“United Methodist Women is a community of women whose purpose is to know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ, to develop a creative, supportive fellowship and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church.”

United Methodist Women is a  membership and faith-based organization.  Membership shall be open to any woman who indicates her desire to belong and to participate in the global mission of the church through United Methodist Women. Members are women of diverse ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds: employed and unemployed; women with disabilities; housewives and career women; single, married, widowed, and divorced women; teen, young, middle-aged, and older women; college and university women.  As a member each woman joins forces with other women to embrace and work on the four mission emphases reflected in the PURPOSE.

We currently have two circles: Phillips-Hunt Circle meets at 11 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall on the second Wednesday for a meeting followed by a covered dish lunch. Susanna Wesley Circle meets at 7:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall on the third Thursday evening. Contact our circle presidents to be added to the email list for meeting announcements. We also have a Prayer Shawl group which meets each Wednesday afternoon from 3 – 5 p.m. in Room 9. We welcome visitors and new members to join in any activities.

Tabernacle United Methodist Women Officers

Circles

Phillips/Hunt Circle Officers

Susanna Wesley Circle Officers

Mission Initiatives

The entire program and organization of United Methodist Women focuses on mission. Our mission initiatives include:

  • Providing opportunities to grow spiritually
  • Equipping women & girls to be leaders
  • Providing transformative educational experiences
  • Organizing for growth & flexibility
  • Working for justice through service and advocacy

History and Recent Activities

Tabernacle women were the first in this district to organize a missionary society in 1880.  Tabernacle belongs to the York River District and the Virginia Conference of UMW.  The Virginia Conference is part of the Southeastern Jurisdiction and, nationally, a part of the Women’s Division of the General Board of Global Ministries.  The UMW pledge to Missions provides over 32 percent of the budget of the GBGM.

As a member of UMW you are also a member of a larger group, the World Federation of Methodist Women. In 57 countries around the world, the WFMW is a symbol of spiritual ties, unity, sisterhood, and opportunity for the development of international understanding.

In 2018 the United Methodist Women of Tabernacle United Methodist Church continued to be a Mission Today Silver Unit.  Many of these activities continue from year to year.

  • supported Wesley Community Services Center with gift cards and stamps
  • donated to UMFS with funding gifts and Box tops for Education
  • held “green” meetings with not using disposable dishware
  • supported the Campaign for Children by helping with Children’s Church & VBS
  • sent 100 school kits to UMCOR through the Virginia Annual Conference
  • Had 1 member who were Rainbow givers
  • Participated in the Reading Program
  • Participated in the World Thank Program
  • Used Prayer Calendar, Response Magazine, and UMW Program Book
  • Had 2 members who received recognition for their services

UMW reached out to the local community:

  • prepared and delivered Valentine Day cards, Easter baskets and Christmas bags for the elderly and shut-ins along with sending thoughtful cards throughout the year
  • served dinner to the Wesley Foundation students at William and Mary
  • volunteered at the local food pantry; made weekly trips to deliver food and assess needs at the local food pantry
  • participated in the Prayer Shawl Ministry to crochet and knit shawls, lap robes, and baby blankets for those who need to feel a tangible expression of God’s love and also made scarves for each graduating high school senior at Tabernacle to take with them to college
  • hosted a guest speaker on the homeless and made a monetary donation
  • provided Christmas and back to school clothes and supplies for several needy families within the community
  • donated funds to the Poquoson High School After Prom
  • volunteered with monthly Food Bank distribution in Poquoson
  • sponsored the Tabernacle Information table and the Kids Activity table at the annual TUMC Block Party for the community
  • hosted a guest speaker on Patient Advocate Sharing Program and made a monetary donation
  • hosted a guest speaker on “Students Run the Streets” and made a monetary donation

UMW members supported our church:

  • prepared and served several Wednesday night dinners
  • prepared and served for several funeral receptions
  • hosted the UMW District Spring Event with training on “The Way Forward” and guest speaker District Superintendent Reverend Kim

Links