Celebrating the Women: UWF Sunday

In most congregations, at least one Sunday is set aside each year to acknowledge the leadership, sacrifice and witness that is provided specifically by the women of the church. Churches have various traditions to not only acknowledge the significant service of women; the services also inform the congregation of the purpose of the United Women in Faith. Although change can be very difficult (even after several years), and many people still refer to the UMW (the UWF was formerly known as the United Methodist Women), it is the work rather than the label that is so notable.

Christ UMC is exceptionally fortunate to have two very active circles of the UWF. Mary Land serves as the president of our unit of our UWF. While most United Methodist congregations have a unit of the UWF, many only have a single circle. Other congregations struggle to engage younger women in this key ministry area of the church. However, UWF at Christ hosts several events that attract relatively large groups of women from other churches and the events are attended by women of varying ages. It’s especially encouraging to see even the teenaged girls assisting their parents and grandparents.

The special guest speaker for UWF Sunday is Lisa Rigoni. Lisa is the Development Director for the MidWest Mission. She has been on staff at the Midwest Mission over five years. Because the church will be participating in a collaborative packing event with other United Methodist congregations in the area next Sunday (10/18), Lisa’s visit is particularly timely. The MidWest Mission represents a collaborative effort of United Methodists in Illinois to respond to needs in the area and to provide a coordinated response to these needs.

Sometimes we are challenged by disasters that occur around us and the needs can seem overwhelming. Most people have a desire to respond, but aren’t always sure what difference a single individual can make. The desire to help isn’t limited by age, however individual efforts can seem inadequate. Since its inception in 2000, women, men, individuals and congregations have volunteered their efforts to serve as “helping hands.”

Some youth volunteer at the MidWest Mission with older members of their family and other youth have learned about the MidWest Mission through their involvement with the youth group at their churches. We’ll look forward to hearing more from Lisa about additional opportunities to volunteer at the MidWest Mission.

We’ll look forward to hearing from Lisa, seeing you in worship and on the mission field.

In Christ,

Jon McCoy