United Methodist Women

UMW is a community of women whose purpose is to know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ; to develop a creative, supportive fellowship; and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church.

It was organized for mission, and its women seek wholeness for themselves as well as others. Here’s how:

• Centered relationship with God
• Ministries with women, children, and youth
• Local and global missions
• Inclusiveness
• Mission giving
• Service, leadership development, and personal growth
• Work with other organizations

Since its start in 1869, UMW has grown from eight women to more than 800,000 members today. Even though its name and leaders have changed over time, its purpose and legacy remains the same. UMW celebrates the wise and wonderful women who took the first steps in this journey so many years ago.

Did You Know?

• UMW inherits the vision and toil of women’s missionary societies of eight denominations.
• Its legacy started when the Woman’s Foreign Missionary Society first organized in Boston in response to a lack of women’s health in India.
• During this time in history, women and children were legally classified as “chattel, legally dead, non-persons,” so there was little service to them.
• The ancient symbols on the UMW emblem, the cross and the flame that suggest change and mobility, also appear on the emblem of The United Methodist Church.

Go to the National UMW website to learn more.

Chair-side Mary Magdalene Circle

• Unable to attend on a regular basis
• Still want to stay in touch
• Chairs: UMW members

Circle of Eve

• Work from home or not
• Age 40s to 60s
• All about variety and flexibility
• Meet monthly in evenings or on Saturdays
• Chair: Julie Donovan (jdonovanvolunteer@gmail.com)

Elizabeth Circle

• Mothers of young children
• Age 25 to 40
• Meet monthly on second Thursdays from 11:30 am – 1:00 pm at FUMCFW for lunch, fellowship, and Bible studies
• Chair: Brandi Luig (luigpartyof5@gmail.com)

Grace Circle

• All life stages from single to married with children
• Age 20s to mid-30s
• Connected by friendship, fellowship, and grace
• Meet monthly on second Tuesdays at local restaurants
• Chairs: Samantha Morgan (sjmorgan323@gmail.com) and Kelsie McGilvray (kelsie.mcgilvray@gmail.com)

Hannah Circle

• Active in many church areas
• Support all UMW service projects
• Age 50+
• Meet monthly on second Tuesdays at 10:00 am for lunch and fellowship in members’ homes to enjoy a variety of programs, including UMW studies
• Chair: Lynn Harris (lcgh@sbcglobal.net)

Mary-Martha Circle

• Varied backgrounds
• Enjoy friendship and bonding
• Age 70+
• Meet monthly on second Tuesdays at 10:00 am in Room 231 of FUMCFW for food, fellowship, and interesting programs based on UMW Purpose
• Chair: Linda Brown (lbrown6961@sbcglobal.net)

Rachel Circle

• Mothers of teens, college students, and young adults
• Meet monthly on second Thursdays from about 11:00 am – 1:00 pm at FUMCFW for lunch, fellowship, and varying programs
• Chairs: Chrissie Nemeth (chrissienemeth@gmail.com) and Sheri Dewar (sheri.dewar7@gmail.com)

Ruth Circle

• Friendly and open
• Participate in UMW studies and activities
• Meet monthly on second Tuesdays at 10:00 am, usually in Room 224 of FUMCFW (locations TBA for September, December & May), then eat out at favorite or new restaurants
• Chair: Shirley Armour (817-292-4023)

Susanna Circle

• Active in church and community
• Age 60s to 70s
• Meet monthly on second Tuesdays at 10:00 am in homes for a variety of programs with guest speakers
• Chair: JonAnna Reidinger (JKPDR@bellsouth.net)

WinGS Circle

• Develop lifelong relationships, support, and encouragement through God’s unfailing love
• Meet monthly on second Tuesdays at 7:00 pm in restaurants or homes
• Chair: Catherine Hollis (chollisdfw@gmail.com)

It is our mission to:

• Provide opportunities to grow spiritually
• Equip women and girls to be leaders
• Provide transformative educational experiences
• Organize for growth and flexibility
• Work for justice through service and advocacy

How We Serve

At FUMCFW, we support the following programs within our church and community:

Here’s how UMW’s 2016 “Journey Through Faith” fundraiser benefited these organizations:

• FUMCFW Children’s Ministries: $3,500
• FUMCFW Youth Ministries: $1,000
• Methodist Children’s Home: $3,000
• United Community Centers: $2,000
• Methodist Justice Ministry: $8,000
• FSMM Food 4 Kids: $5,000

Letter from Sheryl

Dear Members,

There are no “dues” or membership fees in order to belong to United Methodist Women. Pledging is how we generate funds to pay for the operations of our local UMW, and to contribute to District UMW Mission Giving.

A “pledge” is a financial promise by each individual to contribute to UMW’s operating budget for the year. This is an amount determined by each individual member as her part of the total budget, and can be paid yearly, monthly, or however the member chooses. Pledges are generally made through Circle Treasurers and then forwarded to the UMW Treasurer, but they may be sent directly to the Treasurer.

Local UMW operational expenditures consist of expenses associated with UMW Sunday, monthly Luncheons & Programs, speaker/program honorariums, and other administrative and membership development costs. Funds from pledging sent to District UMW are in support of missions for women and children beyond our local community. Our local UMW sends 50 percent of our pledges as our Unit’s Pledge to Mission.

Our fundraising event does not go toward operational expenses or District Mission Giving. Those are funds that we raise in support of our local mission giving.

The amount of the pledge is not as important as the participation of every member. Together we make the difference. Challenge your Circle to be 100 percent!

Pledge — I celebrate and commit to supporting United Methodist Women’s local, national, and global mission outreach!

Faith, Hope, and Love in Action,

Sheryl

Sheryl Preston
Treasurer

Make Your Pledge

We appreciate your pledge to be a part of our UMW community, contribute your time and resources both locally and beyond, and help make a difference in so many lives. There are three ways to pledge:

1. Your Circle Treasurer
2. UMW Treasurer Sheryl Preston
3. Online Giving