Textures of United Methodist Women
This page represents an opportunity for United Methodist Women to share with each other in the context of their faith walks as it is lived out through the UMW. If you would like to share by answering one of the posted questions, email us your response and we will be happy to add it to the ones below. Go to the bottom of this page to add your reflections.
Reflecting on our 25th Silver Anniversary (when the Wesleyan Service Guild and the Women's Society for Christian Service combined to form the United Methodist Women)......
What were you doing in 1972?
Were you a United Methodist Woman?
Did the UMW organization influence your life at that time?
How is it influencing your life now, as you are involved?
It's such an encouragement to read these replies. Young women are becoming involved who were still in junior high, 25 years ago! And when you read that some of these women are now "consultants" in the UMW orgnization, that means that they have served in many ways over the years on the local, district & conference levels. Now they are enjoying watching others take those leadership roles, and making themselves in available in many ways behind the scenes. They are still servants committed to mission and our PURPOSE.
Norris W: "Had returned to N.C. from Washington, DC - was in college and worked there. Joined Morrows Chapel UMW and later became Local President for several years and later become Mission Coordinator for Global Concerns, now Education and Interpretation and currently Statesville District Vice President. A committed and dedicated UMW..."
Betty L: Twenty five years ago I was local unit Secretary at Ashton UMW, Ashton UMC, in Ashton, MD. I completed my thesis and received my MS Degree from the U of MD. I was really busy and involved--just as I am today.
Esther M: "In 1972 I was on the staff of the World Division (Executive Secretary, North and West Africa). I was also on some Women's Division committees. I remember that I was in the meeting when the name for the new organization was discussed. When United Methodist Women was suggested, someone protested that if we we would be called "UMW," people would think we were United Mine Workers! Of course, we became UMW--but I think we are as well known, and in some circles better known, than the United Mine Workers! Before 1968 I was a member of the Women's Society of World Service of the Evangelical United Brethren Church (much of the time in Sierra Leone), and I have been a member of UMW since its beginning.
Ruth L: "In 1972, one Sunday afternoon, our two units came together. We came with our pledges. The presidents served together. We were scared that it wouldn't work, but everything went smoothly." She was local unit chair at Ebenezer UMW in Belmont. Now she is president of her local unit and Gastonia District Treasurer.
Virginia H: "In 1972, I presided over my last meeting as a president of the Northern New York Conference (now North Central NY Conf) WSCS after having served 13 years in local, district and conference offices. Before becoming involved with the Methodist women's organization, I could never have imagined myself in a leadership role. I was shy, introverted and lacking in self-confidence. I believe that God directed the circumstances that led to that involvement to show me that I am a unique, important person to whom He has given gifts to use for Him. UMW has been a major driving force in my faith journey. My current involvement on the local level keeps me informed, mentally stimulated, and growing spiritually." (Helen is now 74 years old.)
Alene B: In 1972, the local unit president at Bethel UMC, Albemarle District. Now, she is a subdistrict chair in that district, involved in the same church.
Dorie T: In 1972, unit president for Forest Hill UMC in Concord and raising 2 children. She is still involved in the same church in her circle and in her unit, teaching mission studies, and being a "consultant."
Jill M: In 1972, a Presbyterian in Lexington, KY in second grade. Now she is co-president of her local unit at St. Stephen UMC in Charlotte.
Etta M: "I was not even a member of United Methodist Women. I didn't want to be in my mother's organization with all those old women." Now she is serving as president of the North East District.
Helen G: In 1972, a member of the Wesleyan Service Guild at Raleigh's Crossroads in Greenbsoro and Greensboro District Secretary. Now she is the parlamentarian for her local unit, "consultant", and a member of the conference nominating committee.
Leone A: In 1972, a local unit vice-president, she remembers signing the charter for United Methodist Women at Main Street UMC in Kokomo, In. Now she is mission coordinator for education & interpretation at Hendersonville First UMC and a "consultant" for her unit, her district, and her conference.
Jane S: In 1972, a UMW member at St. Mark's UMC in Belmont, and mother to a little baby. Now she is involved in her local unit at Woodmont UMC in Reidsville and the Dean of the conference School of Christian Mission.
Edna W: In 1972, involved in her local unit as secretary at Central UMC. Now she is membership chair for her local unit and newsletter editor for the Charlotte District.
