United Methodist Women is actively engaged in fulfilling the mission of Christ and the Church and interprets the purpose of United Methodist Women. UMW advocates for the oppressed and dispossessed with special needs of women, children and youth works to build a supportive community among women, and helps foster growth in the Christian faith, mission education, and Christian social involvement.

Purpose statement: The organized unit of United Methodist Women shall be 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.

For information on the UMW in Minnesota, contact

2009 UMW Officers Front row (L-R): Ginny Vandervest, Stephenie Goecke, Cindy Saufferer, Joyce Nedbalek. Middle row: Bonnie Eidman, Janet Ewing, Jan Dehmlow, Wailana Barker, Elizabeth Everitt. Back row: Rennae Petersen, Sue Bosshardt, Charlotte Frankenberry, Lynn Gryc.

President Rennae Petersen, 112 Ranch Ave., Marshall MN 56258; (507) 532-5916.

United Methodist Women is a branch of the Women’s Division of the General Board of Global Missions.

Newsletter
The Fresh Connection is the Minnesota UMW newsletter. It is published three times a year. (Right-click and select "Save Target As . . ." for best results--these are large PDF files.)

• August 2009
• Spring 2009
• February 2009 

Lending Library
Books available from 2005-2010 reading lists. Click here.

Minnesota Conference UMW Elected Leadership

President: Rennae Petersen, (507) 532-5916
Vice President: Stephenie Goecke, (218) 847-7970
Secretary: Virginia Vandervest, (651) 437-7614
Treasurer: Joyce Nedbalek, (952) 934-3531

Upcoming United Methodist Women Events

• UMW Assembly, April 30-May 2, 2010, Saint Louis, Mo.
• School of Christian Mission, July 13-16, 2010; Mission Event, July 16-18, 2010; Drive-in Day, July 15, 2010

School of Christian Mission 

Held annually in July, the UMW’s School of Christian Women is an educational experience that expands participants’ ideas about what mission is in today’s world. The schools last from three to four days and include classes around chosen study themes, worship, large group gathers, sharing faith stories and other activities.

The School of Christian Mission is held Tuesday through Friday. Two mission events take place during the same week, one on the weekend (Friday night to Sunday), and one drive-in day on Thursday.

WHO can come to School of Christian Mission? Anyone who wishes to learn more about the study topics is welcome! You don’t have to be a UMW member or even a United Methodist! Invite women from your church who may not be actively involved in UMW. Invite a friend or relative who would enjoy the stimulating conversations that always occur.

As you promote School of Christian Mission at your local churches, remind people that it is an experience open to all women, as well as men. Teen women are welcome to come with adults and participate in the adult classes. There is no separate teen event this year. 

Bishop Sally Dyck teaches about food and faith at the 2009 School of Christian Mission. Photo courtesy of Sue Bosshardt

Together at the Table Photo courtesy of Sue Bosshardt