March/April response: Responsively Yours

March is Women’s History Month and time to celebrate the contributions of women from around the world. For me, because it is the birthday month of United Women in Faith, I celebrate all the women, now among the great cloud of witnesses—from our founders to all the leaders and members who cheerfully gave their time, talents, gifts, and service. Their love carries forth our mission and commitment to improving the lives of women, children, and youth.

In February, I was blessed to attend an unveiling of a plaque honoring the first deputy general secretary of United Methodist Women, Theressa Hoover, a trailblazing Black United Methodist leader. The event was in her hometown, Fayetteville, Arkansas, on the promenade in front of Sequoyah United Methodist Church. Thank you to Scholar Janet Allured and the Arkansas United Women in Faith members for making this tribute happen.

Participating in this tribute reminded me that when your life has been committed to God’s call, your story lives on eternally. As we remember our local, district, conference, jurisdiction, and national organizational leaders, let their stories inspire us and remind us that they are our biggest cheerleaders from Heaven to Earth.

I can hear Hoover’s words: “The women’s mission organization may bend but will never be broken.”

As we prepare for Day of Giving, March 23, let us be cheerful givers, as were those who came before us. We can surpass last year’s giving if, like our foremothers, we invite others to give by sharing our stories of why we cheerfully give to improve the lives of women, children, and youth here and around the world.

Our 2024 Annual Report affirms that our giving makes an impact not only through our spiritual growth, leadership development, transformative education, and service and advocacy resources, but also through greater than 172,000 women, children, and youth served by our National Mission Institutions through grants. In Zimbabwe, 1,432 people benefited from microloans for poultry and making home cleaning products. You participated in more than 1,800 legislative actions for climate justice, 3,000 e-mails supporting federal bills to interrupt the school-to-prison pipeline, and granting over $500,000 in scholarships. 

Thank you to all who took a bold step of faith to increase your pledge to mission for 2026. Together we can make 2026 a blockbuster year of giving, especially on Day of Giving!

April brings Easter and celebration of Earth Day on April 22. Let’s bring attention to the importance of caring for God’s creation by supporting and educating about our Just Energy 4 All campaign. Be sure to monitor our website for ways you can engage. 

Lastly, I am excited about Assembly 2026. I hope you have registered and are making plans to meet me in Indianapolis for a great time. If unable to join, pray for all traveling. Amen. 

SALLY VONNER
General Secretary and CEO
United Women in Faith

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