txconfumw Mission u

Join Us for the 2026 Mission u Program: A Deep Knowing

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.

Registration

Register

Cost

  • $20 for individuals attending on their own.
  • $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.

Register

How to Order the Book

Version 1.0.0
Version 1.0.0
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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.

ADULT: A DEEP KNOWING: Experiencing Emmanuel Through Every Part of Our Lives

YOUTH: God With Us: Experiencing God’s Presence in Our Lives

CHILDREN: Experiencing Emmanuel: United Women in Faith Children’s Curriculum

Meet our Mission u Dean

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.  

Register
txconfumw Uncategorized

2026 Texas Conference United Women in Faith Annual Luncheon

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.

Your presence will bless the table.

2026 TAC United Women in Faith Luncheon Ticket Link:
https://square.link/u/ftsajyjo

Contact Kathy Aubin (713-299-1713) to purchase tickets by check.

txconfumw Spring Retreat, Uncategorized

2026 Spring Spiritual Growth Event – March 14

Register

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. Hilda Marcel and Debra Ellis leading our focus groups.

  • Rev. Hilda Marcel 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

Register

Meet the Presenters

keynote speaker – Rachel Raborn Norris

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.

Register
txconfumw Uncategorized

Leadership Training Event – January 3, 2026

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

Office                                                                     Facilitator

  • 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!

    txconfumw Legislative Event

    2026 Legislative Event Registration is Open

    Click to Register

    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.

    Scholarships

    Scholarships are available for women 15-40 years of age. Contact Registrar Terry Schoenert for more information.

    Special scholarships for college enrolled women are also available.

    Click to Register

    txconfumw Fall Meeting, Hands-On Project

    Highlights from Texas Conference 2025 Annual Meeting at Lakeview

    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.

    Treasurer Kathy Aubin lit the Mission Candle. Members collected $2123.55 for the Candle in memory and honor of special people, so the candle burned for 3 hours and 22 minutes.

    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.

    txconfumw Fall Meeting, Uncategorized

    2025 Annual Meeting Registration is Open

    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.

    Register online
    download form to register by mail

    Schedule

    Friday

    3:00-5:00 pm
    5:30 pm
    7:00 pm

    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.

    Register today

    txconfumw Mission u

    Mission u 2025 Registration Open

    Register

    Interested in deepening your faith in community? Gaining experience interpreting Scripture? Working toward healing for yourself, your community, and all of creation? Mission u is for you!

    Mission u is a transformational study that is open to all who are interested in learning together for the transformation of the world.

    The theme is Practicing Hope, and it will take place via ZOOM on July 11-12, 2025, from 9:30-3:15 each day. Registration is $20.

    Register

    This year we will explore hope, particularly when hope seems hard to find. The curriculum asks questions such as: What is hope in the face of neofascism? What is hope in a time of genocide? How do we imagine a future for the next generation as our planet grows hotter by the season? What tools do we have to face these hard realities? How does Christ teach us to embody hope when our backs are against the wall? 

    This study’s purpose is to allow all of our communities to cultivate hope that is honest about our current conditions (refugia), hope that is restorative when everything feels urgent (rest), and hope that is possible even when we transgress (repair). 

    Our study leader this year is Linda Elms. In addition to being a previous Mission u leader, Linda has served as a Conference President, Spiritual Growth Coordinator, and Program Resource Officer. She was also a two-year member of the Program Advisory Group and served as Vice-President of the South Central Jurisdiction. Linda is a member of St Peter’s UMC in Katy.

    This year’s Mission u Dean is Ashley Mayho. Ashley currently serves as the Program Resources coordinator and the Language Coordinator for the Texas Conference UWFaith. She is also the serves as the Social Action coordinator for Literacy for her local unit. Ashley is a member of Klein UMC in Spring.

    Mission u 2025 Agenda

    Friday, July 11

    • 9:30-9:45 am – Gathering Time
    • 9:45-10:15 am – Opening Worship
    • 10:20-11:20 am – Session 1
    • 11:25 am-12:25 pm – Session 2
    • 30-minute lunch break
    • 12:55-1:55 pm – Session 3
    • 2:00-3:00 pm – Session 4
    • 3:00-3-15 pm – Closing & Announcements

    Saturday, July 12th

    • 9:30-9:45 – Gathering Time
    • 9:45-9:55 am – Announcements
    • 10:00-11:00 am – Session 5
    • 11:05 am-12:05 pm – Session 6
    • 30-minute lunch break
    • 12:35-1:35 pm – Session 7
    • 1:40-2:40 pm – Session 8
    • 2:45-3:15 pm – Closing Worship

    Mission u Resources

    The Adult Study Book is not required for to attend the study, but if you would like to purchase a copy for yourself, you can get order your own copy. You can also download invite posters/flyers for free.

