Leadership comes in many different forms and situations. While many of us don’t see this personality trait as “me”, we are all leaders in various capacities and different situations. Luke 6:31 reminds us to “treat people in the same way that you want them to treat you.” This is basic. We are setting an example in everything we do, whether it is in what we consider a leadership capacity or not. Being in this organization, you fill many roles at different levels. Not everyone will be president or another officer in their unit or at another level. But everyone in this organization has been given directions in John 13:14-15 to “… Lord has washed your feet; you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”
By participating in this organization, we work together, discuss, and act on our annual goals, our pledge amount, and how we can be a part of it. Our Vision statement is about our ACTION.
Action means involvement. When there are opportunities for learning, fellowship, and spiritual development, we all need to step up and attend. Many will lead as per their leadership job descriptions, but all of us will lead as we step up and set an example. This year is filled with opportunities, and your conference leadership team is already planning for you. It can also be at your local unit, as programs are developed for racial justice, legacy, or endowment. United Women in Faith program books monthly prepared programs, and guest speakers who will share issues, or local programs that have a similar focus.
Your conference team has three opportunities for you to learn more, meet other leaders (which we all are), and lead by example in your units.
Assembly, May 15-17, 2026, in Indianapolis, IN, is a quadrennial event and fabulous. See the big picture of how our dollars and attitude impact the world.
- A celebration of who we are and what we can achieve together—a chance to unite, recharge, deepen our faith, and make a difference.
- So far, we have 50 going from our conference. Stacey Abrams will be our keynote. She has served in the Georgia House of Representatives and is also an American politician, attorney, voting rights activist, and author. Look her up!
- Be transformed and reenergized. You joined for a reason way back when
- UWFaith.org/Assembly
Mission u, July 10-12, 2026, at Lazy F, one of our conference camps!
- While the name might not sound so exciting, the event is going to be great.
- Here you will learn, have fellowship, enjoy this beautiful retreat center, and hopefully bring your family. All are welcome. Cabins are available for families, as well as camp activities and classes for ages 5 and up.
- All officers at the local and district levels, as well as all United Women in Faith, should attend.
Annual Gathering, October 23-24, 2026, in Bellevue at Hope UMC, which is the combined congregations of St. Peter’s and Bellevue First
- For all women in our conference, especially our district officers.
- This is where leadership training will happen.
- Even if you don’t choose to hold an office, come, meet, and learn.
- Get the spark to return to your unit and carry out the purpose.
Get these dates on your calendar; talk about them in your meetings, make a financial plan. There are scholarship opportunities at the unit, district, and conference levels.
Proverbs 4:23
“Leadership is ultimately a product of the heart we have for others and the vision we’ve been called to lead. The heart impacts passion, motivation, and tenacity.”
We all lead in one way or another. May the Lord’s peace and grace fill your heart and give you a call to action.
Blessings,
Stell Wallace, Vice-President
PNW Conference
United Women in Faith
A Sisterhood of Grace
As a community of women organized for mission, it is important that we be the creative, supportive fellowship espoused in our PURPOSE. In that spirit, the Leadership Development Days planning team offers these guidelines, often referred to as ‘ground rules,’ to provide us a framework to ensure dialogue and participation that is open, respectful, and brave as we share, pray, learn, and listen together.
Be mindful of our interrelatedness with one another and all of God’s creation—celebrate diversity and practice sustainability.
· Listen actively—with head and heart.
· Speak from your own experience.
· Be aware of body language.
· Respect confidentiality.
· Expect unfinished business, both discomfort and joy.
Respectful Communications Guidelines
From “Holy Currencies” by Eric Law
R = take RESPONSIBILITY for what you say and feel without blaming others
E = use EMPATHIC listening
S = be SENSITIVE to differences in communication style
P = PONDER what you hear and feel before you speak
E = EXAMINE your own assumptions and perceptions
C = keep CONFIDENTIALITY
T = TRUST ambiguity because we are not here to debate who is right or wrong.
Fruits of the Spirit:
Galatians 5:22-23
· Love
· Joy
· Peace
· Patience
· Kindness
· Goodness
· Faithfulness
· Gentleness
· Self Control
Other Christian virtues:
· Grace
· Mercy
· Forgiveness
· Humility
· Compassion