At the 2026 Annual Lunch. Theresa Graham was award the 2026 Hazel Decker Award.
Theresa Graham, a native of Louisiana, has dedicated her life to service, leadership, and faithful discipleship. Her professional career spans more than three decades, including 17 years with Sears & Roebuck as Administrative Assistant to area buyers, 10 years as Group Manager with National Pacific Dental Insurance, and 10 years with Stork Engineering in Front Desk/Security. She currently serves part‑time as an Event Coordinator for Senior and Family Properties, continuing her lifelong commitment to supporting others.
A devoted member of Crossroads United Methodist Church, Theresa serves as a Worship Assistant, sings in the Traditional Choir, teaches Sunday School, and leads Children’s Church. She is also a Certified Lay Speaker in the Texas Conference, sharing God’s Word with clarity and passion.
Theresa has held numerous leadership roles within United Women in Faith (formerly United Methodist Women). In her local unit, she served as President, Secretary, and Treasurer. At the district level, she served as Spiritual Growth Coordinator, Vice President, Interim District President of the Beaumont District (2004), and President of the former South District. Her conference leadership includes Education & Interpretation, Social Action, and current Conference President.
Her involvement in United Women in Faith has taken her to places she never imagined broadening her horizons, deepening her faith, and strengthening her commitment to mission ministry.
Theresa considers her greatest achievement to be growing closer to God and living as a servant to all.
She is the proud mother of one son and continues to inspire others through her faith, humility, and unwavering dedication to service.
Please join us in celebrating the 2026 recipient of the Texas Conference UWF Hazel Decker Award. Ms. Theresa M. Graham
What does it feel like when thousands of believing women from around the world meet for fellowship, worship, and learning? Unstoppable!
The Indianapolis Convention Center was rocking May 15-17, 2026, as Methodist women joined together for Assembly 2026. The theme this year was Dream It ! Believe It! Do It!, and everyone left ready to bring the hands and feet of Jesus to the streets.
Part of the Texas Delegation with their bluebonnet scarves
The Texas Conference was blessed to witness the consecration of new deaconess, Kristen Tropeano, of Strawbridge UMC in Kingwood.
Bishop Tracey Smith Malone with Kristen Tropeano
Texas was also pleased to bring home the 1869 Award at the Legacy Banquet, honoring the Conference with the most new 1869 members.
Legacy Liaison Stacie Hawkins and Conference President show off their new award.
The keynote speakers of the event were Stacey Abrams and her mother, retired United Methodist pastor, Rev. Carolyn Abrams, who charged us to resist authoritarianism.
The announcement was made that Assembly 2030 will be held in Richmond, Virginia. Start saving now!
Feeling overwhelmed and in need of a little soul care?
United Women in Faith surveyed women of all ages, ethnicities, and cultures and found that women are seeking experiences that embody both self-care and spiritual rejuvenation, what we call soul care.
Join us Saturday, June 27th, 2026 at CrossRoads UMC, 10030 Scarsdale Blvd.,Houston 77089 for a meaningful day created especially for women. Through practical tools, encouraging fellowship, and Bible-based teaching, this retreat will help you care for your spirit and make space for renewal, restoration and a fresh redesign of your inner life.
This year’s theme is Building Your Inner Foundation One Sacred Block at a Time.
Gathering & sign in at 9:30 am. Event begins at 10 am. Events concludes at 3 pm.
You will hear from our inspiring presenters who will guide you through important areas of spiritual self-care, offering insight, encouragement, and scripture-centered tools you can carry with you long after the retreat ends.
Foundation – The Baseplate of the Soul; Chaplin Cynthia Johnson
Small Sacred Blocks – Daily Practices that Transform; Rev. Hilda Marcel
Rebuilding – Permission to Begin Again; Rev. Thea Curry Fuson
What to Expect
Throughout the retreat, you can look forward to:
Meaningful worship and encouraging, scripture based teaching
Practical tools for spiritual self-care and everyday renewal
Time for reflection, connection and heartfelt conversation
A welcoming community of women growing in faith together
You will leave refreshed, encouraged, and spiritually renewed – with new tools, deeper insight, and a stronger sense of how God is restoring and reshaping your life. We would love you to join us for this special day of growth, grace and renewal.
Each year, United Women in Faith develops a justice-focused Biblical curricula for adults, youth, and children, all on a common theme. In 2026, our theme is Experiencing Emmanuel. Our focus on developing three curricula around one common theme means that Mission u offers a unique opportunity for faith communities to create powerful intergenerational learning experiences.
