UNITED Women in Faith (UWF)


United Women in Faith (UWF), the new brand name for United Methodist Women (UMW), is a worldwide organization dedicated to bettering conditions for women, children and youth through improvements in education, health, economy and social issues. Since its creation in 1869, the global organization has grown to over 800,000 women now called the United Women in Faith.

The UWF organization at Missouri United Methodist Church is nearly 200 women strong. The large group, called the Unit, meets typically four times a year. Our Unit has nine groups, known as circles, and four special interest groups whose goals include education, outreach, hands-on mission and fellowship. Each small group establishes its own meeting schedule, most meet monthly or are involved in some activity.

Participating in mission locally and globally, the women of UWF raise money and actively participate in activities and organizations that promote mission. Although groups vary in structure and emphasis, all reflect the UMW purpose and incorporate its four aspects in their programming: spiritual growth, education, local and global missions, and supportive fellowship.

+HANDS-ON MISSION PROJECTS

These UWF small groups focus on mission projects that involve hands-on participation. When they gather, they keep their hands busy sewing, quilting, and volunteering. All of these groups find ways to provide for the needs of God’s people through tangible means. Groups that emphasize hands-on mission are Esther Circle, Sophia Circle, Prayer Shawl Ministry, and the MUMC Quilters.

+THE UWF READING PROGRAM

One way UWF supports education is through the UWF reading program. Each year, books are suggested in five categories: Nurturing for Community, Social Action, Spiritual Growth, Education for Mission, and Leadership Development. Books from each category are available from the UMW book cart in the educational materials closet in the Church Parlor, and many of them can be found at the community library. A complete list of suggested reading can be attained from the Reading Program Coordinator or in the Unit’s annual yearbook.

+BOOK CLUBS

Two book clubs have been formed as interest groups: First Monday Book Group and the MUMC Book Club.

+LOCAL MISSIONS

Our UWF unit and circles support local agencies and missions in a variety of ways. The Wardrobe, an all-volunteer, non-profit organization, is staffed by UWF volunteers on the fourth Wednesday of each month. Other support to the community includes serving at Loaves and Fishes, which provides a daily meal for those food deprived in the community; volunteering at The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri; and adopting Voluntary Action Center families and individuals each Christmas. In addition, the UWF budget supports missions from funds generated through members' Pledge to Missions.

+FOR MORE INFORMATION

Please email uwf@moumc.org, for more information.

UWF Scholarship Opportunity!

If you are a woman:

  • affiliated with MUMC

  • have completed 60 hours of study at an accredited college or university

  • have financial need

  • career choice of ministry/helping profession (teaching, medical related, etc.)

  • involved in church-related or community activities

You could be eligible to receive a UWF Scholarship at MUMC. Applications are available in the UWF mailbox in the Missouri United Methodist Church office. 

Deadline for applications is May 31.  Scholarship will be awarded no later than August 1.

Download Application

2022

2022 1st Quarter Newsletter
2022 2nd Quarter Newsletter
2022 3rd Quarter Newsletter
2022 4th Quarter Newsletter

2021

2021 1st Quarter Newsletter
2021 2nd Quarter Newsletter
2021 3rd Quarter Newsletter
2021 4th Quarter Newsletter

2020

2020 Calendar PDF
2020 1st Quarter Newsletter
2020 2nd Quarter Newsletter
2020 3rd Quarter Newsletter
2020 4th Quarter Newsletter

2019

2019 1st Quarter Newsletter
2019 2nd Quarter Newsletter
2019 3rd Quarter Newsletter
2019 4th Quarter Newsletter

2018

2018 Yearbook and Quarterly Newsletter

2018 UMW CALENDAR

2018 1st Quarter Newsletter
2018 2nd Quarter Newsletter
2018 3rd Quarter Newsletter
2018 4th Quarter Newsletter

Circle & Small Group Calendar

EAGLE ONLINE CIRCLE

An online circle with no regularly scheduled meetings.

Monday

FIRST MONDAY BOOK GROUP

First Monday of the month (Sept-May) at 4:00 p.m. in the Parlor—with occasional exceptions for holidays.

VAL’S CIRCLE

Second Monday of the month lunch at 11:30 a.m. at an announced location, followed by a program at 12:30 p.m. in the MUMC Parlor.

Tuesday

BREAKFAST GROUP

Second Tuesday of the month. Time and location announced.

Wednesday

ESTHER CIRCLE  

Second Wednesday of the month at 8:30 a.m. in Room 304 (and other Wednesdays as needed to work on projects). 

BRATTON-CUNNINGHAM CIRCLE  

Third Wednesday of the month at 10:00 a.m. at Lenoir Woods Retirement Community Center. 

SEARCY-FEELY CIRCLE

Third Wednesday of the month at 10:00 a.m. (January-May; September-November) at the church or via Zoom.

MUMC BOOK CLUB

Second Wednesday of January, March, May, July, September and November at 10:00 a.m. via Zoom.

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY

Second Wednesday of January, March, May, September, and November, at 1:30 p.m. in the Parlor.

Thursday

GIBSON CIRCLE

Third Thursday of the month at 10:00 a.m. in the Parlor.

MUMC QUILTERS

Thursdays at 1:00 p.m. in Room 303.

SOPHIA CIRCLE

Second Thursday of the month at 7:00 p.m. in the Parlor unless otherwise announced.

WESLEY CIRCLE

Second Thursday of the month at 1:00 p.m. in the Parlor. Optional lunch at 11:30 a.m. with locations announced.