Jul./Aug. response: Responsively Yours

It may seem months ago, but the joy and energy from Assembly 2026, “Dream it! Believe it! Do it!” is still warming my heart. You will be able to read all about it in the September-October issue of response. Mark your calendar now for Assembly 2030 in Richmond, Virginia, May 17-19.

I hope good news has been ringing in your ears from your conference president, social action coordinator, or program advisory group representative, that our 2026 focus is the year of “influence.” We are calling all United Women in Faith members and friends to use their voices to tell the story of United Women in Faith and our mission.

Together we can influence growth through our Unstoppable membership campaign by inviting new women to be part of our sisterhood. We are also inviting others to join us in advocating policies that align with our social justice priorities: climate justice and ending mass incarceration and criminalization of communities of color.

Consider starting with those closest to you: family, friends, your local church, and community organizations you engage in. See more in this response issue for ideas on where your influence can be a plus.

We are all called to be God’s tangible heart, hands, and feet in caring for all God’s creation, especially when injustice is present. Expect to hear more at your conference United Women in Faith annual meeting this fall.

I also hope you are hearing about the preparation for General Conference 2028, to be held May 8-18, in Minneapolis, and another location to be announced, ensuring that elected delegates can gather from around the globe and do the work necessary. United Women in Faith staff and directors are working on legislation for General Conference and the U.S. Regional Conference, both to be held in 2028. Stay tuned and informed.

I encourage you to submit your name to be a General Conference delegate as another way to be an influencer on behalf of The United Methodist Church and United Women in Faith. Doing so honors the legacy of our foremothers who used their voices to influence the right for women to serve as General Conference delegates. To learn more about why being a General Conference delegate is important and impactful, my colleague, Tara Barnes, at tbarnes@uwfaith.org, can guide and assist you.

As we live through ongoing change and uncertainty in our daily lives, The United Methodist Church, and other spaces, be encouraged. Now is the time to put our faith, trust, and hope in Jesus. Jesus promised that he is the vine and we are the branches. If we abide in him, he will abide in us and we will bear great fruit, because without him we can do nothing (John 15:5).

Let us continue to be fruit bearers and influencers for the present moment and those yet to come. We are branches, so keep sharing the good news, and trust Jesus for the growth, collectively and personally. May it be so.

SALLY VONNER
General Secretary and CEO
United Women in Faith

---