United Methodist Women

Our Purpose

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 creative and supportive fellowship, and expand concepts of mission. As the largest denominational faith organization for women, UMW has a long history of living this legacy.

Contact: umw.fumcfw@gmail.com

Women with Purpose

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

UMW History 101

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.

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.

History OF UMW At First United Methodist Church, Fort Worth

On September 12, 1940, the charter meeting of the Woman’s Society of Christian Service began with a ritual led by the Rev. J. N. R. Score of First Methodist Church of Fort Worth. An outgrowth of the Society, the group was initiated with a formal worship Missionary service, complete with hymns, prayers and ritual. The minister invited the assembled women “to sign your names as Charter Members of the Woman’s Society of Christian Service of First Methodist Church, or of The Wesleyan Service Guild of First Methodist Church, thus signifying your purpose to join in helping to develop and support Christian work among women and children around the world; and to take part in such service activities as will strengthen the local church, improve civic, community and world conditions; to enlist others in this Christian fellowship, and secure funds for the activities in our local church and the support of the work undertaken at home and abroad for the establishment of a World Christian Community”.

Mrs. Ned Lydick was elected the organization’s first president, and Mrs. W. D. Smith was chosen vice-president. A total of 514 women proudly signed their names to the charge.

Through the years, the group’s name has changed, and other women have presided, but the legacy of Christian service remains. We celebrate the wise and wonderful women who took the first steps in this journey 80 years ago and pledge to continue their Godly mission.

Officers

President
Karen Kaigler-Walker

President’s Advisor
Barbara Duckworth

Vice President of Programs
Susan Todd

Vice Co-Presidents of Special Events
Linda Kennedy & Molly Snyder
(supported by circle representatives)

Vice Co-Presidents of Membership
Carmelita Gage & Charme Robarts

Secretary
Debbie Whitton

Treasurer
Linda Moore

Treasurer Assistant
Sarah Harris

Endowment Fund Chair
Linda Vigness

Nominations Committee Chair
Will be determined by the 2022 – 2023 Nominations Committee

Auditors
Brittyn Brender & Connie Langston

Mission Coordinators | Representatives | Communication

Mission Coordinators

Spiritual Growth & Bible Studies
Dorothy Hudson

Devotionals
JonAnna Reidinger

Nurture & Outreach
Lynn Sullivan

Social Action
Suzi Schlecte

Courtesy
Lynn Cockrell

Representatives

Reservations Co-Chairs
Kay Baker & Kathleen Reeves

Service Co-Chairs
Amber Shive & Marlys Spindor

Special Membership
Katie Bauer

Communication

Directory
Linda Moore

Website
Linda Kennedy

Food Co-Chairs
LeAnn Ayers & Annette Stamper

Nursery Liaison
Paula Wagstaff

Pastor Representative
Rev. Phyllis Barren

Assistant
Lisa Helm

Spiritual Growth & Bible Studies
Dorothy Hudson

Devotionals
JonAnna Reidinger

Nurture & Outreach
Lynn Sullivan

Social Action
Suzi Schlecte

Courtesy
Lynn Cockrell

Nominating Committee | Endowment Fund Committee | Circle Chairs

Nominating Committee

Chair
To be decided by the 2022-2023 Nominating Committee

Members
Linda Kennedy, Esther
Nancy Phillips, Eve
Linda Vigness, Hannah
Sarah Brown, Martha
Linda Brown, Ruth
JonAnna Reidinger, Suzanna

Ex-officio
Sarah Harris

Endowment Fund Committee

Chair
Linda Vigness

Vice Chair
Gaye Fuller

Secretary
Gay Ingram

Treasurer
Carol McCarthy

Communication
Anne Paup

Members at Large
Amber Shive
Linda Kennedy

Circle Chairs

Esther
Linda Kennedy

Eve
Joy Brandon

Hannah
Dorothy Hudson

Martha Co-chairs
Katie Bauer & Sarah Brown

Ruth
LeAnn Ayers

Susanna
JonAnna Reidinger

Luncheons & Programs

All women are invited to Events sponsored by United Methodist Women. UMW hosts luncheons and service days. Most luncheons are held at 11:30 am in Wesley Hall, with a $20 fee for lunch. Service days are held in the fall and spring. Day and location are determined by the service project. Breakfast or lunch is provided for a fee. UMW Events RSVP for Events

Annual Fundraiser

UMW’s annual fundraiser event benefits women, youth, and children in our community. It’s a chance to give back to others while gaining inspiration on our own faith journeys. The UMW Afternoon Tea is an all ages event

Circles

UMW of FUMCFW is both one large group of women of every age and stage of life and comprised of several smaller “Circles.” No matter your personality, age, or schedule, we have a Circle for all women. We would be happy to welcome you to the UMW Circle of your choice.

