September 2026
United Women in Faith of West Ohio
September Inspirations
We believe love in action can change the world.
Contents:
Thoughts on Hummingbirds from Your President
What is the attraction for Hummingbirds? I love my hummingbirds. As I sit every morning in my quiet spot, reading and doing my devotions, my little friends come to drink. I know they see me. I did some research, and this is what I found.
People are drawn to hummingbirds due to their vibrant colors, unique flying abilities, and engaging behaviors. These small birds, often referred to as "flying jewels," captivate observers with their acrobatic flight and iridescent plumage, making them a favorite among birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.
Wingbeat Speed — Hummingbirds can beat their wings at rates between 12 and 200 times per second, depending on the species.
Hovering Ability — Their wing structure allows them to hover in mid-air, a skill that enhances their nectar-feeding.
Onomatopoeic Names — Many languages have names for hummingbirds that mimic the sound they make or describe their feeding habits.
But why do they comfort me? While not directly referenced, hummingbirds symbolize various biblical principles.
Hummingbirds represent joy and beauty, reflecting God's creative power.
The Bible often uses birds to illustrate spiritual truths, emphasizing God's provision.
Qualities like resilience and adaptability associated with hummingbirds can be linked to biblical symbols such as light and flowers.
The stunning characteristics of hummingbirds remind us of the artistry in God's creation.
They watch me fill their feeder. They know I care for them. In the fall, they come and say good-bye. Yes, they really do. What gives you comfort?
On another note…Annual Celebration is Saturday, October 10th. The flyer and registration are available on our website, westohiouwf.org/2026-annual-celebration. We are so excited that our General Secretary/CEO of UWF, Sally Vonner, will be our guest speaker. Watch for the Proposed 2027 Budget and Proposed changes and amendments to the Standing Rules. These will be on our website in September. We will vote on them October 10. See new friends you may have made at Mission u.
Paula Nourse, Kinder6595@hotmail.com, 614-326-9062 (texting is good)
Annual Celebration is a T-Shirt Event!
What do you mean??? Wear a shirt that represents something you are passionate about.
Suggestions:
Shirt from Assembly or Mission u
Shirt from a protest
Shirt about reading
A family reunion shirt
Local ministry you support
You will share your story around the table at lunchtime.
Encouragement to Meet Our Pledge
Good news from Tamara Clark, Treasurer and CFO of United Women in Faith. Nationally, Mission Giving through June 2026 totaled $1.3 million, an increase of $195 thousand, or 18%, compared to June 2025! What about West Ohio Conference? How do we compare with 2025 Mission Giving? WOC is slightly ahead of last year’s giving, but that means we are still a long way from our pledge of $150,000. Last year we met about 89.7% of the pledge, or a little under $133,000. This year can we meet 100% of our Mission Giving pledge? We can. Please consider giving an extra dollar each month—or an additional $5 between now and the end of the year. Wouldn’t it be a joy to report in 2027 that we achieved—or better yet surpassed—our 2026 Mission Giving pledge!
Marsha Klingbeil, Treasurer
Stay Informed, Stay Engaged
Elections Matter
I know elections can lead to voter fatigue, but they are simply too important to tune out. As citizens and as people committed to social action, we have a responsibility to get the facts, research the issues, ask questions, speak up, and, most importantly, vote.
I am increasingly concerned that some elected officials are making decisions without giving sufficient weight to scientific evidence or the information available to us. When political considerations overshadow evidence and the public good, it is more important than ever for each of us to stay informed and engaged.
Check the Facts
One resource I have found helpful is FactCheck.org, which regularly examines claims and statements we hear in the media and provides information to help us better understand the facts.
I subscribe to their emails, and I find them manageable and informative. You can subscribe at FactCheck.org.
I encourage you to read the fact-checks, consider the evidence, and make your own informed decisions. Being informed does not mean we will all reach the same conclusions, but it does give us a stronger foundation for thoughtful civic participation.
Connecting Climate Action to Ohio
As I have been looking for local partners to help address the United Women in Faith priority of Climate Justice, I recently discovered the Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund (OEC Action Fund).
The OEC Action Fund works across Ohio to identify, engage, educate, elect, and empower climate champions. Its work includes advocating for policies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, expand access to clean energy, improve water quality, and protect Ohio's public lands.