On July 9-11, United Women in Faith of the Texas Conference will come together via Zoom for the adult study, A DEEP KNOWING: Experiencing Emmanuel Through Every Part of Our Lives.
$15 per person for individuals attending in a group.
Schedule
All sessions will be held via Zoom.
Opening worship will be held THURSDAY EVENING, July 9, from 7:00-8:00 p.m. If you’re a working woman, here is an opportunity for you to join us for this time of preparation and intention.
Regular sessions will be held Friday and Saturday, July 10-11, from 9:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. each day.
How to Participate
After you register you will receive a Zoom link to join the meeting. However, just because this event will be held via Zoom doesn’t mean that you have to participate by yourself. Some units meet as a group and participate in the Zoom meeting together. It’s the best of both worlds!
Make plans now to find a meeting room with a computer and screen to experience this event together.
Meet our Study Leader
Ellen Lipsey is an educator, retired from Texas public schools after teaching elementary grades for 31 years. She is a lifelong member of United Women in Faith—a gift from her mother. Lipsey is dedicated to transformative education and advocacy, seeking justice for women, children, and youth. She has served in various leadership positions on each level of United Women in Faith and as a study leader, trainer, and dean of Mission u. Lipsey co-authored the leaders’ guide for the text used in the 2018 Mission u Study, Embracing Wholeness: An Earth Perspective for Covenantal Living and she is a contributor for the 2026 Mission u Study, A Deep Knowing: Experiencing Emmanuel Through Every Part of Our Lives. She currently serves as a member of the board of McCurdy Ministries, one of United Women in Faith’s National Mission Institutions.
About the Study
In A Deep Knowing: Experiencing Emmanuel Through Every Part of Our Lives, author Linda Furtado invites you to encounter “God with us” in powerful, personal, and transformative ways. This eight-session curriculum opens a path to explore how Emmanuel is revealed throughout Scripture—and how that same divine presence continues to walk with us today.
Each session encourages you to pause, reflect, and take a closer look at the stories of faith found in the Bible. Through thoughtful readings, meaningful discussions, and personal reflection, you’ll uncover connections between those ancient stories and your own life. As you journey with others, you’ll explore how God is present amid justice struggles, adversity, community heritage, and deep spiritual relationships.
Whether the stories are familiar or new, each encounter offers the opportunity to see Scripture with fresh eyes and gain a deeper understanding. This curriculum creates sacred space for spiritual growth, shared insight, and mutual support.
You do not need a book to participate; however, if you would like a copy, you can purchase it on Amazon. The curriculum also includes a youth study and a children’s study all on the Experiencing Emmanuel theme.
Our Mission u Dean this year is Susan Muzny. Susan has been married to her husband, John, for 55 years, and they have 2 daughters and 4 grandsons. Susan spent her career in classroom, teach high school math for about 17 years.
She served as a local officer at Livingston First UMC and as a district officer in UWFaith.
She is currently attending Onalaska UMC , is a liaison for the conference in the Northeast district, and is a member of the Texas Conference nominating committee.
She enjoys attending the annual Texas Impact legislative event and is an active participant in their action alert Zoom meeting. Susan just attended her first Assembly in Indianapolis in May 2026.
Happening during Texas UMC Annual Conference Meeting on Monday, May 25, 2026,12:00 PM – 1:15 PM, Hilton Americas Hotel
Theme: “Gathered at the Table: Mapping Our Way Forward in Fellowship”Guest Speaker: Rev. Dr. Deborah Vaughn, Metro District Superintendent – All are welcome!
In a world that often pulls us in many directions, there is something sacred about pausing to gather shoulder to shoulder, heart to heart around a shared table. This year, the United Women in Faith invite you to a luncheon designed to nourish both body and spirit as we reflect on God’s call to journey forward together.
With our theme, “Gathered at the Table: Mapping Our Way Forward in Fellowship,” we celebrate the holy spaces where stories are shared, friendships are strengthened, and new paths are discerned. As we look toward the future of our mission and ministry, we do so with hope, courage, and the assurance that God meets us wherever we gather in love.
We are honored to welcome Rev. Dr. Deborah Vaughn, Metro District Superintendent, whose wisdom and leadership continue to inspire faithful service across our conference. Her message will encourage us to listen deeply, walk boldly, and trust God’s guiding hand as we chart the road ahead.
Come be part of this uplifting time of connection, reflection, and joyful fellowship.
