Education On Social Action Campaigns Focus Of UMW Meeting
Registration for annual gathering ends Sept. 19
The North Texas Conference of United Methodist Women will host its 46th Annual Meeting and Social Action Workshops on Oct. 19 at First UMC Richardson. The meeting will focus on the Social Action Campaigns of the national United Methodist Women to have participants come to gather, lift their voices and get involved.
The national UMW’s Social Action Campaign emphasizes climate justice, criminalization of communities of color and mass incarceration, economic inequality and maternal and child health.
Sharing the four campaign items will include panel discussions and workshops with experts speaking about their experiences and giving perspective in their area of expertise. In addition to the emphasis on the Social Action Campaigns, the meeting includes a business meeting and worship.
Greta McKelvey, Vice President of the North Texas United Methodist Women, said she anticipates “addressing the heart of UMW; that is, expanding concepts of mission through participation.”
Pam Shamblin attends First UMC Richardson and is the point-person at the church for the meeting. Shamblin has been a member of United Methodist Women all her adult life and looks forward to the meeting each year.
“I love seeing this group of women gather, renewing old friendships, refueling for the work ahead, supporting each other, caring for each other and learning more about the issues that face our planet and impact the lives of women, children and youth, globally,” she said.
Shamblin is excited about the speakers and topics but particularly interested in hearing Carol Barton, the United Methodist Women’s Executive for Community Action, speak on economic inequality.
Nancy Monroe, who attends First UMC Coppell and is president of that church’s UMW group, has attended this meeting for many years and cherishes the opportunity to become more educated on the national organization’s key focus areas.
“I always look forward to learning so many different things in one day,” she said. “It’s the format that makes this possible. And, we have at least one person speaking about each of our national current social issues focuses. … This is a great way to briefly see how these different areas are interconnected and how our faith can make a difference.”
Published: Wednesday, September 4, 2019