The United Women in Faith Kick Off a New Ministry Year!

MEETING MINUTES – September 20, 2026

The meeting began with a deliciously light breakfast.

Gina Duke shared a devotional about Lydia and the importance of bathing our women’s ministry in prayer.

CONGREGATIONAL CARE OPPORTUNITIES

The UWF discussed congregational care opportunities. We will sponsor meal trains as necessary. This month we will sponsor a card shower for a church member; specifics were detailed in the distributed copy of the minutes.

The women agreed to host a McKendree College Students Care Package project. The ladies were asked to bring up to three suggested items to the next meeting so we may assemble the care packages: Granola bars, gum, breath mints, tea and hot chocolate packets, Highlighters, pens, pencils, sticky notes, phone charging station, ear buds, tissues, cough drops, fluffy socks, travel size OTC meds, Fun items like small stuffed animals, colors, coloring books, Inspirational items like cards or magnets, personalized letters. Gas Cards and Gift cards: DoorDash, Starbucks, etc. See Gina Duke for more specific information.

UNITED WOMEN IN FAITH FUNDRAISER FOR MISSIONS

Our major fundraiser for UWF is the annual Harvest Craft Show and Sale on Saturday, November 14, at Richland Park’s gymnasium. We are taking baked good donations and would like to have UWF members sign up for three hour shifts. See Carole Morgan for more information.

HANDS OF HOPE CHRISTMAS WITH SANTA

This annual UWF ministry event will take place on Saturday, December 12, 2026 from 7:00 am to 11:00 am. Contact is Melissa Lang. More discussion of new ideas to come.

CHRISTMAS OPERATION SHOEBOX CAMPAIGN

The McKendree Quilters are offering pillow dresses for the little girls’ boxes. Please contact Glenda Fowler for your dress.

FEMALE-FRIENDLY FACILITIES AUDIT

The UWF began a new initiative this year. Each meeting we will audit a different area of the church to look for improvement opportunities. In this first assessment of McKendree Hall, we identified four (4) improvements to the restrooms, two (2) for the main hall and four (4) for the outside premises. We did not include the kitchens, as that will be conducted separately by the entities who use them most, such as the Men’s Club and Grace Meal coordinators. See attached Improvement Tracker file below for more details! It is best viewed on a laptop for images. 

NEXT MEETING

Sunday, October 18th, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. in McKendree Hall. We always meet the third Sunday of the month. Breakfast is served. All women are invited!