Prairie Winds UWFaith Fall Gathering -- September 20, 2025

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