United Women in Faith: Faith Talks

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and as an organization committed to women, children, and youth, United Women in Faith wants to talk about it. But we not only want to talk about it, we want to offer protective and preventive tips to help us better support and nurture children and families.We will talk with Chelsea Elliott of Somocom Lab; Ellen Reddy of the Nollie Jenkins Family Center; and Dianna Freelon-Foster of Activists with a Purpose Plus. This is an episode you won't want to miss as it'll be informative and encouraging.- - -Visit https://uwfaith.org/ to learn  more about United Women in Faith.Faith Talks is hosted by Jennifer R. Farmer.

In continuing our celebration of Women’s History Month, we will interview author Deepa Iyer. We are excited to speak with Iyer about her books “We Too Sing America: South Asian, Arab, Muslim and Sikh Immigrants Shape Our Multiracial Future,” and “Social Change Now: A Guide for Reflection and Connection.” We also want to preview her forthcoming children’s book, “We are the Builders,” which will be released in the fall of 2024.This episode will be extra special as it is the 5th year anniversary of the Faith Talks podcast. To help us celebrate, Yvette Moore, who served United Women in Faith for more than 30 years, including most recently as director of communications and marketing, will join us.Faith Talks is hosted by Jennifer R. Farmer and produced by United Women in Faith.

Let's kick off Women's History Month with a look back and a look forward, situated solidly in this present moment. We'll celebrate the women of the Bible and challenge our understanding of women's roles in church and society today.Meet and re-acquaint yourself with some women who've loved our beautiful United Women in Faith (and its earlier incarnations) into existence.Get ready to share insights with Dr. Ashley Boggan, general secretary of the General Commission on Archives and History, United Methodist Church; Ann Craig, formerly Spiritual and Theological Development executive for United Methodist Women; and Dr. Glory Dharmaraj, former director of Spiritual Formation and Mission Theology for United Methodist Women.We welcome our old friends. And this month, as always, we make new friends, inviting and learning from one another through United Women in Faith.

As we enter the season of Lent, join us as we talk with Whitney R. Simpson and discuss her book, Holy Listening with Breath, Body, and the Spirit. Simpson’s book is a 40-day devotional written with Lent in mind. It includes daily prompts for lectio divina, breath prayer, simple yoga postures, essential oils, and journaling and reflection. It was created to engage the whole body on this 40-day Lenten journey with God. Additionally, we are delighted to interview Neomi Fletcher, a bi-vocational minister who splits her time between early childhood advocacy and equipping the body of Christ. We’ll discuss spiritual disciplines that promote peace within the home and church.As you know, Lent follows Epiphany and it is a wonderful opportunity to deepen our spiritual discipline and practices. We hope you’ll join us for what is sure to be a riveting live episode of Faith Talks!Faith Talks is hosted by Jennifer R. Farmer, the founder of Spotlight PR.Visit https://uwfaith.org/resources/podcasts/ to learn more about this show.

February 1 marks the beginning of Black History Month and we are excited about this opportunity to learn and grow. Listen as we feature three remarkable leaders who are making history today. We will talk with our wonderful General Secretary and CEO Sally Vonner, Bennett College President Dr. Suzanne Walsh, and the Rev. Dr. Sondrea Tolbert, who is the executive director of the Scarritt Bennett Center.Faith Talks is hosted by Jennifer R. Farmer, the founder of Spotlight PR.Visit https://uwfaith.org/resources/podcasts/ to learn more about this show.

Listen in as we talk with Sarah Augustine, a Pueblo (Tewa) descendant, author, and climate justice activist. Sarah is the executive director of the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery, and author of The Land Is Not Empty: Following Jesus in Dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery. We willll discuss her latest book, So We & Our Children May Live: Following Jesus in Confronting the Climate Crisis, and her advocacy on behalf of current and future generations. Be sure to register and invite a friend to join us.