Barbara M: In 1972, attending Wesley Chapel UMC, Albemarle District and introduced to the Reading Program by Ms. Sharpe. Now, involved at Stoney Hill UMC in Albemarle and district coordinator for Social Action.
Sara W: Attending Grace UMC, Charlotte but not involved in UMW until 1973. Now, a member of the UMW at Prospect UMC in East Bend and conference Secretary for Program Resources.
Kelly K: Living in Rockville, MD as an Episcopal in kindergarten in 1972. Now, involved at St Stephen UMC in Charlotte as circle chair and local unit communications coordinator.
Chloe P: In 1972, an officer for the local unit at Bethlehem UMC in Union Co, involved in helping during the transition. Now, still involved at Bethlehem as the local unit president, and serving as Albemarle District parlamentarian.
Charlotte B: In 1972, an Episcopalian in Rochester Hills, MI. Now involved at Hendersonville First UMC as the local unit president.
Pam S: Living in Miami, FL in 1972. Attending a Methodist Church in Coral Gables, but not a United Methodist Woman. Now, local unit publicity chair for St Stephen UMW in Charlotte.
Patricia W: Not involved in 1972, although she helped the president of the WSCS, behind the scenes. Now, she serves as historian for the conference UMW.
Virginia B: Member of her local unit at Zion UMC in Union Co in 1972. Now, the mission coordinator for social action for Zion UMW.
Peggy H: In 1972, a member of her local unit at Green Memorial UMC, Albemarle District. Now she serves as local unit president and on the district nominating committee.
Sandra W: In 1972, a Catholic in Junior High. now a member of her local unit at Raleigh's Crossroad's UMC in Greensboro.
Betty L: In 1972, a local unit secretary at Ashton UMC in Maryland. She protested the naming of United Methodist Women, because it was too much like United Mine Workers. But now, there is no more United Mine Workers and United Methodist Women are still going strong! She is now serving as our UMW conference secretary.
Mary D: In 1972, she was the Mission Coordinator for Christian Global Concerns in the North East District, her first conference office. Now she is a revered "consultant" on the local, district and conference levels.
Nikki A: Working in Charlotte, I din't know what a good thing I was missing! Now a local circle chair at Central UMC and district secretary for program resources for the Charlotte District.
Gale C: In 9th grade, a Methodist in Greensboro, attending Bass Chapel. Now a member of her local unit at Bass Chapel.
Margaret C: Married one year to a pastor, at their first full-time appointment, she saw the advent of United Methodist Women in Lenoir at Colliers & Baten UM Churches. Now, she is involved at Mission Coordinator for Spiritual Growth for her local unit and for the Statesville District.
Alice H: In 1972, at Main Street UMC in Kokomo, IN, I was a member of a brand new circle which was forming, the Susannah Wesley Circle. Our first program was on the Proverbs 31 Woman. Now serving as a circle chair at Spruce Pine UMC, Marion District and district communications coordinator.
Anne G-S: African American women didn't really feel included in 1972, so I worked with my mother's unit in the old NC Conference in Roberson County with the Indians. Now, the Greensboro District UMW President.
Billie C: A freshman in high school, and a Presbyterian in 1972. Now, Winston-Salem District President.
Shirley W: Before my now 40-year-old daughter was born, I had received my first WSG pin. I was involved in my local unit at Indian Trail UMC in Albemarle. I have now tenured out locally and on the district and am serving on the district nominating committee.
Ruth C: Attending Central Terrace UMW in Winston-Salem as a local unit officer. My oldest daughter was graduating from high school. Now I am local unit vice-president at Central Terrace and the district communications coordinator.
Mary Jane D: Working 6 days/wk in 1972, I was not involved in UMW. I attended Charleston 6th Street UMC in West Virginia. Now I am involved in my local unit as Mission Coordinator for Social Action at Dallas First UMC.
Lynne G: In 1972, in 7th grade and attending West Market Street UMC. Now, still attending West Market Street and serving as conference treasurer.
Elizabeth H: Not involved in UMW in 1972, I was attending First UMC in Hamburg, NJ. Now I attend Park Street UMC in Belmont and serve as conference communications coordinator.
Betty C: Attending Morven UMC, Albemarle District and a member of WSG. Now, the local unit's mission coordinator for spiritual growth at Morven UMC.
