United Women in Faith is a faith-based women's organization within The United Methodist Church. United Women in Faith members are committed to growing as disciples of Jesus Christ in community with other women and advocating on behalf of women, children, and youth around the world. United Women in Faith has been in mission for over 150 years.
Our Purpose
The organized unit of United Women in Faith shall be a community of women whose purpose is to know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ; to develop a creative, supportive fellowship; and to expand the concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church.
Mission Statement for United Women in Faith
United Women in Faith seeks 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.
United Women in Faith at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church
At St. Paul’s, we are an active, faith-driven group of over 150 women carrying the United Women in Faith mission and traditions forward through various ministries and programs.
United Women in Faith at St. Paul’s is open to all women. To join, contact Penny Gilchrist or call the church office at 319-363-2058. We sponsor many activities throughout the year that are open to all and supported by men and women.
Equip Leaders: We equip women and girls around the world to be leaders in communities, agencies, workplaces, governments, and churches
Organize for Growth: We are organized for growth, with flexible structures leading to effective witness and action.
Educate to Transform: We provide educational experiences that lead to personal change in order to transform the world.
Serve & Advocate: We work for justice through compassionate service and advocacy to change unfair policies and systems.
Foster Spiritual Growth: We provide opportunities and resources to grow spiritually, become more deeply rooted in Christ and put faith into action.
Members Make It All Possible: World-wide, 800,000 members work for justice and support mission in a creative, inspirational and supportive fellowship.
National Outreach: National Mission institutions and local member outreach improve communities in every state.
International Work: Scholarships, regional missionaries, Ubuntu Journeys and project funding are just some ways United Women in Faith make a difference.
United Women in Faith circles are small groups of United Women in Faith members who meet regularly for spiritual growth, missions, and social interaction. Circles are open to all. For more information or to join a circle, contact the circle chair.
The primary purpose of United Women in Faith is to be in mission for women, children and youth locally, nationally, and around the world. In order to facilitate that work, fundraisers are held annually with proceeds going to support local mission agencies as well as nearly 300 mission projects across our country and in more than 40 countries across the world. The following activities generate the funds needed to support these ministries:
Individual member financial pledges to mission
May Tasting Luncheon - salad luncheon with decorated tables - open to the public
Holiday Fair - early November bazaar and luncheon with theme tables and special entertainment - public invited
With this income, St. Paul's United Women in Faith is able to contribute approximately $15,000 annually in mission to women, children & youth!
Books are available on a special cart just inside the church library. Check them out!
The Reading Program is a cherished United Women in Faith tradition that brings together members in mission as they explore, share and discuss the books.
To participate, select one of our four plans* and start reading! From captivating novels and heartfelt biographies to urgent messages about issues such as climate change and mass incarceration, there’s something for everyone.
Reading Program books are divided into five categories and are available for people of all ages and reading levels. As you read, track your progress using the Reading Program Reporting Form.
When you submit the Report of Completion Requirements, you will be recognized with a Certificate of Recognition at the United Women in Faith Honors Luncheon in December.
Earning your Certificate of Recognition is just one way to show what you’ve gained from the Reading Program. The Reading Program is not meant to be completed alone or in a vacuum. As you read, consider taking one or more of the following actions:
Share the program with United Women in Faith members and members of the community.
Connect with local and district groups. Start a book club, download books onto an e-reader to pass around and share, present book reviews at group meetings.
Display a progress chart in your church for all who wish to participate, and post displays to encourage book sales.
Pray. Books often raise concerns about people, countries and issues. Bring these concerns to God during your prayer time at home and at group meetings.
Advocate for tangible change. Many Reading Program books address issues such as climate change, mass incarceration, immigration and racism. Organize a task force to address these issues in your community.
God bless you as you pray, study, act and organize in Christ’s name.
Categories:
Education for Mission
Leadership Development
Nurturing for Community
Social Action
Spiritual Growth
*Plans:
Plan I: 5 books a year (One book from each category and regular reading of response magazine)
Plan II: 10 books a year (Two books from each category and regular reading of response magazine)
Plan III: 15 books a year (Two books from each category plus 5 additional books from any category and regular reading of response magazine)
Plan IV: 20 books a year (Two books from each category plus 10 additional books from any category and regular reading of response magazine)
Contact Penny Gilchrist, president, if you have questions about United Women in Faith.
