Prairie Winds UWFaith Fall Gathering Minutes
Hope UMC, Blue Earth, September 20, 2025
Emma Norton Coffee was served by
the ladies from Hope UMC, Blue Earth.
At 9:15, we gathered in the
sanctuary to sing hymns; our pianist was Gail Keck.
Betty Stancer (District
President) and Nancy Steinke (Hope UWF President) welcomed us to the meeting
and the church. Guests included Rev.
Godfrey Gukuru (Hope UMC), Rev. Genia Garrett (Redwood Falls UMC), Rev. Brittany
Radford (MN Conference Director of Equity and Social Justice) and Rev. Dr. Charles
Alkula (Glenville UMC).
Cindy Saufferer (Blooming Grove) led us in a Land
Acknowledgement.
Belinda Alkula (Glenville)
offered devotions with a theme of being kind to ourselves and choosing Joy.
Rev. Judy Clark presented a
Memorial Service to recognize those women from our district who had died in the
past year.
Rev. Godfrey Gakuru and Rev. Judy
Clark celebrated Holy Communion. Assisting them was Rev. Genia Garrett and Rev. Dr. Charles Alkula.
We took some time to hear from
women who were present about what is happening in their units. Ideas were given for starting small and
taking the meeting to those who can’t get out as often, Baby Hug bags, sewing
diapers and pillowcase dresses, Blessing Bottoms, and other.
We took a short break and had a
chance to visit the Reading Program and Resources area, take selfies with
scarves.
President Betty Stancer called the Business Meeting to
order at 11:05 a.m.
• The 2024 Annual Meeting minutes were approved as
printed.
• Melody Sanders showed a slideshow of “Where Our
Money Goes.” She mentioned that local
units should move their accounts to “United Women in Faith” wording – she has
packets of information to help in that process.
• The Budget for 2026 was accepted as shown on the
screen. (The info in the packet should not have included Books for $400, and Day
Apart should have been $500.) Total budgeted for 2026 is $10,600.
• A pledge to mission of $25,000 was recommended
by Exec. and was approved.
• An Emma Norton Services goal of $8,000 was
recommended by Exec and was approved.
• Betty Stancer presented the slate of officers
for 2026: President, Betty Stancer;
Secretary, Deb Anderson; Treasurer, Melody Sanders; Coordinator Spiritual
Growth, Belinda Alkula; Coordinator Member Nurture and Outreach,
Sylvia Farrells; Coordinator Education & Interpretation, Nancy Iverson;
Communications Coordinator, Judith Clark; Emma Norton Representative, Marilyn
Nickel. Election of the slate of
officers was seconded by Maggie Johnson (Blue Earth) and approved by voice
vote.
• Installation service of the officers was led by
Rev. Dr. Charles Alkula (Glenville)
Betty Stancer mentioned attending Mission u "Practicing Hope," and Betty encouraged us to attend the 2026 Mission u the 4th weekend in July. The theme will be "Experiencing Emmanuel." Emma Norton Services -- no report, Marilyn Nickel was not able to attend today.
Connie Scott highlighted some of
the new happenings in the Resource/Reading Program area -- including Reading Program Ambassadors, a
second set of Zoom book clubs, short term book studies, and “Generations:” a
reading program with grandchildren. Contact Connie to volunteer your help or for more information,
Meeting was adjourned at 11:55
a.m.
Lunch was served by the women of
Hope UMC, Blue Earth.
During lunch, Danille Curtis gave
us information about the Midwest Mission Distribution Center (MMDC)
Immediately following lunch, we
were able to pack MMDC Blessing Bags using 4 lines. Total Blessing Bags packed was 400.
After a short break, we regathered
in the sanctuary to hear from Rev. Brittany Radford and Rev. Genia Garrett
about Black Women in Ministry.
Offerings collected today: Emma Norton Service - $609 and PW District -
$812 Attendance: 45
Deb Anderson
Secretary, PW District UWFaith
