Jan./Feb. response: Responsively Yours

Each year we begin anew, setting new intentions and goals. For me, it begins with evaluating last year. Did I follow through, did I take risks to adapt and grow—especially when new possibilities and challenges were presented, did I stay connected to God, trusting God to lead me, and did I love abundantly? Then come more questions: Are there familiar paths to continue or new ones to experience? Is there room for improvement (always)? Do I need to rely more on God’s wisdom and guidance? After the evaluation, I’m ready to move forward with hope, commitment, and putting my love in action.

As we set our intentions and goals for 2026, may we once again pray the Wesleyan Covenant Prayer inviting us into all the ways that surrendering our full selves and trusting in Jesus is the ultimate intention. My prayer in 2026 is that we embrace the many opportunities we will have as United Women in Faith, to put our love into action. There are some already available as noted in this issue. One is to come to Assembly and get fired up to leave ready to put your love into action to change the world because we are unstoppable. Join me in Indianapolis.

Another opportunity to put our love into action is supporting our National Mission Institutions. I give thanks for our foremothers who had a vision to be a tangible presence of God’s grace for God’s people in communities where women, children, and youth needed companions to help them flourish and thrive. We are still carrying forth their vision today. During my NMI visits in 2025 to David & Margaret Youth and Family Services and Toberman Neighborhood Center in California, the Bethlehem Centers of Nashville, as well as Cornerstone Family Ministries in Florida, I witnessed resurrection people practicing hope. 

Thank you for stepping up to give special offerings last year to ensure NMIs showed up for their communities in spite of budget cuts to federal and state funding. We must continue to support them through our presence and giving, as many of them continue to face significant budget cuts at a time when their communities need them most. 

Lastly, we have the opportunity once again to extend selfless giving through the Call to Prayer and Self-Denial. The 2026 theme is “The Future is Now: Invest in Our Children.” Our gifts will support vulnerable children through the work of the NMIs. 

Let us go forth with intention in 2026 to serve the Lord by continuously putting our love into action to improve the lives of women, children, and youth. May it be so. 

SALLY VONNER
General Secretary and CEO
United Women in Faith

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