Welcome to United Women in Faith at First United Methodist Church
United Methodist Women is now United Women in Faith!
In 2022, United Methodist Women became United Women in Faith, as part of a global initiative to refresh the organization with new programs, a new logo, and a commitment to helping women put their love into action on behalf of women, children, and youth. This transition is more than a name change—it reflects a broader vision to embrace the diverse needs of women in all stages of life and from all backgrounds. We are proud to be part of this exciting new chapter!
This transformation is the result of years of research and input from over 24,000 women across various Christian traditions, helping to shape programs that reflect the needs and desires of current and future members. The new approach offers expanded membership options and engagement opportunities to serve and support communities locally and globally.
At First United Methodist Church, we continue to welcome all women who seek fellowship, spiritual growth, and the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of women, children, and youth in our community and beyond.
What’s Happening in 2025
Monthly Meetings
In 2025, United Women in Faith will have an expanded calendar meeting once a month, focusing on projects and initiatives that benefit both our church ministries and two local community organizations that serve women and children. We will be collecting items at each monthly gathering to donate to these organizations and to Project Linus. The 2025 calendar is provided below.
Ongoing Support, Outreach & Awareness
Each month, we’ll share information with the congregation about the current needs of our two chosen local organizations, as well as internal ministries like Project Linus and Sip & Share. Your participation and support help us spread awareness and make a tangible impact in the lives of others. Items will be made and collected throughout the year to donate to these ministries and organizations.
Waypoint NH, Rochester NH--https://waypointnh.org/programs/rochester-youth-drop-in-center/
Located on Wallace Street in Rochester, Waypoint's Rochester Youth Drop-In Center helps youth 12-24 in Strafford County experiencing homelessness or housing instability.
Items accepted for donations: new socks and undergarments for males & females of all sizes, new or gently used winter jackets, mittens/gloves, new backpacks, new sleeping bags, grab & go food items that don't require cooking or refrigeration, school supplies, hygiene products, female sanitary products, dental hygiene products, gift cards.
Hope on Haven Hill, Rochester, NH: https://www.hopeonhavenhill.org/
Located on Charles Street in Rochester, Hope on Haven Hill provides residential, outpatient and recovery support substance use disorder services for pregnant, post-partum and parenting women in NH. They also provide recovery support housing for women and their children as well as case-coordination for women seeking resources.
Items accepted for donations: Please refer to Hope on Haven Hill's webpage for a detailed list of items they can accept as donations. They also have an Amazon Wishlist that you can access from their site as well. https://www.hopeonhavenhill.org/support-us/current-needs-list/
Project Linus--https://www.projectlinus.org/
The FUMC Chapter of Project Linus is an extremely active chapter that makes and donates hundreds of blankets each year for children in need. Members of FUMC meet weekly to work on blankets and often use their own personal funds to purchase supplies. To offset the costs associated with this important ministry, in 2025 UWiF will work to support Project Linus efforts by collecting donations for the ministry.
Items accepted: fabric for quilt tops and backing, batting, quilting thread and pins, safety pins or basting spray, quilt binding fabric, fleece fabric, monetary donations, gift cards for places where these items can be purchased.
Volunteer Opportunities
In addition to monthly donations and events, we’ll be seeking volunteers to assist with various tasks throughout the year. Whether helping organize a monthly event or lending a hand with other UWiF initiatives, your support is invaluable. Please prayerfully consider how you can contribute.
Annual Letter and Pledge Cards
Each year, UWiF sends an Annual Letter and Pledge Card to members and women of our church. These cards allow members to show their support for the work we do, whether through time, talents, or financial contributions. Your ongoing commitment to United Women in Faith strengthens our mission and our community and we are deeply grateful for your contribution.
Get Involved
United Women in Faith is open to all women, regardless of denomination or background. Whether you’ve been a part of the group for years or are new to our church, there is a place for you here. We invite you to join us in fellowship, service, and making a difference.
Learn more about our global United Women in Faith ministry at uwfaith.org.
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FUMC's 2025-2027 UWiF Officers
President: Amy Cook, CookFamily_2013@yahoo.com
Vice-President: Gayle Richards
Treasurer: Eileen Foss, fossiemoto@yahoo.com
Secretary: Donna Downes
2025 UWiF Calendar of Events
The following calendar is subject to change as details are considered. As the dates get closer, details will be confirmed and announced through FUMC updates and social media.
Upcoming event
UWiF 2025 CALENDAR
Date/Event
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Saturday, February 15 11:30am
Theme: Joyful Hearts
Activity: Musical Bingo
Join us for a musical and joyful fellowship gathering and potluck lunch! Bring lunch or snack items to share as we enjoy lunch together! No musical knowledge required—all can play! Consider making an appointment for the Red Cross Blood Drive that will be hosted at FUMC 9am-1pm on the same day!
