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!
Call for Nominations: 2026–2027 Leadership Offices
We are preparing the slate of nominees for our upcoming Annual Meeting and invite you to prayerfully consider women in our faith community who may be called to serve. Below is a list of open offices. At this time, no nominees have been confirmed, and we welcome your submissions.
To submit a nominee, please email Lillian C. Rogers Martin, Chairperson of the Nominations Committee at: admin@tumchtx.orgon or before September 19, 2025.
Important Note
No nominations will be accepted from the floor during the Annual Meeting on September 26, 2025.
Rationale: In the spirit of thoughtful discernment and respectful preparation, we ask that all nominations be submitted in advance. This allows the Nominations Committee to:
Prayerfully consider each candidate’s gifts and calling
Ensure nominees meet eligibility requirements and are willing to serve
Prepare a complete and transparent slate for review
Honor the time and process of our Annual Meeting with clarity and unity
This approach reflects our commitment to intentional leadership and fosters a spirit of collaboration and trust. We thank you for your understanding and support.
Job Descriptions
MISSION COORDINATOR FOR MEMBERSHIP NURTURE AND OUTREACH
The Mission Coordinator for Membership Nurture and Outreach shall actively assist the unit in fulfilling the PURPOSE. She shall:
Work with the Executive Committee to determine the needs of the membership, to enlist new members and to recommend ways for inactive members to participate.
Nurture the current membership and equip women in the church to support each other in leadership roles.
Work with the Executive Committee to become a supportive community and to provide regular creative fellowship activities for the unit.
Chair the Committee on Membership Nurture and Outreach where, one exists or, if there is no separate committee, chair the Executive Committee when dealing with matters relating to membership; serve on the Committees on Program and Finance where they exist.
Communications Co-Coordinator
The Communication Co-Coordinator shall:
Work with elected leadership in promoting the organization and PURPOSE and publicizing activities of United Women in Faith.
Provide training for the local unit mission team to develop skills and techniques in publicity; provide training for the local unit mission team to develop skills and techniques in publicity.
Establish contact with church and secular press; establish contact with church and secular press.
Serve as editor or cooperate with the editor of the Conference United Women in Faith’s newsletter, newspaper or column.
Serve on the Executive Committee and, where they exist, the Committees on Program, Finance, and Membership Nurture and Outreach. serve on the Executive Committee, and, where they exist.
All women are invited to join us for the Texas Conference Annual Meeting to be held at Lakeview Methodist Conference Center in Palestine, TX on September 26-27, 2025. Download the Program Guide here.
Registration
Registration should be completed by September 12. If you are registering by mail, the treasurer should receive your check by September 12.
Registration – Great Hall Dinner – Sparling Cafeteria Gather in Song & Ice Cream Social – Great Hall
Through the Lens of Faith: Stories That Shape Us Join us for an evening of reflection, storytelling, and sweet fellowship. This special event invites you to bring a photo, keepsake, or treasured item that represents a moment of faith, transformation, or spiritual heritage.
Saturday
7:15 – 7:45 am 8:00 am 8:15 am 8:45 am 9:00 am 12:00 noon 1:15 pm 2:45 pm 3:15 pm
Greet the Day Breakfast Registration for those arriving after breakfast Gather in Song Program/Annual Meeting Lunch Focus Group Closing Plenary/Communion Depart
Housing
There are two options for housing this year.
Dorm Housing – Many people to a room. You’ll need to bring your own linens for bed and bath, pillows and a flashlight.
1st Class Housing – Single or double occupancy. Linens & pillows are provided.
Food
There will be three meals available–a Friday meal, a Saturday breakfast, and a Saturday lunch. Your registration can include meals or you can bring your own food.
Speakers
Bee Moorhead
Bee is the Executive Director of Texas Impact and its sister organization, the Texas Impact Foundation. Since taking on this role in 2000, she has led Texas Impact to become one of the most respected interfaith advocacy networks in the country.
Under her leadership, the organization mobilizes tens of thousands of Texans from diverse faith traditions to advocate for policies that support vulnerable communities, local development, and environmental sustainability.
Bee’s expertise spans a wide range of policy areas, including health and human services, climate change, immigration, public budgets, and civic engagement. She has served on numerous state agency working groups and task forces, addressing issues from nursing home care to hurricane response. Additionally, she is a credentialed observer to the United Nations climate policy negotiations, attending the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change’s annual Conference of the Parties since 2015.
