United Women in Faith
Growing as Disciples of Jesus Christ
UWFaith
Growing as Disciples
United Women in Faith is a faith-based women’s organization within The United Methodist Church. United Women in Faith members are committed to growing as disciples of Jesus Christ in community with other women and advocating on behalf of women, children, and youth around the world. United Women in Faith has been in mission for more than 150 years.
United Women in Faith Vision
Turning faith, hope, and love into action on behalf of women, children, and youth around the world.
United Women in Faith is a sisterhood acting in faith to tackle the hard work of the world without hesitation. This group is driven by God’s love and united in sisterhood to improve the lives of women, children, and youth.
United Women in Faith Mission Statement
United Women in Faith seeks to connect and nurture women through Christian spiritual formation, leadership development, creative fellowship, and education so that they can inspire, influence, and impact local and global communities.
United Women in Faith at St. Paul’s UMC
At St. Paul’s, we are an active, faith-driven group of more than 130 women carrying the United Women in Faith mission and traditions forward through various ministries and programs.
United Women in Faith is open to all women. To join, contact Penny Gilchrist or call the church office at 319-363-2058. We sponsor activities throughout the year that are open to all and supported by women and men.
What We Do
- Equip Leaders: We equip women and girls around the world to be leaders in communities, agencies, workplaces, governments, and churches.
- Organize for Growth: We are organized for growth, with flexible structures leading to effective witness and action.
- Educate to Transform: We provide educational experiences that lead to personal change in order to transform the world.
- Serve and Advocate: We work for justice through compassionate service and advocacy to change unfair policies and systems.
- Foster Spiritual Growth: We provide opportunities and resources to grow spiritually, become more deeply rooted in Christ, and put faith into action.
- Members Make It All Possible: World-wide, nearly 500,000 members work for justice and support mission in a creative, inspirational, and supportive fellowship.
- National Outreach: National Mission institutions and local member outreach improve communities in every state.
- International Work: Scholarships, regional missionaries, Ubuntu Journeys, and project funding are just some ways United Women in Faith make a difference.
Questions?
If you would like to learn more or join, click the button below or call 319-363-2058.
Officers 2026
Barb Oakland
President
Stephanie Heifner
Mission Coordinator
Women’s Retreat
Tamera Preston
Vice President
Sharon Vana
Mission Coordinator
Education & Interpretation
Linda Haney
Secretary
Lois Mather
Mission Coordinator
Social Action
Ute Adams
Treasurer
Penny Gilchrist & Celeste Downs
Mission Coordinators
Membership, Nurture, & Outreach
Kate Buroker
Secretary of Program Resources
Circles & Fellowship Groups
United Women in Faith circles are small groups of United Women in Faith members who meet regularly for spiritual growth, missions, and social interaction. Circles are open to all. For more information or to join a circle, contact the circle chair.
- Meets September–May
- Second Thursday | 1:00 p.m. in members’ homes or the church
- Chairperson: Barb Steggall
- Treasurer: Linda Robinson
- Courtesy: Elaine Fox
- Callers: Sally Emery, Marilyn Thomsen, Jan Russell, and Elaine Oxenford
- Meets September–May
- Third Thursday | 11:30 a.m., Gathering Space/Parlor
- Chairperson: Marie Peeters
- Treasurer: Pat Jacobson
- Courtesy: Marla Nikodim
- Service: Ute Adams
- Younger women’s circle
- Meets quarterly on a Saturday morning at church
- Childcare provided
- Chairperson: Celeste Downs
- Meets September–May
- Second Thursday | 11:30 a.m., Parlor (223)
- Chairperson: Kate Buroker
- Treasurer: Ruth Balster
- Courtesy: Brytta Fitzgibbons
Fundraisers
The primary purpose of United Women in Faith is to be in mission for women, children, and youth locally, nationally, and around the world. In order to facilitate that work, fundraisers are held annually with proceeds going to support local mission agencies as well as nearly 300 mission projects across our country and in more than 40 countries across the world. The following activities generate the funds needed to support these ministries:
- Individual member financial pledges to mission
- May/June Tasting Luncheon: Salad luncheon with decorated tables—open to the public
- Holiday Fair: Early November bazaar and luncheon with theme tables and special entertainment—public invited
With this income, St. Paul’s United Women in Faith is able to contribute approximately $15,000 annually in mission to women, children, and youth!
UWFaith Reading Program
Books are available on a special cart just inside the church library. Check them out!
The Reading Program is a cherished United Women in Faith tradition that brings together members in mission as they explore, share, and discuss the books.
