cannot be debated, cannot be amended, and cannot be reconsidered. III. AN AMENDMENT TO A MOTION An amendment to a motion may take any of the following forms: (1) Something may be added. (2) Words, sentences, or paragraphs may be stricken out. (3) Some words may be stricken 13 14 THE LADIES' AID MANUAL out and others inserted. (4) A different motion on the same subject may be substituted. (5) The question may be divided into two or more questions as specified by the mover, in order to secure a separate vote on any particular point or points. IV. AN AMENDMENT OF AN AMENDMENT An amendment of an amendment cannot be amended. V. AMENDING RULES OP ORDER Rules of order can be amended at any regular meeting of the Society by a two-thirds vote, pro- vided the proposed amendment was submitted in writing at the previous regular meeting. VI. MOTIONS WHICH CANNOT BE AMENDED The following motions cannot be amended, namely, to adjourn, for the orders of the day, all incidental questions, to lay on the table, for the previous question, an amendment of an amendment, to postpone indefinitely, to recon- sider. VII. APPEALS Appeals are debatable, cannot be amended, can be reconsidered, and are in order when another has the floor. An appeal, however, relating to in- decorum, is undebatable. VIII. A CALL TO ORDER A call to order cannot be debated or amended, can be reconsidered, does not require to be sec- THE LADIES' AID MANUAL 15 ended, and is in order when another has the floor. IX. A MOTION TO CLOSE THE DEBATE A motion to close the debate cannot be debated, amended, or reconsidered, requires a two-thirds vote, and is not in order when another has the floor. X. A MOTION TO COMMIT OR REFER A motion to commit or refer is debatable, can be amended or reconsidered, and is not in order when another has the floor. XI. A MOTION TO EXTEND LIMITS OP A DEBATE A motion to extend the limits of a debate can- not be debated, can be amended or reconsidered, requires a two-thirds vote, and is not in order when, another has the floor. XII. A MOTION TO LAY ON THE TABLE A motion to lay on the table cannot be debated, cannot be amended, is not in order when another has the floor, and an affirmative vote on this ques- tion cannot be reconsidered. XIII. A MOTION TO LIMIT THE DEBATE A motion to limit the debate cannot be debated, can be amended or reconsidered, requires a two- thirds vote, and is not in order when another has the floor. XIV. A MOTION FOR THE ORDERS OF THE DAY A motion for the orders of the day cannot be debated, cannot be amended, can be reconsidered, 16 THE LADIES' AID MANUAL does not require to be seconded, and is in order when another has the floor. XV. A MOTION TO POSTPONE INDEFINITELY A motion to postpone indefinitely can be de- bated, cannot be amended, can be reconsidered, and is not in order when another has the floor. XVI. A MOTION FOR THE PREVIOUS QUESTION A motion for the previous question cannot be debated, cannot be amended, can be reconsidered, requires a two-thirds vote, and is not in order when another has the floor. If the previous ques- tion is adopted, all debate must cease and the So- ciety votes on the pending question only, except where the pending motion is an amendment or a motion to commit, when it also applies to the question to be amended or committed. XVII. BEADING PAPERS When papers are placed before the Society, every member has a right to have them read once before being compelled to vote on them. XVIII. A MOTION TO RECONSIDER A DEBATABLE QUESTION , A motion to reconsider a debatable question can be debated, cannot be amended or reconsid- ered, is in order when another has the floor, but cannot interrupt business then before the Society, must be made on the day, or the day after, the original vote was taken, and by one who voted with the majority. THE LADIES' AID MANUAL 17 XIX. A MOTION TO RECONSIDER AN UNDEBATABLE QUESTION A motion to reconsider an undebatable ques- tion cannot be debated. In other particulars the rules are the same as under XVIII. XX. A MOTION TO RESCIND A motion to rescind can be debated, amended, or reconsidered, and is not in order when another has the floor. XXI. A SUBSTITUTE MOTION (Same as an Amendment to a Motion. See III.) XXII. A MOTION TO SUSPEND THE RULES A motion to suspend the rules 1 cannot be de- bated, amended, or reconsidered, requires a two- thirds vote, and is not in order when another has the floor. XXIII. A MOTION TO TAKE FROM THE TABLE A motion to take from the table cannot be de- bated or amended, an affirmative vote on this motion cannot be reconsidered, and it is not in order when another has the floor. XXIV. TAKING A QUESTION OUT OP ITS PROPER ORDER A motion to take up a question out of its proper order cannot be debated or amended, can be reconsidered, requires a two-thirds vote, and is not in order when another has the floor. 18 THE LADIES' AID MANUAL XXV. A MOTION TO WITHDRAW A MOTION A motion to withdraw a motion cannot be de- bated or amended, can be reconsidered, and is not in order when another has the floor. NOTES ON THE ABOVE RULES In order to adopt any of the above motions a majority vote is necessary except where a two- thirds vote is indicated. All the above motions are required to be sec- onded except VIII and XIV. None of the above motions open the main ques- tion to debate except X, XV, XVIII, and XX. The Vine and the Branches. John 15, 1-11. The Beautiful Story of Euth. Euth 1, 8-18. The Beatitudes. Matt 5, 1-12. Parable of the Virgins. Matt. 25, 1-13. God's Glory in His Works. Psa. 19. Our Great Pattern. Phil. 2, 1-15. The Story of a Faithful Woman. Acts 9, 36-43. Parable of the Pounds. Luke 19, 12-26. The Shepherd Psalm. Psa. 23. The Word Made Flesh. John 1, 1-17. Our Heavenly Home. Eev. 21, 1-7, 22-27. The Last Judgment. Matt. 25, 3140. 19 CHAPTER V APPROPRIATE PRAYERS OUR Father, we most reverently and earnestly seek thy guidance in all our undertakings. May thy presence sweeten and hallow this hour. May we not be influenced by motives of earthly ease or pleasure, but by a deep, heartfelt desire to please thee in all things. Bless all in authority in our beteved church. Guide our leaders in this Society, and grant unto them heavenly wisdom as they lead us in our efforts to do good. Help each one of us to be patient and kind, and save us from all hurtful and hasty speech. May we be really helpful to all within the church, but especially so to the young and the aged. May the spirit of charity and brotherliness pervade all our people, and may we be one united family in the common faith of our blessed Lord. Do thou help us in the work we do this day, and may it assist in the extension of thy kingdom. May we feel that it is an honor, and not a hard task, to put forth our best efforts in doing cheerfully what our hands find to do. This we ask in our Master's name. Amen. Blessed Saviour, we gratefully acknowledge our indebtedness to thee. Thou hast graciously assisted us in the past as we have endeavored to advance the interests of the church of the living God. Help us, we beseech thee, to be one in Christian love and fellowship, and grant that our 20 THE LADIES' AID MANUAL 21 efforts may be crowned with success. We con- secrate our lives to thee and we pledge the best service we can render to our fellow men. May we be willing at all times to sacrifice our own ease and preferments 1 in order that thy work may prosper in our hands. Impress us with a sense of thy goodness and thy presence. Impart unto us of thy wisdom and strength, that we may not fail of doing thy righteous will in anything we have undertaken. Bless us in the special work of this day, guide us through all the days of our earthly pilgrimage, and bring us to thyself at last in the better land. For Christ's sake. Amen. Heavenly Father, we desire to express our grati- tude to thee for thy loving-kindness and tender mercies. Truly thy mercies are new every morn- ing and fresh every evening. In prosecuting the work of our Society we believe we are accomplish- ing a labor of love for thee and thy church. As our blessed Lord went about doing good to the bodiesi as well as the souls of men, so may we imitate his example and follow in his footsteps. Help us to be watchful and to never allow an opportunity to pass of relieving human need. Help us to love people as truly as Christ did and to express our love in Christlike words and deeds. Bless us in this present session of our Society, strengthen us for the work before us, and may all thsat we do be wholly done to thy honor and glory. We ask these favors in Jesus' name. Amen. Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, with lov- ing hearts we reverently acknowledge thee as the giver of every gift, both temporal and spiritual, 22 THE LADIES' AID MANUAL which we freely enjoy. Surely thy goodness and thy mercy hath followed us all the days of our lives. Truly the lines have fallen unto us in pleas- ant places, and we have a goodly heritage. We plead for thy special blessing to rest upon this little gathering here to-day. We greatly need the assistance of thy grace, and wisdom to guide us aright in all our efforts. Sometimes we are tempted to become discouraged in view of our small numbers and the greatness of the work to be done. Help us to be truly heroic and to be of good cheer, because thou hast promised to be with us and to give us strength equal to our tasks. May we shun no burden or evade no responsibility, but may we toil for thee and thy church until we enter our heavenly rest. Impart unto us some spiritual gift this hour and encourage and strengthen our hands and our hearts for coming service. We ask in the name of our common Lord. Amen. O Lord and Master of us all, we thank thee for the great privilege of being coworkers with thee in the great work of uplifting and saving the world. Help us to realize the vastness, the importance, the true grandeur of this work. May we appreciate more thoroughly than ever before the true dignity of the task committed to us. Thou hast been so good to us, blessed Master, that we would express our love to thee by joyfully responding to the calls of thy church. When duty calls may we each reply, "Here am I, send me." Send us, Lord, upon any mission and by thy assist- ing grace we will do our very best. May we scatter the seeds of loving deeds along life's way, ever THE LADIES' AID MANUAL 28 remembering that the tears of the sower and the songs of the reaper shall mingle together in joy by and by. Bless us in the work we may plan and undertake this afternoon. And whatever we do, may we do it as unto God and for his glory. We ask all in the name of our adorable Lord. Amen. Our dear Heavenly Father, we assemble once more to make further plans for the benefit of our beloved church. In this work we have an increas- ing sense of our need of help from above. We bless thee because thou hast helped us thus far, and because thou hast unlimited supplies for all our needs. Sometimes we become oppressed with a multitude of home cares and duties to society at large, but amid all these cares grant that we may not forget thee and the claims of thy church. We pray that thou wilt touch the hearts of all the ladies in our church, and may we have a more cordial and larger cooperation of all our sisters in the important work of our Society. May we all unite in loving and persistent efforts to in- crease the power and influence of the Church of God in our community. Grant us thy guidance in the special needs of this hour. For Christ's sake. Amen. Father, by nature we are sinful. Wilt thou not pardon every sin? We become weary with life's toils. Wilt thou not give us sweet, spiritual rest ? We often become uneasy and fretful. Wilt thou not make us patient? We are prone to wander from thee. Wilt thou not guide us into paths of truth and righteousness? We too fre- quently desire to have our own way. Wilt thou not help us to sincerely desire that thy will may 24 THE LADIES' AID MANUAL be done? We meet many temptations. Wilt thou not give us daily victory ? We pass through some fiery trials. Wilt thou not give us grace to sweetly endure? We sigh for the "touch of a van- ished hand, and the sound of a voice that is still." Wilt thou not comfort us ? We lose courage some- times amid life's stern battles. Wilt thou not make uS heroic? We become dazed by life's mys- teries. Wilt thou not give us a strong faith in thy goodness? We long sometimes for the better land. Wilt thou not permit us to enter in at life's ending and see the King in his beauty? For his sake. Amen. "Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil ; for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen." CHAPTER VI THE LADIES' AID AND THE PASTOR The ladies can be a positive help to the pastor without adding much to the burdens they are already bearing. The special work referred to here is that of cooperating with the pastor in organizing and maintaining a Pastor's Guild. This can be done as a part of the regular work of the Ladies' Aid. It will not interfere with the other work of the Aid but will greatly assist it. The general work of the Guild will be to assist the pastor in pastoral supervision and visitation. Organizing this Guild involves the following points : 1. Divide the town or city into a number of well-defined districts. 2. Select a committee of three or more ladies in each district to give careful attention to the work of the Guild in that district. 3. Elect a superintendent and assistant super- intendent who shall cooperate with the pastor in the supervision of the Guild. 4. Let the pastor, the superintendents, and the committees hold a joint meeting every month at the close of the regular Ladies' Aid meeting. To illustrate just how to organize and con- duct this important work the writer submits the following outline as used successfully by himself: 25 26 THE LADIES' AID MANUAL THE PASTOR'S GUILD Conducted under the auspices of the Ladies' Aid Society of Church. , Pastor. Superintendent of Guild. , Asst. Supt. of Guild. The regular meeting of the Guild shall be held the Tuesday of each month at the close of the Ladies' Aid meeting. District I Bounded on the North by-. Bounded on the South by Bounded on the East by Bounded on the West by Committee (NOTE. Define each District carefully as indicated above.) PRINTING A folder should be printed containing the above plan in full. The following message should also be printed on the same folder. Then a copy of this folder should be placed in every home in the parish. A Message to All of Our People The Ladies' Aid of our Church in conjunction with the pastor have organized this Guild for the express pur- pose of being helpful to our people in every possible way. The pastor is anxious to keep in close, living touch with every family and every individual. He is the willing servant of all of our people at all times. In times of difficulty, sorrow, illness, or trouble of any kind he is especially anxious to render helpful and loving service. It is to assist our pastor in this great work that this Guild has been organized. You are earnestly requested to cooperate with the committee in your dis- trict in promoting the interests of our church. Kindly report to the committee any families moving into or out of your district, and also any cases of illness. The pas- THE LADIES' AID MANUAL 27 tor's ideal for our church- is to make it an enterprising, social, helpful, progressive, spiritual church. Each one can do his or her part in accomplishing this desired result. Will you not do your part? If you fail to do so, the church and the kingdom of Christ will suffer. SUGGESTIONS TO COMMITTEES 1. If any new families move into your district, please call upon them at once. If they are Methodists or if they have no church home, give them a cordial invita- tion to our Church and Sunday school. Then report immediately to the pastor. Then introduce them to as many of our people as possible, and get our ladies to call on them. 2. If any member of any of our families in your dis- trict is ill, please notify the pastor, and call upon the sick person yourselves. 3. If any of our families move out of your district, please ascertain where they have gone and notify the pastor. If they move into some other district, notify the chairman of the committee in that district. 4. Make a special effort to get the ladies in your dis- trict interested in the work of the Ladies' Aid and the Missionary Societies of our Church. 5. Bring to the immediate attention of the pastor at any time any matter involving the welfare of our Church in any way. (NOTE. The above plan' is thoroughly practical and works admirably. The Ladies' Aid will greatly cheer the pastor, and will make the church a much more effective organization by putting this plan into opera- tion.) CHAPTER VII RECEPTIONS When a change of pastors takes place, or when the pastor is returned for another year, it is very appropriate for the Ladies' Aid to give a recep- tion. It is because the ladies usually take charge of this important function that we venture some suggestions concerning it. The ladies should meet and make very careful plans. Five committees should be appointed. These committees with their respective duties are as follows : 1. A committee of one to see the pastor and to adjust with him a satisfactory date for the recep- tion. The pastor should be informed at this time that a committee would call for him and his family to escort them to the church or to any other place which might be selected for the reception. 