United Women in Faith: Faith Talks

This year Mission u will bring together adults, youth and children to explore what it means to draw closer to God and one another through transformative education, powerful worship, fellowship, and action.You are invited to join Mission u gatherings across the country to explore how we can transform ourselves and our communities in ways that bring us closer to the kin-dom and the kin-dom closer to us.Find an in-person event near you or a virtual event on the interactive Mission u map on the Mission uwebpage at http://www.uwfaith.org/events/mission-u

June is Caribbean Heritage Month and Faith Talks is excited to celebrate this commemorative time. We are delighted to talk with Barbadian-American author Dr. Gena Cox. Cox is an organizational psychologist with a commitment to helping leaders create healthy and dynamic work environments. Her award-winning book Leading Inclusion: Driving Change Your Employees Can See and Feel is a “how to” resource that helps leaders remove barriers to inclusive workplaces. Faith Talks is hosted by Jennifer R. Farmer. Visit https://uwfaith.org/resources/podcasts/ to learn more about this podcast and other digital resources from United Women in Faith.

The U.S. State Department notes that there are 27.6 million victims of human trafficking worldwide at any given time. It is happening under our noses with all people, of all ages, of all backgrounds, and of all nationalities being vulnerable to trafficking. Faith Talks wants to talk about this issue in a substantive way. Please join a discussion with Jennifer R. Farmer; Hannah Estabrook of Sanctuary Night; Paula Harris of Freedom a la Cart; and Mike Premo of Community Development for All People, a United Women in Faith National Mission Institution.This programmatic work is near and dear to our hearts, and we wholeheartedly support the mission to end human trafficking against women and girls. However, UWFaith is not currently resourcing this work at this time. If you would like to learn more or participate, please reach out to the partners listed in the video.Visit http://www.uwfaith.org to learn more about the work of United Women in Faith.

We are keen to focus on the ways racism impacts one’s mental health journey, and further endangers persons who are differently abled. We’ll examine what’s happening in schools with regards to students with disabilities and the loss of innocence of young people of color. Our guests include Dara Baldwin, who will discuss her forthcoming book To Be a Problem: A Black Woman's Survival in the Racist Disability Rights Movement. We will also interview Kristin Henning, author of The Rage of Innocence: How America Criminalizes Black Youth and Director of the Georgetown Juvenile Justice Clinic.//Faith Talks is hosted by Jennifer R. Farmer and produced by United Women in Faith. Visit http://www.uwfaith.org to learn more.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and Faith Talks will facilitate a discussion highlighting the intersection of mental health and disability rights. We are keen to focus on the ways racism impacts one’s mental health journey, and further endangers persons who are differently abled. We’ll examine what’s happening in schools with regards to students with disabilities and the loss of innocence of young people of color. Our guests include Dara Baldwin, who will discuss her forthcoming book To Be a Problem: A Black Woman's Survival in the Racist Disability Rights Movement and Kristin Henning, author of The Rage of Innocence: How America Criminalizes Black Youth and Director of the Georgetown Juvenile Justice Clinic.---Faith Talks is produced by United Women in Faith and is hosted by Jennifer R. Farmer.

May is Asian American/Pacific Islander Heritage Month and we're committed to learning and celebrating this commemorative event on Faith Talks. Listen in as we talk with several members of United Women in Faith who identify as Asian/Pacific Islander or South Asian. This is a moment to highlight the community's trials and triumphs while committing ourselves to deeper learning. We are excited to interview Selina Soo Lim of Gum Moon Women's Residence; Joni Chun of Susannah Wesley Community Center; and Esther Barkat, a retired school psychologist and United Women in Faith member.Faith talks is hosted by Jennifer R. Farmer and is produced by United Women in Faith. Visit http://www.uwfaith.org to learn more.

We are excited to invite you to treasure God's creation on Earth Day and every single day, whether we are attending large meetings or tending to small daily habits. United Women in Faith has a long history of caring for creation, preserving as sacred our places, serving as God’s stewards on Earth.In light of Earth Day and the upcoming General Conference, we encourage you to join our amazing and informative discussion with Rev. Kristina Sinks, a provisional Deacon in the California-Nevada Conference of The United Methodist Church serving at GreenFaith, Rev. Dallas Conyers, a youth organizer with the Amanecer Project, and Pat Watkins, a former missionary working for the UMC General Board of Global Ministries as our first “Missionary for the Care of God’s Creation.”We will face the imminent Earth Day challenge of reducing plastic pollution. Other topics may include:The spiritual significance of environmental stewardship and Earth Day;Practical tips for reducing plastic usage in our daily lives;Initiatives within the United Methodist family and faith-based communities to promote sustainable practices;Our collective work towards economic justice and a healthy planet which upholds our faith valuesPlease join our community, committed to honoring God's creation, practicing and loving sustainability.- - - Faith Talks is hosted by Jennifer R. Farmer.Visit https://uwfaith.org/resources/podcasts/ for more podcasts and webinars from United Women in Faith.

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.