United Women in Faith
Formerly UMW
United Methodist Women has changed its name to United Women in Faith
The Purpose
The organized unit of United Women in Faith shall be a community of women whose purpose is to know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ; to develop a creative, supportive fellowship; and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church
To the woman who finds meaning in her church and is drawn to its fellowship; whose life is packed full of activity and obligations; who struggles with loneliness or a sense of failure; who juggles jobs and family, and tries to be faithful to both; who wants to combine classroom study with significant fellowship and outreach opportunities; who seems overburdened with the traditional woman’s role of the caregiver; who feels she has gifts which are wasted or undeveloped; who wants to be accepted for who she is; or who needs a supportive community to affirm her own sense of purpose and commitment to God…
We invite you to membership in United Women in Faith.
Are you in a UWF Circle? What is a Circle?
Webster defines a circle as a noun: a group of people bound together by common interests, and as a verb, to surround, to encompass. In United Women in Faith there exists a tradition of Circles, and UWF members take their Circles to heart: forming small “communities of women whose purpose is to know God, develop a creative, supportive fellowship, and participate in missions that represent the global ministries of the church.” When you are in a UWF Circle at West Des Moines United Methodist Church, you share common interests, and you are surrounded with love and support: always, in all ways. Here all women are invited and encouraged to come together in small groups, predominately gathering in a church meeting room to greet, eat, share devotions and serve God by participating in a mission project that serves less fortunate people in our community. Being in a Circle is an opportunity to be “the hands and feet of Jesus” in a supportive group, get to know each other, and have fun at the same time.
UWF states that its purpose is to experience community, freedom, and support…much of what happens in the Circles. When you are in a UWF Circle, and a difficult transition occurs, your Circle is there to surround you and minister to your hurts and troubles. Your Circle members bring food, give rides to doctors, and will send a card to brighten your day. They are like God; here, there, everywhere, spreading their love.
Are you in a UWF Circle? If not, why not? We encourage you to join a UWF Circle and feel the love. No woman should be without her Circle. Membership is open to all women who desire to belong.
2023 Officers
Co-Chair – Sue Smith
Co-Chair – Harva Paul
Treasurer – Linda Holz
Secretary – open
Coordinators
Spiritual Growth – Berneda Franson
Membership – Pat McNutt
Library – Mary Terp, Marilyn Mullin
Education – Evelyn Arnot
Programs – Jenny Blackford
Historian – Sandy Law
Publicity & Communications – Sandy Smith
Yearbook – Kathy Williams
Special Events – Marilyn Mullin, Judy Anderson
Nominating Committee – Jenny Blackford, Linda Holz
Upcoming Events
Circles
Here are the circles at WDMUMC who are looking forward to seeing you!
Esther-Miriam Circle: Meets the second Wednesday of each month at 9:30 a.m. in Wesley Center.
Quilting Circle: Meets every Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. in the Quilting Room.
Rachel Circle: Meets the second Wednesday of each month at 1:00 p.m. in the Wesley Center.
Rebekah Circle: Meets the second Wednesday of each month, January through December, except June, July, and August. Meetings are held in the 1st-floor Conference Room (Room 106).
Craft for a Cause: Meets the 1st Saturday of each month at 10:00 a.m. in Room 212.
For additional information and to talk further about what circle might fit your interests and schedule, call or text Sandy Smith at 515-491-6112. You may also email her at slsmith629@gmail.com