2. A Committee on Decorations. This commit- tee should do all in their power to give the room or rooms a homelike appearance. If held in the church, rugs, easy chairs, tables, pictures, etc., should be borrowed for the occasion. Bunting, flags, flowers, etc., should be employed in an artis- tic manner. The rooms should be made as cheer- ful and attractive as possible. 3. A Committee on Program. First of all, this committee should take steps to thoroughly adver- tise the reception. Some plan should be adopted to convey an invitation to every family in the 28 THE LADIES' AID MANUAL 29 parish. Invitations may be sent by mail, or the parish may be divided into districts and have one or more ladies in each district call on each family. This committee should arrange for a brief, spicy program. Addresses should be made (not exceed- ing five minutes each) by the following persons: A member of the official board, a member of the Epworth League, a member of the Ladies' Aid, and ministers representing the other denomina- tions. The addresses should be interspersed by a few short musical numbers. 4. A Social Committee. This committee will escort the pastor and family to church, will receive the guests, introduce them to the pastor and family, and do everything in their power to make it pleasant for everybody. It is suggested that two men and their wives constitute this commit- tee. 5. Committee on Refreshments. This commit- tee should provide dainty refreshments and make arrangements for serving the same. The follow- ing would be appropriate for a reception : Sherbet and cake, or Ice cream and cake, or Fruit punch and wafers, or Coffee and cake. Nabiscoes or lady fingers may be substituted for cake. CHAPTER VIII DINNERS, SUPPERS, AND LUNCHEONS One of the ends sought by the Ladies' Aid is to raise money in a legitimate manner for various objects in connection with the church. Inasmuch as some good people have conscientious objections to having dinners, suppers, entertainments, etc., in the church building, it is better to have them elsewhere if possible. The ladies should be very careful not to adopt any questionable plan for money-making purposes. Such plans injure rather than help the church even if they prove a financial success. The following plans have been tested and have proven very successful. No reasonable objection can be offered to any of them if they are properly conducted. In planning for a din- ner, supper, or luncheon the ladies should meet and decide several things as follows : 1. Where and when it should take place. 2. The various kinds and the amount of each kind of food required. 3. The appointment of the following commit- tees: Committee to solicit the food, committee to arrange the tables and provide waiters, committee to take charge of the work in the kitchen, Social Committee to welcome all who come. THANKSGIVING DINNER Decorations: An appropriate decoration for this dinner would be the generous use of potted plants, and flags or bunting. 30 THE LADIES' AID MANUAL 31 MENU First Course. Tomato soup. Saltine crackers. Second Course. Turkey or chicken. Squash. Bread. Celery. Third Course. Mince, apple, or pumpkin pie. Fourth Course. Coffee and cake. Nuts. HARVEST SUPPER Decorations: String onions and pop corn and hang in festoons. Make several frames in the shape of fans; cover them with cloth and adorn them with autumn leaves. A sickle covered with wheat heads is another pretty adornment. Pump- kins, squashes, corn, etc., may be artistically arranged in various forms. The word "Welcome" can be made by driving long nails through apples. Other mottoes, signs, borders, etc., may easily be made of yellow corn. Cut the corn into pieces not over an inch thick and nail them in place. This- tles, milkweed, cretonne, cat-tails, corn stalks, seed pods, and vegetables may be employed in many ways in decorating. Pumpkins may be used for flower pots. The waiters may be dressed in the old style costume of farmer's sons and daugh- ters. (MENU Potatoes Meat Bread Creamed Onions Squash Turnips Celery Pumpkin, Apple, and Mince Pies Coffee CORN SUPPER Decorations: Everything in connection with this supper should be suggestive of corn The 32 THE LADIES' AID MANUAL invitations, menus, advertising circulars, etc., should be printed on corn-colored paper. The room should be decorated with corn stalks, corn ears, corn cobs, and mottoes made from ears of corn cut in sections. MENU "Corn maketh men cheerful" (Zech. 9. 17) Corn hulled, with milk Corn Bread, Baked Beans Corned Beef Corn Johnny Cake, Corn Gems Corn Canned Corn Pudding (Baked) Corn-starch Blanc Mange Corn-starch Cake Corn Popped Coffee FIFTEEN-CENT SUPPER This is always a drawing supper. Try it and you will be convinced. It can be served in the parlor of a home without tables. MENU Creamed or Mashed Potatoes, With Corn Cold Sliced Meat Pickles or Olives Bread or Buttered Sandwiches Coffee and Cake, or Pie with Cheese CHICKEN PIE SUPPER Decorations: If possible, have the tables dec- orated prettily with smilax and flowers. Candy THE LADIES' AID MANUAL 33 and toy chickens scattered along the table will prove a unique decoration. MENU Chicken Pie Mashed Potatoes Bread Pickles Cranberry Sauce. Coffee or Tea Ice Cream and Cake EASTER SUPPER Decorations 1 : Use all kinds of eggs, china eggs, candy eggs, hen's eggs, goose eggs, etc. Cut out eggs from colored cardboard and make into fes- toons. Have the Menu printed on egg-shaped cardboard. Put a miniature paper egg on each guest. Toy and candy chickens may be used. Adorn the table with Easter lilies. MENU Mashed Potatoes Eggs: Boiled, Fried, Poached, Deviled, Scrambled, or Omelet Egg Salad Bread Pickles Custard Pie Rice Pudding Tea or Coffee BAKED BEAN SUPPER MENU Baked Beans Cold Sliced Meat Brown Bread White Bread Pickles Coffee or Tea Pie, Cake, or Doughnuts 34 THE LADIES' AID MANUAL "AN OLD FASHIONED DINNER" MENU A Country in Asia Turkey. Irishman's Favorites Potatoes. A Color and a Letter Gravy. Cape Cod Fruit and Impudence Cranberry Sauce. Breath Scenters Onions. Time-measures Beets. Well or Badly Brought Up Bread. A Goat Butter. A Letter Tea. Crowd of People in a Small Place Jam. Mixed-up Type Pie. Two of a Kind Pears. Something Sweet Candy. What Some People Take The Cake. What I Do to Be Heard Ice Cream. AN OYSTER SUPPER An oyster supper is usually popular at any time during the cold weather, but is most success ful early in the oyster season. MENU Oyster Stew Celery Scalloped Oysters Pickles Corn Oysters Mock Oysters Bread Coffee Doughnuts or Cake \ A SNOW SUPPER It would be appropriate to have this supper in the summer or early fall. Decorations should consist of white flowers and feathers, white bunt- THE LADIES' AID MANUAL 35 ing or paper, silver ornaments, white and silvered fans, swansdown and white fur, evergreen branches powdered with flour, shreds of cotton batting powdered with diamond dust, imitation icicles, glittering masses of frosted tinsel thread, etc. The reception committee and waiters should wear white gowns and white ornaments. MENU White Potatoes Milk Gravy White Fish White Onions White Bread Milk Snow Pudding Snow Cake Ice Cream Blanc-Mange Marshmallows MUM SUPPER For this supper the regular price is charged, but an additional charge is made every time a person seated at the table makes any remark. The first time he speaks he is fined one cent, the second time two cents, etc. Sentinels must be stationed to watch the guests and collect fines. The waiters and sentinels may try to induce the guests to speak. Most of them are sure to say something during the meal, and much harmless amusement results. Try it. A GUESSING SUPPER Have a menu printed as follows, omitting the parts in parentheses. The guests will have to 36 THE LADIES' AID MANUAL select their food from these burlesque names. They will often get what they do not expect, and much merriment results. MENU A Silenced Squealer (Pork), 10 cents. Sad Predicaments (Pickles), 1 cent. A Tight Squeeze (Lemonade), 3 cents Tear Drops (Onions), 2 cents Rabbits (Buns), 2 cents. Old-Time Necessities (Toothpicks), 1 cent. Go-Betweens (Sandwiches), 3 cents. Pressed Cow-Juice (Cheese), 1 cent. Liquid Berries (Coffee), 3 cents. Something on Tap (Tapioca), 3 cents. Confused Mixtures (Jumbles), 1 cent. Irishman's Favorite (Potatoes), 3 cents. Golden Globes (Oranges), 3 cents. Sweetheart's Favorite Dish (Ice Cream), 10 cents MEN'S SUPPER Let the ladies plan the supper and let the