What is the United Methodist Women?

United Methodist Women is the successor to the home and foreign missionary societies and guilds of the 7 predecessor denominations that now comprise the United Methodist Church. UMW is the group of women in each congregation organized for mission. Nearly one million lay women are members of this community of women.

We are:
-Centered in relationship with God through Jesus Christ;
-Focused on ministries with women, children and youth;
-Involved in mission locally & globally;
-Committed to inclusiveness;
-Pledged to provide financial support for mission through UMW Mission giving;
-Engaged in the development and use of skills for service, leadership and personal growth;
-Encouraged to work with other organizations on issures of mutual concern.

We Have a PURPOSE:
"The organized unit of the 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 the concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church."

What Does it Mean to Be a member of the United Methodist Women?
A member of the UMW is one who commits herself to our PURPOSE and chooses to participate in meetings, prayer, giving, study, action and/or service. We welcome all women who want to be members.

How Does One Become a Member of the United Methodist Women?
We are a community of women who nurture and encourage one another in our spiritual growth and personal development. One becomes a member by committing to be a part of this supportive community of women and by accepting the challenge to grow in mission and to participate in life-changing experiences. Membership can be expressed in many ways. Some examples are:
- Intercessory prayer
- Attendance at meetings
- Mission Giving to support the global mission
- Accepting leadership responsibility
- Participation in various events, projects, issures & concerns of the Women's Division
- Participation in the Reading program
- Reading Response magazine, the official voice of the UMW in mission
- Attending the School of Christian Mission