Deb’s Dispatch

As I write this article today, I am thinking about the importance of COMMUNICATION. The way we see the world and each other may be greatly shaped by our communication style. I continue to value the energy and passion that goes into the creation of this quarterly communication tool, “SHARING LINE”, that connects and empowers each of us in our journey together as United Women in Faith.

Since the last edition, I have particularly been grateful for the community of leaders involved in preparing for our 2026 Mission u experience. In July, we will be “Experiencing Emmanuel with Us” as we gather together at “Lazy F Camp and Retreat Center” in Ellensburg, WA. July 10-12, 2026. (See pages 3 through 14 for more information.) We are planning for families, adults, youth, and school-age children to gather in an intergenerational setting to share a transformational experience within a beautiful camp setting. Our study leaders have worked diligently to complete their training expectations and are planning their sessions to bring this time to fruition. Our “Mission u” planning team continues to meet to plan our overall time together, ensuring that each participant feels welcomed, included, inspired, transformed, and renewed as we get to know our Creator in a more intimate context. We will focus on our personal communication with God through large and small group experiences, and our times of worship together will focus on our personal and communal communication with Our Creator and each other. Please, if you have never had the opportunity to experience Mission u, I encourage you to join us. Scholarships are available, and we have worked diligently to keep costs very reasonable for all. Registration ends May 27th. Everything you need for registration is included in this “Sharing Line”. If you are not able to attend, you might be willing to sponsor another person to attend. What a gift that would be!

Another transforming experience I am excited about is our upcoming Assembly 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana, May 15-17. There are 53 attending from our own Pacific Northwest Conference. We will be sporting our rainbow scarves for easy identification. Please watch for more exciting communication during and after this event. Together we will “DREAM IT, BELIEVE IT, DO IT” and will continue that momentum into our Conference Annual Gathering at Hope UMC in Bellevue, October 23-24, hosted by our SeaTac Missional District of United Women in Faith. (See pages 13 and 14 for more information and to register.)

In your own communication with others, I encourage you to reflect on the following questions…

• Do I really take time to listen to others?
• Do I prayerfully consider how God is guiding me in my communication with others?
• How am I communicating with others to inspire them as to the passion, mission, and ministry of United Women in Faith?
• Am I open to new ideas as to how God may be leading our organization and me into our future?
• What disciplines are valuable to me in my ongoing personal communication with our Amazing Creator?
• And finally…If I could make one creative/positive change in my communication style with others, what might that look like?

Serving you in gratitude and humbleness,

Deb Avery, President,
Pacific Northwest Conference,
United Women in Faith