January 2026
- West Ohio UWF
- Jan 1
- 7 min read
United Women in Faith of West Ohio
January Inspirations
We believe love in action can change the world.
Contents:
From the West Ohio Conference President
Welcoming the New Year
Reflections, Traditions, and Hopes for the Future
People greet the new year with a variety of emotions: excitement, hope, nostalgia, and sometimes apprehension about the unknown. This annual transition offers a special opportunity for renewal, allowing us to set goals, embrace change, and cherish moments with loved ones.
As the clock strikes midnight on December 31st, many people pause to remember the events that shaped the previous year. Whether it was a period of personal growth, challenges overcome, or moments of joy, the new year invites honest reflection. Some find comfort in journaling or sharing stories with family and friends, while others prefer quiet contemplation. Regardless of the method, looking back helps us appreciate our journey and learn from our experiences.
I can’t believe I am beginning my 3rd year as your president. You have supported me 200% as we planned and carried out new programs and annual traditional ones. Our 1st year was becoming unified with new districts and communicating more with each other. Last year, our focus was on The Charter for Racial Justice. We were educated (what we do) about issues and learned how we can help. (Also what we do). This year, we will follow National guidelines on increasing our membership. This time we will be doing the educating. Spreading the word of Who we are…What we do…and How to become a part of this great organization. Our 2nd focus this year is Leadership Development, learning more about the process of becoming a leader and how to open the opportunities for others.
Embracing Hope and Possibility
Above all, the new year carries a sense of hope. It is a blank canvas waiting to be filled with new experiences, friendships, and accomplishments. We enter the year with optimism, believing that positive change is possible. This spirit of renewal inspires communities to come together, support one another, and celebrate both successes and setbacks along the way. The new year reminds us that each day offers a fresh start, encouraging us to live more fully and with purpose
So as we settle into 2026, it is a time to work for the present but look ahead to what’s coming for United Women in Faith and the West Ohio/East Ohio Conferences. I’m excited about our connection with East Ohio and our Spiritual Retreat together on Saturday, August 15th at the Methodist Theological School in Delaware.
Remember, my door is always open. I love to chat.
Paula Nourse, Kinder6595@hotmail.com, 614-326-9062 (texting is good)
Greetings from Your New Conference Secretary
Welcome to 2026 as either a returning secretary or a newly elected secretary. I look forward to working with you as conference secretary this year. Thank you for getting your 2026 Officer Rosters to Cheryl so she could forward them to National.
Currently, I do not have much to share with you. I have Conference Secretary Training in mid-January and will have things to share after that. In the meantime, please let me know of any questions or concerns. You may reach me at (740) 891-1510 or jdeal@ideal-services.com.
Janice Deal
Thank You from Your Conference Treasurer
Thank you to all of you - West Ohio Conference United Women in Faith and your local units for the dollars which you have remitted toward our Mission Giving pledge in 2025. This money will be used to support the UWFaith missions with women, children, and youth here in the United States and around the world. These funds are especially important at this time in our country due to cuts in government spending and grants. Many of the National Mission Institutions are hurting financially and are having to be creative to meet the needs of their people. (Since money is still coming in as of this writing, I am unable to give you the final WOC 2025 financials at this time; however, I will report them in the February issue of the newsletter.)
Thank you to the District Treasurers who have been so helpful and supportive in my first year as conference treasurer: To Kim Hoessley (Olentangy River District) and Charlotte Kain (Maumee River District) who have “served their time” and are retiring from their treasurer duties; to Josie Wood (Great Miami River District) and Carmen Baker (Hocking River District) who have done a great job in their first year as district treasurer and will be continuing.
Welcome to the two newly-elected district treasurers: Rose Goodwin (Olentangy River District) and Miriam Kuhn (Maumee River District).
Now is the time to look forward to 2026. Our mission work is not done. At the Annual Celebration in October, those in attendance approved the following: Pledge to Missions - $150,000 (same as 2025); Grand Total Budget (which includes the pledge) - $175,000 ($745 less than 2025). So we have our goal set. Can we go above and beyond?
