Hello Sisters in Christ<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you are reading this, you must somehow be involved in United Women in Faith. Just as a building has a foundation and then several stories, United Women in Faith has several levels of involvement. Local, district, conference, and national opportunities await! I have been a Methodist and then a United Methodist my entire life. I knew of Women\u2019s groups in the church through my mom\u2019s involvement. Then, as a young woman, I occasionally participated if scheduling allowed. I also became a district officer. It was not until I retired that I got more fully involved in a local unit and then, for the past 3 years, at the conference level as the Membership Nurture and Outreach coordinator (MNO). Starting sooner, I would have had even more exposure and learning opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As a participant in a local unit, you have the opportunity to participate in and provide programming that exposes you and others to missional opportunities in your community and throughout the world. Each September, districts within the Pacific Northwest (PNW) Annual Conference hold an annual gathering. This opportunity allows women across the district to gather and experience and share events, ideas, and service opportunities. In October, the PNW Conference United Women in Faith holds its annual gathering. Again, speakers will present, officers will provide information, and attendees will meet and fellowship with multiple people across the conference. Check in this newsletter and on the conference website for additional information on these events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When a group or individual provides service to those around them, they also receive a great deal of satisfaction and experience through the opportunities. Below are a few of the recent programs I have had the pleasure of participating in, and those I am looking forward to participating in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mission u happened. If you were there, I hope you experienced Emmanuel in the beauty of Lazy F and with friends, new and old. Several people participated in Mission u for the first time. Others were there who have attended many times. Those who have come before hopefully enjoyed a new experience of being outdoors and communing with God around the camp. There were small groups and worship services that helped direct our focus on Experiencing Emmanuel. There was a wide range of ages and families that joined the group this year. I am already looking forward to next year\u2019s Mission u that focuses on Encountering the Stranger. I hope you will join us next July. The date will be announced soon. Watch for it, ask about it, and plan to participate!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before Mission u, I attended Assembly 2026. Assembly happens every four years and is a national event that happens across the United States. The theme was: Dream it, Believe it, Do it! In 2030, it will happen in Virginia. I think this is a long distance to travel. There are scholarships to this and all United Women in Faith events. This was an amazing opportunity that exposed me to even more social actions that United Women in Faith is involved in. It also provided a class on Soul Care. Remember, taking care of yourself is as important as the service you are involved in. The worship at this size event is inspiring beyond belief! Two years ago, I attended Jurisdictional in Anchorage, Alaska. This was the first national event I attended. I was given scholarship money to attend. In 2028, Jurisdiction will be held in Spokane. This is so close to all of us in the PNW Conference. Consider the possibilities. Attending is a great learning opportunity and an overall wonderful experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This fall, there will be district and conference-wide gatherings. Hopefully you and others from your church will be able to attend. Again, check in this newsletter and on the conference website for additional details. Invite a friend and carpool to an event. When you do, I would love to hear your feedback. Hopefully I will meet you there, as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However you choose to be involved, there is a place for you. If you have a question or want more information about United Women in Faith, contact someone in your church or at the district or conference level. How to get involved is up to you. You can do as much or as little as works for you. Know that conference and district officers are here to assist you on your journey. Please contact one of us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gail Simpson Membership, Nurture, and Outreach Coordinators,<\/p>\n\n\n\n Planning for the October Annual Meeting has been going on for a while now. We will be doing a memorial service honoring those from our units who have passed since our last gathering. Please send me the names and units of those in your district who have passed. Also include any units that have chosen to become inactive. We would like to acknowledge them as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you will be attending the Annual Meeting, please let me know. I want a representative from each district to assist with the memorial service. I need the names as soon as possible. Each name will be written on a stone, and this will take time to complete. You can always send additional names if needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thank you for your attention to this request.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gail Simpson
Membership, Nurture, and Outreach Coordinator<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nPreparing for the Annual Gathering<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Membership, Nurture, and Outreach Coordinator<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n