March 2025
- West Ohio UWF
- Feb 28
- 11 min read
United Women in Faith of West Ohio
March Inspirations
We believe love in action can change the world.
CALL TO PRAYER AND SELF-DENIAL
Bold Women Transforming Communities
Isaiah 6:8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us? “And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”
United Women in Faith is a hand to hold as we venture into the world, making an impact through our beloved community. For this Call to Prayer Service, we will hold hands with our sisters in Peru, learning about their history and work. This service is an opportunity to continue the energy and growth of women internationally through our Call to Prayer giving.
Find the Call to Prayer and Self-Denial 2025 worship service at uwfaithresources.org. You will also find it in the UWF Program Resource 2025 book.
“On Eagle’s Wings” Sing with me…
And God will raise you up on Eagle’s Wings, bear you on the breath of dawn, make you to shine like the sun, and hold you in the palm of God’s hand.
Paula Nourse
Lift Every Voice: Dialogue Across Differences
April 29th, 2025
A live event is offered from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.;
a separate event featuring the recording will be shown from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Join us for a presentation on Immigration, led by Rev. Madet Merove, who serves as a community leader, pastor within the United Methodist Church, and the CEO of Haitian Community Solidarity & Support. He founded the organization in 2024 to address the needs of the growing Haitian community in the greater Springfield, OH, area. With our commitment and compassion for helping the Haitian community in Springfield and the surrounding areas, we are dedicated to supporting everyone, without discrimination based on race, color, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation.
“Lift Every Voice and Sing,” verse 2
Stony the road we trod, bitter the chastening rod,
Felt in the days when hope unborn had died;
Yet with a steady beat, have not our weary feet
Come to the place for which our fathers sighed?
We have come over a way that with tears has been watered;
We have come, treading our path thru the blood of the slaughtered,
Out from the gloomy past, til now we stand at last
Where the white gleam of our bright star is cast.
This Month – Earth Day: “Our Power, Our Planet”
“But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.”
Job 12:7-10
What does power mean to you? Does it have religious, political, monetary, career, or materialistic influences? Or maybe some, or all, of the above.
This month we are focusing on the power needs of the earth, of our existence, of our future, and Climate Justice for ALL People. Pretty important stuff! United Women in Faith continues to emphasize our concerns for the world God has created, and our responsibility to educate, encourage, and lead in efforts to save the planet.
On April 22, 2025, the Earth Day theme is, “Our Power, Our Planet.” The organizers ask us to consider different sources of power besides the easy answer: fossil fuels.
“The collective power of a billion voices is vast and one billion
people speaking out on an issue is hard for governments,
institutions, or industry to ignore.”
Kathleen Rogers, President, earthday.org
Even though the United States, as a country, no longer supports the Paris Climate Agreement, we can do our part to provide information about the uses of alternative energy sources whenever possible. We can survey our communities, homes, and churches, looking for better ways to use energy-saving devices.
The most recent U.S. goal for this 55th anniversary year of Earth Day is to triple renewable energy resources by 2030, including solar, wind, geothermal, hydroelectric, and tidal energy.
There seems to be a backlash recently concerning windmills, solar panels, and electric vehicles. And there is so much misinformation available. We need to make sure we look for reliable sources for facts. Tax incentives will probably disappear, so we may have to invest more money ourselves to show our support for saving the planet.
Plan an event for your unit: a Bible study (the above passage is one); energy surveys online to evaluate your homes and churches; find accurate information concerning alternative energy resources for a panel discussion; check for a local speaker who can share tips with the group; many videos are available.
Let us know what you accomplish! We’re excited to hear from you!
Becky Ruple, WOH Social Action Coordinator
BOOKS TO INSPIRE
Here are some books from the Reading Program you might find motivating as you plan on educating yourself and encouraging others.