Marsha Klingbeil
Ring in the New - "Spotlight"
Hi, I’m your new Communication Coordinator for the WOC UWF. It’s a new year so we are starting a new article in our monthly “Inspirations” patterned after resource magazine - “Bright Lights.” Our conference article will be called “Spotlight.” Our hope is to share what various UWF groups are doing around the conference. It will be a source for new ideas that your circle or unit may be interested in doing. Each month a different district President will be sharing information about circles in their district. Special district projects may also be shared. So as UWF members, please contact your district President to share anything special your unit or circle may be doing so it can be shared in our newsletter.
Carol Waugh
The UWF Otterbein Lebanon group has been participating in the Days for Girls project since 2017. Days for Girls is a non-profit organization that prepares and distributes sustainable menstrual health solutions to girls in third world countries who would otherwise miss school during their monthly periods. Days for Girls volunteers make kits for the girls which consist of reusable cloth menstrual pads made up of colorful shields and liners, panties, a washcloth and soap, zip-closure plastic bags and other items. Each kit is in a draw-string bag which enables girls to carry clean and used pads discreetly and take care of their own hygiene needs. During the distribution of the kits, the girls receive health education to break stigmas and cultural taboos associated with menstruation.
The UWF at Otterbein Lebanon Days for Girls group meets once monthly to sew shields, liners, and bags for the project. Jobs include cutting fabric, ironing, surging, sewing, and attaching labels. As of the end of November 2025 the Otterbein Lebanon group has sewn 884 shields, 4,144 liners, and 8,715 bags. Much of the material for the project is donated. Specific instructions provided by the DfG organization are followed.
For more information, check out their website: https://www.daysforgirls.org.
Save the Dates for Mission u 2026!
Reading Program with West Ohio
Our collaboration with The West Ohio Conference continues, led by Julie Carter, Director of Faith Formation and Lay Ministry. Each month, the Expanding Connections Book Club meets via Zoom to discuss the month's book selection. In this new partnership, we are inviting our UWF community to join people from all over West Ohio as we Expand our Connection with one another and people we haven't met yet. Each month's book selections will be diverse, accessible, and empowering. This community of readers will be a hub promoting equality, equity, and inclusion and sharing the stories of the world to generate empathy and peace through books. Books will be announced on the 15th of each month, and a time for gathering and sharing will take place around the same time.
National Mission Institutions
National Mission Institutions are community-based organizations and social service agencies that were almost exclusively founded by women in the 19th century to serve marginalized communities and populations across the United States. Today, United Women in Faith remains connected to these community centers, colleges, and residences, providing vital services in vulnerable communities. National Mission Institutions empower women, care for children, support seniors, educate youth, provide housing for domestic violence survivors, and offer residences for special needs children and youth. National Mission Institutions also advocate for the women, children, youth, and families in the communities they serve.
Learn more about the Mission Institutions in West Ohio—their histories, missions, and how you can serve and support the vital work they do:
National Events, News, & Resources
The National Office has many interesting events and gatherings such as Faith Talks, Voices of the Field, Podcasts, and Webinars. Go to the United Women in Faith website to find out more and to subscribe to their digital communications to stay up on the latest scoop by clicking here.
Important Information
Join us in celebrating all the ways we inspire, influence, and impact our churches and communities with our 2023 Annual Report. We will share the 2024 Annual Report once it is made available.
The United Women in Faith Board of Directors approved the organization's 2025 budget at its fall board meeting. Check out our report.
United Women in Faith continues to call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in the Middle East. Read our statement.
We join our friends at the General Commission on Religion and Race to condemn false claims against migrants and call for action against racism and xenophobia. Read the full statement.
Support United Women in Faith
Please consider increasing your Pledge to Mission, both individually and from your local unit! Gifts to Mission make it possible for United Women in Faith to carry out its vital work to connect and nurture women through Christian formation, leadership development, creative fellowship, and education so that they can inspire, influence, and impact local and global communities.
The Legacy Endowment Fund
Thank you to all who contributed the Legacy Endowment Fund in 2025. I am pleased to announce that at the end of October the Legacy Fund total was $52,455,923.00. The amount increases each month, and I am certain that we can reach the $60 million goal by the end of 2028. Please continue to contribute as you are able. If you have any questions, please contact me at (740) 891-1510 or jdeal@ideal-services.com. To learn more about this fund and how you can give to keep United Women in Faith strong for the future, go here.
Janice Deal
Learn about All-Access Membership
All Access provides easy online availability to resources nationwide. Customize your experience and access more ways to put love in action. Because love in action can change the world. Learn more.
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