The organization also focuses on strengthening Ohio's democracy and addressing barriers to meaningful climate action. Through education, accountability, community partnerships, and coalitions, the OEC Action Fund helps mobilize Ohioans to participate in shaping local, state, and federal policies.
You can learn more and subscribe to the OEC Action Fund's email list at Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund.
Stay Connected Without Being Overwhelmed
I have subscribed to the OEC Action Fund's updates and will do my best to share relevant calls to action with you.
But I also understand that life can be busy enough without adding another collection of emails to your inbox! If you would rather receive occasional updates in one place, you are welcome to join my email list at stonerde@gmail.com. As Conference Social Action Coordinator, I believe it is important for me to stay informed and help keep others informed as well.
My goal is to send one update each month, along with additional messages when there is a time-sensitive issue or opportunity for action.
Join Us for Social Action
Interested in becoming more involved with UWF Social Action? Join us for the next Social Action Coordinator meeting on Thursday, September 10.
Social Action Coordinators and those who work on social action at the conference, district, and unit levels are invited to participate in the first 70 minutes of the meeting, a little over an hour.
Staying informed is the first step. Finding ways to turn that knowledge into action is the next. I hope you will join us!
SAC Meeting, (Conference, District and Unit invited for first 70 minutes):
Thursday, September 10, from 7:30 pm We'll be talking more about the Unstoppable Year of Influence focused on our two social justice priorities.
If you register, please let me know. I would love to have West Ohio well represented.
Debra Stoner, Social Action Coordinator
Checklist — To Dos
There’s a lot going on in the West Ohio United Women in Faith. Study this list to make sure you are up to date and don’t miss anything!
Check the details for your own local district annual day
Register for Conference Annual Day on October 10 at Scioto Ridge UMC in Hilliard (register here)
Remember you can register multiple people online, and you have the option of paying online or mailing a check to Marsha Klingbeil.
Don’t miss this chance to hear Sally Vonner
Check information in this newsletter to be prepared for voting on new officers at Annual Day
Standing Rules of 2027
Proposed Conference UWFaith Budget for 2027
Conference Team
Bios of Officers to be Elected
Carol Waugh, Communications Coordinator
(Proposed) 2027 Budget and Standing Rules
2027 Conference Team and Officer Bios
Bowling Green Scrappers Many Members, One Purpose
Bowling Green Trinity UWFaith has an interesting offshoot to their local unit. It’s called the Sacred Circle of Scrapping Sisters and came together through scrapbooking! The Sisters meet in Trinity’s basement for two days at a time most months of the year to scrapbook. Approximately 20-25 women participate. They come from a wide area—even out-of-state—with their materials. It only involves three from Trinity. The Scrappers pay $10 for their meal, which is donated, and decide each month where to send the money. UWFaith has been the recipient of some of those funds, as have others. What a creative way to “expand concepts of mission!”
Jeanne McCaffrey, Maumee River District
Legacy Fund Report
The Legacy Endowment Fund is a permanent investment to ensure long-term support for programs that serve women, children, and youth. At the end of June, the total was more than $57 million with strong participation across the 1869 Society, Friends of Legacy, and Legacy Builders. Do you know what that means? We have less than $3 million to raise in the next 2 years.
What justice issues will we need to work on 50 or 100 years from now? Will hunger be eradicated? Will gun violence no longer be an issue? None of us can predict the future, but we can prepare for it. We can make sure that future generations of United Women in Faith have the funds they need to continue the work our foremother started 157 years ago and that we still do today.
Our purpose remains. Our work continues. We can predict one thing about the future: with your generosity and foresight, and the security of a permanently invested endowment, United Women in Faith will be there to work for positive change and justice. Because together, we are building our Legacy!
Janice Deal, Legacy Fund Liaison
UWFaith Live Out Loud
The combined East and West Ohio UWFaith enjoyed getting acquainted as we learned how to Live Out Loud at our Spiritual Retreat. Julie Carter enthusiastically led us in exploring how to Live Boldly, Serve Joyfully, and Lead Courageously! It was a day of laughter, reflection, and meeting new sisters in UWFaith. Please enjoy the pictures in the photo carousel on our website.
Carol Waugh, Communications Coordinator
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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