View this as a webpage / Use link to share with a friend

Grace in Unsuspected Places

Soul Care blog

Robert Redford died this past week. It broke my heart. He was my first screen crush. I suspect I’m not the only one. Over the years my attraction never waned. What it did was morph from a hormone-soaked infatuation into a mature respect for the man he became and the life he lived. . . He was rare among Hollywood giants.

As much as was written about his campaigns for the environment, the Sundance Film Festival, his award-winning roles, and his A-list of co-stars, one Hollywood critique stood out. “Redford had a fluid physical grace and an inner radiance that sometimes makes it seem as if he's . . . read more

Our still-new Horizon Texas Conference has a few open positions on our 2026 Leadership Team. Before you automatically say "No", consider this sister's experience:

"When I was first asked to be a leader "no" was on my tongue. . . but I gave it some prayerful consideration, and I heard my call. That first big job was a blessing to me. And so I’ve taken many roles and developed new skills that have blessed me in many ways. I'm glad I said YES!"

This opportunity to work together and make a difference could be for you or someone you know. . . Prayerfully consider the following open positions:

• Treasurer
• Chair - Social Action Committee

Contact a member of the Committee on Nominations listed here or submit an online Nomination Form to share your ideas and suggestions.

Who is ready to put their love into action?

-- Yolanda Rivera, the Chair of the Committee on Nominations (CON)

Girls in rural Kenya who escaped FGM and forced marriage are now living at the Jerri Savuto Center for Girls -- thriving and able to attend school. Our support gives them life choices where they had none before.

Thanks to all members, local groups and Districts who have donated to help us reach the goal of building a security fence this fall to provide needed security and keep those girls safe!

Donate here to help get that fence built! See the website for information, stories, & pictures from recent visit to the JS girls. Plan to attend a District Gathering (below) to see pictures and hear stories from Cynthia Rives' recent trip to the JS Center. Then join us virtually on Nov. 1st for our Special Virtual Conference Meeting with Jerri's Girls! Registration coming soon.

METRO NORTH & MID-NORTH DISTRICTS "HOPE: a Chance and a Choice"

Saturday, September 27th, 9 am - 2 pm

Hear from the team who visited the Jerri Savuto Girls Center this summer! Breakfast & lunch will be provided free of charge to those who register. Come find out how we can continue to support the girls of JSGC! Click on the image above to download the flyer with registration link to share and invite others.

Please Register Here so we prepare enough food! LOCATION: Lake Cities UMC in Lake Dallas.

Mission u in Spanish!

Tuesday evenings at 7 pm
Starting October 7th 


Welcoming all Spanish speakers - no membership required. Sessions will be 1-hour each with Study Leader, Rev. Martha Valencia, Sr. Pastor at Elmwood-El Buen Samaritano UMC in Dallas. Please share with your Spanish-speaking friends - everyone is welcome.

$25 registration, free book download. Register here. 
Estudio • Cuidado del alma • Compañerismo

UWFaith of Christ UMC - Farmer's Branch
Electronic Recycling - UWFaith Fundraiser!

October 11 9 am - noon

We'll be Recycling Electronics and MORE! 
Bring your items to Christ UMC in Farmers Branch. Start collecting your items now! Click for the full list including: Computers, Cameras, Office equipment, entertainment electronics, multimedia, phones, vehicles & ATVs, toys & games, video games, sporting goods, musical instruments, home & garden items, non-fiction books, collectibles, dinnerware, jewelry & more.

Contact Ann Haynes for E-Recycle Q&A

SOUTH DISTRICT GATHERING 
"Following the Love of Jesus"

Saturday, October 18, 8:30 am - noon


Join us for Fellowship at a Potluck Breakfast before our program with Cynthia Rives telling us about the Jerri Savuto Center for Girls. Together we'll discuss our 2026 Plans! We look forward to seeing you. This time we'll meet at Belton UMC. 
Full info with the Registration form on our District webpage. 
Questions? Contact Donna Jensen

HOSTED BY METRO WEST DISTRICT

Zurawaski v Texas 
Screening and Panel Discussion

Tuesday, October 28th at 6 pm

This critically acclaimed 2024 feature documentary film shadows three Center clients from Texas denied abortion care—even while facing life-threatening pregnancy complications—and the Center attorney fighting on their behalf. Experience the stark and terrifying current reality of what it means to be pregnant in Texas. All are welcome. No Charge, but Register please.

LOCATION: Wellspring on Main Building, 201 W. Main St. in downtown Arlington

EAST DISTRICT GATHERING 
"Trusting God in Troubled Times"

Saturday, November 15th

Power and Strength abound when Women of Faith Gather! Join us for Fellowship and Praising God. Our program features the Jerri Savuto Center for Girls and confirming our 2026 Plans! We always have a good time together and look forward to seeing you. This time we'll meet at Ridgewood Park UMC. Full info with the Registration form.

Share your Gathering photos by emailing them to photos@uwfaithhtc.org Be sure to include caption info including your local group, event description, and the names of those in the photos! 
Mid-Central /West District Photos now in album online!

Condolences to Our Bishop Rueben Saenz

Last week Bishop Saenz announced the passing of his beloved mother, Olga, a faithful United Methodist Woman whose devotion and compassion inspired many.

To honor her legacy, the family has suggested a memorial gift to United Women in Faith’s International Mission Fund. Your donation will support emergency and emerging programs serving women, children, and youth worldwide—causes close to her heart.