Collection: For Hope on Haven Hill; more information on UWiF page on website about needed items.
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Saturday, March 15 11:30am
Theme: Women’s History Month--"Women of Courage: Inspiring Faith & Action"
Activity: Potluck Lunch, Learn and share about Courageous & Faithful Women
Learn and share about courageous and faithful women from FUMC, our local community, and those who are/were family or friends of our members. If you have a story to share or woman to recognize, come prepared to share! Bring lunch or snack items to share as we enjoy lunch together!
Collection: Project Linus; more information on UWiF page on website about needed items.
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Saturday, April 19 11:30am
Theme: Memory Lane and Celebrating Our Legacy
Activity: Potluck Lunch and A Walk Down Memory Lane
Bring an old photo or item and share the stories behind them and how they relate to your personal faith story or church memories from years past. We'd like to record some of these stories and memories that are related to the church (with permission) for the church's history. Bring lunch or snack items to share as we enjoy lunch together!
Collection: For Waypoint NH; more information on UWiF page on website about needed items.
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Saturday, May 17 11:30am
Theme: Celebrating Mothers
Activity: Ice cream Social
Mothers, Fathers, Women, Men, Children—all are welcome to join us to celebrate the mothers in our lives! Sign up requested to ensure we get an appropriate amount of ice cream and sundae supplies.
Collection: For Hope on Haven Hill; more information on UWiF page on website about needed items.
Wednesday, June 18 6pm
Theme: Cultivating Wellness
Activity: Laughter Yoga, Gentle Movement, or Presentation on Self-care
Join us for an evening of joy, fun, and laughter as expressions of God’s gift of life. Bring a snack to share! (Eat dinner before the event and enjoy snacks/desserts with us.)
Collection: For Project Linus; more information on UWiF page on website about needed items.
Wednesday, July 16 6pm
Annual Summer Dinner Outing
Restaurant: TBA
Sign up requested by Sunday, 7/13 so we can confirm the reservation with the restaurant. Meet at the restaurant at 6pm. When the date gets closer, we will plan for ride sharing. Each person attending is responsible for their own check. UWiF will provide appetizers that will be ready for shortly after we arrive.
Collection: For Waypoint NH; more information on UWiF page on website about needed items.
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Wednesday, August 20 6pm
Theme: Joy in the Journey
Activity: Travel Experience Sharing
Bring items to share travel memories (photos, travel journal, memorabilia, or memories), whether from a special trip or local adventures. Share how you saw God’s love and work in those places. Bring a snack to share! (Eat dinner before the event and enjoy snacks/desserts with us.)
Collection: For Hope on Haven Hill; more information on UWiF page on website about needed items.
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Wednesday, September 17 6pm
Theme: The Healing Power of Nature
Activity: Indoor Garden Craft
Enjoy in fellowship while planting and decorating the pots with words of encouragement or Bible verses to gift to another woman at the event. Bring a small pot or container to use for planting and gifting to another woman at the event. Soil, and easy-to-grow plants (such as succulents or herbs) will be provided (and pots for anyone who forgot!). Bring a snack to share! (Eat dinner before the event and enjoy snacks/desserts with us.)
Collection: For Project Linus; more information on UWiF page on website about needed items.
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Saturday, October 18 11:30am
Theme: Spreading Holiday Cheer
Activity: Potluck Lunch and Crafts
Get in the holiday spirit! Join us for fellowship, a potluck lunch, and making crafts to be sold at the Church Fair! Bring lunch or snack items to share as we enjoy lunch together!
Collection: For Waypoint NH; more information on UWiF page on website about needed items.
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Saturday, November 15 11:30am
Theme: Hearts of Gratitude
Activity: Gratitude Sharing
Bring a favorite Bible verse or a personal story of gratitude to share. We'll fill out "thank you" cards for others and create a "gratitude tree" that will be displayed for a few weeks this holiday season. Bring lunch or snack items to share as we enjoy lunch together!
*As the date gets closer details for this event may change.
Collection: For Hope on Haven Hill; more information on UWiF page on website about needed items.
Saturday, December 20 11:30am
Annual UWiF Meeting
Theme: Holiday Blessings
Activity: Potluck Lunch & Dessert Social
Yankee Swap, Budget, and Voting
Join us for a time of holiday fellowship and reflection on the past and upcoming year. Bring lunch or snack items to share as we enjoy lunch together! UWiF will provide an assortment of desserts from a local bakery. To participate in the Yankee Swap, bring a gift ($10 limit) to contribute.
*Details for this event may change as the date gets closer and we determine how to make it a special event.
Collection: For Project Linus; more information on UWiF page on website about needed items.
UwIF Event Photos
