Over the past few years, I’ve found myself reflecting on how much we’ve changed since Covid. Our work, attitudes, and habits all shifted dramatically. An article I read recently captured it perfectly: “During the pandemic, we learned to live online, and now we’re figuring out how to live offline again—only differently.”

When you add the pressures of disaffiliation and our already busy lives, it’s clear that United Women in Faith is navigating the same challenges as the world around us.

As our unit’s executive committee met in July 2024 to plan for the coming year, we realized we were entering a season of rebuilding. Our numbers are smaller, attendance has declined, and we’re still learning what our members need today. The practices that served us well before no longer fit this new moment. As president, I felt called to try something different—something that honored our longtime members while helping newer members understand who we are.

August always brings fresh energy as our children return to school and we begin another year of “love in action.” So at our August 2024 general meeting, I introduced the President’s Challenge. I asked each member to commit to three things:

1. Completing one of the four reading plans

2. Attending at least one district or conference event

3. Giving through all five channels of mission giving—making a pledge, presenting a mission recognition pin, sending a gift to mission card, making a World Thank Offering, and honoring or remembering a loved one through the Burning of the Candle

I promised that those who completed the challenge would be recognized at our January 2026 meeting and offered reminders throughout the year. I made Herstory (*see below) presentations each month explaining UWFaith traditions and missions.

So how did it go? Only about five members finished the full challenge, but participation in the reading program grew significantly. We also created a meaningful new tradition: members who purchased a special recognition pin now present it in person at our May meeting. This year’s presentations were some of the most loving moments I’ve witnessed in our unit. Several members shared that the challenge inspired them to be more intentional about their giving, and many have already committed to completing it next year.

What has this experience taught me? Even as we all learn to “live offline” in new ways, the hearts of my sisters remain constant. They continue to overflow with love—and with the desire to show that love in action can truly change the world.