All posts by Jenny Bygland

Action, Event

Call to Prayer & Self-Denial:

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Feeling God’s Love in a Tangible Ways

Dear Sister,

I would like to invite you to join United Women in Faith in prayer and giving through the 2026 Call to Prayer and Self-Denial offering. Together, our sisterhood is making a difference in the lives of children and youth served through the work of National Mission Institutions.

NMIs provide low-cost early childhood education, after-school programs, enrichment programs, mental health support, guidance for the transition to adulthood, and more. One such NMI is AK Child & Family in Anchorage, Alaska. AK Child & Family offers hope to young people ages 12–18 who have experienced deep trauma such as abuse, neglect, separation from family, and profound loss.

For these young people, God’s love is felt in tangible ways: a handmade quilt on their first day in treatment, prayers lifted by hundreds through an email prayer chain, warm cookies and stories shared in the sunshine, music ministries that help them hear God’s call, and quiet moments of care that remind them they are seen and valued.

One student shared how this ministry helped them: “Before I got here, I never really ever talked to anyone, and I didn’t have any friends. But now I see that I can finally enjoy my life, and I see a lot of time with my family, which is going to be so good. When I leave here, I’m going to try to find my way in the world. I’m going to work hard on school and get a college education.”

The Program at AK Child & Family helped this student to move from anger and isolation toward healing, connection, and hope for the future. This is what happens when faithful people come together to boldly stand in the gap.

Will you join us and support NMIs that are often the last safety net for the next generation?

When you give to the Call to Prayer and Self-Denial offering, you help ensure that NMIs like AK Child & Family can continue offering safety, healing, and God’s good news to children and youth who need it most. Thank you for prayerfully considering a gift today.

Faithfully Forward

Sally Vonner,
CEO & General Secretary

Make a Gift Today

Call to Prayer & Self-Denial Offering Resources

Action, Event

Day of Giving 2026—Grace in Abundance

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On March 23, United Women in Faith celebrates a
Day of Giving to raise funds for The Legacy Endowment Fund.

Day of Giving, March 23, 2026, is our opportunity to gather together as one sisterhood to thank God for the continued grace shown to United Women in Faith, by giving to ensure the future of our vital mission work to improve the lives of women, children, and youth at home and abroad. We invite you to join us and show your appreciation for God’s Grace in Abundance with your generous gift.

· Live phone lines will be open to accept your gifts on Monday, March 23, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST – call 1-800-278-7771.

· Give securely online at
bit.ly/DayofGiving2026.

· Checks can be mailed to United Women in Faith, Attn: Day of Giving, Church Center for  the United Nations, 777 United Nations Plaza, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10017.  Please put “Day of Giving” in the memo line of the check.

· Text “Give” to 20503.

· Consider giving a planned gift through your estate. Visit uwfgift.org for more information.

· Watch for our live Facebook feeds and updates throughout the day and from throughout  the country.

· Plan your own Day of Giving celebration and let us know about it by emailing CCampos@uwfaith.org. We are highlighting various celebrations throughout the country.

Educate, Event

Mission u

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Friday, July 10, and ends Sunday, July 12
at Lazy F Camp and Retreat Center

An intergenerational transforming mission experience in a camp type setting.
Scholarships available: details on registration and scholarships out very soon! Study book are available through Amazon.  Type “United Women in Faith” in the search and Amazon will direct you to the books.  It is recommended that all adult participants order their book ahead of time.  They are available now.  The study books for Youth and Children are basically used by adults leading those sessions. If you work with children and youth within your own churches I highly recommend you purchase one to use in that setting.

Options for Purchase the Adult Curriculum Book:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/DEEP-KNOWING-Experiencing-Emmanuel-Through-ebook/dp/B0GBZ1BW5H

eBay: https://www.amazon.com/DEEP-KNOWING-Experiencing-Emmanuel-Through-ebook/dp/B0GBZ1BW5H

Lazy F Manastash Lodge

The following registration links are still under construction! Please check back in February 2026 to register.

Mission u Google Registration Form
Mission u Registration Form
Mission u Scholarship Form
Mission u Responsible Adult Covenant Form
Mission u Youth Covenant Form
Mission u Children and Youth Medical

Educate, Event

From an Assembly Scholarship Recipient

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I first went to Assembly because the Women’s Division invited one female seminary student and one seminary student’s female spouse from each UMC—related seminary. The purpose was to bring us into the UMW mission as members and advocates in local churches, districts, and conferences at a time when pastors and pastors’ wives were distancing themselves in many regions.

