The United Women in Faith
The United Women in Faith (formerly United Methodist Women) is a sisterhood acting in faith to tackle the hard work of the world without hesitation. Driven by God’s love and united in sisterhood, we work to improve the lives of women, children and youth. Every day, we show up, take action, and get it done. We invite you to join us as we seek to connect and nurture women through Christian spiritual formation, leadership development, creative fellowship and education so that they can inspire, influence and impact local and global communities.

Over the years the United Women in Faith have had many name changes but still the same purpose.

Perhaps you have heard of a few:

• 1869: Methodist Woman’s Foreign Missionary Society founded by wives of 2 missionaries sent to India. They raised money to send Isabella Thoburn and Dr. Clara Swaim to start a school and a hospital for women. Both of these institutions are still there today.
• 1872: Wesleyan Service Guild
• 1880 & 1890: Two Woman’s Home Missionary Societies form.
• Early 1900’s: Ladies Aid Society
• 1940: Women’s Society of Christian Service
• 1972: United Methodist Women became the first women’s mission organization under the United Methodist Church’s Board of Global Ministries.
• 2019: United Methodist Women celebrate 150 years of helping the underprivileged around the world.
• 2022: United Women in Faith. Today as our name changes our legacy continues with the same purpose: to stand up for the lives of women, children, and youth.
  

We would love for you to join us in our projects, our service, our circles. Let us know how we can help you get involved by contacting Karen Smith at by -email at smith-ga@att.net or call 770-495-7978.

United Women in Faith Officers
President:  Sue French
Vice President:  Linda Kepler
Treasurer:  Gail Waigand

Spiritual Growth: Terrie Adkins

PR/Communications - Anita Curry

Program Resources:  Annette Pierce

Membership:  Karen Smith

Happy Sacks Liaison:  Terrie Adkins
Clergy Representative:  Rev. Dr. C. Kay Fuino

In addition to our district giving, we would like to highlight our giving over the last year. From our love offerings: Music Ministry ($374); Baby Recognition ($95 to Wellroot Ministries); High Tea ($1500 to Family Promise); Christmas Program ($365 to Hugs for Soldiers); Vegetable seeds ($50 to UWF East Central District); 1 UMCOR bucket. We would like to thank each of you for your generous donations to these worthwhile missions.

Announcements and Upcoming Events

Women’s Christmas – A Retreat: Saturday, January 10th

What is it that allowed Mary to say, “Let it be?” Do you remember a time when you received a blessing that helped you be present to a change that arrived? The United Women of Faith invite you to join them on Saturday, January 10th, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. to take time for one day, after Christmas and during Epiphany, to find a place where other women see you, welcome you and help you to be there for what comes next.

This casual retreat is an opportunity to relax after all the Christmas activities. Lunch, drinks, and snacks will be provided. We will meet from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Dorothy Rainey Fellowship Hall. Please sign-up during December at the United Women of Faith information tables located around the church to help us prepare for handouts and lunch. Please bring a pint size clear glass jar/Ball jar to use for one of the art projects.

The retreat will include readings and art from Jan Richardson’s book How the Stars Get in Your Bones. You may bring a donation of $7 to be sent to Jan Richardson for “Sanctuary of Women” to be shared with the A21 Campaign, an organization devoted to ending human trafficking and providing sanctuary and healing for those rescued from slavery.

Look at the stars of your world, your life, your family and see how they get into your bones. Look around to see another who might need a blessing from you.  We will come together with art, readings, comfort, and a challenge to find something of sabbath rest to find the stars of your life. Perhaps there will be something that stretches you to a new place or invites you to think in a direction of an uncharted sky for your spirit. We will delight in blessings and prayers, share in a meal and in conversations of laughter, concern, sighs, and joys.

Blessings and joy for advent as you prepare the way for the Christ child to shine in your heart, to see the stars and count your blessings.  Celebrate all you have done with a retreat together on January 10th to find your blessing. For additional information contact Terrie Adkins by e-mail at ttadkins@sprynet.com.

Listing of Circles

Agape Circle meets on the 2nd Saturday of the month at 9:30 a.m. in members’ homes. We fellowship and support each other in prayer. We are also involved in mission projects. For more information, please contact Agape Circle leader Karen Smith by e-mail at smith-ga@att.net or call 770-241-1651.

Hannah Circle - Project Focus for Community Benefit and Faith in Actions. We meet when we organize for projects and provide opportunities for fellowship.  Do you have a busy schedule? Drop in participation is welcome! Virtual projects and meeting opportunities are possible to coordinate in a more creative way. Hannah Circle is an open group evolving to meet the needs of others and to spread God’s spirit which becomes more special when we care and share. For more information, please contact Hannah Circle leader Gail Robinson by e-mail at mellgail@hotmail.com.

Mary-Martha Circle meets for programs on the 2nd Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. in rooms F-145/146, located on the 1st floor of the Sheldon Family Life Center for programs. We are involved in mission projects for women, children and youth supported by our unit.  For more information, please contact Mary-Martha Circle leader Gail Waigand by e-mail at waigandgail@charter.net or call 770-623-4120.

Rainbow Circle meets on the 1st Wednesday of the month at 11:30 a.m. for a covered dish luncheon at Nina Sanders home, loacted at 3705 N. Berkely Lake Rd. in Berkeley Lake. They support Happy Sacks. For more information, please contact Rainbow Circle leader Nina Sanders by e-mail at ninarsanders32@gmail.com.

United Women in Faith Yearbook
Please contact kwilli@duluthumc.org to have a copy sent to you.