List of First Church UMW Circles

Circle of Eve

All about variety in everything.
Variety of ages; mostly 40-70
Variety of programs, fun and mission.
Variety of meeting times and places; usually at night or on weekends.
Chair: Joy Brandon, bonjourjoy@aol.com

Elizabeth Circle

Mothers of tween and teen children
Age 30s and 40s
Meet monthly on second Thursdays from 11:45 am – 1:00 pm at FUMCFW for lunch, fellowship, and Bible studies
Chairs: Jenny Holman jennyholman@gmail.com & Elizabeth Monroe em@elizabethmonroeinteriors.com

Esther Circle

Women in our 40s and 50s
Focused on building community, trying new things, finding what’s next in life, service, and spiritual growth
Meetings vary between social and service opportunities and times vary between weeknights and weekends to accommodate as many schedules as possible. Meeting location and time determined by activity
Chair: Linda Kennedy, LLKennedy@yahoo.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: Dorothy Hudson, dphudson@charter.net

Martha Circle

Connecting with other women within the church through friendship, fellowship, and grace
Age late 20s and 30s
Meetings alternate between service & social opportunities and times vary between weeknights and weekends to accommodate as many schedules as possible. Meeting location is determined by activity.
Chairs: Katie Bauer, Keownes13@gmail.com & Sarah Brown, sarahmcveanbrown@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 331 of FUMCFW, then eat out at favorite or new restaurant for lunch
Business meetings are not held during the summer, but Ruth Circle members continue to meet on the second Tuesday of June, July, and August for lunch at a designated restaurant.
Age is 50+
Chair: LeAnn Ayers, mojophsmla6869@gmail.com

Susanna Circle

Active in church and community
Supports FUMC service projects
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

UMW Service Opportunities

Serving others is a core belief of UMW of FUMC. For more than 80 years, we have provided opportunity and hope to thousands because of the generosity of our members and their desire to put their faith into action. We support many organizations who serve women, children, and the elderly in our community and beyond.

Our UMW hosts a Fall and a Spring Service Day for all members to come together to support a local cause. Our UMW members staff several Meals on Wheels routes each week. There are annual projects and individual circles have their own service projects organizations they support.

Meals on Wheels of Tarrant County

In 1972, our church joined several other congregations to be an original partner with Meals on Wheels of Tarrant County. The need for healthy, hot meals hasn’t diminished in the almost 50 years since then. Right now, in Tarrant County, Meals on Wheels provides 1.6 million meals every year. That’s 3800 meals delivered daily by volunteers just like you. Our church’s UMW Circle ladies provide Meal Delivery volunteers for as little as 2 hours one day a month. And most of the clients in Tarrant County are also women.

Our UMW circles currently provide volunteers for one route on Mondays. If you are interested in sharing in this service project, whether you are in UMW or not, please contact Lynn Sullivan to indicate your interest and get more information on how to participate.

For more information about this ongoing service opportunity, contact your Circle president or Lynn Sullivan, UMW, Nurture and Outreach Mission coordinator.

Christmas Gifts for United Community Center

Every year, UMW members continue the United Community Center mission by creating Christmas Gift bags to be distributed by United Community Centers to their clients who are senior citizens. UCC began over 100 years ago as a collaborative society at First United Methodist Church.

UMW Pledging

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

A pledge is a financial promise for each member to contribute to the operating budget for the year. This is an individual decision and can be paid yearly, monthly, or however the member chooses.

There are three ways to pledge:

Give To Your Circle Treasurer
Drop off or Mail to the Church Office 800 W 5^th St. Fort Worth, TX 76102
Pay by credit card at any UMW Luncheon or Service Day
Online Giving – Follow The Link Below To Provide Your Pledge Or Donation

Local UMW operational expenses consist of costs associated with UMW Sunday, monthly meetings and luncheons, speaker/program honorariums, and other administrative and development costs. The local unit sends 50% of our pledges to the District UMW to support missions for women and children beyond our local community. Lists of these missions may be found on the national United Women in Faith (dba UMW) website. UWfaith.org

Please note donations for service projects or the fundraising event are used for those efforts only. Since we cannot use earmarked fund for operational expense, pledging or donations to our general budget are essential for us to keep our unit alive and moving forward.

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

Faith, Hope and Love in Action!

Make Your Pledge

UMW Endowment Fund

The UMW FUMC Fort Worth Endowment Fund allows members and friends of UMW to make legacy gifts supporting the work and Mission-giving of our UMW. Gifts made to the UMW Endowment Fund are invested, providing interest and dividends that are directed each year to the UMW of FUMC Fort Worth.

The Endowment Fund started with a vision in 2009 to create an endowment fund for the UMW of FUMC Fort Worth that would allow the UMW to invest funds with FUMCFW’s Foundation, providing a perpetual income source to help fund the Mission-giving of our UMW. By 2011, the first UMW Endowment Fund Committee was elected, by-laws were created and more than $25,000 in donations necessary to start the investment fund were collected.

Today, UMW members have made more than $98,000 in legacy gifts to the UMW Endowment Fund, which has grown in value to well over two hundred thousand dollars. The Endowment Fund has in turn donated more than $28,000 back to the mission of our UMW.

How can gifts be made?

Contributions can be made in cash, planned gifts, or bequests. Gifts can be made in honor or in memory of individuals or groups. An acknowledgment of the gift will be sent to the honoree or the family of a memorial gift, and the dollar amount will remain confidential. Please provide a name and address for acknowledgments.

To send a gift via check, make your check payable to United Methodist Women Endowment Fund and mail to UMW FUMC FW, Attn Endowment Fund, 800 W 5^th Street, Fort Worth, TX 76103.