June 2026
- West Ohio UWF
- Jun 1
- 9 min read
United Women in Faith of West Ohio
June Inspirations
We believe love in action can change the world.
Contents:
From Your West Ohio Conference President
Assembly 2026! It’s over…But, just beginning! For 4 days, we sang our theme song “Dream It! Believe It! Do It!” Fabulous leaders shared their dreams. Their stories. Told us to Believe it can happen. IT! What is IT? You know. Work for a better life for all women, children, and youth. Don’t just recite our Purpose, live it. Be the voice for those whose voice isn’t being heard. Yes, I know you are all actively fulfilling our mission. We work for the cause. But, it’s not enough. One way to accomplish more is to have more working. An Aha! moment.
Excite and Invite…with new members comes new hope, renewal and fresh ideas. Our Unstoppable Campaign is a bold, four-year journey to reach more that 500,000 women with our message of Real Faith. Real Women. Real Community. Go to UWFaith.org to get materials for the Campaign: The Unstoppable Campaign Toolkit; Excite & Invite 2.0 Guidebook; Graphic Canva Templates. Have dialogue with your units. Be creative. Do you know why some women in your church are not members? Meet them where they are.
I feel Blessed to be part of United Women in Faith. We are Unstoppable. Sally Vonner, General Secretary/CEO, led us through an exceptional experience. Please come hear her speak at our Annual Celebration on October 10th, 2026, at Scioto Ridge UMC from 10:00 to 3:00. Check out Upcoming Events on our website: westohiouwf.org. You’ll be glad you did.
Remember: If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, do it together. African Proverb
Paula Nourse, Kinder6595@hotmail.com, 614-326-9062 (texting is good)
From Your Vice President
“Guess what?” After doing some preliminary research, I find that I do have a number of VICE PRESIDENTS in many of our local units—I have people!!!!!
So, I have joined the Vice Presidents' group on our National UWF website and will attend a meeting of this group in June—then—I will have more information to share with each of our Vice Presidents throughout our West Ohio Conference UWF. Stay tuned.
Until then, I look forward to seeing you at our West Ohio Conference United Women in Faith Mission u 2026 at the Bergamo Center in Beavercreek, Ohio, June 12-14, 2026. We hope you will bring your children/grandchildren to join in all the fun—they can sleep in their sleeping bag in your room and enjoy the classes (children and youth classes) during the day. They have LOTS of educational and fun plans for both the children and youth.
If you missed the registration deadline, get in touch with me, or Kim, or Connie—I’m sure we can work something out.
Be safe, be happy, be blessed!
Carolyn Johnson, Vice President, WOC UWF; Dean Mission u 2026 | (614) 565-4121; cjohnson3253@yahoo.com
Kim Hoessly, Assistant Dean Mission u 2026 | (614) 537-8596; khoessly@columbus.rr.com
Connie Hook, Business Manager/Registrar | (614) 804-1763, chook2778@aol.com
Virtual Studies for Mission u
We are very excited about our Virtual Mission u this year. Our theme is “Experiencing Emmanuel,” and you can find a Bible Study in the May/June Response based on the study. We have 2 wonderful instructors leading the virtual sessions, one on Wednesday evenings, July 8, 15, 22, and 29 from 7-9 p.m., and the other on Thursday mornings, July 9, 16, 23, and 30 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Our Wednesday Study Leader, Rev. Karen Brantley, has served in all areas of ministry including children, youth, adult, mission, pastoral care, with lots of teaching and preaching and has also served as a study leader at Mission u. She currently serves as the pastor of Pleasant Chapel UMC in Newark and as Chaplain at Wesley Ridge Retirement Community in Reynoldsburg, OH.
Our Thursday morning Study Leader is Rev. Linda Furtado who is also the author of our adult curriculum, A Deep Knowing: Experiencing Emmanuel Through Every Part of Our Lives. Linda has a rich background in both the arts and ministry and is currently serving as a clergywoman in the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference of The United Methodist Church. She is a provisional deacon in The United Methodist Church and currently serves as Director of Spirituality and Arts at the Scarritt Bennett Center.
We look forward to your attendance at our Virtual Mission u—either on Thursday mornings or Wednesday evenings. A link to our Registration Form is included below, for your convenience. Please complete, attach your check, and forward to Connie Hook at 645 Neil Avenue #623 Columbus, OH 43215. (614) 804-1763.
Thanks,
Carolyn Johnson, Mission u Dean
From Your Treasurer
Did you know that there are two designs of Special Mission Recognition pins available? These are the cross pin (old design) and the logo pin (new design with UWFaith logo). Both are available in gold ($40), sapphire ($60), pearl ($100), emerald ($200), ruby ($500), diamond ($1,000), and two diamonds ($2,000). These pins are a wonderful way to honor someone in your unit, your church, or your community who is ministering to children, women, and/or youth. When ordering, please be sure to designate whether you want the cross or the logo pin.
Also, please remember that your district treasurer is only able to process designated remittances for UMCOR/UMC Advance Projects and UWFaith Designated Giving Projects. Giving to any organization not on either of these two lists should be made directly to that organization. If you are not sure, please contact your district treasurer or me (uwfmarsha419@gmail.com).
Thanks so much for your continued mission giving!
Marsha Klingbeil, WOC Treasurer
A Call to Social Action for Climate Justice
I recently returned from the UWF Assembly, where the theme was Dream It, Believe It, Do It! It was my first time attending Assembly, and I left feeling energized and inspired by both the speakers and the incredible energy of more than 3,000 people gathered together.
