JOURNEY THROUGH LENT
As Napa UWF members, we have a variety of ways to experience this season of Lent. The Napa Methodist Lenten theme this year invites us to experience the journey with our walking sticks and walking shoes, both literally and emotionally. It’s not too late to create some time with a UWF partner to not only share some thoughts and reflections, but to also plan on meeting for an actual walk, even if it’s just to walk around the block together after a meeting. Let’s all find ways to connect with each other during this Lenten season.
CONNECT AND LEARN SUMMARY
The Los Rios District and the Bay District members gave us many compliments for our church and Fellowship Hall space during their district meeting. We had 45 people register online or on site. We had a nice variety of soups along with salad and other donated treats from our Napa members. Pastor April Sousa from Elk Grove UMC gave a wonderful presentation about the words that we use and the negative and positive impact they can carry in our communication.
Ruth Jenkins McIntire gave a great and wonderful presentation about the Days for Girls program and a special mission offering was collected resulting in an amount of $684.00 for our Days for Girls materials and supplies.
We also received a check for $675.00 ($15.00 per person) for hosting the event.
Thank you to all our wonderful volunteers.
CIRCLE UPDATES
The Katherine Parker circle met on Thursday, February 12th at 10:00 a.m. Their program presented was from an article in the UWF Response magazine titled, “ Call to Prayer and Self-Denial 2026; The Future is Now, Invest in Our Children. This is about support services offered to impoverished people in America that are being helped by the United Women of Faith. This year’s A Call to Prayer and Self Denial offering will help children through the work of United Women in Faith’s National Mission Institutions, which help our most marginalized and vulnerable children through low-cost early-childhood education; afterschool programs with a hot meal and caring mentors and enrichment programs; mental health counseling and social-emotional support; internships and work experiences; life saving intensive care for severely traumatized youth; guidance for the transition to adulthood and independence and reunification with family. The article states, “We are in a troubling period where many government-funded programs supporting children are at risk of reduction or elimination. The National Mission Institutes will remain steadfast throughout these tumultuous times, but they need our help. To learn more, see page 6 of the Jan/Feb edition of the Response magazine.
The circle members also decided to put together a “tea basket” as a donation for the online auction.
Book suggestions: “Skyward”, by Mary Alice Monroe was recommended by Maryann Bryan. “The Ferrel Seven” by Diana Harvey was recommended by Lorrie Weeks.
Napa UWF Pledge Cards for 2026 were distributed at the meeting.
The Sarah Crosby circle met on Saturday, February 14th at 9:30 a.m. They discussed an opinion article that was in the Napa Valley Register. The piece, written by Chloe Olsen on January 6th was called, “Young in Napa; Old enough to remember hope, young enough to know better. The article resulted in some interesting discussions between members of the circle. They also discussed donating items to create a garden goodies cart for the online auction. They are also collecting toiletry items for Voices. This will be an ongoing collection box to support the youth and young adults who have aged out (18) of foster care.
The Sarah Crosby circle will receive their Napa UWF Pledge Cards for 2026 at their March meeting.
WORLD DAY OF PRAYER
The Los Rios District United Women in Faith are filled with great joy to invite you to the 99th World Day of Prayer service and celebration, prepared this year by the women of Nigeria. The Los Rios District executive team is doing the program via Zoom at 10:00 am on Friday, March 6th. You can register on the Los Rios website: losriosumw.org
If you go to the menu lines on their website and select 2026 Events, there will be a drop down menu for World day of prayer. Once you register there, they will email you the zoom link.
Located on the west coast of Africa, Nigeria is a vibrant nation of more than 250 ethnic groups, rich in cultural, historical, and geographical diversity. The 2026 theme, drawn from Matthew 11:28-30, is “I will give you rest: Come.” At a time when people around the world are weighed down by many burdens, our Nigerian sisters offer profound insights into finding true rest in God. Join in with women all around the world as we seek to foster peace, justice, and equality for women everywhere through prayer, partnership, service, and celebration.
COLLECTING DONATIONS FOR VOICES
During the recent UWF tea, a collaboration blossomed with Voices, Napa. Join the Sarah Crosby Circle as we collect toiletry items to support the youth at Voices. Please consider adding one or more of these items to your shopping cart. A collection bin is in Fellowship Hall. New items only, please. Questions? Contact Susan Quintana, sqpeds57@netscape.net
Shampoo (both men’s & women’s)
Conditioner (both men’s & women’s)
Body soap bars
Toothbrushes (single wrapped)
Toothpaste
Deodorant (both men’s & women’s)
Hair brushes
Hair ties
Lotion
Tissues
Lip balm
Feminine hygiene pads & tampons (individually wrapped)
WOMEN’S RETREAT APRIL 25TH
The Women’s Retreat Committee is busy planning for this year’s event which will be on Saturday, April 25th in the Fellowship Hall from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. The cost will be $40.00 with light breakfast goodies and a lunch provided. Scholarships will be available for those who need assistance and there will also be childcare available during the retreat. This has been a very popular event in the past so make sure to reserve the date on your calendars.
Pastor Marylee Sheffer will be our retreat facilitator. Registration and more information will be made available in the coming weeks. SAVE THE DATE!!
MARCH CIRCLE MEETINGS
Katherine Parker Circle Thurs. Mar. 12- 10am
Sarah Crosby Circle Sat. Mar. 14- 9:30am
Susanna Wesley Circle TBA
COMPASSION MINISTRIES
Eva and Mike’s Brown Bags will need volunteers on Saturday, March 28th at 9:30 a.m. to help build lunches for the homeless shelter. Each month we make brown bag lunches that include sandwiches, fruit, a beverage and cookies.. Home baked cookies are always a needed donation as well. Contact Leah Danao for more information.
THRIFT SHOP
The Thrift Shop will be open on Saturday, March 7th from 10am – 2pm.
Please consider joining the Thrift Shop volunteers. Times and dates are flexible.
If interested in joining the Thrifty Team, please contact Margaret van Zandt, Leigh Andersen, Pat Parker or Debbie Stevens.
MARCH BIRTHDAYS
Mar. 1 Conchita Marusich
Mar. 6 Susan Archer
Mar. 4 Patricia Player, Marsha Niemann
Mar. 14 Mary Herzog, Trudie Atchison
Mar. 15 Leah Danao
Mar. 16 Bobbi Bird
Mar. 20 Joan Krumenacker
Mar. 26 Barbara Thompson
Mar. 28 Gretta Steinbruner
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL OF YOU!