Carrying Our Faith Forward

Tennessee-Western Kentucky United Women in Faith Gather for 2025 Annual Meeting

by Penny Story
Vice President, TWK United Women in Faith

On Saturday, September 27, 2025, the Tennessee-Western Kentucky United Women in Faith (UWF) held their Annual Meeting at Gordon Memorial United Methodist Church in Nashville, Tennessee, where they were graciously welcomed by and hosted by the United in Faith unit of Gordon Memorial.

Guided by the theme Carrying Our Faith Forward, the day was filled with worship, reflection, and celebration of the mission and ministry of United Women in Faith.

President Karen Saunders presided over the meeting, which opened with a warm welcome from Sheila Suddeth, president of Gordon Memorial UWF; Rev. Paula Smith, pastor of Gordon Memorial UMC, and Margaret Fisher, president of the Red River District UWF.

Planting Seeds of Faith

Holly Neal led a devotional focused on “planting seeds”—honoring seeds sown in the past, nurturing those in the present, and faithfully planting for the future.

Special Guest Sally Vonner, General Secretary and CEO of the national organization of United Women in Faith spoke on The Past, Present, and Future of United Women in Faith, Vonner reminded attendees of the movement’s rich legacy and the ongoing call to mission.

Reflecting on the past, she shared: “Look back and be reminded that what we do affects the future.” She emphasized the importance of caring for children: “Children are a gift to us. We need to strive that they’re taken care of.”

Turning to the present, Vonner encouraged women to persevere through challenges: “We are challenged by disruptions and distractions, but we need to keep our eyes on what God is calling us to do in this moment.”

Looking ahead, she inspired hope and vision: “We’ve got to make it personal and relational—tell them your story.” She added, “Embrace the opportunity to see that God is doing a new thing. God invites us to dream God-sized dreams.”

Mission Moment

Katie Harris then shared a Mission Moment, reminding attendees that since 1869, United Women in Faith has been fueled by small gifts that make a big impact. She underscored that “Mission means the total program” and that Mission Giving turns faith into action.

Honoring Legacy and Mission

The featured speaker, Brenda Brown, vice president of the Stones River District UWF, lifted up The Life and Legacy of Sadie Tillman. As a member of the Woman’s Division of Christian Service, Sadie was vice-president and chair of the Department of Christian Social Relations from 1952 to 1956. During this time, the first Charter of Racial Policies was adopted.

As president of the Woman’s Division from 1956 to 1964, Tillman presided over the Division’s efforts to implement the Charter, and she was a prime mover in the Division’s decision to fund the building of a Church Center at the United Nations. She was also president of the Tennessee Conference Woman’s Society (1950-53). (Source: https://www.umc.org/en/content/tillman-sadie-wilson-1895-1974)

Leadership and Worship

The gathering also included recognition of outgoing officers, election of the 2026 slate of officers, and an installation service led by Mary Lou Wurth of the Purchase District. Wurth offered a reflection on the colors associated with each office and what they represent in service.

The day’s offering was dedicated to the Sadie Tillman Scholarship Fund, ensuring that Tillman’s legacy continues to support future generations. Music was joyfully provided by pianist Rev. Josh Newberry and song leader Marilyn Ramsey, with
selections tied to the theme Carrying Our Faith Forward.

A Service of Remembrance, led by Vice President Penny Story, honored those who have passed since the 2025 Annual Meeting, followed by the sharing of Holy Communion, presided over by Rev. Paula Smith. The blessing for the meal was given by young Claudia Newberry, daughter of The Rev. Josh and Joanna Newberry.

Carrying Faith Forward Together

From heartfelt worship to inspiring messages, the Annual Meeting of the Tennessee-Western Kentucky United Women in Faith was a time of reflection, gratitude, and renewed commitment. With eyes on the past, present, and future, members left inspired to carry their faith forward with boldness, love, and hope.