He said, “Can I not do with you, Israel, as this potter does?” declares the Lord. “Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, Israel. Jeremiah 18:3-6 (NIV)
Dear Sisters in Faith,
I am overjoyed to share that registration for the United Women in Faith Spring Spiritual Growth Retreat is now open! We invite you to join us on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Klein United Methodist Church 5920 Farm to Market 2920, Spring, TX 77388 for a day set apart for renewal, reflection, and purpose.
Our theme this year, “Shaped by Grace: Becoming Vessels of Purpose,” invites us to step into the loving hands of the Divine Potter and allow God to form, refine, and empower us for the work we are called to do.
We are blessed to welcome Rachel Raborn Norris as our guest speaker. Her wisdom, warmth, and Spirit‑led insight will guide us deeper into understanding how God shapes our lives with intention and grace, a truth made vivid as we watch Rachel at her potter’s wheel and witnessed her at work as a potter firsthand.
We are also honored to have Rev. HildaMarcel and Debra Ellis leading our focus groups.
Rev. HildaMarcel will offer a powerful session designed to help us discover how God’s grace shapes us from rough places into vessels of purpose. Through the imagery of the Potter and the clay, this session explores how God transforms our failures, fears, and flaws into something beautiful for His glory. Join us for a reflective journey into the power of grace at work in our lives.
Debra Ellis will share inspiring stories and reflections from her recent mission trip to Gilgil, Kenya, offering a firsthand look at how God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things.
To ensure everyone can participate, we are pleased to offer a virtual option for those who cannot be with us on-site. Whether in person or from home, you will be fully included in the worship, teaching, and fellowship of the day.
Throughout the retreat, attendees can expect:
Meaningful worship and Spirit‑filled teaching
Opportunities for personal reflection and group connection
Practical tools for spiritual growth
Stories that inspire courage, compassion, and renewed purpose
A warm, welcoming community of women seeking God together
You will leave feeling refreshed, encouraged, and spiritually strengthened, more aware of how God is shaping your life and more confident in the purpose God is calling you to live out.
We cannot wait to gather with you for this beautiful day of growth and grace. Register today and invite a friend to join you!
With love and anticipation, Paulette Moore-Hall, VP/Program Coordinator
Rachel Norris is not surprised that she is a potter, but she is amazed at how God has used pottery in her life. She has been making pottery for over thirty years now. She and her husband own Joy Pottery in Bryan, Texas where they make and sell handmade, functional, stoneware. She loves to work with clay because it is an incredibly versatile material, so very individual and universal at the same time.
You are invited to come and learn more about the Heavenly Father by exploring a word picture He provides in His Word. Discover the richness of the layers of meaning in the portrayal of the potter and the clay by observing the work of a potter firsthand. You will be awed and amazed by the insights into the hand of God in your own life through this experience.
focus leader – pastor hilda marcel
Pastor Hilda Marcel is a native Houstonian. She counts it all joy to help others by sharing the love of God through the word of God and service.
She desires to effect change by challenging others to grow from hearers to doers using the 3 C’s of Life. She is actively answering her call to share Christ’s love and make disciples of all nations in her local church and community.
Driven by her commitment to developing a Community of Care through the love of Christ, she founded LueWish, a non-profit organization that grants wishes to women who are experiencing life-altering issues due to cancer, heart disease, and domestic violence.
Pastor Hilda enjoys serving the needs of others as a local Pastor, Workforce Solution Specialist, Professional Christian Life Coach, Board-Certified Mental Health Coach, mediator, and community volunteer, where she helps others move from “doing” to “being” to fulfill their God-given purpose. Pastor Hilda has one son, Jonathan, and five beautiful grandchildren. She enjoys reading, cooking, road trips, and dancing. Hilda lives by the motto: I won’t fail the love the test.
focus leader – debra ellis
Debra Ellis is a devoted member of United Women in Faith whose passion for service, mission, and spiritual growth is reflected in every area of her life. She is actively involved at John Wesley Methodist Church in Houston, where she serves in the Women’s Sunday School Class by sharing prayer requests and writing weekly words of encouragement.
Debra also serves as an usher, joyfully welcoming newcomers into worship, and participates in the Homebound Communion Ministry, bringing communion to those unable to attend in person. She is involved in Faith Circle and supports charitable organizations, especially those that serve children, including Northwest Assistance Ministries and The Children’s Activity Center.