The mission of United Women in Faith has always been to celebrate and encourage women leaders – in church and in the community.As we enter this new year, let’s learn about United Women in Faith’s latest leadership tools from guests Praveena Balasundaram, Director of Communications; Olivia DiAgostino, Transformation Program Coordinator; and Shannon Priddy, Executive for Development & Donor Relations.This trio from United Women in Faith has been on the forefront of opening and sharing a virtual space to connect members easily with one another and with our valued resources, such as the Program Resource, Prayer Guide, and Mission Studies.We will hear about our innovative networking site, created during the stay-at-home days of the pandemic. However, it is not just a band aid for the past but muscle for the future! In this safe and private place for thoughtful and moderated conversations, you won’t be distracted by advertising or other annoyances from the large and impersonal social media platforms. We understand you.Leadership development, resources for the daily journey, and chatting with new friends are all just a click away.Let’s hear about and share how, through United Women in Faith’s digital and in-person gatherings, we can grow together. After all, as women become leaders, churches and communities will thrive too.

Advent is a season of lighting candles, symbols of the coming light of Christ. Right? Yet what does the promise of rebirth mean to you? And why is there so much need?To be honest, many of us experience solitary moments of doubt and despair, whether we notice our financial lack, loneliness, poor health, grief, etc. For women experiencing such missing pieces, life can feel like a puzzle.Join this Faith Talks conversation where we will hold space for and discover the puzzles and beauty of this Advent season, while also acknowledging the pain that can be associated with the coming holy days and holidays. Whether you are ignited with the fires of inspiration or struggling with the solitude of holiday blues, you are not alone. We are here with and for one another as witnesses to the coming of hope.Our season's conversationalists are Margaret Fenton Lebeck, author of the United Women in Faith program book and editorial board member, and Hannah Kardon, a program resources author and speaker on Faith Talks on Peace.

Let’s celebrate God’s many gifts and the ways we’ve shown up for one another as friends, sisters, neighbors, and fellow travelers during this year!What is one blessing that you thank God for? How do you share that blessing? What is your strategy for giving? Do you give through word, deed, or material resources?In this episode, we’ll hear from our sisters in United Women in Faith on how to raise spirits and financial gifts to share with our beloved sisterhood. One way our sisters may lift up the power of sharing in United Women in Faith is through the open channel of the historic World Thank Offering.Tune in and learn from United Women in Faith guests: Deaconess Christi Campos, Executive for Development and Donor Relations for the National office of United Women in Faith; Glori Siebert, a teacher and Missouri Conference’s Education and Interpretation coordinator; and Adelaide Parsons, the Missouri Conference’s Legacy Liaison.Faith Talks is hosted by Jennifer Farmer.Visit https://uwfaith.org/resources/podcasts/ to learn more.

On this episode of Faith Talks we will focus on Native American Heritage Month. While the contributions of indigenous people cannot be constrained to one month, we will use this moment to celebrate the culture and heritage of First Nations people. We will also highlight some of the challenges facing tribal communities, including environmental injustice and preservation of sacred land, water, and air. As an organization dedicated to putting faith, hope, and love into action on behalf of women and girls across the world, we will also discuss the far too many indigenous women and girls who are missing and murdered. Our intention for this conversation is that we'll leave inspired to continue our work on behalf of women, children, and youth.Faith Talks is hosted by Jennifer Farmer. Visit https://uwfaith.org/resources/podcasts/ to learn more.

What does it mean to care for the soul? How do we learn self-care through United Women in Faith? What are best practices to nurture body, spirit, and soul within a shared community of loving faith?To share the questions and answers to these and so many more questions about finding peace and love in the soul, please join us as we discuss strategies with Nora Asedillo Cunningham, Spiritual Growth and Formation Specialist, United Women in Faith; Katie Pryor, Executive for Membership Nurture & Development, United Women in Faith; and Marsha Benovengo, Local United Women in Faith President and Soul Care Advocate for the Northeastern Jurisdiction.

As we honor Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate the leaders who build communities, churches and society. Embrace the beautifully diverse cultures and histories of Hispanic peoples, sisters and brother who create a kin-dom on earth.Find your inspiration for the journey as you join us for a lively discussion with IIka Vega, United Women in Faith’s executive for economic and environmental justice; Abby Gutierrez, program advisory group, Rio Texas Conference; and Mark Magaña, founding President and CEO, GreenLatinos.

