Kent United Methodist United Women in Faith

All women are welcome!  

Being a part of United Women in Faith offers women of all ages the opportunity for Christian learning, service, fellowship, and all-around good fun making connections with our Kent United Methodist Women. We support many mission programs, especially those that serve women, children, and youth. 


United Women in Faith—A Trip To Anchorage, Alaska

Amy Swanson, Myrna Agduyeng, Myrna’s daughter, Rev. Yvonne Agduyeng, and I attended the United Women in Faith Western Jurisdiction Quadrennial meeting. We had a wonderful and inspiring time. Approximately 250 women gathered from all over the Western Jurisdiction at the Captain Cook Hotel in Anchorage from May 9-11.

Our theme was “Get Together!” based on John 13:34 NIV. “A new command I give you: Love one another.” Our daily themes were INSPIRE, INFLUENCE, and IMPACT. Rev. Emily Carrol, Lead pastor at First UMC in Anchorage, led a talk on each of these themes. Sally Vonner, our National CEO, was one of our excellent speakers. Retiring Bishop Karen P. Oliveto from the Mountain Sky Conference led Communion. We elected women who will represent our Western Jurisdiction as national Board of Director members. Madelyn Bafus, who represents the Pacific Northwest Conference, was elected as our Chair of Nominations.

Several informative and meaningful workshops were held, including Climate, Health Equity, and Culture, facilitated by Jackie Qatanlina Schaeffer, and Restorative Justice: Redeeming Harms of the Past to the Native Church, presented by Maxine Reichert. Glenna Kyker, PhD, presented I Stole Your Land, And Now I’m Keeping It: How to Create an Appropriate Land Acknowledgement.

One of the unique highlights of our event was the performance by the Anchorage Unangax Dancers, representing Aleutians from across the region. They shared their traditional song and dance, a cultural treasure that they proudly share with the world. We also had the privilege of experiencing the Ola Toe Fuataina United Methodist Choir, whose name translates to 'new beginning' in the Samoan culture, as part of our closing worship celebration.

After a long wait of eight years, we were filled with anticipation and joy to finally meet in person. This event was a testament to our shared commitment, a time of singing, praying, celebrating, learning, and connecting. The view of the majestic Chugach Mountains from our hotel and all over Anchorage was a breathtaking backdrop to our shared experiences.

Linda Mills, President
Kent United Women in Faith