Deb’s Dispatch
As I write this on Election Day 2024, many thoughts swirl in my head. One is that I count my blessings for our Sisters who journeyed before us and fought for our right to vote! My youngest granddaughter, who just recently turned 18, called me on FaceTime to ask my thoughts on why I vote the way I do with her ballot and pamphlet in hand and voting for her first time. I have hope for the women who follow. It is a good reminder that our words and actions DO matter among youth and young women.
I also think, with regret, about the hundreds of millions of dollars spent during this campaign season with a focus not as much on information but on division. It is hard not to grieve what could have been done to improve the lives of the most marginalized persons with that money. What gives me Hope is that, as United Women in Faith, we are more than election results! When you receive this edition of our “Sharing Line,” we will have the results of candidates, issues, referendums, levies, and more at the Federal, State, County, and Local Levels. We have let our voices be heard and must continue doing the same throughout the year. I am eager to hear about what you are doing in areas of Racial Justice, as well as our Justice Priorities for this Quadrennium: Climate Care and Criminalization of People of Color…Stopping the School to Prison Pipeline.
We still have work to do! Let us turn our energy now to continuing our work for Justice and Mercy as we advocate for those without a voice. During this season of Thanksgiving leading into Advent, let us face our “North Star” as we listen to where our Loving Creator is calling us to put our energy, passion, and advocacy!
I have been inspired by the events of our recent Conference Annual Gathering at Spokane Valley, where we were warmly welcomed, inspired, and challenged to “Trust God’s Nudge.” I encourage each of you reading this to reflect on how you are being nudged. I have also read about our District Gatherings with inspiring programs, and I wish, as your president, it had been possible for me to attend all of those.
Next year, our Conference Annual Gathering will be hosted by the Puget Sound district and held at Bothell United Methodist Church. Our keynote speaker has already been confirmed as we are being joined by Jana Jones, newly elected President of the Board of Directors of our National Organization. Dates are set, so please plan for October 17-18, 2025, and you are encouraged to bring a new prospective member with you! You won’t be disappointed. Also, start planning now for Assembly 2026! Wouldn’t it be amazing if we could support teens and young women in attending? It is life-changing. How about attending with a daughter or granddaughter? It will build lasting memories!
What books are you reading on the 2025 Reading Program? I have encouraged your Conference Leadership Team to join me in reading “The Girl with the Louding Voice” by Abi Dare. It is a bonus book (counts as 2) in the category Education for Mission, and we will discuss it at our January Zoom Leadership Team Meeting. It also includes discussion questions so that it would be perfect for group and individual reading. Let me know what you think of the book.
Recently, I attended the Pacific Northwest UMC Leadership Summit in Yakima hosted by Wesley UMC. We began with a day-and-a-half immersion experience with field trips to Mending Wings, Native lessons at Union Gap, Father Joseph Mission School, and Fort Simcoe, where Methodists shared a part of the painful process of boarding schools experienced by Native children who were separated from their families and their culture. I found the experience both deeply painful yet also hopeful in learning about the processes of reconciliation underway. Knowing how we have harmed must occur for change and healing to begin!
From the time I was a young mother with two small children until this very day, over 40 years later, I have been transformed by the nurturing experience, leadership development, educational opportunities, faith development, and opportunities to be an advocate through this fantastic organization. This would not have happened if I had not been invited in and nurtured as I said “Yes” to what God was “nudging” me into! Please say “Yes” and invite someone new to also say “Yes” to a life-changing opportunity…leading United Women in Faith into the next century!
May you continue to be blessed,
Deb Avery
“Honored to serve as your Conference President.”
PNW Conference United Women in Faith