Fruit trees of all kinds will grow on both banks of the river. Their leaves will not wither, nor will their fruit fail. Every month they will bear fruit, because the water from the sanctuary flows to them. Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing.”
Ezekiel 47:12
Healing and Joy in our Journey to God was the theme of the 2022 Fall Annual Meeting of the Texas Conference of United Women in Faith. Led by President Carolyn Milby, women from across the conference joined together on Sept 10, 2022, via Zoom to conduct business, be inspired, and install new officers.
Milby welcomed the group with the hymn, My Jesus, I Love Thee, which was followed by an 9/11 remembrance led by Spiritual Growth officer, Lue Wenzel.
Treasurer Kathy Aubin led the Candle Burning special recognition ceremony. As part of their mission giving, units from across the district donated money in honor and in memory of special individuals in their unit to recognize their service to the organization. Aubin announced that the Conference had received over $3,000 this year as part of the Candle Burning donations.
Two women were recognized for their special service to the Conference. Vice-President Krystal West presented outgoing President Carolyn Milby with a Special Mission Recognition. Rev. Cheryl Smith received the Hazel Decker Award, which recognizes an outstanding woman in the Conference, for her work in Africa.
Kathy Kraiza, Education and Interpretation officer, presented a report on the 2022 Hands on Project. Districts from across the conference assembled kits of toiletries and supplies, which were combined to create care bags for disaster survivors. Over 200 adult care bags and 200 child care bags were assembled representing over $28,000 in donations from Texas Conference districts.
Paulette Moore-Hall updated the group on the new UWF brand standards and encouraged everyone to incorporate them in their communications and presentations.
Stacie Hawkins urged members to donate to the Legacy Endowment Fund by becoming a Legacy Builder, a Friend of Legacy, or by being a part of the 1869 Society. Created in 2014 with a goal of raising $60 million as a source of ongoing income, Hawkins reported that as of May 31, 2022, the Fund total stood at $35,920, 237.
The keynote speaker for the event was Dr Marilyn Stinson. Speaking on the meeting’s theme and scripture, Stinson invited members to follow Ezekiel’s example and:
- Focus on God
- Trust in the Lord and do good
- Be aware of God’s care each and every day
After a break, the business portion of the meeting was called to order during which new officers were elected for 2023 and the 2023 budget was adopted.
Milby led the group in the closing hymn, God Be With You Till We Meet Again, and then adjourned the meeting.
Texas Conference 