United Methodist Women Home Page

Purpose of United Methodist Women:

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.

History of the UMW

In 1869 some Methodist women met one cold rainy winter night to hear the wives of two missionaries to India. The wives were distressed because women in India had nearly no education or health care. Non-family males were forbidden to see them. Doctors were male. Therefore, even if a loving concerned husband consented to having his wife examined, the "exam" was done by feeling through a woman's clothing. The mortality rate of infants and pregnant women was high.

Only five women made that first meeting. However, they decided to meet again the following week and each would bring a friend. By the end of 12 months, blessed by God, their endeavors had raised the money, hired Dr. Clara Swain and Miss Isabella Thoburn ( a teacher) and those women were on en route to India. Although the group has merged and adjusted with the times through the ensuing 141 years, their purpose has not wavered. They continue to work for the health and welfare of women, children and youth.

To learn more about the United Methodist Women's Vision of "Turning faith, hope and love into action on behalf of women, chldren and youth around the world," please visit the website at www.unitedmethodistwomen.org.

Leesburg UMW

The Leesburg United Methodist Women were organized in 1879. Currently there are about 80 members in five circles. They meet monthly, usually in a member's home. One does not have to be a member of the United Methodist Church to be a member of the United Methodist Women. Moreover, if you are a member of the UMC, you are not automatically a member of the UMW.

Why Become a member?

Why become a United Methodist Woman? United Methodist Women is a national membership organization with nearly one-million members whose purpose is to foster spiritual growth, develop leaders and advocate for justice! Members raise approximately $20M a year for programs and projects related to women, children and youth in the United States and more than 100 countries around the world!

In 2012 the Leesburg United Methodist women sent $5,250 through district and conference channels for Mission. All five circles join together to raise funds to supplement annual pledges and have contributed several thousand dollars to support local LUMC missions, such as the LUMC Library, Youth trip scholarships, LUMC Preschool scholarships, the Georgia Bange Scholarship Fund, Birmingham Green Homes and many others. The Circles also support many local community mission projects, such as Loudoun Abused Women's Shelter, Birthright of Loudoun, ECHO of Loudoun, Loudoun Inova Hospital, Loudoun's Cold Weather Shelter, Loudoun County Mobile Hope and Interfaith Relief.
 

Please consider visiting a meeting and see what fun and camaraderie we have. If you would like more information and contact information, please email or call the Leesburg UMC Office at office@leesburgumc.org (703) 777-2056

LUMC Circles and Meeting Times: 

• Beulah N. Johnston Circle, 2nd Monday @ 1 pm

• Hannah's Sisters Circle, 3rd Wednesday @ 6:30 pm

• Kathryn Eye Circle, 2nd Tuesday @ 10:30 am

• Sunshine Circle, 3rd Monday @ 7 pm

• Susanna Wesley Circle, 2nd Monday @ 7 pm