The Good News: Memorial's United Women in Faith "Are a Force for Good!"

You may have heard Pastor Charlie call the United Women in Faith at Memorial a "force for good" during his recent sermon on the State of the Church. And he was right!

During their most recent UWF Brunch on January 31st, the women offered up their own "State of the UWF" and celebrated their accomplishments as a chapter, recognized new offers, handed out awards to member of our congregation who are living out the mission of the UWF. Over 85 people, most representing the 136 members of the 6 circles at Memorial, were in attendance as the leadership installed new officers for 2026: President: Sharyl Wood, Vice President/Programs: Jennifer Broussard, Secretary: Tammy Hutcheson, and Treasurer: Mary Smither.

Also in attendance and recognized were Mary Negron, President of the North East District UWF and FLUMC Deaconess, Lucinda Lautz. Both are members at Memorial. Committee members and circle leaders were also recognized.

A highlight of the brunch was when Treasurer, Mary Smither gave a report on the impressive amount of money the group donated to mission in 2025.

Including apportionments to the District and Global work of the UWF, the unit from Memorial donated $11,076 in 2026 for missions. As Mary noted, "Although this total is impressive, it does not include the tangible items that you have al provided when needed nor your time volunteering. average in all those things, the impact for 2026 was even greater." The unit at Memorial was also awarded a "5 Star Unit" award from the UWF internationally as a group that gives to all of the missions supported by the international group. The UWF also recognized seven people with special "Mission Recognition" awards from the unit, for their "faith, hope, and love in action for children and youth around the world." The seven recognized at the event were Andy Foote, Gaye Foote, Sherry Cobb-Thompson, Jack Burke, Sherry Sutton, Dr. Don Twiggs, and Sarah Flint. The keynote speaker for the brunch was Richard Thompson, the Program Director of The Hope House at the Salvation Army. He spoke about the work Hope House does in our community to assist the unhoused and underemployed in our area. He reiterated their mission that strives to "Preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human needs in his name without discrimination." He was thankful for the United Women in Faith and Memorial for their continued support of the work of The Hope House.

As a surprise, Jennette Richo, who was the founder of the Hope House, was also in attendance with her daughter. Ms. Richo offered thanks to the women and said that Memorial was integral in supporting the creation of The Hope House from the beginning.