men do the rest. The ladies can easily interest the men in at least one supper a year. Let the men do the work in the kitchen, wait on tables, receive the guests, etc. This plan has proven very popular in many churches and will prove so in yours. A PROGRESSIVE DINNER This is so called because the ladies are made to progress, while the gentlemen occupy the same seats throughout the meal. The gentlemen are placed on one side of the table and the ladies on THE LADIES' AID MANUAL 37 the other. After every course a bell is rung and the ladies move to the next seat. The lady at the end will move to the opposite end. A card is placed at every plate, and each guest is required to write a favorite quotation. At the close of the meal these quotations are read so that alb may hear. The progressive dinner breaks up all formality, and everybody becomes acquainted and has a good time. SAINT VALENTINE SUPPER This takes place on Saint Valentine evening. Send out invitations in the form of hearts. For this purpose heart-shaped cards may be purchased or they may be cut out of heavy water-color paper. These invitations may be very simple or decorated with dainty colors. The invitation may be worded as follows : You are cordially invited to attend the Saint Valen- tine Supper and Social given by our Ladies' Aid. A delicious supper and a good time await you. This invitation on this heart, Comes direct from my heart. (To be signed by a member of the Aid.) Have a reception committee ready to welcome the guests. Pin a small heart on each lady and a cupid on each gentleman. Have the hearts and cupids numbered consecutively, beginning with one. Let the gentleman find the lady who has the number to correspond with his and escort her to supper. Some of the food may be served in the form of 38 THE LADIES' AID MANUAL hearts. Sandwiches, cakes, ice cream, etc., may be served thus. Several large heart-shaped cakes should adorn the tables. At the conclusion of the supper every guest should be given a valentine to be retained as a souvenir. A COLONIAL SUPPER The waiters and the Reception Committee 'should dress in colonial style, with white wigs or powdered hair, etc. Decorations, consisting of old pictures, flags, spinning wheels, etc., should be freely used. The Menu may be somewhat as follows : Fricas- seed Chicken, Waffles, Cornbread, Potatoes, Salad, Coffee, Rich Preserves, and Cake. In connection with the supper an entertain- ment should be given. The program should con- sist of old-time songs, tableaux, recitations, etc. A tableau representing the making of the first flag by Betsy Ross would be appropriate. A small American flag or a small hatchet would be an excellent souvenir to give the guests. STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL This should be held early in the strawberry season. Flowers, green boughs, ferns, etc., would be very appropriate for decorations. MENU Potatoes Cold Sliced Meat Bread Pickles Strawberry Shortcake Strawberries and Cream Coffee Cheese THE LADIES' AID MANUAL 39 LADIES' AID SUPPER Have menus printed with the first letter in each line in large, heavy-faced type. This is novel and, at the same time, is an excellent menu. Lemon Pie, 5 cents. Apple Sauce, 3 cents. Doughnuts, 2 cents. Irish Potatoes, 3 cents. Entree, 3 cents. Salad, 2 cents. Asparagus, 3 cents. Ice Cream, 10 cents. Delicious Chicken, 15 cents. Syrup or Butter, 1 cent. Uneeda Biscuits, 2 cents. Pudding, 3 cents. Pickles, 1 cent. Eggs, 3 cents. Bolls, 3 cents. A CONUNDRUM PARTY This is a very simple but delightful Party. Each gentleman is given a conundrum written on paper, and each lady is given a corresponding answer. Then each gentleman finds the lady who has the answer to his conundrum and escorts her to supper. After supper the conundrums are read by some one selected for the purpose and, when no one can guess the answer, it is given to the one holding the written answer. Then each guest in 40 THE LADIES' AID MANUAL turn should suggest other conundrums. In pre- paring the menu, have the first letter of each line printed in large, heavy-faced type. Do not print the words in brackets. MENTJ Guests may choose five out of the following nine articles of food. Country Favorites. (Potatoes.) Often done by Lovers. (Meat.) No Matter What. (Hash.) TJ Like it. (Bread.) Naughty Animal. (Butter.) Desirable with Every Meal. (Dessert.) Rhymes with Born. (Corn.) Universal Necessity. (Drinks.) My Sweetheart's Dish. (Ice Cream.) COFFEES AND TEAS These should be held in a spacious and centrally located house. Hours from 3 to 6 P. M. People should be urged to come at any convenient time and remain as long as they desire. A Social Com- mittee should meet and welcome all who come. A few popular readings, vocal and instrumental selections, etc., should be provided. A light lunch, consisting of tea, coffee, doughnuts, crackers, wafers and cheese, should be served. Ten or fifteen cents may be charged, and the guests requested to drop the same in a suitable dish placed on the table. The whole affair should be> informal. Many churches hold these Teas or Coffees every month. THE LADIES' AID MANUAL 41 KACE-COURSE SUPPER MENU First Lap Tomato Soup Second Lap Scalloped Oysters Third Lap Blue Fish Fourth Lap Beef and Murphies Fifth Lap Celery Sticks Sixth Lap Lady Finger Rolls Seventh Lap Gold Medal Griddle Cakes Eighth Lap Tea or Coffee Homestretch Slivers CHAPTER IX ENTERTAINMENTS AND OTHER MONEY- MAKING PLANS The entertainments and other plans suggested in this chapter are all simple and practical. They have all proven very successful when properly worked out. No reasonable objection can be urged against any of them. MEASURING PARTY Let each of the ladies make a number of small sacks from remnants of silk, etc. These sacks should be shirred so that the money will be held securely. One qf these sacks and a printed invita- tion should be inclosed in an envelope and sent to every person in the church and to friends out- side of the church. One envelope and one invita- tion will be sufficient for one family, but the envelope should contain a sufficient number of sacks for each member of the family. Light refreshments and a spicy program should be pro- vided. After the party is over the bags may be preserved for future use. The following form of invitation is suggested : MEASURING PARTY (Put place and time here) Dear Friend: This Party is given to you; Tis something novel as well as new. We send to each one a little sack, Return it yourself, or send it back, 42 THE LADIES' AID MANUAL 43 With TWO CENTS in It for each foot tall, Measuring yourself on door or wall, For each inch over, ONE CENT please give, And thereby we'll guess how high you live. Refreshments we'll serve without more pay, Be sure to come, and don't forget the day. With music and song, recitation and pleasure, We'll meet one and all at our Party of Measure. This is held on the evening of October thirty- first. The principal decoration should consist of pumpkin Jack-o'-lanterns hung from the ceilings. The gas globes may be covered with orange- colored tissue paper to simulate Jack-o'-lanterns. This tissue paper may also be effectively used in making festoons. Refreshments should consist of apples, nuts, fruits, cheese, griddle cakes, eggs, and pumpkin pies. After supper is a fitting time to tell ghost stories, relate strange incidents, sing weird songs, etc. Social diversions may then be introduced, such as bobbing for apples, popping corn, roasting chestnuts, etc. WASHINGTON BIRTHDAY PARTY This should be held on the evening of February twenty-second. A gentleman should be dressed to represent George and a lady to represent Martha Washington. Pictures of George and Martha should be hung on the walls. American flags, and red, white, and blue bunting or paper should be freely used in the decorations. The entertainment should consist of old-time songs, readings, etc. A dainty lunch should be served by young ladies dressed in old-fashioned 44 THE LADIES' AID MANUAL costumes. All these features should be empha- sized in advertising the party. Printed invitations should be used freely. The following form is suggested. Be sure to have the first letter of each line set in large, heavy-faced type, as these letters spell the name "WASHING- TON." THE FATHER OF His COUNTRY "FIRST IN WAR, FIRST IN PEACE, FIRST IN THE HEARTS OF HIS COUNTRYMEN" Welcome to our "Washington Birthday Party. At the Methodist Church, eve, February 22d. Shall we not have the pleasure of seeing you? Help us to make this occasion a happy one. Interesting musical and literary program. Now, please be on hand without fail. George Washington's memory should oe