    Mission u Author

    Tabatha Holley is the former pastor of New Day Church in Bronx, New York, a writer in the 2024-2025 Sojourners Opinion Writing Cohort, and founder of A Space to Land, LLC, which provides holistic, interfaith services to individuals and communities ranging from funerals and weddings to workshops, curriculum development, and conflict mediation.

    Mission u on Faith Talks Podcast

    The UWFaith podcast Faith Talks recently featured the authors of Practicing Hope on one of their episodes. You can listen to the recording on UWFaith Digital or on the UWFaith website.

    How do you Mission u?

    Mission u will be presented this year via Zoom, but if watching a computer screen by yourself isn’t your cup of tea, consider gathering your friends and watching the presentation together. When the agenda calls for small groups to discuss, your group can be its own breakout room. Each participant is asked to register independently, but there is an option to register as part of a group.

    Register
    txconfumw Annual Luncheon

    UWFaith Luncheon Planned for Annual Conference

    Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
    Ephesians 4:2-3 (NIV)

    Purchase $35 Ticket

    The 2025 United Women in Faith luncheon will be held Monday, May 26, at the Hilton Americas Hotel in downtown Houston from noon to 1:30 p.m. The hotel is located at 1600 Lamar St. All women from across the Texas Conference (and friends from further away) are invited to attend.

    The theme of this year’s event is Together We Rise: Faith, Love, and Unity, Celebrating at the Table. The keynote speaker will be Rev. Elizabeth Duffin, the Southwest District Superintendent. This year’s Hazel Decker Award will also be announced.

    Elizabeth Duffin has served as the District Superintendent of the Southwest District since 2023.  She previously served as the senior pastor of First UMC Missouri City.  Other appointments include the Associate Director in the Center for Clergy Excellence, and pastoral positions in northwest Houston and Beaumont.  She is a graduate of Duke Divinity School and Davidson College.  She serves on the Board of Ordained Ministry and was a General Conference delegate.  Elizabeth is married to Seann, the senior pastor of Memorial Drive UMC, and they have two children.

    Purchase $35 Ticket
    txconfumw Day of Giving, Events

    2025 Day of Giving – March 23

    On March 23 of each we celebrate the birthday of United Women in Faith with a special Day of Giving offering. This year we plan to meet via Zoom to celebrate with a special Texas version of the event. Everyone is encouraged to wear their best western gear. Hats on, ladies!

    Register here.

    Why March 23?

    On this date in 1869, a group of eight intrepid women founded the Woman’s Foreign Missionary Society, the forerunner of United Women in Faith. Their vision was to create educational opportunities and provide health care to women in India. These founding women invited others to join their mission through their prayers and two pennies. Thus, a movement of faith and generosity in action was born.

    The Legacy Endowment Fund

    The Legacy Endowment Fund of United Women in Faith is a permanently invested endowment that supports the work of improving the lives of women, children, and youth at home and abroad.

    Ways to Give

    • Online
    • By phone: 800-278-7771 (8 am – 5 pm EST, Mon-Fri and Sunday, March 23)
    • Text: Text “FUTURE” to 20503
    • By Check:
      Make checks payable to:
      United Women in Faith
      Attn: Legacy
      Church Center for the United Nations
      777 United Nations Plaza, 11th Floor
      New York, NY 10017
      (Write “Day of Giving” in the memo section)

    Join Us in Giving for Generations to Come

    • Become a Legacy Builder by pledging to make a monthly donation of $18.69 or more.
    • Become a Friend of Legacy by making a gift of $5,000 or more. For more information, please contact Development at 800-278-7771.
    • Join the 1869 Society by making a planned gift through a will bequest, gift of stock or securities, or donation of other non-cash assets.
    • For more information about The Legacy Endowment Fund, visit: Legacy Fund | United Women in Faith, call 1-800-278-7771, or email legacy150@uwfaith.org.