Serving the Upper Falls, Maryland community since 1847.
UNITED WOMEN IN FAITH
Love in action can change the world.
Effective March 2022, the United Methodist Women (UMW) have become the United Women of Faith (UWF). The initial women’s group, The Methodist Women’s Foreign Missionary Society, was created in Boston during 1869 to address women’s needs in India through women missionaries for education and health. The name has changed over the years with the United Methodist Women created in 1972 under the United Methodist Church Board of Global Ministries. It was voted to be autonomous in 2012.
United Women in Faith, with a new logo, website, and programs, is a result of 5 years of information gathering through surveys, focus groups, and interviews. The rebrand is designed to address the different needs and life stages of members, as well as expand membership options to women of other faith traditions. New programs will be introduced during 2022. The UWF’s mission statement is: United Women in Faith seeks to connect and nurture women through Christian spiritual formation, leadership development, creative fellowship, and education so that they can inspire, influence and impact local and global communities. The Salem UWF actively show commitment to our community and world through multiple ongoing missions and are always ready to rise to meet any need we can.
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Currently, the Salem UWF are engaged in the following missions:
Prayer Shawls
"Shawls...made for centuries universal and embracing, symbolic of an inclusive, unconditionally loving, God. They wrap, enfold, comfort, cover, give solace, mother, hug, shelter and beautify. Those who have received these shawls have been uplifted and affirmed, as if given wings to fly above their troubles..." (Janet Severi Bristow, 1998)
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The shawls made by the Salem UWF are donated to Franklin Square Hospital. The requested size is 18”-24” wide by about 5’-6’ long. They can be knitted or crocheted, using any colors and patterns. During this time of COVID-19, the shawls are dropped off curbside and quarantined prior to distribution to patients and staff, as needed. Contact Lauren Simpson about dropping off a shawl, or Amy Krebs if yarn is needed.
Baby Beanies and Blankets
In an effort to support premature babies and their families in local hospitals, the Salem UWF prayerfully crafts baby beanies and baby blankets. It is our hope the donations remind those dealing with the stress and uncertainty of NICU care that they are remembered in the prayers of women around them.
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Beanies and Blankets can be knitted or crocheted. A suggested blanket pattern can be found on Ravelry and we ask for the following sizes (in inches): 18”x18”, 19”x21”, 21”x23.5”, but no larger than 24”x24”. The suggested pattern is lightly textured, with holes kept to a minimum. This avoids little fingers and toes getting caught which can cause circulation problems.
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The beanies and blankets are donated to a variety of hospitals. Contact Angela Spinner with questions or possible donation sites.
Quilts
The Sewing Samaritans, a small group of the Salem UWF, create lap quilts for those who are in nursing homes or home bound and in need of a smile and comfort.
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Please visit their page for more information on their mission.
Fundraising
The Salem UWF supports these missions with specific fundraising as needed, but have an on-going fundraiser through Rada Cutlery and Products. When you support the Salem UWF by ordering directly from their website, your order is shipped directly to your home. Additionally, when supporting the Salem UWF with your order this way, the price you will pay is less than what you would pay ordering directly from Rada - and the Salem UWF receives a portion of the price! Please contact Sally Wagner with any questions about the Rada Fundraiser. Click the link below to go directly to the Salem UWF Rada fundraising site.