revered. The proceeds will be given to the Ladies' Aia. Only come and you will have a delightful time. Nice, dainty lunch will be served. ADMISSION Ye Adults: One cent for each letter in the name, George Washington. Ye Children: One-half cent for each letter. Yours on behalf of the Ladies' Aid. (To be signed by the person sending.) THE DOLLAR SOCIAL This social is as unique as it is effective. The Ladies' Aid requests every lady in the parish to earn or save a dollar, and to bring it to the Social and tell in prose or poetry how they secured the money. These reports of how the money was secured furnish much amusement. Refreshments should be furnished free of charge. The ladies THE LADIES' AID MANUAL 45 may earn or save the dollar by doing their own washing, ironing, baking food and selling it, clean- ing house for a neighbor, walking and saving car fare, sewing, omitting desserts for a few days, etc. A printed request somewhat as follows should be sent to each lady in the parish. LADIES' AID DOLLAB SOCIAL (State Place and Time) Just one dollar is all that we ask, And surely 'twill not be a hard task To earn this dollar for the Ladies' Aid, By cooking, cleaning, or serving as maid. Then at our Social tell the story, How you earned the dollar and glory. PLEASE Do NOT DISAPPOINT Us (To be signed by the sender.) HANDKERCHIEF BAZAAR A lunch or supper may be served in connection with this Bazaar. Other useful articles may also be placed on sale. These handkerchief bazaars have proved very popular and very successful. The following request for people to contribute handkerchiefs is suggested. Send these not only to the people in town but send them by mail to all your friends. HANDKERCHIEF BAZAAR METHODIST CHURCH Held under the auspices of the Ladies' Aid To all our friends, though far or near, We crave your kind attention; So please lend to us now your ear While we a subject mention. 4G THE LADIES' AID MANUAL The ladies of our church will hold, On a day not distant far, If we have been correctly told, A "Handkerchief Bazaar." So this, then, is our plea in brief, To help along our enterprise You each shall send a handkerchief, Regardless of its kind or size. To be without a handkerchief, You know, is quite distressing; From every person let one be sent 'Twill surely be a blessing. (To be signed by the sender.) ANNUAL BAZAAR Many Ladies' Aids hold an annual bazaar a few weeks before the holidays, and always realize a good sum from the sales. Many people will buy presents for their friends just before the holidays. Besides, they prefer to buy articles made by hand than the manufactured kind. Booths should be constructed and decorated as prettily as possible. Booths named as follows will have an attraction for all classes: Ladies' Aid Booth, Epworth League Booth, Sunday School Booth, Junior League Booth, The Men's Booth, Baby's Booth, Missionary Booth, Candy Booth, Pastry Booth, etc. Then the articles contributed may be placed in the various booths where they would be the most appropriate. Many Ladies' Aids serve sup- per in connection with the Annual Bazaar. The solicitors for the Bazaar may use printed cards like the following: THE LADIES' AID MANUAL 47 (Name of the Church) ANNUAL BAZAAR Under the Auspices of the Ladies' Aid (Date and Place) Dear Friend: The ladies of our church would be deeply grateful to you if you will contribute one or more articles to the above Bazaar. Some of the things we need are the following: Aprons, Handkerchiefs, Embroideries, Dolls, Toys, Children's Games, Wearing Apparel, Quilts, China, Glassware, Tinware, Nuts, Candy, Cakes, Fruit, Preserves, Jellies, Stationery, Pic- tures, Athletic Goods, Men's Furnishings, etc. Any- thing beautiful, useful, salable will be thankfully received. I will call for your contribution a few days before the Bazaar opens. Thanking you for any help which you may render, I am Very sincerely yours, (To be signed by the sender.) A BAZAAR OP THE STATES This is a very unique Bazaar, and will prove a great success if the following directions are care- fully observed. The room should be decorated with the national colors. Flags, red white, and blue bunting or paper, shields, etc., should be freely employed. Have one booth to represent the Sugar and Cot- ton States, another to represent the Mineral States, another to represent the Lumber States, another to represent the Manufacturing States, another to represent the Corn and Fruit States, another to represent Little States. Put names of the group of States above each booth. Place con- tributed articles in appropriate booth. Decorate each booth appropriately. In securing articles, use the same plan suggested for the Annual Bazaar. 48 THE LADIES' AID MANUAL FANCY SOCK SOCIAL AND ENTERTAINMENT First, let the ladies meet and plan to make any desired number of miniature silly socks. Each sock must be shirred in Prefer to prevent the money from dropping out. One of these socks and a printed invitation should be sent to every person in the church and to friends outside the church. One envelope and one invitation will be sufficient for each family, but the envelope should contain a sufficient number of socks for each mem- ber of the family. The ladies should also pre- pare an appetizing lunch and some social diver- sions. The following form of invitation is sug- gested : SOCK SOCIAL Under Auspices of the Ladies' Aid (Time and Place) This little sock we give to you Is not for you to wear; Please multiply your size by two And place inside with care In silver or in cents, Twice the number that you wear (We hope it is immense.) So if you wear a No. 10, You owe us twenty; see? Which dropped in the little sock Will fill our hearts with glee. So don't forget the place and date. We'll answer when you knock, And welcome you with open arms But don't forget your sock. A delightful musical and literary program will be rendered without further charge. Free lunch also served. (To be signed by the sender.) THE LADIES' AID MANUAL 49 COLLECTING OLD PAPERS Many Ladies' Aids in recent years have raised good sums of money by collecting and selling old papers, etc. Canvass every family in the parish and request them to save their papers, magazines, etc., for the Ladies' Aid. Collect them in the spring and fall and ship them in large quantities to Pioneer Paper Stock Co., Chicago, or to West- ern Paper Stock Co., Chicago, or any other com- pany near your town or city. Write first and get quotations and directions for shipping. School- boys may be hired at small expense to collect and load these papers. BIRTHDAY PARTY This party has proven a popular attraction wherever given. A general invitation is given to all the people in the parish or community. It will prove most effective, however, to send printed or written invitations. Each guest is asked to give as many cents as the date of the month on which the birthday comes. For illustration : if the birthday is on the twentieth day of the month, twenty cents is given. If it is on the first day, only one cent is given. By this plan, not over thirty-one cents is given by any person. Separate the company into groups, those born in January being in one group, etc. Poetic and prose selections appropriate to the different months may be given. Songs appropriate for the different seasons may be sung. Each group may be asked to compose a poem concerning their month, the same to be read to the whole company. Other similar features may be introduced. 