About Us

The emblem of United Methodist Women, the cross and the flame, symbolizes our  organization.  The cross and the flame are ancient symbols of the church and appear on The United Methodist Church emblem.  Both remind us of our PURPOSE of growing in our understanding of and willingness to participate in the global ministries of  the church.  The shape is fluid and free-flowing, suggesting change and mobility.  The women who came before us, serving the church at home and in other countries, were at the forefront of movements for change.  Always aware of the times, we move into the 21st century aware of the opportunities and obligations of discipleship.  We are a group of Christian women with many gifts who are unified by one Spirit.  We participate in God’s mission in all areas of life.

Nearly 800,000+ lay women have chosen to be members of a special organization with a specific purpose—United Methodist Women! 

This community of women is:

• Centered in relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
• Focused on ministries with women, children, and youth.
• Involved in mission locally and globally.
• Committed to inclusiveness.
• Pledged to financial support for mission through undesignated giving.
• Engaged in development and use of skills for service, leadership development, and personal growth.
• Encouraged to work with other organizations on issues of mutual concern.

PURPOSE
The organized unit of UNITED METHODIST WOMEN shall be a community of women whose PURPOSE is to know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ; to develop a creative, supportive fellowship; and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church.

AN ORGANIZATION 
United Methodist Women is an integral part of the United Methodist Church.  “In every local church there shall be an organized unit of United Methodist Women’ (The Book of Discipline, 2004, P256.5). Women actively choose to become involved in this inclusive mission organization.
“Membership shall be open to any woman who indicates her desire to belong and to participate in the global mission of the Church through United Methodist Women.  The pastor(s) shall be an ex officio member of the local unit and of its executive committee” (The Book of Discipline, 2004, 256.5, Article 4).  Members are involved through prayer; giving, attending meetings, study, action, or service.

The total program reflects the historical thrust of mission through:

• Spiritual growth.
• Mission education.
• Christian social involvement.
• Support for women, children, and youth.

United Methodist Women members are organized locally in groups called organizations. A local group is called a “organization” because it is connected to a greater whole that includes district, conference, jurisdiction, and national organizations.  The national policy-making body is the National Organization of United Methodist Women.

IF IT IS YELLOW, UMW IS THERE!