Sylvia C: In 1972, when the local WSG & WSCS officers met together, I became the first president of the local UMW unit at Mt Pleasant UMC in Greensboro. Now, I serve as conference parliamentarian.
Maggie G-T: In 7th grade and attending Long's Chapel UMC in Junaluska. Now, Mission Coordinator for Social Action for my circle and the local unit, and conference vice-president.
Cindy C: A Baptist in Lakeland, FL in the 4th grade. Now, local unit treasurer for St. Stephen UMW in Charlotte.
Shirley G: Attending the Congregational Church in New York. Now, local unit secretary at Raleigh's Crossroads UMC in Greensboro and serving on the district nominating committee.
Ada T: In 1972, a mother of 3 and local unit president at Christ Boulevard UMC in Statesville. Now, the district mission coordinator for social action.
Janet C: In 1972, attending First UMC in Lincolnton and serving as district mission coordinator for spiritual enrichment. Now, serving as conference UMW president.
Sue C: A local unit member in my mother-in-law's unit, helping with programs and refreshments, at First UMC in Hickory. Now attending Abernethy UMC in Granite Falls and serving as Marion District president.
Jeannine VG: Involved in my local unit at Missouri UMC in Columbia, MO. Now, president of local unit at First UMC in Waynesville, and district mission coordinator for education & interpretation.
Linda R: In 1972, involved in the local unit as secretary for Global Concerns at Messiah UMC in Lincoln Co. Now serving as conference mission coordinator for education & interpretation.
Helen T: A Presbyterian in Charlotte working for the American Red Cross. Now, living in Monroe and serving as a mission coordinator in the local unit.
Irma E: In 1972, member of a circle at Hickory Grove UMC in Charlotte. Now, attending Grace UMC in Charlotte and UMW conference chair for leadership development.
Laurie Mc: Living in Toronto, a 7th grader and between churches. Now a member of her local unit, St. Stephen in Charlotte.
Elsie K: In 1972, a local unit member at Zion UMC in Albemarle. My mother-in-law was active in the guild. I was not given a choice about joining. My mother-in-law always picked me up, and continued to do so for 20 years! Now serving as president of the Albemarle District.
Susie Mc: In 1972, president of her local unit at Hopewill UMC in Peachland. Now a member of her local unit.
Kelly K: In kindergarten in Rockville, MD and an episcopalian. Now a circle chair, and local unit communications coordinator for St Stephen UMC in Charlotte.
Eloise H: In 1972, a Baptist and president of the WMU. Now, involved in her local unit at Peachland UMC and vice-president for the Albemarle District.
Willie A: At the Abernethy UMC in Rutherford College, I had been involved since I was a teen, helping the ladies serve refreshments. They would have an annual Silver Tea. We would get out the fine crystal and sterling. The ladies would bring "silver" and drop it in the silver tray. I would also help with programs. Now, the secretary for program resources at Abernethy.
Tamara P: In Fort Worth, TX as a Methodist and a 9th grader. Now, co-president for the local unit at St Stephen UMC in Charlotte.
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Everyone has a story, and that story deserves to be told. Please share a few words about your personal story......
How have you found ministry/mission in your life over the years, and the ways you participate now, at whatever stage of life you find yourself?
Virginia H: At the age of 74, it is both humbling and gratifying to look back at so many years of rich experiences and to know that you have left something of yourself along the way with those you've met. The 60's and 70's were difficult & challenging years for everyone. As parents of 5 teenagers, our home became a haven for long hair, confused young people who needed a place to be together and to search for answers. They & we were looked upon with fear & suspicion & were often the subject of false rumors and malicious gossip. In retrospect, I see what we were doing as a mission and mission is rarely comfortable or glamorous. Some of those now "baby boomers" still keep in touch & call us "Ma & Pa".
I am always amazed when someone recalls something I said 30 years ago that influenced their life. currently, I try to leave a lasting impression on my 4 grandchildren, stay involved in UMW on the local level & have found myself inadvertently in the role of mentor to a few of the young women in our church. I have been richly blessed & many of those blessings have come through my involvement in UMW.
Send your own reflections, which will be added to this page
The PURPOSE of
United Methodist Women
The organized unit of United Methodist Women shall be a community of women
whose purpose is to know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through
Jesus Christ; to develop a creative supportive fellowship; and to expand
concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the
church.
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