Women's Ministries

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


United Women in Faith Are Raising Funds to Help Put an End to Human Trafficking: Sunday, February 8th
On Sunday, February 8th, the United Women in Faith will be selling chocolate candies and goodies just in time for Valentine’s Day. All the proceeds will go to Street Grace, an organization that fights human trafficking. Founded in 2008, Street Grace been chasing one ambitious vision - ending the sexual exploitation of children. Thanks to the help of their generous partners and supporters, they are making serious progress.
 
Street Grace works on four areas to make changes:
PREVENTION to help all of us recognize and stop exploitation before it starts;
PROTECTION to make survival sustainable;
PURSUIT to help law enforcement identify predators, protect victims and prevent future crimes;
POLICY which makes safety the standard, shapes laws, training and systems that protect children long before a crisis begins.

So won’t you say YES because change begins with you! Come to the Dorothy L. Rainey Fellowship Hall on Sunday, February 8th, buy chocolates, and help put an end to human trafficking! Brooke Ruffin from Street Grace will be in the Fellowship Hall to answer any questions. For additional information about Street Grace, please visit their website at www.streetgrace.org.


Human Trafficking Is a Serious Issue:

Please Wear Blue on Sunday, February 8th
Human trafficking is a serious problem worldwide. Often, we think it is not here in the United States, but trafficking is in all 50 states and right here in our own community. Human trafficking comes in many forms. It can be coerced labor such as hotel workers, farm workers or restaurant workers, as well as sexual exploitation. It can affect persons at any age. Sometimes sexual exploitation occurs with a family member or a known trusted person.

If you suspect something, the best idea is to call the hotline to get advice about what to do. Do not confront the people directly as that could put the victim at risk. The hotline phone number is 888-373-7888.

The State of Georgia has passed many laws that make sexual trafficking more difficult for the traffickers, and releasing the victim from prostitution charges, plus helping the victims to rehabilitate.

Many organizations in our community are working to put an end to human trafficking, and to help rescue victims. For example, Street Grace works to protect children and youth from sexual exploitation and Wellspring Living’s mission is transforming lives of those at risk or victimized by sexual exploitation.

Anytime there is a big event, whether it be sport related, concerts or conventions, human trafficking increases. It’s time to put a STOP to human trafficking. So, when you join us for our worship services next Sunday, February 8th, which is also Super Bowl Sunday, the United Women in Faith are asking you to please wear something BLUE which is the international color of Human Trafficking Awareness.


Click on STOP HUMAN TRAFFICKING to download resources regarding human trafficking awareness.


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.