Debra recently returned from a transformative mission trip to Gilgil, Kenya, where she and her team focused on walking alongside the community with humility and compassion. Beyond her church, she supports organizations such as the Houston SPCA, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Methodist Children’s Home (Waco), Tupelo Children’s Mansion, Houston Food Bank, and World Vision. Known for her warm spirit and authentic connection with others, Debra looks forward to leading her focus group at the Spring Spiritual Growth Retreat and creating a welcoming space for women to reflect, grow, and discover God’s purpose in their lives.
We are excited to invite you to our upcoming Leadership Development Training on Saturday, January 3, 2026, held virtually via Zoom.
Our theme this year is: “Mapping Our Way Forward: Faith as Our Compass, Service as Our Path.”
This training is designed to equip, inspire, and strengthen leaders in their respective roles as we continue our mission of faith, service, and justice.
Please note this is not only for current officers, it is also open to all women interested in learning more about leadership roles and responsibilities. Whether you are discerning a call to serve, curious about how our organization works, or simply eager to grow in faith and leadership, you are warmly invited to attend. Together, we will discover how faith guides us and service shapes our path forward.
Date: Saturday, January 3, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Zoom (link will be provided upon registration)
Training Focus by Office
OfficeFacilitator
President Theresa Graham Leading with vision, fostering unity, and guiding the organization’s mission.
Program Coordinator/VP Paulette Moore-Hall Planning impactful programs that align with our spiritual and social priorities.
Secretary Debra Wroblewski Strengthening communication and record-keeping to ensure clarity and accountability.
Treasurer Kathy Aubin Stewarding financial resources with transparency and faithfulness.
Spiritual Growth Carolyn Milby Nurturing the spiritual life of members through prayer, study, and worship.
Education and Interpretation Kathy Kraiza Helping members connect faith with action through learning and storytelling.
Social Action Dorothy Ringer-Sumner Mobilizing advocacy and justice initiatives that reflect our commitment to serving communities.
Membership, Nurture, and Outreach Gwen Mason & Allison Coley Building relationships, welcoming new members, and sustaining engagement.
Resource Room Management Ashley Mayo Organizing and maintaining materials that support our mission and programs.
Communication Coordinator Valerie Adame & Evette Warren Enhancing visibility and connection through newsletters, social media, and outreach tools.
Committee on Nominations Lillian Rogers-Martin Identifying and encouraging new leaders to serve faithfully and effectively.
Why Attend?
This training will provide practical tools, spiritual encouragement, and collaborative learning to help each leader thrive in her role. Together, we will chart a faithful path forward, guided by God’s compass and strengthened by our shared commitment to service.
Registration open soon. We look forward to seeing you and walking this journey together!
Texas United Women in Faith invite women of faith from across Texas to the 39th annual Texas Legislative Event! We welcome all who are committed to justice, freedom, and opportunity for all people, especially women and children. Presented in partnership with Texas Impact, the event includes two days of speakers, inspiration, and workshops where you can connect with women like you, who are ready to put their faith into action. On the third day of the event, attendees will visit the Capitol and meet with lawmakers.
Event Schedule
Sunday, January 25: 1:00PM to 8:00PM
Monday, January 26: 8:00AM to 7:00PM
Tuesday, January 27: 7:30AM to Noon
Start and end times are for both in-person and virtual workshops on Sunday and Monday ONLY. On Tuesday there is no virtual programming, as we will be at the Capitol.
Please note there will generous breaks on all three days!
Register now to explore the issues, be inspired, and learn to advocate for public policies that promote the well-being of all Texans. Sign up using this form to attend in-person or online. Legislative Event will be at the Holiday Inn-Midtown in Austin. In-person registration includes lunch and dinner. Hotel guests receive complimentary breakfast. Guest tickets for meals are available for Sunday dinner, Monday lunch, and Monday dinner. Each meal ticket includes the mealtime speaker presentation.
Registration Deadlines
In-Person
Early Bird Discount Registration Deadline: December 14, 2025
Priority Registration Deadline: January 16 (to be sure your legislative visits are scheduled)
Final Registration Deadline: January 24 or when event capacity is reached
You are responsible for making your own hotel reservations.
Virtual Only
No deadline, but register by January 19 to be sure to receive important event information before the event.
If you choose to participate online, you will receive Zoom links and other information in early January.
Lodging
For those participating in-person, please note that you are responsible for making your own hotel reservations.
The Holiday Inn provides Legislative Event a special room rate of $129/night for 1-2 guest per room, $149/night for 3-4 guests per room. The rate includes breakfast all the days of your stay. Please make hotel reservations directly with the Holiday Inn-Midtown in Austin. Use code UWF to receive the special room rate.