Alll We Can Save: Truth, Courage, and Solutions for the Climate Crisis by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson
The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah
The Green New Deal by Jeremy Ritkin
What Can I Do? My Path From Climate Despair to Action by Jane Fonda
Cycle of Rice / Cycle of Life: A Story of Sustainable Farming by Jan Reynolds
(El Ciclo Del Arroz, El Ciclo De La Vida: Un Cuento Sobre La Agricultura)
The Mangrove Tree: Planting Trees to Feed Families by Susan L. Roth & Cindy Trumbore (El Mangle: Sembrando Arboles Para Alimentar Familias)
The Seed Keeper: A Novel by Diane Wilson
Did you know that you can find information relating to your specific District on our website? On most District pages, you can find a listing of leadership, recent newsletters, and upcoming events. If you are looking for more information and cannot find it, please check with your District leadership team. All of the District pages are found under the "Districts" tab on the website or by clicking on the respective links below.
A retreat focusing on using scripture text to tell the story of faith through water stories from Genesis to Revelation.
West Ohio Conference United Women in Faith invites you to our Spiritual Retreat led by Paula Nourse and Laura Wagner.
April 4th, 5:00 p.m. to April 5th, 3:00 p.m.
Procter Conference Center, 11235 OH-38, London, Ohio 43140
Double Occupancy Hotel like rooms plus dinner on Friday, breakfast & lunch on Saturday - $148.00 per person
Registration: February 1, 2025 to March 7, 2025
Participants will receive information in March as to what to bring.
Questions? Please email Paula Nourse or call (614) 326-9062.
Throughout this year your Committee on Nominations will be looking for servants for 2026. We will need a Secretary, a Communications Coordinator, and a Nominations Committee Member for the Class of 2028.
We also have an immediate need for a Secretary of Program Resources for 2025.
Nancy can supply job descriptions for these positions. If you are seriously considering serving UWF at the Conference level, please contact a member of our committee:
Chair Nancy Argabright – argabright2@horizonview.net – (740) 703-9054
Deb Mercer – damduke77@gmail.com – (614) 906-5163
Frellie Easterling – ruthie21@zoomtown.com – (513) 364-7243
Mollie Manring – gmm@roadrunner.com – (740) 703-6896
Thank you for your prayerful consideration!
Serve as a Volunteer Evaluator
with the Reading Program
Blessings!
I am writing to share an exciting volunteer opportunity with United Women in Faith's Reading Program.
Did you ever wonder what goes into shaping the United Women in Faith Reading Program each year? At the heart of the Reading Program is the work of numerous volunteer evaluators who read and review a list of assigned books, offering careful and candid feedback regarding the books' overall quality and alignment with our mission. In 2025, we will be evaluating potential books for the 2027 Reading Program, again relying on the extraordinary work of a great team of volunteer evaluators.
Are you interested in serving as a volunteer evaluator for the Reading Program this year? If so, please take 10 minutes to complete the 2025 interest form. Both new and returning volunteers should use this form.
We will consider interest forms on a rolling basis throughout the year.
Peace,
Emily
Emily Jones
Executive for Racial Justice
United Women in Faith
United Women in Faith is excited to announce that the Call for Workshop Proposals for Assembly 2026 is now open! The 2026 Assembly, themed “Dream it, Believe it, Do it!” will take place in Indianapolis, Indiana, May 15-17, 2026. The deadline for submitting workshop proposals is March 3, 2025.
Workshops are a highlight of our Assembly, providing participants with opportunities to explore a wide range of topics and deepen their engagement. We invite you to submit a workshop proposal that aligns with our mission and resonates with our community.
We have three distinct workshop categories:
Inspire: Deepen spiritual awareness and enrich the soul
Influence: Focus on personal and professional development
Impact: Emphasize service, action, and advocacy
Please go to assembly.uwfaith.org/eSites/821058/Homepage to create a profile and begin your submission.
For more information, please contact Assembly Workshop Producer Jessica Tulloch at assemblyworkshops@uwfaith.org. Don’t miss out! Submit your proposal before the March 3 deadline at 11:59 p.m. (PT).
