For many in our churches, the name United Women in Faith may still sound unfamiliar. Formerly known as United Methodist Women, the organization continues its long history of faith, mission, and advocacy while welcoming women from all faith backgrounds who feel called to make a difference in the world.
This spring, I had the incredible blessing of attending my very first United Women in Faith Assembly in Indianapolis, and I can honestly say—it was an experience I will never forget.
As a first-time attendee, I expected inspiring speakers and meaningful workshops. What I did not fully expect was the overwhelming sense of connection, worship, and holy purpose shared among thousands of women gathered from across the country and around the world.
The theme of this year’s Assembly, “Dream It. Believe It. Do It.”, echoed throughout every worship service, keynote address, and conversation. Throughout the event, we heard powerful stories of how United Women in Faith supports women, children, and families globally through mission and advocacy. Speakers shared how communities in countries such as Peru and Sierra Leone are working not only to share the Gospel, but also to create opportunities for women to support their families with dignity, independence, and hope.
One of the highlights of Assembly was hearing keynote speakers Pastor Carolyn Abrams and her daughter, Stacey Abrams, former Georgia legislator and an incredibly inspiring speaker, share messages of faith, courage, and perseverance. I was even fortunate enough to meet Stacey Abrams in person—an experience I will never forget and one that made an already inspiring Assembly feel even more memorable.
As someone from the Greater New Jersey Conference, another deeply meaningful moment was witnessing two personal friends and fellow GNJ members commissioned as Home Missioners/Deaconesses and receiving their vestments. Watching women faithfully answer God’s call in such powerful ways reminded me that ministry takes many forms and that God continues to work through ordinary people willing to say “yes.”
Yet some of my favorite moments happened during worship itself. Sharing Holy Communion served by women bishops was deeply moving, as was worshipping alongside women from many different backgrounds, cultures, and traditions. Singing together reminded me of the beauty of God’s diverse family and the ways the Holy Spirit moves when people gather with open hearts and a shared purpose. In many ways, it felt like a glimpse of the Kingdom of God—people from different places, backgrounds, and experiences united in faith, worship, and love.
Assembly also reminded me that sometimes God plants seeds in unexpected places.
During the event, I met women from Arkansas who lead a pet ministry—something that immediately spoke to my heart. Their ministry inspired me so deeply that I have already approached my church council about offering a community pet remembrance service at my local church. It was a beautiful reminder that when we listen for God’s voice, inspiration can become action.
Perhaps that is what I will carry with me most from Assembly: the reminder that faith is not passive. We are called to dream, to believe, and then to do. Whether through mission work around the world, local ministries in our own communities, or simply building relationships across differences, God continues to call women into meaningful ministry.
I arrived in Indianapolis knowing very few people. I left having made new friends from more than 20 states and countries, carrying stories, inspiration, and renewed hope back to New Jersey.
If this was my first Assembly experience, I certainly hope it will not be my last.