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.
Registration is now open for the Texas Conference Fall Annual Meeting to take place at Lakeview Methodist Conference Center outside Palestine, TX on September 27-28. We are excited to announce that the General Secretary and CEO of United Women in Faith, Sally Vonner, will join us as our keynote speaker.
To show our appreciation for all that Sally has done during her first year as General Secretary, the Texas Conference will present her with a Special Mission Recognition Award. During the registration process, individuals are invited to contribute to purchasing the pin Sally will receive. Units can also contribute by contacting treasurer, Kathy Aubin.
Our theme this year is Food, Faith, and Fellowship. You are all invited to wear your best apron and bring a recipe to share during our Friday night fellowship time. Don’t have an apron? We’ll have some for sale with the UWFaith logo! Stay tuned for more details.
Rev. Ellen Thornburg, Associate Pastor at Love UMC, Rev. Eleanor Colvin, Senior Pastor at Westbury UMC, and Rev. Jennifer Hodson, Pastor at Bryan Community Church, round out our list of dynamic speakers and workshop leaders.
On June 10, 2024, women from across the Texas Conference met to break bread–cheese bread to be exact–and fellowship with their sisters during the Texas Annual Conference. The Annual Luncheon was held in the Rose Garden Room of the Westchase Marriott, and more than 60 women attended.
President Theresa Graham welcomed all to the table, and Deb Wroblewski, Program Resource Officer, delivered the devotional.
President, Theresa GrahamDeb Wroblewski, Program Resource Officer
Carla Cardoza, President of the Lydia Patterson Institute (LPI) in El Paso, stepped to the podium next to share the story of their school. LPI has a rich history of nurturing academic excellence and spiritual growth, and they are looking to partner with women from the Texas Conference. You can learn more about the great work being done by the Institute in this video. If you would like to contact Ms. Cardoza to discuss ways to collaborate, her email is c.cardoza@lpi-elpaso.org.
Carla Cardoza, President, Lydia Patterson Institute
Following that Theresa introduced the very-deserving recipient of the 2024 Hazel Decker Award, Stacie Hawkins. Stacie currently serves as the Vice-President of the Texas Conference and she recently served as a delegate to the General Conference of the United Methodist Church. In addition, she has been nominated as President of the South Central Jurisdiction of United Women in Faith, with the election coming up at the end of June.
Stacie Hawkins, Hazel Decker Award Recipient with President, Theresa Graham
In her acceptance speech, Stacie spoke of her long association with United Women in Faith and how she was nurtured by the women at Windsor Village UMC.
Keynote speaker, Rev. Romonica Malone-Wardley, who currently serves as Assistant to the Bishop, based her talk on Acts 10. She asked us to consider how Peter and Cornelius might have wanted to “other” each other, but instead, by working with people with whom they might not normally work, they became witnesses to the miraculous power of the Holy Spirit.
Rev. Romonica Malone-Wardley
Theresa closed the meeting by presenting Romonica with a Special Recognition Pin, and Romonica closed us all in prayer.
Make plans now to attend Mission u 2024 on July 12-13 via Zoom. Register today!
What is Mission u? Each year, United Women in Faith develops three justice-focused Biblical curricula for adults, youth, and children, all on a common theme. In 2024, our theme is The Kin-dom Is Among You: Drawing Closer to God and One Another, and the adult curriculum is entitled Welcome Home. The eight-part series was written by Neomi Fletcher who will be our Texas Conference Mission u leader this year.
Mission u will take place over two days, Friday, July 12 and Saturday, July 13. Each day will last from 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. and will include worship and study time. The event will be broadcast via Zoom. You can watch the Zoom at home, or you can make plans to watch it together with your unit! The registration fee is $20 per person whether you watch by yourself or with a group.
We are excited to announce a special gathering of the women of the Metro District taking place on May 4 from 2-4 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church. This event promises to be a wonderful opportunity for fellowship, connection, and community building. We welcome all members and friends to join us for this special occasion. There will be engaging activities, meaningful conversations, and of course, refreshments to enjoy. We look forward to seeing you there as we come together to celebrate and strengthen our bonds.
On January 20, 2024, Winnie-Stowell United Women in Faith hosted the first gathering of the new Southeast District. Twenty-five women from Santa Fe to Beaumont braved freezing temperatures to hear Kandy Lawson, 2023 president of South District, outline issues facing the newly reconstituted district.
Several conference officers—President Theresa Graham, Vice-President Stacie Hawkins, Treasurer Kathy Aubin, and Program Resources Chair Debra Wroblewski—joined the group also.
Rev. Jared Grosse, pastor of First United Methodist Church, Winnie-Stowell, officiated a communion service and blessed the lunch that concluded the gathering. Fortified with hearty soups and salads, attendees returned home with inspiration for the coming year.