To participate, select one of our four plans (see below) and start reading! From captivating novels and heartfelt biographies to urgent messages about issues such as climate change and mass incarceration, there’s something for everyone.
Reading Program books are divided into five categories and are available for people of all ages and reading levels. As you read, track your progress using the Reading Program Reporting Form.
When you submit the Report of Completion Requirements, you will be recognized with a Certificate of Recognition at the United Women in Faith Honors Luncheon in December.
Earning your Certificate of Recognition is just one way to show what you’ve gained from the Reading Program. The Reading Program is not meant to be completed alone or in a vacuum.
- Share the program with United Women in Faith members and members of the community.
- Attain books by checking them out of the St. Paul’s Church library.
- Connect with local and district groups. Start a book club, download books onto an e-reader to pass around and share, present book reviews at group meetings.
- Display a progress chart in your church for all who wish to participate, and post displays to encourage book sales.
- Pray. Books often raise concerns about people, countries, and issues. Bring these concerns to God during your prayer time at home and at group meetings.
- Advocate for tangible change. Many Reading Program books address issues such as climate change, mass incarceration, immigration, and racism. Organize a task force to address these issues in your community.
- Plan I: 5 books a year (1 book from each category and regular reading of response magazine)
- Plan II: 10 books a year (2 books from each category and regular reading of response magazine)
- Plan III: 15 books a year (2 books from each category plus 5 additional books from any category and regular reading of response magazine)
- Plan IV: 20 books a year (2 books from each category plus 10 additional books from any category and regular reading of response magazine)
- Education for Mission
- Leadership Development
- Nurturing for Community
- Social Action
- Spiritual Growth
God bless you as you pray, study, act, and organize in Christ’s name.
From Our Socials
Catch a glimpse of the joy and fellowship that make St. Paul’s United Women In Faith special!
Want to Join?
Contact Barb Oakland, President, if you have questions about United Women in Faith.
Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
Colossians 3:14 (NRSVUE)
Save the date for a beloved tradition 105 years in the making! 🎄✨
Join us at St. Paul’s for our Annual Holiday Fair on November 4 & 5. This year is especially exciting as we celebrate the 105th Anniversary of St. Paul’s United Women in Faith!
Come kick off the holiday season with warm fellowship, festive gifts, and handcrafted treasures. Check out the flyer below for times and details, tag a friend you’d like to bring, and be sure to save the dates on your calendar. We can’t wait to celebrate with you! ❤️
#holidayfair
#holidayfair2026
#stpaulsholidayfair
#stpaulsholidayfair2026
#craftsale
#bakesale
https://stpaulsumc.org/united-women-in-faith/
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We celebrate and care for creation. On September 20, join St. Paul's for a Season of Creation Living Water Prayer Service. Link in comments.
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🌿 Mark your calendars! 🌿
Plans are officially set for our Annual Late Summer Women’s Retreat! Join us on Saturday, August 1st, at the beautiful Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center.
We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Carol Hedberg, who will be leading us through a powerful day of reflection and community building. This year's theme is "Going Deeper — Creating a Spiritual Path."
Registration Details: To save your spot, please reach out to Talia in the church office at (319) 363-2058 or send her an email at talia@stpaulsumc.org to get on the list!
Cost: $25 (includes retreat materials and a special Prairiewoods lunch).
Payment: Advance payment is requested.
#stpaulsunitedwomeninfaith
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21st Quadrennial Assembly of United Women in Faith Held in Indianapolis
Six St. Paul's United Women in Faith members joined 3,000 others from across the nation and the globe to participate in the quadrennial Assembly for UWFaith in Indianapolis last weekend. Five of our members were first-timers—Ute Adams, Tamera Preston, Linda Robinson, Barb Steggall, and Sherri Bolton. (Barb Oakland is a repeat attendee, having experienced her first inspiring Assembly as a young seminary spouse in 1978!) We were all impacted by dynamic preaching, creative interpretive dance, inspiring and uplifting music, and informative workshops. United Women in Faith continues to offer hope and wholeness to women, children, and youth through our sponsored mission institutions and skill building projects in the United States and in 37 other countries across the globe.
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We are delighted to invite all women to our Women's Day Apart. Register online here: forms.gle/NU5Xjb7CvdnmeBWb6 ... See MoreSee Less
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The annual Christmas Appreciation Luncheon was hosted by St. Paul's UWFaith last week, honoring the church staff's dedication and commitment to the congregation and community. Special Mission Recognition pins were awarded, and officers for 2026 were formally installed. The event also included a poignant tribute to the women of the church who have passed away in the past year and an engaging skit about St. Nicholas, capturing the essence of the Christmas spirit.
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