One of the most meaningful parts of the experience was meeting fellow UWF women from across the country and learning about the important work happening in their communities. At the same time, many shared concerns about the growing challenges they face. Sadly, climate justice initiatives are encountering increasing resistance in many states, and grant funding that once supported these efforts is no longer available in many areas.
Even so, there is reason for hope. Rather than becoming discouraged, this is a time for us to remain steadfast in our commitment to caring for Creation. Each of us has the ability to make a difference, beginning within our own homes, churches, and communities through the choices we make every day.
Together, we can continue to advocate for justice, protect our environment, and support healthier communities for future generations. Below are several action steps you can take, and please consider sharing them with others.
Facebook Post (copy and paste to your Facebook page)
Health and disaster costs are a bigger burden on our economy than the expense of transitioning to clean energy. It is time we invest in clean energy rather than pay the price for pollution.
It is time our leaders champion and vote for additional climate and health legislation for grid modernization, clean energy, infrastructure, electric vehicles, electric school buses, and energy conservation. Funds should be prioritized to benefit environmental justice communities most impacted. I urge you to ensure the full participation and leadership of frontline communities in all stages of the legislative process and implementation and abide by the Justice40 promise.
The time to act on climate is now, and we need ambitious climate and health legislation #ActNowForClimate #HealthyAirIsHealthCare #BreatheAgain
Protect Air Quality – Contact your representative
Several members of Congress have introduced a bill, H.R. 2288, that would weaken important Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) air quality standards. These standards are designed to protect children, older adults, and vulnerable communities from harmful air pollution.
The bill would increase the allowable amount of PM2.5 particulate pollution in the air from 9 micrograms to 25 micrograms. PM2.5 particles are tiny pollutants that can enter the lungs and bloodstream, contributing to asthma, heart disease, respiratory illness, and other serious health problems.
The Breathe Again Collaborative—brought together by United Women in Faith, Elders Climate Action, Mothers and Others for Clean Air, and other partner organizations—is calling on you to take action. Send a message to your members of Congress urging them to protect the environmental laws our communities depend on to protect our health. These protections are under threat, and your voice matters now more than ever.
Link for information on the various bills and to respond to your legislator: https://win.newmode.net/congress-protect-our-health-our-air-our-future
The Legacy Endowment Fund
Everyone I spoke with at Assembly really enjoyed the experience and learned so much. I especially enjoyed the Legacy Banquet where Stacey Abrams was the special guest. She talked about her 10 Steps Campaign that provides a roadmap for citizen action and community engagement. Elizabeth Eckford was the keynote speaker and talked about her experience as a member of the Little Rock 9.
We are so fortunate that our foremothers and current leaders have looked to the future and created the Legacy Endowment Fund so that future generations can continue to learn and experience from the programs of United Women in Faith.
In the Experience Hall at the Legacy Endowment Fund booth was a thermometer to show how we are progressing with giving to the Legacy Fund (see picture). The total before Assembly was $56,112,338.97, which included the funds from Day of Giving of at least $224,000 with more checks coming in. The goal for giving at the Legacy Banquet was $50,000. We far exceeded that with $179,560.69. The goal for Mission Giving at Assembly was $100,000 and vroom, vroom over $300,000 was given!
You as United Women in Faith are a generous group not only with your money but also with your time, energy, and prayers. Thank you, thank you for your support and donations.
Janice Deal, Legacy Liaison
Communicate Deadlines
It’s important to keep dates and deadlines on our calendars so we don’t miss any coming UWFaith events. It’s also important to communicate these dates to our units and circles to allow time for planning and attending these events.
Here’s some upcoming dates of which to be aware:
Deadline to register for Virtual Mission u: June 28
Registration for Live Out Loud – East and West OH UWFaith Spiritual Retreat on August 15: July 1 – July 31
West Ohio Conference Annual Day: October 10 with Sally Vonner – National Executive Secretary/CEO – more details will follow, but reserve the date now!
Carol Waugh, Communications Coordinator – carolwaugh6@gmail.com
The Wesley Center
The United Women in Faith from Troy First United Methodist Church has been "showering" families and babies from the Wesley Dayton Center for years. The Wesley Center has been established as a National UWFaith Mission Project. Our contributions address the specialized needs of women and children. Each year we gather baby supplies including infant clothing, toys, diapers, baby wipes, burp cloths, bibs, blankets, a mother’s gift, etc. The items are placed into a plastic laundry basket for the expectant family.
The Baby Ready/Infant Mortality (BRIM) program of Wesley Dayton was organized in 2016. BRIM serves expectant mothers and families with children under age one. Through the varied programs young mothers and fathers become more confident in their parenting skills. Family Support Specialists offer individualized Mental Health and Trauma Informed care, advocacy, safe sleep training, practical guidance, emotional support, and permanent referrals.
To help support this important ministry, the Western Lakes District Annual Celebration in the fall of 2025 was hosted by the women of Troy UMC and Shaiyanne Myrick was invited to share about her experiences at the Wesley Community Center as she works with the Baby Ready/Infant Mortality Program. A van full of gifts for mothers and babies was collected in addition to a monetary offering of $845.
The West Ohio UWFaith Contingent at Assembly 2026
(click on individual pictures to expand for larger viewing)
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 2024 Annual Report. We will share the 2025 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.
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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