united women in faith
the purpose
The organized Unit of United Women Faith shall be a community of women, whose purpose is 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.
From the Local President of United Women in Faith to All Women
We invite YOU to participate in United Women in Faith (UWF). All women of any age, or interest are welcome to join at any time. You need not be a member of the United Methodist Church.
Participation in the Grace Unit of United Women in Faith gives each of us an opportunity for growth in our individual spiritual experiences, as well as experiencing friendships that enhance each of our lives. It is an opportunity to give of our individual spiritual gifts while receiving invaluable insight and gifts from others of different ages and strengths.
Mission is our program. We take seriously the command of Jesus to “do to the least of these” Matthew 25. United Women in Faith hear the cries of women, children, and youth and constantly look for ways in which we can support each other. Through the global ministries of the church, UWF programs help people become as great as they can be. Please join us – it’s an exciting relationship!
What You Should Know About United Women in Faith
As a Member...
You are one of 130 members in our Unit, which is one of about 50 units in the Prairie Central District, one of about 300 units in the Northern Illinois Conference, one of over 24,000 units in the nation, with 800,000 members, who give 7 million dollars each for missions, which provides a large portion of Missions Funds used by the General Board of Global Missions of the United Methodist Church in 110 Countries.
As a Member...
You are part of the World Federation of Methodist (and Uniting Church) Women with organizations in over 71 countries with 3 1/2 million women involved in mission in their own lands and to other lands.
Women Join United Women in Faith
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to grow spirirtually, educationally, and intellectually,
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to be stimulated, to gain leadership experience,
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to meet other women and to be involved in mission in a number of ways:
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Spiritual growth studies and renewal
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Mission education
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Biblical and theological study
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Women in Crisis programs
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Child Advoacy
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Giving on behalf of persons in mission
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Legislative affairs
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Human rights issues
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Combating racism
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Reading programs
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Service to the local church and community
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If you cannot attend monthly meetings, you can support us through prayers and gifts as a Supportive Member. "Every Woman in Grace Church can be in Mission" Please join us - it's an exciting relationship! For more information about Grace United Women in Faith, contact Jaci Tschirhart, United Women in Faith President, via email.
UWF Group Meetings
UWF meets monthly (not June, July, August, and November) as a large group for study, fellowship, and required business. In addition, four circles (small groups) as well as a craft group, quilting group, and book discussion group meet for supportive relationships, study, and service. Childcare is provided by reservation for all UMF activities.
UWF General Unit meets the first Tuesday of the month at 10:30AM. See below for a detailed list and programs.
UWF Circles
UWF groups
Quilt Group
The Quilt Group meets every Monday morning at 9:30AM in the Fireside Room. This groups makes hand quilted quilts like the annual Mission Quilt which are displayed at events like the Mistletoe Marketplace. All of the proceeds from the quilting projects go directly to Missions. Contact Sandy Bray via email or Nancy Lindberg via email for more information.
Book Discussion Group
UWF Book Group meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 12:45PM in Room 254 with a Zoom option (excepte November and December). Contact Cathy Connor via email for the ZOOM link or for more information.
Here are our upcoming book selections:
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July 22: The River We Remember by William Kent Krueger
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August 26: The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah
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September 23: Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng
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October 28: The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead
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December 2: Maid by Stephanie Land (Please note date change)
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January 27: Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
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February 27: Finding Me by Viola Davis
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Prayer Shawl Ministry meets on the 3rd Thursday of the month at 9:30AM in Room 225. Contact Barb LeMaster via email for more information.
2026 uwf General meeting & events
Please note: new General Meeting times for 2026!
10:15AM Coffee and Tea
10:30AM Programs and meetings
June, July, and August: No United Women in Faith General Meetings
September General Meeting
Tuesday, September 1
Fellowship Hall
10:15AM Coffee and Tea
10:30AM Program: All women are invited to Fellowship Hall to hear Chamus Burnside-Savazzini and Jaci Tschirhart share about their experiences attending the 2026 Quadrennial Assembly of United Women in Faith. Following the program, will be our general meeting and a light luncheon. $3.00 suggested donation.
October General Meeting
Tuesday, October 6
Fellowship Hall
10:15AM Coffee and Tea
10:30AM Program: World Thank Offering given by Speaker Ruth Wills, Spiritual Growth Coordinator. Following the program we will have our general meeting and a light luncheon hosted by Priscilla Circle. $3.00 suggested donation.
Mistletoe Marketplace
Saturday, November 14
Fellowship Hall
9:00AM to 2:00PM
United Women in Faith Fundraiser for Missions
There will be many handcrafted items, quilt items, a quilt drawing, Café, baked goods, and a silent auction of many wonderful items!
All proceeds from Mistletoe Marketplace and the Quilt drawing benefit United Women in Faith Mission projects that support women, youth and children locally, nationally and globally. We hope you will come and help support this wonderful event! It is a great opportunity to do your holiday shopping!
If you are interested in making items for Mistletoe Marketplace, contact Barbara Le Master via email or Vera McDonald via email. If you are interested in joining the Quilters of Grace Group, contact Sandy Bray via email or Nancy Lindberg via email. More information to come!
December General Meeting
Tuesday, December 1
Fellowship Hall
10:15AM Coffee and Tea
10:30AM Program: “History of Gift Giving at Christmas and How to be More Creation Friendly” presented by Jaci Green Tschirhart. Following the program, we will have our Cookie Exchange and a salad luncheon hosted by the Leadership Team. $3.00 suggested donation.
Interested in learning more about United Women in Faith and our mission projects? Contact Jaci Tschirhart, United Women in Faith President, via email for more information. If you would like to join Grace United Women in Faith, or a monthly circle, contact Erin O’Brien via email for more information. All women are welcome!