Dear United Women in Faith Sisters,

Greetings again. As 2025 barges ahead with severe weather affecting many parts of the USA and many unsettling decisions are being made, prayers and action must be strong! When you get involved with any special interest, sport, activity, collection, mission, or whatever, you inevitably have multiple opportunities to help support the cause, whether by donating financially or volunteering in many ways. When I think about all the different giving channels, many monthly programs need financial or in-kind gifts. They are ALL important!

Fortunately, we have a CHOICE as to which we individually or collectively want to support.

Why do we have fundraisers? They allow folks to enjoy working together for a good cause and share their talents or extra things others will hopefully like. The event often brings in other folks beyond our church who feel good when they make a purchase. We’re spreading the love!

January 9, our PSMD United Women in Faith team met via Zoom to plan for upcoming events.

January 11, I participated in our conference United Women in Faith Executive meeting via Zoom.

On January 13, our District Leaders met again via Zoom to search for a location for our local leadership training site, which was secured on Tuesday.

January 27, PSMD Team Zoom meeting

February 6, “Faith Talks”—reparations

February 16, I gave an update on Church World Service (CWS) during AUC worship.

February 18, I watched Alliance for Justice; holding court.

February 19, I attended Stanwood’s United Women in Faith to meet and hear Atlantic Street Center’s executive director, Pela S Terry, speak.

February 20, Interfaith Advocacy Day —Judy Jewell rode with me to Olympia to participate in this annual legislative day.

February 25, I tuned into “Voices from the Field”.

February 26, I met Janet Church, the local United Women in Faith president, at Cedar Cross UMC to discuss plans for our upcoming meeting.

March 8, supported Youth Dynamics fund-raiser “Adventure Rodeo”

March 12, AUC Council Meeting—changing directions for World Wide Missions support,

March 24, United Women in Faith Zoom final planning for training

March 29, Our PSMD LOCAL LEADERSHIP TRAINING was Saturday at Cedar Cross UMC. We chose a one-room school setting, with everyone in the same room to see/hear everything. Comments included allowing more time to see the exhibits, getting acquainted, and having breakout time for separate officer/ coordinator training. Evaluations are both encouraging and helpful as we plan for the next training!

April 5, AUC Council Mtg

April 14, AUC’s new Pastor Glen Hoskins and his wife Jackie arrived from Southern California.

April 30, AUC potluck; met new Pastor and Jackie; start July 2. A Financial Advisor Lanny and I know sent a very informative message regarding leadership, pointing out how we need to understand leaders. COMMUNICATION is the most essential leadership skill. 

James C. Rees, Exec Director of George Washington’s estate, listed these personal traits of “soft skills” or characteristics for a successful leader:

1. has vision

2. is honest

3. has ambition

4. is courageous

5. has self-control

6. takes personal responsibility

7. is determined

8. has a strong work ethic

9. uses good judgment

10. learns from mistakes

11. is humble

12. does the research and development

13. values presentation

14. exceeds expectations

15. has heartfelt faith

Rees defined this: “A leader is someone who has—and articulates—a vision, creates change, and inspires others to reach mutual goals while creating more effective working relationships — all while setting the highest standards of ethical thought and behavior.” Wow!

How well can you inspire others to do their jobs?

What goals have you set for yourself to promote your duties, your responsibilities, and your challenges?

We are doing this together as a district team, reaching out to each of you in your locality.

We look forward to Bothell hosting the PNW UMC Annual Conference June 26-28.

United Women in Faith PSM District Annual Gathering will be Saturday, September 20, at Stanwood UMC.

Bothell will host our Conference, the United Women in Faith Annual Gathering, on October 17-18. Our National President of the Board of Directors, Jana Jones, will be our Keynote Speaker!

Have you tuned in to the Zoom United Women in Faith Faith Talks or Climate Justice Programs? I am inspired by the work being done and their sharing.

Shalom

Jeannine “Jeannie” Lish,
Puget Sound Missional District President