Space is limited, so we encourage you to submit your proposals as soon as possible.
Join us in making Assembly 2026 an unforgettable experience!
Contact:
Jay Rollins
Assembly Communications Producer
Email: jrollins@uwfaith.org
Join us on March 23 at 1 p.m. EDT for a special live-streamed event.
For Generations to Come
Save the Date: March 23, 2025
By uniting our hearts and hands, we are building a future filled with hope and support for women, children, and youth. Every gift you make, regardless of size, will make an impact for generations to come. Give to The Legacy Endowment Fund on the Day of Giving, March 23!
Ways to Give
Online at: uwfaith.org/dayofgiving
By phone: 800-278-7771 (8 a.m.-5 p.m. ET, Mon.–Fri.)
Text: “FUTURE” to 20503
By check to:
United Women in Faith
Attention: Legacy
Church Center for the United Nations 777 United Nations Plaza, 11th Floor New York, NY 10017 Write "Day of Giving" in the memo section.
Together, we are building our legacy for generations to come!
Hello. Kim Hoessly, Assistant Dean, and I are excited about our MISSION u 2025 program being planned, and we’d like to share the following information with you:
Once again, Mission u 2025 will be held in two sessions – In-Person and Virtual Sessions:
In-Person: at BERGAMO CENTER, 4400 Shakertown Road, Dayton, OH 45430
(the Bergamo Center is accessible with living quarters, cafeteria, and classrooms all on one floor; however, this year two classes will be held in the lower level)
Date: June 27, 2025, Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. – June 29, 2025, Ending at 12:30 p.m.
Our Theme: “Practicing Hope Together”
This theme will explore the hope that emerged within a small community of followers after the resurrection of Jesus that changed the world. Out of so much confusion and fear following the crucifixion of Jesus, grew a “Resurrection People” steeped in hope who began living out their faith in powerful ways.
Registration fees:
$250/person/Single;
$200/person/Double;
$80/person/Commuter;
$15/Youth
Registration Opens April 1, 2025 (maximum attendees: 140)
Adult curriculum – Practicing Hope by Tabatha Holley
Practicing Hope is a biblical curriculum that invites us to explore hope as a daily practice. Its purpose is to allow all of our communities to cultivate hope that is honest about our current conditions (refugia), hope that is restorative when everything feels urgent (rest), and hope that is possible even when we transgress (repair).
Youth — Communities of the Spirit: Living into Hope as Resurrection People by Regina Heater
Communities of the Spirit invites youth to consider what they need in a community to help them be committed to actions that transform the world into the kin-dom they anticipate. Youth will explore the inexplicable hope we find in early post-resurrection Christian communities. Heater asks how we can create such “Communities of the Spirit” today by examining common themes found in the post-resurrection stories: bravery, miracles, rituals, time and diversity, the fruit of the Spirit, and adversity and perseverance.
Children — Hope as a Resurrection People by Joni Cisowski
Hope as a Resurrection People intends to help children build trust in Jesus to bring comfort and support as they find courageous hope in the face of uncertainty. Through each session, children will develop their understanding of hope by reflecting on important people, communities, places, activities, personal goals, and desires for the future. Then, they will look for ways to build communal hope to be the change our world needs today.
Virtual Sessions: Via Zoom: $25/person (same curriculum described above)
Wednesdays, 7/9, 7/16, 7/23, 7/30 (7-9 p.m.)
Thursdays, 7/10, 7/17, 7/24, 7/31 (10 a.m. – 12:00 noon)
More info to follow, including a flyer for the promotion of Mission u 2025 with registration info.
Feel free to contact me at cjohnson3253@yahoo.com for more info.
Carolyn Johnson, Dean
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 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:
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,e and impact local and global communities.
The Legacy Endowment Fund
The most recent total of contributions to the Legacy Endowment Fund was $46,026,552.00. We anticipate making our goal of $60M by the end of the quadrennium in 2028. To learn more about this fund and how you can give to keep United Women in Faith strong for the future go here.
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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