60 THE LADIES' AID MANUAL Ice cream, cake, and coffee may be served. A large birthday cake may be provided, and each guest given a piece, the oldest person present being asked to cut the cake. THE OLD-FASHIONED DISTRICT SCHOOL The persons participating in this entertainment should be in middle life and should include a number of the most prominent people of the com- munity. The success will depend largely upon securing such persons. The costumes should be of the olden school times. Rude benches for the pupils and an old desk for the teacher should be secured. The entertainment shoufd be divided into three parts: Forenoon Session, Noon Hour, Afternoon Session. These grown children wend their way to school, answer the roll, study, recite, sing, etc. A spelling match should be a leading feature. At the noon hour they amuse themselves with the old pastimes. In the afternoon the school committee visit the school, ask questions, etc. Some of the pupils are prepared to give amusing answers, which disgust the committee, mortify the teacher, etc. This is one of the most popular entertainments ever devised. It requires but little preparation and only a few rehearsals. It always draws large crowds and delights old and young alike. AUTOGRAPH QUILT This is an old way of raising money, but a clean and effective way. Pieces of muslin about eight inches square are stamped in the center and then are outlined in turkey-red cotton. The cor- THE LADIES' AID MANUAL 51 ners are marked in lead pencil with autographs, and are also outlined in turkey-red cotton. A charge of fifteen or twenty-five cents may be asked for each autograph. Each member is requested to take one of these squares and solicit auto- graphs from her friends. She outlines these and also the figure in the center. When the squares are all completed the ladies meet and sew them together with strips of turkey-red muslin, and line the quilt with the same. The quilt may then be sold to the highest bidder, or given to the pas- tor's family. A TRIP AROUND THE WORLD This novel plan for raising money has been a pronounced success wherever it has been properly handled. First of all, nine homes in different parts of the town or city should be secured. These homes will represent nine different countries as follows : The British Isles, Russia, Italy, Pales- tine, China, Japan, Hawaiian Islands, South America, and the United States. One or two rooms in each home should be decorated in accord- ance with the prevailing customs of the different countries. Thus the home representing the United States should be decorated with American flags, red, white, and blue bunting or paper, pictures of noted Americans, national emblems, etc. In like manner the Japanese home should be decorated to suggest Japan, etc. The committee in charge at each home should be dressed in appropriate costumes to represent the different countries. 62 THE LADIES' AID MANUAL A sufficient number of carriages and automo- biles should be secured to convey the passengers from one country to another. A brief 'stop is made in each country, appropriate refreshments are served, a few social moments are enjoyed, and then the passengers move on. Souvenirs may be placed on sale in each country. These are easily sold to the tourists. The United States will represent the Union Station from which the start is made and where the fare (25, 35, or 50 cents) is paid (including refreshments) for the entire trip. The tourists will eventually arrive at the Union Station from whence the tour begins. The hours should be from 2 to 10 P. M. This trip is sure to be very popular, and will net a good sum of money. The following itinerary, together with the appropriate refreshments, is suggested: United States (Union Depot) 1. British Isles. Cold sliced meat and potatoes. 2. Russia. Rye bread and apple sauce. 3. Italy. Macaroni served in several styles. 4. Palestine. Corn served in several styles.- 5. China. Rice served in several styles. 6. Japan. Tea and Wafers. 7. Hawaiian Islands. Fruit. 8. South America. Coffee and Saltine crackers. 9. United States. Ice Cream and cake. A printed copy of the itinerary should be placed in the hands of every tourist as he leaves the Union Station. The trip should be preceded by two weeks of thorough advertising. THE LADIES' AID MANUAL 53 AUTOMOBILE SOCIAL This is most successful during the summer months. The social should take the form of a lawn party, and the refreshments should consist of ice cream and cake. All friends, both in and out of the church, who own automobiles should be requested to contribute their use for an evening to the Ladies' Aid. Most men who own machines will cheerfully consent to help the ladies. Charge 25 cents for refreshments and one ride in the automobile. A ride of not over two miles will be sufficient. The great majority of people rarely get the opportunity to ride in an automobile, and this kind of a social will appeal to them. It has proven a great suc- cess wherever tried, and it will surely succeed in your town. Let the ladies organize a living calendar repre- senting one year, 12 months, 52 weeks, and 364 days. The lady representing the year agrees to raise or give five dollars. The ladies representing the twelve months agree to give one dollar each, and to secure fifty-two ladies to represent the weeks. Thus eight of the ladies would secure four ladies each, and four ladies would secure fire ladies each. Then each of these fifty-two ladies representing the weeks agrees to give fifty cents each, and also to sell to their friends seven days at twenty-five cents apiece. The object should be to form an unbroken, living calendar for a year. The interest will increase as the project becomes 54 THE LADIES' AID MANUAL understood, and the workers push it. Take one month to accomplish this work. Then celebrate the victory by having an evening social and free refreshments. The above plan will net $134. In large Ladies' Aids the plan may be pushed still further and the hours sold for ten cents each. THE PUNCH CARD Have a large number of cards printed like the form given below. Let each lady take one or more cards and they will experience no difficulty whatever in getting all the ciphers punched. The ladies may also give cards to their gentlemen friends and ask them to collect the desired amount. PLEASE GIVE ME A PUNCH And Help Me (Here state the object for which you desire money) I have promised to fill up this card, And it will not be much of a task, If you'll only hand out of your pocket, The single penny I ask. (Thank you.) NOTE. Use a pin to punch holes. You may punch as many holes as you desire at a penny a punch. A MILE OF PENNIES A device called the "Champion Coin Collector" has been used very effectively by many Ladies' Aids. It costs little and earns much. The device is a foot long and so arranged that the coins are visible. It may be had in two colors, thus mak- ing it possible to carry out the contest plan if THE LADIES' AID MANUAL 55 desired. Two sizes are made, one for pennies and dimes and the other for nickels. One hundred feet costs $2.25, and will earn $16 in pennies, $65 in nickels, or $160 in dimes. A mile of pennies thus collected would amount to $844.80. This device may be secured from our Book Concern. "Fifty-two hundred eighty feet Stretched out make just a mile, And sixteen cents for every foot Are enough to be worth while. "It won't take long to get the cents To fill a foot or two. Then if you've sense to work right on And others help you, too, "You'll be surprised to find ere long The task that seemed so great Is done with ease, for foot by foot Pennies easily accumulate." s POST-CARDS, CALENDARS, ETC. Post-cards, aluminum souvenirs, calendars, match safes, wall plaques, blotter holders, etc., yield a legitimate revenue. You can have post- cards, calendars, aluminum trays, etc., made to order with pictures of church and pastor. These are especially desirable at Bazaars. ENVELOPE BUYERS These buyers are successfully used in raising money for new buildings, churches, parsonages, carpets, bell, windows, books, organ, piano, etc. They should be placed in the hands of the mem- bers of the congregation and distributed among 66 THE LADIES' AID MANUAL the children in the Sunday school. Any amount may be charged for a brick, stone, etc., cross- marks indicating the numbers sold. The following variety of envelope buyers may be secured: The Seat Buyer, Brick Buyer, Book Buyer, Carpet Buyer, Stone Buyer, Parsonage Buyer, Roof Buyer, Organ Buyer, Piano Buyer, Cushion Buyer, Window Buyer, Epworth League Collector, Bell Buyer, Harvest Gleaner, Children's Day Gleaner, Penny Gleaner, Nickel Gleaner, Dime Gleaner, Time Buyer, Star Buyer, Free-Will Buyer, Improvement Fund Buyer, Thermometer Buyer, U. S. Mail Collector. These buyers are manufactured by MacCalla & Co., 237-9 Dock Street, Philadelphia. They cost one dollar per one hundred, and may be secured through our Book Concern. DRILLS AND MARCHES Drills and Marches are always popular and may be relied upon to draw a crowd. These can only be given, however, when a large stage is available or on a lawn in the summer. The com- pass of this book will not permit the outlining of these drills and marches. The names of vari- ous drills are suggested, and a good committee can devise movements for each drill or march. Among the most popular drills are the following : Hoop Drill and March, Waiter Drill, Doll Drill, New Tambourine Drill, Mother Goose Reception and Drill, Little Patriot's Drill, Broom Drill, Umbrella March, Dumb-Bell Drill, Mother Goose Medley, Dairy Maid's Drill, Fan Drill, Lily March and Song, Parasol Drill. THE LADIES' AID MANUAL 57 The following books on Marches and Drills are suggested : Drills and Marches, by E. C. and L. J. Rook. Ideal Drills, by Morton. Exhibition Drills and Marches, by Wilson. New Century Drills, by Fuller. Any of these books may be secured through The Methodist Book Concern, or its depositories. CHAPTER X SOCIAL IDEAS The following Social Ideas may be employed in connection with suppers, entertainments, etc. It would be a wise plan for the Ladies' Aid to have a free social occasionally. At such a social the ideas suggested here will be valuable. A TOPIC SOCIAL Each person is given a printed program with various topics arranged upon it. The company is then divided into two equal parts. At the ring- ing of a bell, every person on one side must secure a partner from the other side, and must discuss the first topic on the program for five minutes. Then the bell rings again and new partners must be found and the second topic discussed for five minutes, and so on through the program. Vocal and instrumental music may be introduced to make the entertainment a varied one. The names of the persons with whom the topics are discussed should be entered opposite the topics. This would make a unique souvenir of the occasion. The following program is suggested : Topics Names of Partners. 