Summer School’s In Session With Mission u

UMW gathering at First UMC Plano focuses on education, outreach

Almost 100 people from the North Texas Conference attended Mission u July 11-13 at First UMC Plano. Mission u is an opportunity for education and meeting together to deepen faith.

“I think that education is a vital element of our structure as United Methodist Women,” said Peggy Land, assistant dean of Mission u 2019.

Three different studies were available in addition to plenary sessions to worship, sing and pray together.

“The plenaries were my favorite because of the singing, study-leader participation, and learning a new song, ‘Put One Foot in Front of the Other and Lead With Love,’ ” recalled Teresa Stopher, UMW district president for the Northwest District. 

The main emphasis of Mission u is to focus on issues affecting women and children around the world. Many times, these are groups on the margins.

“Mission u reminds us of the responsibility we have as a mission organization, to follow God's call to be in relationship with all of God's people and responsible for all of God's creations,” Land said.

Each study leader is qualified to lead the study assigned. To become a study leader, a person is requested by the dean of Mission u, signs an agreement with the UMW National Office and completes other qualifications including reading a list of books and training.

Being a study leader has its benefits.

“As usual, when I am Study Leader, I learn more about the scriptures than I knew before the study,” said Thalia Matherson who served as a study leader. 

For study leader Anna Bundy, this was her first time attending and leading. Bundy taught Women United for Change: 150 Years of Mission.

“My favorite part of the whole thing is seeing women come together … to fellowship, educate, and worship,” Bundy said.

Bundy signed on to lead a study again next year.

“Women, for 150 years, have been doing this and helping change the world and I believe that it is still happening in our midst,” she said.

Mission u may be over until next year, but you could still complete one of the studies. North Texas UMW President Julie Noel said those interested in exploring Mission u studies are encouraged to inquire with the leadership of their local UMW units.

Published: Wednesday, July 24, 2019