We give thanks for Olga, her faithfulness and her influence on her son. We are grateful for his support and understanding of our mission and its importance.

World Federation of Methodist & Uniting Church Women
The Helen Kim Memorial Scholarship

Leadership Development Training

This is a wonderful opportunity for a young woman* in our Conference to attend the world assembly in Auckland, NZ in August of 2026 to learn and network with women from all over the world. You can read more about the program here.

The key requirements are for the woman to be 

• aged between 18 and 30 years in August 2026

• committed members of a Methodist, United or Uniting Church

• involved in women’s issues and/or church work and shown leadership abilities


If you are interested, or want to nominate someone in our Conference, please contact President Wendy or one of our PAG members, Cynthia Harry, Carloyn Cobb or Lynne Grandstaff by next Monday, September 30. Don’t delay!

• Keep Reading! You have until 12/31/25 for this year's Reading Program list. What book do you recommend? Send a short review of a book on the UWFaith Reading Program list that made an impact on you to news@uwfaithhtc.org.

SPECIAL VIRTUAL EVENT:

CELEBRATE!

Mark your calendar for this special virtual event of HTC UWFaith! All members and friends are invited. We'll elect officers and approve the budget for 2026, then we'll CELEBRATE with the girls of the Jerri Savuto Center in Kenya! Songs, Dance, Stories -- you'll want to be there! Registration coming soon.

2026 Texas Legislative Event

If you are committed to justice, freedom, and opportunity for all people, especially women and children, then this is for you! Presented in partnership with Texas Impact, the event includes two days of speakers, inspiration, and workshops where you learn about the issues. On the third day of the event, attendees will visit the Capitol and meet with lawmakers.

You'll connect with women like you, who are ready to put their faith into action! Click to register for Early Bird Pricing NOW!

Assembly 2026 Registration is Now Open!

It's time to plan a girls trip to Indianapolis, Indiana for May 15-17, 2026! Text or call your friends and spread the news! The keynote speakers have been announced: 

• Stacey Abrams (political leader, voting rights advocate, and bestselling author)
• Rev. Carolyn Abrams (retired United Methodist clergywoman and Stacey's mom)

EVENT REGISTRATION:   www.uwfaith.org/assembly Early pricing ends 11.30.25 online only!

HTC ROOM BLOCK BOOKING We've got a block of rooms at the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown with an enclosed walkway to the convention center. Deadline: 12.01.25. Book by Phone (credit card required): 317.262.8191

Click to Book Online in the HTC Room Block (credit card required):  

QUESTIONS?  Click to Contact: Julie Noel, our Conference Assembly Liaison 

Click for details about these events on our website calendar


September 27 • Metro North & Mid-North Districts Gathering "HOPE: A CHANCE AND A CHOICE" at Lake Cities UMC see above

October 11 • Electronics & More Recycling - UWFaith Fundraiser at Christ UMC - Farmers Branch. 9 am - noon, Start collecting items - details here see above

October 18 • South District Fall Gathering see above

October 28 - Zurawski v Texas showing in Ft Worth details coming soon

October 30 • Soul Care Mini-Retreats at 10 am or 6 pm. virtual - see above

November 1 • Special HTC UWFaith Event: CELEBRATE! Officer Election & Fun with Jerri's Girls! 10 am virtual

November 8 • North America Area World Federation of Methodist & Uniting Church Women: Town Hall Click for info on zoom with workshops

December 31 • End of current Reporting Period for local units & individuals on the UWFaith Reading Program

January 15 • Local Unit Annual Reports due - forms are all available online

January 25-27, 2026 • Texas Legislative Event "Hope: Action & Accountability" in Austin; see above

March 7, 2026 • HTC UWFaith Annual Meeting, Plan to be in Dallas that Saturday!

May 15-17, 2026 - Assembly 2026 in Indianapolis. Visit uwfaith.org/assembly

Click for how to submit your events.

• 2025 / 2026 Conference Calendar explained - see FAQ's

• Soul Care blogs - read Karen's thoughtful messages anytime

• Member Musings blog - send your thoughts & perspectives!  news@uwfaithhtc.org

• ANNUAL REPORT FORMS - They aren't due until January 15, 2026, but now is a good time to familiarize yourself with the questions.

• Looking for a program? Need a quick or short program? Check out our Program Ideas in the Resources tab on the website. Send us your ideas too!

• Our website calendar is kept up-to-date and always available to confirm dates, details, and locations.

• District information - each District has a webpage that lists District officers, their contact information, District events and updates. Local officers: ask for support as needed from your District counterparts and keep in touch!

• Resources from our 2025 Racial Justice Event are posted on our website with links to watch the plenary session, explanation of the Charter for Racial Justice and more.Look at the RJ Event photo album.

• RESOURCES include an important reminder of the role the church plays in standing for justice and supporting vulnerable communities. -- Check out the resources for the humane treatment of immigrants and refugees. Provided by the Horizon Texas Conference, immigration resources can be accessed here. -- Check out the new resources for Creation Care here, including Bible verses, ways you can combat climate change, devotional, FAQ's, podcast and more!

• Officer Training Handouts are available on our website under Resources. Watch for videos of the recent Officer Training sessions to be posted there soon.

United Women in Faith believe love in action can change the world.

United Women in Faith welcome ALL women of faith, no church membership required. We connect and nurture women through Christian spiritual formation, leadership development, creative fellowship, and education so that they can inspire, influence, and impact communities, locally and globally.