THANK YOU FROM SALLY VONNER, GENERAL SECRETARY AND CEO, UNITED WOMEN IN FAITH
Saturday, July 29th, was an unforgettable day as family, friends, sorority sisters, United Women in Faith members, United Methodist Communications representative Helen Allen, and United Methodists around the world celebrated my installation. Thank you to everyone who was present at Lovers Lane UMC or joined online. The creativity and gifts of United Women in Faith were front and center as we worshipped God in word, song, dance, praise, anointing, and giving. Members from multiple conferences were able to participate in person: Arkansas, Central Texas, Florida, Louisiana, North Texas, Rio Texas, Texas, Tennessee-Western Kentucky, and Missouri. We also welcomed more than 2,000 members virtually.
If you missed the service of installation, the recording is available here.
I appreciate the many congratulations, affirmations, words of support, and prayers via emails, social media, texts, and phone calls from around the world. I feel the love and excitement for this new beginning. As I said during the installation, I will serve to the best of my abilities to inspire and uplift United Women in Faith always. My anointing by Bishop Ruben Saenz, Jr., and others being anointed in solidarity was one of the many highlights. Receiving the oil as a gift will be a constant reminder of the commitment I have made to God, women, children, and youth around the world.
Thank you to my bishop of the North Texas and Central Texas Annual Conferences, Bishop Ruben Saenz, Jr., for his participation and support. Also, the Rev. Stan Copeland, the Bold Women of Lovers Lane, and all the church staff involved, thank you. You opened your home and welcomed everyone with Southern hospitality at its finest.
To the North Texas Conference United Women in Faith, you made me proud. You answered the call, showed up, and led with love to make the installation unforgettable. President Wendy Campbell and Ruth Robinson, thank you for your participation in the service. Again, thank you to the women who served as ushers, greeters, hosts, and/or contributed baked goods and funds to provide a beautiful reception. Twenty-six women from about 14 churches donated cookies for the reception with more donating funds for the fruit, cheese, paper products and drinks. Thank you to Teaneck UMC (NJ) for the beautiful flower arrangement.
Thank you to the talented musicians and dancers from the North Texas Annual Conference’s beloved St. Luke Community UMC. Monya Logan led a stellar musical team. The sacred dancers presented our history in a powerful visual interpretation that was another highlight along with their leading the closing procession. Kudos to my daughter Lessie whose trumpet solo of “Someone to Watch Over Me” was a beautiful tribute to our foremothers’ spirit.
A special thanks to the United Women in Faith officers’ participation: President ‘Ainise ‘Isama’u, Vice President Cynthia Rives, Finance Chair Heidi Careaga, Governance Chair Daryl Junes-Joe, and all national leaders who took part online. Also grateful for the amazing United Women in Faith planning team who designed, promoted and, along with all staff onsite and online, ensured the installation service flowed as planned.
Lastly, thank you to everyone who honored the installation by giving through the registration, the installation service, texts, or Gift to Mission cards. There is no greater honor than to support our mission through your giving.
Thank you so much if you made a gift on this joyous occasion. It is not too late to give if you did not get a chance! I invite you to support the work of United Women in Faith with a gift to:
The Legacy Endowment Fund
Mission Giving
You can also subscribe to the digital or print response magazine to stay abreast of the impact your giving makes.
May God bless you, as together we continue to put our faith, hope, and love into action on behalf of women, children, and youth around the world.
With love and appreciation,
Sally
Sally Vonner
General Secretary/CEO
United Women in Faith