It was exciting to meet women from our 13 UM seminaries, exchanging stories about how life was for us. Very thoughtful to provide space and time for us to build some connections. I don’t know if this is still done, but I’ve always been grateful for this wise decision.

The number of women was overwhelming, and the international flavors of the presentations were engaging. The speakers were amazing, and I have not forgotten.

It was there that I learned about domestic violence and how the wedding ceremony seemed to be implicated in men who started beating their wives after marriage.

It was there that I realized that we could have communion every Sunday worship. If we could serve thousands of women in 15 minutes, we could surely serve our not very large congregations if we organized the distribution.

Outside, there were people protesting our gathering, and many women stopped and patiently engaged in dialogue. At that time, the dominant issue was abortion, and also whether women should be leading in churches.

These are some of my memories. I always encouraged women from my local church unit to attend, but I always seemed to have obstacles to my returning.

The first time, I was beginning my ministry. I was among the young ones. Now, I am retired and will be one of the elders. I am very excited to have a second chance to attend Indianapolis in 2026 after Louisville in 1978.

Rev. Leslie Ann Knight

  • 1981 Assistant, Tacoma 1st
  • 1983 Elma
  • 1984 Elma Satsop
  • 1988 Spokane Manito
  • 1995 Bellingham Garden
  • 2003 Spokane Audubon Park
  • 2007 Mercer Island
  • 2010 Fircrest
Educate, Event

Assembly 2026

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May 15–17, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana

Keep up to date on the Assembly 2026 website.

Assembly 2026 is that moment—a once-every-four-year gathering of women committed to faith, empowerment, and making a difference. Picture a weekend that uplifts your soul, strengthens your faith, and brings you together with an unstoppable sisterhood.

Assembly 2026 Registration and Scholarships

April 13, 2026: Registration closes

Make your reservation today!
What’s Assembly 2026 all about?

It’s a celebration of who we are and what we can achieve together. Assembly is our chance to unite, recharge, and deepen our faith.

What you can expect:
  • Inspiring Speakers: Hear from women leaders who will spark your passion and energize your purpose.
  • Powerful Worship: Experience moments of reflection, renewal, and connection in faith.
  • Workshops: Gain tools to create meaningful change in your life and community.
  • Sisterhood: Connect with women from around the world who share your commitment to justice and spiritual growth.
Save The Date!

Assembly is your chance to step away from the noise of daily life and dive into a weekend of learning, connecting, and recharging. Open your heart to renewal and inspiration!

As you get ready, reflect on these thoughtful prompts:
  • What are you most excited to experience at Assembly?
  • What lessons or experiences will you take back to your community?
  • How can we help strengthen your journey of faith?
Be Part of the Experience

This only happens once every four years. Don’t miss your chance to grow in faith, find inspiration, and take action!

Let’s come together to celebrate faith, empowerment, and sisterhood like never before. Will you join us?

Be ready to reserve your spot for Assembly 2026 and be part of something truly transformative!

Preliminary Schedule
Thursday, May 14, 2026
10 a.m. Ubuntu Day of Service (optional, additional fee)
10 a.m. Soul Care Event (optional, additional fee)
 
Friday and Saturday, May 15-16, 2026
8:45 a.m. Community Gathering
10:45 a.m.-3:45 p.m. Workshops, Townhall Meetings, and Experience Hall
4:30 p.m. Community Gathering
6:30 p.m. Networking Dinners (Friday only, optional, additional fee)
7:00 p.m. Legacy Banquet (Saturday only, optional, additional fee)
 
Sunday, May 17, 2026
9 a.m. Community Gathering
Assembly ends at noon
 
Hotel Information
The following hotels have reserved room blocks for Assembly:
 
(Rates do not include state and local taxes, which are added to each room rate.)

Hotel NameRoom Rate per night
Courtyard by Marriott Downtown*+$179
Crowne Plaza Downtown Union Station*+$189
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Downtown*+$169
Indianapolis Marriott Downtown+$194
JW Marriott+$199
Sheraton City Centre*$179
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Downtown*+$179
Westin Indianapolis+$191

*  Shuttle service will be provided between the hotel and the convention center.
+ Enclosed walkway available to the convention center.