1. Breakfast Foods. 2. The Weather. 3. Ladies' Hats. 4. Our Church. 5. Your Favorite Writer. 58 THE LADIES' AID MANUAL 59 Topics Names of Partners. 6. Does Distance Lend En- chantment? 7. The Money Craze. 8. Politics. 9. Latest Fads. 10. Best Recreations. 11. Which is the Better Half? 12. Why be Optimistic? 13. Why go to College? 14. Our Peculiarities. 15. Ideal Home Life. ALLITERATION GAME The game begins by one of the guests announc- ing: "I have a letter addressed to Beulah Brackett, and it must be sent to Buffalo." The next person must take the final letter of the place mentioned, and at once use it as the first letter in the name of another person and place. Thus: "Buffalo" ending in "o," he must say, "I have a letter addressed to Olga Owens, and it must be sent to Oswego." Each person in turn must send a letter. Many will become confused in their haste to send their letter, and much harmless amusement results. COMPLETING PROVERBS This is always an enjoyable social diversion. It should be conducted in the same manner as a spelling match. Let two persons act as captains and choose sides, and arrange the sides in lines. The one in charge gives the first one or two words of a well-known proverb. The one at the head of the line tries to complete the proverb. If he 60 THE LADIES' AID MANUAL fails, he must be seated and the person opposite tries to complete it, etc. A prize may be awarded to the one who remains to the last. The proverbs must be familiar ones. The following are sug- gested, and the list may be extended at will. 1. Time and tide wait for no man. 2. Variety is the spice of life. 3. Handsome is that handsome does. 4. A rolling stone gathers no moss. 5. Well begun is half done. 6. God helps those who help themselves. 7. A stitch in time saves nine. 8. No news is good news. 9. Half a loaf is better than none. 10. Every cloud has a silver lining. 11. Still waters run deep. 12. A friend in need is a friend^ indeed. 13. The early bird, catches the worm. 14. Never put off until to-morrow what you can do to-day. 15. Many hands make light work. v 16. A bird in the hand is worth twojtfn the bush. 17. Make hay while the sun shines. ^ 18. Better late than never. 19. Appearances are often deceiving. 20. It's a poor rule that won't work both ways. 21. Procrastination is the thief of time. 22. He laughs best who laughs last. 23. Look before you leap. 24. A word to the wise is sufficient. 25. Honesty is the best policy. * AMATEUR PICTURE EXHIBITION Every person in the community who has a camera or kodak is invited to bring a collection of photographs and to describe the scenes. In this way a most delightful hour may be spent. THE LADIES' AID MANUAL 61 COBWEB SOCIAL This is a well-known social pastime, and is always popular. A large number of strings are run in every direction across the room or rooms, and wound around every piece of furniture in the rooms. On one end of each string is tied a sou- venir or card containing the name of some lady present. The other ends of the strings are in the hall or reception room. Each gentleman chooses an end and winds up the string until he reaches the end. He then gets the souvenir or card con- taining the name of some lady, and he escorts this lady to supper. Much merriment is caused in fol- lowing up the strings and clearing the tangles. In unraveling the strings the guests meet fre- quently and spend a few moments in delightful conversation. IMPROVISED QUARTET Take an old book of popular songs and tear out one soifg for every four persons present. Take shears and cut each song into four irregular pieces. Mix them all up together and give a piece to each guest. The guests will then compare their fragments of song until the fragments are matched. Then you will have the whole company present formed into quartets. Then each quartet must sing at least two verses of the song without the aid of an instrument. The result will be some very wonderful ( ?) music, and everybody will enjoy a very hearty laugh. A committee may be appointed to award a prize to the best quartet and a booby prize to the poorest quartet. Some 62 THE LADIES' AID MANUAL one should be appointed who is capable of making funny speeches in presenting these prizes. AMATEUR DRAWING AND POETRY After all the guests have arrived, hand each one a sealed envelope, numbered consecutively, with the instruction not to open until requested to do so. Each envelope contains a slip of paper with the name of some animal upon it. A good black- board and plenty of crayon are provided. At the proper time the person with envelope No. 1 is called to the blackboard. He open his envelope and finds the word "elephant" within. He must take the crayon and draw an elephant. Then No. 2 is called, etc. Very few persons can draw, and the pictures are usually ridiculous. Then every person must write some poetry concerning the animal drawn by him, and read the same to the whole company. The poetry will create about as much amusement as the drawings. It will add interest to offer prizes for the best drawing and poetry, and also for the worst. FORTY MINUTES WITH BURNS Any desired number of programs like the fol- lowing may be arranged. Be careful in the selec- tion of persons for the various parts and you will have a very pleasing program. 1. Sketch of the Life of Burns. 2. Quotations. 3. Reading: "To a Mountain Daisy." 4. Solo: "Green Grow the Rushes." 5. Selections from his Epigrams and Epitaphs. THE LADIES' AID MANUAL 63 6. Reading: "To a Mouse." 7. Solo: "John Anderson, My Jo." 8. Reading: "Highland Mary." 9. Song: "Auld Lang Syne" (to be sung by all). MAKING A NEWSPAPER The paper may be called "The Ladies' Aid News" or some other appropriate name. Nine ladies should be appointed one month in advance to have charge of the following departments: 1. Editorials. 2. News and Comments. 3. Stories. 4. Poems. 5. Funny Column. 6. Squibs. 7. Original Songs and Music. 8. Politics. 9. Adver- tisements. The ladies should advertise this newspaper social very thoroughly, and should furnish light refreshments. Then each of the nine ladies should read what they have written. Every member of the society should be mentioned in the papers, and all the papers should be largely local in char- acter. This may be made an entertainment of unusual interest and delight. TRADING SOCIAL In advertising this social every person is urged to bring some article thoroughly wrapped in order to conceal its identity. The more amusing things brought the better. Then the guests trade packages. If anyone is dissatisfied with his trade, he wraps up his article and trades again. This unique plan greatly aids social intercourse and produces much enjoyment. This may be pre- ceded or followed by a supper or lunch. 