A New and Serious Response was the theme of this year’s Texas Legislative Event (TLE). The event provides annual training and information on statewide public policy issues and pending legislation to educate and equip women to do justice by putting their faith, hope and love in action to fulfill the purpose of the United Women in Faith. The event is organized by the United Women in Faith and their advocacy partner, Texas Impact.
Attendees were presented with an election year overview of the legislative priorities for 2023-2024 and their impact on the March 6th primary elections. The overview was followed by issue briefings on reproductive policy, climate justice, public school vouchers, gun violence, immigration, voter education resources and civic engagement. An inspirational worship service was led by Rev. Cheryl Smith, she urged us to be witnesses as we advocate for justice. The keynote speakers, Rev. Sharon Austin, Director of Connectional and Justice Ministries in the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church and Sally Vonner, General Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of United Women in Faith both spoke with the same engaging and prevailing theme, our God is a justice seeker and He seeks to make things just for all people in due time.
We shared our legislative priorities on Tuesday morning with visits to our representatives and senators offices at the Capitol. We concluded our time together with encouragement to return home ready to advocate on behalf of women, children, youth and the marginalized by putting faith, hope and love into action.
On June 21-23, 2024, United Women in Faith members from across the South Central Jurisdiction will meet in St. Louis, Missouri. Early bird registration for the event is open untilNovember 30. Registering early not only saves money, but it also ensures that you get the workshops and Ubuntu activity of your choosing. Click here to get started.
Scholarships are available for first time attendees, youth, young adult, or newly retired women from the Texas Conference. The scholarships will cover the cost of registration up to $300.
If you would like to apply for a scholarship, download the application, which includes a 200-word essay on why you want to attend and why you should receive the scholarship, and send it to Kathy Aubin, 1621 Prairie Mark Lane, Houston, TX 77077, or email it to khaubin@earthlink.net or thrgram@yahoo.com. Deadline for submitting your scholarship application is November 27.
The South Central Jurisdiction encompasses twelve conference, including the Texas Conference. Its role is to implement the election process for the United Women in Faith’s national board of directors, and it’s also responsible for hosting special programs. The jurisdiction meets as a body every four years.
United Women in Faith from across the Texas Conference met for district meetings in October and November, in some cases for the last time and in some cases for the first time, as the current nine districts will be merged into five districts on January 1.
South/Southeast District
On Saturday, November 4, South District United Women in Faith held a fall meeting, including representatives from the Southeast District. This was their first in-person gathering since 2019, and attendees delighted in meeting face to face. Deer Park United Women in Faith hosted, providing light breakfast to begin the day and brown bag lunches to end it.
South District President Kandy Lawson of Seabrook was the keynote speaker, elaborating on the theme, “Into a New Season.” She closed by inviting her audience to assemble feminine hygiene kits, the hands-On project for 2024.
Conference Treasurer Kathy Aubin filled in for district treasurer, explaining the 2024 budget and leading the mission candle-burning ceremony. The morning concluded with communion service led by Rev. John R. Black, senior pastor of Deer Park United Methodist Church, and Debbie Talley, Deer Park choir accompanist.
Southwest District
Southwest District United Women In Faith held its Fall celebration on Saturday, November 4th, 2023 at Newman Chapel United Methodist Church in Kendleton, Texas. The theme was “Inspire” based on the scripture Isaiah 43:18-19. The special guest speaker was Prophetess Sharon Y. Allen of Kendleton.
Installation of officers for the incoming year was done by Carolyn Milby, secretary of the Texas Conference. Luncheon catered by Michael Phoenix “Made a Tea Cake Services” It was enjoyed by all.
Special games were presented including Biblical questions and a super fun icebreaker Bingo. Special door prizes were also available to everyone. Although attendance for the celebration was not as full as it has been in the past, those who were there heard a powerful message from the speaker and enjoyed a nutritious and filling lunch. The event was enjoyed by all who were there.
Central North District
The Central North District met for the last time at Klein United Methodist Church in Spring on October 21st. President Florence Snyder led the meeting and the singing. Women enjoyed the breakfast provided by the Klein women.
Jane Clark, district treasurer, led the Mission Candle burning ceremony, and during the meeting a vote was taken to close our bank account as the Central North District will merge with the Southwest District in the new year. Suzie Worsham reminded us that the November election was coming up quickly and encouraged everyone to get ready to vote.
Linda Elms was the keynote speaker, and she reminded us that while our goals may seem hard and sometimes far away, our foremothers did great things in a time when it wasn’t easy for women to do many things. Yet they persevered.
Texas Conference 