The Bible shares with us in Philippians 4:6, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” This is so clear and yet, leading with prayer is not always our first instinct. Prayer is a tool and resource for women and people of faith in general.Please join us for a moving discussion on prayer with Sophia Kristina Agtarap, deaconess, equity and inclusion champion, and Rev. Dionne P. Boissière, first African American chaplain of the Church Center for the United Nations.Faith Talks is hosted by Jennifer R. Farmer. Please support the continuation of programs like this and the vital work of United Women in Faith at home and around the world by making a gift today. https://uwfaith.org/?form=FaithTalksUWFaith

There is no denying the fact that movement boosts our emotional and physical health. When we move, we increase our mobility but also strengthen our minds and bodies. Now we have an opportunity to use our movement to support United Women in Faith.Join us as we learn about a new initiative called Move 4 Mission. We will talk with Kenya Roberts, United Women in Faith executive for development management, and Heidi Careaga, United Women in Faith finance committee chair.There are many ways United Women in Faith can Move for Mission. We’ll discuss several options for United Women in Faith members or groups to move mission forward by hosting a Move 4 Mission fundraiser. Faith Talks is hosted by Jennifer R. Farmer. Please support the continuation of programs like this and the vital work of United Women in Faith at home and around the world by making a gift today. https://uwfaith.org/?form=FaithTalksUWFaith

Join United Women in Faith members as we celebrate summer learning, advocate for children and prepare for the back-to-school season — with justice for all. Let’s end learning loss.Guests include:Frances Torres, director of programs, and Lily Robbins, early childhood specialist, United Community Centers, Fort Worth, Texas, one of our beloved National Mission Institutions, where summer literacy is fun and effective.Tikeila Rucker, political director, Memphis for All, who shares the policy challenges in Tenn. where third-graders are required to take proficiency tests.Faith Talks is hosted by Jennifer R. Farmer. Please support the continuation of programs like this and the vital work of United Women in Faith at home and around the world by making a gift today. https://uwfaith.org/?form=FaithTalksUWFaith

Join us for a conversation with Dr. Ashley Boggan. Dr. Boggan is the first woman to lead the office of General Secretary for the General Commission of Archives and History of The United Methodist Church. She is the author of Nevertheless: American Methodists and Women’s Rights.

Join Faith Talks for our inaugural interview with Sally Vonner, newly elected General Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of United Women in Faith. We’ll talk about the future of women’s faith-based organizing and more.Ms. Vonner is no novice to women’s faith-based organizing or to United Women in Faith. She joined the organization’s national staff in 2010 as Assistant General Secretary of Membership and Leadership Development. With reorganization in 2018, she became the Transformation Officer, coordinating the organization’s visioning and strategic development to positively impact the lives of women, children, and youth. She oversaw an organizational rebranding that opened new ways for women to join, introduced program innovations and initiatives, and rolled out United Women in Faith as the new public-facing name.The Texas native also has served in many capacities as an organizer for The United Methodist Church’s work on immigration assistance, community development initiatives, women’s retreats, dismantling racism, and so much more.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Please join us as we talk with Dr. Cari L. Jackson, author of Sisters in Mourning, and countless other titles, to discuss ways we can care for ourselves and loved ones. In this edition of Faith Talks, we will also give an update on Mission u 2023. For this segment, my guests will include DeLyn Celec, Chaplain in the Office of Spiritual Life at Shenandoah University in Virginia, and Jay Godfrey, Transformative Education and Training Specialist for United Women in Faith, and lead developer of the Mission u curricula and training events.

Faith Talks commemorates Mother’s Day with a panel on the importance of supporting mothers. Guests include:Brittany K. Barnett, attorney, author, and founder of Girls Embracing Mothers, a nonprofit helping women in prison and their daughters to break the cycle of incarceration and lead successful lives with vision and purpose.Devin Long, community outreach specialist for New Beginnings, Navajo United Methodist Center, a United Women in Faith supported National Mission Institution in Farmington, New Mexico.Mollie James-Vickery, interim CEO of United Women in Faith.