Bee Moorhead has played a pivotal role in Texas Impact’s partnership with the Texas United Women in Faith for their annual Legislative Event. This long-standing collaboration brings together women of faith and conscience from across Texas to engage in policy advocacy, leadership development, and community building. The event provides a platform for participants to meet with lawmakers, attend workshops on key social issues, and explore ways to put their faith into action through legislative engagement.
Under Bee’s leadership, Texas Impact has worked closely with Texas United Women in Faith to ensure that the event remains a powerful force for justice, freedom, and opportunity, particularly for women and children. The partnership has strengthened faith-based advocacy efforts, equipping attendees with the tools and knowledge to influence public policy in meaningful ways.
Bee Moorhead and her husband, Robert Moorhead, share a life filled with purpose, advocacy, and community engagement. They are proud parents to three adult children and two grandchildren. As a former professional costumer, Bee loves sewing and knitting, as well as cooking, gardening, reading, singing, and travel. She is an ordained ruling elder in the Presbyterian Church USA, and a member of University Presbyterian Church in Austin since 1983.
Kathleen Spangler
Kathleen Spangler works for a technology company helping to address the social issues that affect health. She attends Klein UMC and is currently in her third year of seminary at Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University. She is a certified candidate for deacon in the United Methodist Church.
Rev. Thea Curry-Fuson
Rev. Thea Curry-Fuson is an Ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church. After growing up unchurched, Thea had a relational experience with God overseas that sparked her call towards pastoral ministry, eager to be a part of the Jesus mission. She is passionate about having authentic conversations about Jesus and hearing how God is moving in others. Thea has an MDiv from Southern Methodist University and a previous career in nonprofit management before entering ministry. She and her husband, Wayne, live in Pearland TX.
Voting
On Saturday, we will be voting to approve our 2026 budget.
We will also be voting on some new officers. Note that all women are invited to join us at our Fall Meeting (invite your friends!); however, non-members will not be able to vote.
Hands-on Mission Kits
We will be collecting our hands-on mission kits at Lakeview, so don’t forget to bring them. You can read more details here.
On May 11th, members of Deer Park UWFaith held their traditional Mother’s Day Bake Sale. Members, along with volunteers from the DPUMC congregation, put together quite the assortment of confectionary treats! Besides the wonderful treats, the bake sale committee members also put up beautiful decorations and a photo backdrop for everyone to enjoy. Instead of pricing items, we welcome love offerings to support UWFaith’s mission work. The bake sale has become a very popular event at DPUMC to purchase delicious homemade treats made by special ladies for special ladies.
Deer Park
On May 18th, members of Deer Park UWFaith alongside their Youth Pastor, Joel Coulter, celebrated the graduating Class of 2025. Every year, Deer Park UWFaith offers DPUMC members graduating high school the opportunity to receive a scholarship. This year they had two scholarship recipients, one being a three-year Deer Park UWFaith member, Cori Grissom. Seniors and their families were invited to a catered luncheon provided by DPUMC Youth. UWFaith decorated and provided dessert for this amazing celebration luncheon. It was a beautiful day of faith, family, and love in our church – praying and celebrating these young adults as they start their next journey!
Southwest
Klein
Congratulations to Morgan Floyd, recipient of a $1050 Climate Justice scholarship from Klein United Women in Faith. Morgan will be using her scholarship to attend Ocean Conservation Camp in Galveston later in June. During her time there she will learn about carbon footprints, plastic pollution, endangered species, and habitat restoration. Morgan recently graduated from Klein Collins High School.
The Charter for Racial Justice is a crucial document adopted by the United Women in Faith (UWFaith) of the United Methodist Church. It was created to address and combat racism within the church and society. The charter emphasizes the belief that all people are God’s children and that racism is a rejection of Jesus Christ’s teachings.
The Texas Conference United Women in Faith actively supports and promotes this charter. We are committed to eliminating institutional racism, creating opportunities for honest discussions about racism, and working together to create a world where every person has a voice, rights and opportunity for an abundant life.
This year in concert with our Annual Meeting theme of Food, Faith, and Fellowship, we’ll be offering aprons for sale with the UWFaith logo embroidered on them.
The aprons are khaki in a 65/35 Cotton/polyester blend (so not much ironing needed). The cost is $25. Pre-order now, and you can pick yours up at Lakeview.
Important
Orders must be placed by Sunday, September 15th, 2024.
When paying, the site will ask you for a shipping address, so that we have a way to contact you. There WILL NOT be a shipping option. All aprons must be picked up by someone attending Fall Annual Meeting Lakeview.
There will be no guarantee that any will be available at Fall Meeting if you have not pre-ordered.
Texas Conference 