Room Blocks
United Women in Faith is working with Visit Indy, our official housing provider, to handle conference sub-blocks. We are asking all conference presidents or Assembly liaisons to contact Visit Indy to book their conference sub-block by June 30. You may submit a Room Block Request by filling out the Room Block Request form. Click Here to Download: Room Block request form and e-mailing, scanning, or faxing that back to the Visit Indy Housing Bureau, housing@visitindy.com, or fax 317-262-8270. To help you plan, Visit Indy will have information on the number of conference attendees you had at the last Assembly.

Visit Indy will provide conference presidents and/or Assembly liaisons with a Room Block Confirmation with instructions to submit your group’s reservations starting Sept. 2.

Individual attendees who would like to process their own reservations outside of a room block may contact Visit Indy customer care agents at 317-262-8191 Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, and make reservations starting Sept. 2.

Action, Event

Day of Giving

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Day of Giving Update

With hearts full of gratitude, we are thrilled to share the incredible news that, thanks to your efforts, we raised $553,826 for Day of Giving 2025! We surpassed our goal of $450,000, and together, we’ve raised even more to support women, children, and youth for generations to come.

Your passion and commitment as Legacy Team members have been nothing short of inspiring. Your efforts have made it possible to create lasting change, grounded in the hope that our collective work will continue to empower others for years to come.

Thank you for your incredible contributions and for being a beacon of faith, love, and hope in this important mission. Together, we are building a future filled with promise and possibility.

Blessings,
UWFaith Development Team
Suzanne, Kenya, Christi, Shannon, Julissa

Thank you, Pacific Northwest UWF, for your contributions 🥰 We are close to $50 million, and the GOAL is $60 million. Blessings to all who contributed since the inception in 2014! Let us help reach the FUTURE! Marsha Legacy Liaison

PS: If you need the special pin of recognition for giving or Brochures for your District and Units, please let me know and I will send them. Thank you, Marilyn, for including Legacy at the Annual Conference Table.

Marsha Aufenkaump

We invite you to make a lasting impact for generations to come through Day of Giving 2025!

  • The theme is: For Generations to Come
  • Join us on March 23 at 1 PM Eastern Time for a special live-streamed event.
  • For more information: uwfaith.org/dayofgiving/
Donate Now!
Other Ways to Give:
  • Online at: uwfaith.org/dayofgiving
  • By phone: 800-278-7771 (8 am-5 pm EST, Mon.-Fri.)
  • Text: “FUTURE” to 20503
  • By check to: 
    United Women in Faith,
    Attn: Legacy
    Church Center for the United Nations
    777 United Nations Plaza, 11th Floor
    New Your, NY 10017
    Write “Day of Giving” in the memo section.
  • Host an in-person celebration: Organize a local event with your community to raise awareness, celebrate, and inspire contributions to the Legacy Endowment Fund.
  • Organize an online celebration: Connect with fellow United Women in Faith members online. Share stories of impact, engage your network, and encourage donations through an engaging virtual event.
  • Host a watch party: Gather with your circle—whether it’s family, friends, or other United Women in Faith members—to join the virtual live-streamed event at 1 p.m. EST on March 23rd. You can watch it at uwfaith.org/dayofgiving and celebrate together.
  • Give to the Legacy Endowment Fund for Day of Giving 2025: Support future generations by contributing to the Legacy Endowment Fund in honor of United Women in Faith’s 156th anniversary. Every dollar raised will continue to empower and support women, children, and youth.
Promotional Materials & Tools for Your Event

Access the videos listed below online here: bit.ly/DayOfGivingVideos.

  • E-flyer: Use the provided e-flyer to promote the Day of Giving and your event and inspire others to get involved. The e-flyer is available on the Day of Giving site: uwfaith.org/dayofgiving.
  • Worship Resources:
    Song: “This Joy” Link to video.
    Song: “Living Waters” Link to video.
    Litany for Resurrection People: Link to video.
Share Stories of Impact
  • How have you benefited from United Women in Faith? Story of Mónica Mathe: Link to video.
  • How has being a part of United Women in Faith informed you, and how will your gift benefit future generations? Story of Thaiana Assis: Link to video.
  • Your impact on generations to come; story by Stacey Ninness: Link to video.
Bible Verses for Reflection
  • Psalm 145:4 (NIV) – “One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts.”
  • Matthew 6:21 (NIV) – “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
  • Proverbs 11:25 (ESV) – “Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.”
  • Luke 6:38 (NIV) – “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
  • Acts 20:35b (NIV) – “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
  • 2 Corinthians 9:7 (ESV) – “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”