64 THE LADIES' AID MANUAL GAMES Provide a large assortment of simple and harm- less games Checkers, Parlor Croquet, Authors, Ping-Pong, Bean-Bag Contest, Parlor Football, etc. These and other games may be borrowed for the occasion. Do not allow one group to play the same game all the evening, but keep the guests changing games frequently. Pass nuts, or candy, or fruit, while the games are in progress. A CRAZY SOCIAL Everything is of a crazy order at this social. The ladies are dressed in crazy style. The more colors they can find the better. Pictures on the walls are turned upside down. All kinds and con- ditions of dishes are used, and some of them should be broken. Old-fashioned brown earthen plates, wooden plates, pewterware, etc., should be freely used. Put suga? in saltcellars, salt in the sugar bowl, butter in the cream pitcher, potatoes in tea cups, meat in bowls, etc. Place a slip of paper by each plate and require each guest to compose a crazy rhyme. Have the words of two or more well-known songs thoroughly mixed, and have a quartet sing the strange combination set to some popular music. Set the chairs at the table facing the wrong way, serve dessert first. Try this social and you will have a most enjoyable time. CANDY PULL This old-fashioned pastime is always in order and always appropriate. It is not necessary to confine the efforts to one method of making THE LADIES' AID MANUAL 65 candy. Any good, modern cookbook furnishes many good candy recipes. The guests should take turns in making the candy. After making the candy it should be sold to the guests. The follow- ing program would be appropriate : 1. Paper: "Short History of Candy-Making." 2. Solo: Original Composition Concerning Candy. 3. Humorous Address: "Why I Like Candy." 4. Paper: "The Effect of Candy on Health." 5. Let each guest state his favorite candy, and tell how much of it he can eat. PERSONAL PREFERENCES Furnish each guest with a blank and a lead pencil. Then request that every guest write his personal preferences. Let him state his favorite author, food, color, poem, study, historical char- acter, flower, etc. These are read and are inter- spersed with vocal and instrumeMtal music. AUTOGRAPH SOCIAL This is especially appropriate in a school or col- lege town. The people in the church should seek to become acquainted with the new students as soon as possible. Send a printed invitation to each student and greet them cordially when they arrive. Give to each guest a long card or a small notebook and a pencil. Then have each guest exchange autographs with every other guest. When the autographs are exchanged, the people of the church should talk freely to students and other strangers, and make them feel at home. The more informal this occasion is made the bet- 66 THE LADIES' AID MANUAL ter. After all the signatures are secured a short musical and literary program should be rendered and a dainty lunch served. RHYMING CONTEST Choose sides just as you would in the old- fashioned spelling match. The leader of one line begins, "A boy stood on the burning deck." The one in the line opposite adds, "Eating peanuts by the peck." Then the second person in the first line adds, "That poor boy was taken sick." Number four is hard pressed to add a line, but finally adds, "Please do fan me very quick." If anyone is unable to compose a rhyming line, he must leave the game and be seated. This game is not only enjoyed by the participants but also by the listeners. It is often very amusing and breaks up all formality. PENNY CONUNDRUMS Each guest is furnished with a penny, a piece of paper, and pencil. The person in charge will then propound the following conundrums, the answers to be found on the sides of the penny, and written on the papers. THE LADIES' AID MANUAL 67 Find on your penny the following: 1. What sends a letter. (Stamps.) 2. What Patrick Henry demanded. (Liberty.) 3. A place of worship. (Temple.) 4. Adornment of a victor. (Garland.) 5. A species of plant. (Arrow-head.) 6. The end of a river. (Mouth.) 7. Name of a country. (America.) 8. A mineral product. (Copper.) 9. Part of a book. (Leaves.) 10. Something very light. (Feathers.) 11. What little children like. (Beads.) 12. Something needing keys. (Locks.) 13. Part of a nail. (Head.) 14. What a bald man needs. (Hair.) 15. A messenger boy. (One sent.) 16. Part of a needle. (Eye.) 17. Common flowers. (Tulips.) 18. What we all have. (A profile.) 19. A narrow piece of land. (Neck.) 20. What a bad boy receives. (Lashes.) 21. A perfume. (Scent.) 22. Part of a hill. (Brow.) 23. Youth and old age. (18 and 99.) 24. A war weapon. (Bow.) 25. A portion of armor. (Shield.) Many other things may be suggested by the guests. A prize may be given to the one having the largest number of correct answers. Follow- ing the game, a paper on the mints of the United States and the manufacture of coins would be very appropriate. A NOVEL HAVING MANY AUTHORS Divide the company into groups of four. Let one group write the first paragraph of a novel. They pass it on to the next group and they work out the second paragraph, and so on. When the story is completed, it is read to the entire com- pany. CHAPTER XI GENERAL HINTS Respect the opinions of others when you find it impossible to agree with them. Many Ladies' Aids divide their membership into twelve committees, having one committee for January, another for February, etc. Then each of these committees plans for something to help the church each successive month. Make a thorough canvass: for new members at least once a year. Many Ladies' Aids regard every lady in the church as a member of the organization. While this plan may work successfully in some churches, it is not the ideal method. Every lady should be solicited to join and should sign a membership application blank. After thus joining they will take a deeper interest in the society. It is a wise plan to hold the business meetings frequently in the homes of the members. This is especially desirable if the church does not afford a pleasant and attractive room for the meetings. If the business meetings are held in the church, the ladies should make the church parlor as home- like and attractive as possible. Money spent here would be one of the very best investments the ladies could make. 68 THE LADIES' AID MANUAL 69 Many Ladies' Aids serve a light lunch at the close of the business session. This usually results in increasing the attendance and interest. Every lady moving into the bounds of the parish should be visited and invited to join the Society. Experience has proven that it is better not to charge any fixed amount as a membership fee. Some Ladies' Aids make a mistake in not enlist- ing the services of the younger ladies in the church. Give the young ladies something to do and they will take pride in doing it well. Many Ladies' Aids have a brief literary and musical program in connection with the business meetings. This results in increasing the attend- ance. Some Ladies' Aids furnish a small, attractive button for each member to wear. These buttons may be made to order at a very little expense, and they always increase interest in the Society and its work. The ladies should ever remember that the spiritual work of the church is the most import- ant, and in all their plans they should keep the highest spiritual welfare of the church in view. Always remember that money spent in printer's ink is well invested. Many socials, suppers, etc., fail becouse they are not properly advertised. If the ladies have any misgivings concerning the propriety of any proposed plan, it would be well to consult the pastor before acting upon it. 70 THE LADIES' AID MANUAL One of the following mottoes might be selected as the motto for the local Society: Coworkers With God, For God and His Church, Saved to Serve, "Faith Without Works is Dead," They Love Best Who Serve Best, Not Receiving but Giving, Loyalty to Our Master, "Work, for the Night is Coming"; "Here am I, Lord, Send Me"; Every Member a Worker. The Golden Eule should be observed by every lady in all the work of the Society. CHAPTER XII OFFICIAL RELATION OF THE LADIES' AID TO THE CHURCH The official relationship of the Ladies' Aid Society to the church is designated in the follow- ing paragraphs taken from the Discipline of the church. 1. "For the promotion of the social and finan- cial interests of the churches, Ladies' Aid Soci- eties, or Societies of similar designation and pur- pose, may be organized in the local charge, which Societies shall be under the control of the Quar- terly Conference." 2. "The President of a Ladies' Aid Society shall be elected by the Society and confirmed by the Quarterly Conference. If a member of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church, she shall then become a member of the Quarterly Conference if approved by it for membership therein. It shall be her duty to present to the Fourth Quarterly Conference a report of her Society, together with such other information as the Conference may require and she may be able to give." 3. "It shall be the duty of district superin- tendents when holding District or Quarterly Con- ferences to inquire into the condition of the Ladies' Aid Societies, and to ascertain whether 71 72 THE LADIES' AID MANUAL they are conducting their affairs in harmony with the purpose and Discipline of the Methodist Epis- copal Church." 4. "It shall be the duty of pastors to organize and maintain, if practicable, Ladies' Aid Soci- eties." BX 3 1205 00440 2812