First United Methodist Church - Hurst | United Methodist Women

“... for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.”

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.

The Woman’s Foreign Missionary Society was founded in 1869 with six members and became, through various reorganizations, United Methodist Women in 1972. It is now the largest women’s organization in the world with approximately one million members. UMW is an integral part of the United Methodist Church. Women actively choose to become involved in this mission organization. The UMW of First United Methodist Church of Hurst reflects the historical thrust of mission through spiritual growth, mission education, Christian social involvement, and local and global support for women, children, and youth. Members are involved through prayer, giving, attending meetings, study, action, and service.

United Methodist Women members are organized locally in groups called units, which are connected to a greater whole that includes district, conference, jurisdiction, and national organizations. The national policy-making body is the Women’s Division of the General Board of Global Ministries.

In addition to programs within our unit, we participate in the Mid-Cities District and the Central Texas Conference United Methodist Women events and projects. The Central Texas Conference United Methodist Women annually sponsors the School of Christian Mission that offers an in-depth study of general, geographic and spiritual growth studies. All members of the unit are encouraged to participate in the Conference School.

Smaller groups within the unit, called circles, provide greater participation for individuals, allowing members to be involved in a significant way in areas of their interest and concern. UMW of First United Methodist Church has five day circles, three evening circles, and one evening sub-group. All circles participate in various projects, Harvest Festival, and the annual Tea and Thee.

UMW provides local and global support for women, children, and youth.

In 2010, UMW organized FUMC Hurst's efforts to create health kits for UMCOR to disribute to victims of the Haiti earthquake. More than 975 kits were created by our congregation at a value of more than $11,000. The local unit is providing 50 pairs of school uniform pants for the United Community Centers, collecting personal hygiene products for Presbyterian Night Shelter, and has made a monetary donation to the Tarrant Area Food Bank. Many UMW members are volunteering two days a week to staff the free clothing room at Bethlehem Center in Fort Worth. Circle of Light, for the second year, is providing Goody Bags for teachers and staff at Bellaire Elementary during Teacher Appreciation Week. The Lydias meet with female clients of Mission Central, providing life skills programs and fellowship. Members of UMW's J.O.Y. Circle meet weekly to knit and crochet prayer shawls, scarves, and hats that are given to members of our congregation and community.

In 2009, the success of a church-wide cookbook resulted in a donation of $3,000 to ZOE, a ministry to African children. In 2008, the unit bought two pigs for women in Africa. So far more than 15 women have benefited.

These are just a few examples of the ministries to the local and global community that our UMW members share.

Membership is extended to any woman who commits herself to our Purpose and chooses to participate in meetings, prayer, study, and service. Church membership is not required. We are a group of women who nurture and encourage one another in our spiritual growth and personal development. Dues are not required. However, members make a financial pledge to support local and global UMW mission programs and projects.

To join FUMC Hurst United Methodist Women, come to a general meeting or a circle meeting, or fill out the form and mail it to the church office, or contact Julie Latvatalo, 817.228.7254, Membership Nurture and Outreach.