United Women of Faith
Decorah Unit UWF Officers 2025 President: Syd Stephenson; Vice President: Virginia Leidahl; Secretary: Jane Vande Berg; Treasurer: Connie Bergstrom; Ex-Officio: Candace Arp

The organized unit of United Women of Faith (UWF) 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. All women are encouraged to join a circle for fellowship, Bible study and support of mission activities in Decorah and around the world through the United Methodist Church. UWF meets at 1 p.m. on the first Wednesday of the month for a program, business meeting and fellowship time. The group also weaves plastic sleeping mats for homeless individuals.

Book Club

Our women’s book club gathers on the third Thursday of the month at 1:30 p.m. to discuss popular fiction and nonfiction books, followed by refreshments and fellowship. Most books can be borrowed from the Decorah Public Library or are shared among members.

UWF Quilters
Meets Tuesdays 9AM-12PM

Supportive women making quilts to share with our members!

Sister Parish

Our congregation affiliated with the ecumenical organization Sister Parish Inc. in the mid-1990s to promote intercultural and ecumenical understanding by establishing linkages between churches in the United States and faith-based communities in Central America. FUMC has linked with churches in Nebaj, Guatemala and Potrerillos, El Salvador. Delegations have traveled both directions many times, and regular communication flows through well-established friendships. Sister Parish is based on a Solidarity vs. Charity Model characterized by home stays and developing deep relationships within the community that have sustained over time and generations.

Reconciling Ministries

 In December 2021, our church voted with overwhelming support to affiliate with the Reconciling Ministries Network of the United Methodist Church in solidarity and advocacy with LGBTQ United Methodists. We want to make everyone feel welcome to worship with us and to share God’s love with all. On March 20, 2022 we celebrated with a special service of reconciliation. On September 18, the congregation dedicated a colorful new outdoor sign (below), which symbolizes our congregation’s commitment to be a welcoming and inclusive church. The sign was designed by retired United Methodist pastor Jim Dale, a member of our congregation.

School Backpack Program

We donate peanut butter to help more than 100 Decorah school students served by the backpack program, organized by the Decorah Community School District and the Northeast Iowa Food Bank. The Decorah United Church of Christ is the host partner. It provides children experiencing food scarcity with backpacks filled with non-perishable, nutritious, kid-friendly, shelf-stable food to sustain them over weekends and school holidays.

Food Pantry & Mobile Meals

We collect grocery items and provide volunteer workers for the Decorah Community Food Pantry . Congregation members also serve as drivers for Mobile Meals, sponsored by WinnMed Nutrition Services Department. For information, visit the hospital’s Nutrition Services website.

Community Thanksgiving Meal

Begun in 1988 as a free and open to all event, a few turkeys and capons were roasted at the church, and attendees brought food potluck-style. Over the years the meal evolved to include many community volunteers who provide rides and carry-out meals and facilitate the event. In 2018, the main meal moved next door to the St. Benedict Roman Catholic Parish’s hall, and the carry-outs meals were made at our church.  Several hundred people enjoy the annual holiday meal. Free will offerings usually exceed expenses, so excess funds have often gone to other hunger-relief efforts locally or nationally.

Other Mission Activities

  • United Methodist Church conference apportionments, including the World Service Fund, the Black Colleges Fund, Africa University Fund, and Iowa Conference Missions.

  • General Conference and Annual Conference special offerings, each received annually.

  • United Methodist Advance giving to designated projects and ministries.

  • Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas special offerings designated by the Administrative Council.

  • United Women of Faith mission giving.

  • Annual grants allocated by the Administrative Council from Trust Fund earnings.

  • The pastor’s discretionary fund is available for emergency needs.

  • Our building is used for events such as Burning Bright concerts, AA meetings, and private music lessons.