United Methodist Women

MN UMW, TC UMW carry on virtually

By Shirley Durr

Although Epworth’s UMW, like many units throughout the Minnesota Conference, has not met during this pandemic because of social distancing and lack of access to technology for many members of our local unit, Minnesota Conference United Methodist Women and Twin Cities District UMW have continued with Committee Meetings, Team Meetings, Leadership Training, and even Gatherings.

Conference, District UMW still in mission field 

Twin Cities UMW has kept active with business meetings, planning meetings, and gatherings on Zoom. Gatherings took place in Fall 2020 and Winter 2021 with a shift in plans and adaptations of what a Gathering looks like. 

 

Just before social distancing was mandated by the State of Minnesota as well as by the Minnesota Annual Conference, Patty Wetterling was scheduled as a guest speaker for the 2020 Twin Cities Fall Gathering. Instead, TC UMW had worship, a business meeting with installation of new officer, and even a gathering guest speaker. 

 

In lieu of a speaker, they showed a 20-minute video featuring Dr. Robin DiAngelo speaking on “Deconstructing White Privilege” followed by discussion with the 54 people who registered. 

 

Because there was no cost involved for housing and meals, TC District decided not to charge for its 2020 Virtual Fall Gathering. However, an offering was taken for Emma Norton and to compensate for the drop in donations from local units for UMW state and global missions.

Patty Wetterling was the guest speaker for the TC UMW Winter 2021 Virtual Gathering following a similar format with offerings for the Emma Norton, Jacob Wetterling Resource Center, and TC UMW missions. Over 100 people registered to see and hear Ms. Wetterling who joined our Zoom meeting and answered questions following her speech. She spoke about faith and believing through her personal struggles and hardships. 

TC District now plans a Virtual Spring Gathering on April 23 with guest speaker Susan Mullin of Minnesota Interfaith Power and Life speaking about Just Energy for All, an initiative MN UMW is partnering with MNIPL that is partly funded by national UMW.

You click here to register. The registration deadline is April 20.

 

MN Conference UMW has also continued to meet and have gatherings, even  offering  leadership training sessions for Conference, District, and Unit officers.

 

MN and TC UMW continue to struggle with how to help local units stay connected and in mission during this pandemic.

 

Some units have had virtual fundraisers. Epworth UMW has helped with Pasty Sales and the Holiday Boutique, fundraisers supporting our missions. An Epworth Rummage Sale is planned for Fall 2021.

 

Some UMW units have had in-person meetings sitting 6-feet apart. Some have used this method to join Zoom gatherings in their Districts or in the Conference. Everyone – women, men, and whoever come – is always welcomed to Gatherings.