Please note that you are not required to stay at the Holiday Inn. If you choose other lodging, you are responsible for your own transportation to and from the event, as well as your own breakfasts.
United Women in Faith members from across the Texas Conference met at Lakeview Methodist Conference Center on September 26-27 to celebrate the 2025 Annual Meeting. This year’s theme was Carrying Our Faith Forward: Empowering Generations Through Faith.
The festivities began Friday morning when Conference officers met in executive session to hear yearly reports and to look ahead to upcoming events.
That evening we participated in the Friday Night Experience and lived into the theme of Carrying our Faith Forward, highlighting our own stories of generational faith. Our speaker, Rose Brewer, told us how her experiences on the Committee on Native Americans (CONAM) led to a deeper faith. Afterward women shared pictures and stories of those who had helped shape their own faith. Paulette Moore-Hall, Conference Program officer, followed with the story of The Lantern in the Storm. We ended the evening with an ice cream social and lots of laughter.
Saturday began with a Greet the Day service led by Kyle Dahlem who reminded us that when God says he is going to do a new thing, it means change is coming. Get ready.
After breakfast the Annual Meeting began with a welcome from President Theresa Graham and from the Lakeview staff. After the singing of a hymn, a devotion from the Prayer Calendar, and the Response Moment, Stephanie Pounds, who represents the Texas Conference on the UWFaith National Board of Directors, greeted members and introduced our new growth campaign, #unstoppable. She also reminded members of the need to give boldly to Mission Giving to stand in the gap for National Mission Institution who are facing funding cuts. She also announced that the 2026 Reading Program catalog is available.
Stacie Hawkins, President of the South Central Jurisdiction followed and encouraged us to each welcome three new women in the next year to help us reach our growth goal of 30,000 new members this year. She also encouraged everyone to sign up for Assembly 2026 in Indianapolis. Stacie highlighted two online resources, the Leadership Toolkit for officers and the short film, Never Give Up: Cynthia and Michelle’s Faithful Fight Against Mass Incarceration. She finished with an update on the Legacy Endowment Fund which currently stands at $51,183,800, and she recognized the Legacy Builders from within the Texas Conference.
Legacy Builders from the Texas Conference
Priscilla Patterson, Chair of the Nominations Committee of the South Central Jurisdiction, brought greetings and encouraged everyone to attend assembly and to consider stepping up to be an officer at the jurisdiction level.
Keynote speaker, Bee Morehead, was unable to attend in person and so addressed us via Zoom. She reminded us that the Texas Health and Human Services department will be under that microscope in the next session the Texas Legislature as part of a sunset review. She also reminded us that work to protect voting rights is ongoing. Check out her short voting rights video. After Bee’s talk, Theresa Graham presented Bee with a Special Mission Recognition pin.
The first session ended with the procession of the feminine hygiene kits, which were presented to the United Methodist Mission Center located in Conroe. Members brought 621 kits to Lakeview, and more are expected to be donated in the next few weeks. In addition, $1857 was given to help buy and distribute kits.
The annual business meeting took place during the second session. During the meeting we adopted new standing rules, approved the budget for 2026, and elected two new officers, Rhonda Carpenter, First UMC Huntsville, Membership Nurture and Outreach, and Evette Warren, Friendship UMC, Communications.
Kathy Kraiza took a moment to remind us where the money goes (and where it doesn’t). We recognized Gwen Mason who retired as the Membership Nurture and Outreach officer, and then Linda Elms led the installation of the two new officers.
At the conclusion of the business meeting, Kathleen Spangler led us in our first focus group, Faithful Footsteps: Learning from Women’s Leadership in Christian Social Action. Kathleen reminded us that our foremothers had a “both…and” faith that stressed both individual piety and social action by telling us the stories of Jarena Lee, Lucy Rider Meyer, Georgia Harkness, and Minerva G. Carcaño.
After lunch we participated in table talk facilitated by Rev. Thea Curry-Fuson during her focus group, Ashamed and Redeemed. Rev Curry helped us apply our theme scripture 2 Timothy 1:5 and the surrounding text. We were reminded to remember and rekindle the gift of God and that community is powerful.
Closing worship followed as musicians Mark Williams and Florence Snyder led us in song, Rev Curry-Fuson extended the Eucharist to each of us. The meeting ended with hugs and smiles as we sang “God Be With You Til We Meet Again.”
Do you have pictures you’d like to share? Send them to news@uwfaithtx.com.
Texas Conference 