United Methodist Women 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.
Los Altos United Methodist Women is a fellowship of women who work together to live out its purpose, as stated above. The women welcome guests and women whose own church does not offer them a women's organization focused on mission. At Los Altos United Methodist Church, more than 75 women participate in United Methodist Women. The women meet monthly in Circles, and in the even months of the year, they gather in larger Unit meetings. Topics of focus and discussion include spiritual growth; education for change such as the Just Energy 4 All Campaign, and deepening of witness and advocacy such as the Interrupting the School-to-Prison Pipeline Campaign. Additional topics include organization for growth to expand resources such as Mission Giving; leadership development; and advocacy on behalf of women, youth, and children worldwide.
Go to Members & Leaders: then go to Videos, Photos & Infographics.
Watch “Encouraging Growth” on YouTube.com.
Beginnings
The newly established Los Altos Methodist Church formed the Women’s Society of Christian Service in 1956. Starting with one Circle of homemakers, the Women’s Society quickly grew, paralleling the church’s growth. In 1968, the Women’s Society transitioned to United Methodist Women, a diverse group of working, professional and retired women.
To Present Day
Seeking to make a difference in the world, Los Altos United Methodist Women today uses an interconnected pattern of compassionate service and passionate advocacy. Members participate in a robust Reading Program, which is a cherished United Methodist Women tradition. Study issues include such topics as climate justice, criminalization of communities of color, economic inequality, maternal and child health, racial justice, and social action.
Los Altos UMC women make a presentation at a California-Pacific Conference assembly
How We Are Connected
United Methodist Women, like The United Methodist Church, is a connectional system. The major links are Los Altos United Methodist Women; West District; California-Pacific Conference; Western Jurisdiction; and United Methodist Women national office. Every level of the organization is connected in mission with Global Ministries.
How We Are Organized for Flexibility
Financial. United Methodist Women-supported programs and projects are possible because members give gifts to mission through Mission Giving. This allows United Methodist Women to respond where the need is the greatest and to work in partnership with organizations doing similar work.
Membership. United Methodist Women is committed to finding new ways to invite and involve women in our 150-year-old organization, which currently totals more than 800,000 members worldwide. United Methodist Women works to ensure inclusiveness and racial/ethnic diversity and nurture women, youth, and children.
Los Altos UMC women join the celebration of United Methodist Women’s 150th anniversary in 2019
Join a Circle. United Methodist Women Circles offer members an opportunity to focus on special mission interests in smaller groups. Circles provide greater flexibility and freedom for participation, and some women find that her circle is her primary connection for prayer, study, and spiritual growth. To contact a Circle Leader for details on how to join, call 562.598.2451.
Mary and Martha Circle at 6:00 p.m. – Leader: Rebecca Low
Wesleyanns at 5:00 p.m. for Potluck Dinner – Leader: Lietta Wagner
Lydia Circle at 10:00 a.m. – Leader: Sharon Carvalho
Hannah Circle at 10:00 a.m. – Leader: Janice Hale
Priscilla Circle at 10:00 a.m. – Leader: Cynthia Clark
Women at the Well at 7:00. p.m. – Leader: Sharon Borges
Attend Unit Meetings. Circle members and guests gather the first Thursday in February, April, June, August, October, and December for a Unit Meeting. It provides an opportunity to stay informed of mission developments as well as conduct business. A program, followed by a luncheon, offers opportunity to learn about mission, deepen faith, connect with one another, and be inspired to action.
Children from Los Altos United Methodist Church Preschool receive Christmas greetings from members after the preschool children sang a Christmas song at a Unit Meeting.
Pledge to Mission Giving. Completing a Pledge to Mission Giving card at the first Circle meeting of the year is the primary way every Los Altos United Methodist Women member supports Mission Giving. To download a Pledge to Mission card:
www.unitedmethodistwomen.org/mission-giving
Subscribe to response Magazine. An award-winning publication, response is the official magazine of United Methodist Women. www.unitedmethodistwomen.org/response
Scroll to bottom of page and click on link “Subscribe today for yourself or as a gift.”
Participate on UMW Sunday. Once a year, Los Altos United Methodist Women lead the Sunday morning worship services. UMW Sunday helps introduce the congregation to United Methodist Women activities locally and around the world.
Help with Local Missions. You can make a difference in someone’s life by helping with United Methodist Women - supported local missions.
Support fundraisers. Los Altos United Methodist Women conducts two local fundraisers each year. The Craft Fair raises monies for Mission Giving and helps the women meet the Mission-Giving goal. The Alternative Christmas Market offers members an opportunity to directly support a special mission.
2021 Craft Fair
Alternative Christmas Market. The Sunday before Thanksgiving, this market offers alternatives to the typical Christmas gifts. Los Altos United Women participates with other groups in the church. A person may purchase a flock of chickens to support a farmer in South America, for example, and return home only with the greeting card describing the gift. Or a person may write a check directly to a Los Altos United Methodist Women-supported local mission.
IMPORTANT LINKS
Los Altos United Methodist Church United Methodist Women website: www.losaltosumc.org
CONNECT
UNITED METHODIST WOMEN
United Methodist Women national website: www.unitedmethodistwomen.org
California-Pacific Conference United Methodist Women website: www.calpacumc.org/umw
United Methodist Women Facebook website: www.facebook.com/UMWomen
United Methodist Women You Tube website: www.youtube.com/UMWomen
United Methodist Women Twitter website: www.twitter.com/UMWomen
United Methodist Women Flickr photos website: www.flickr.com/photos/UMWomen
Podcast “Faith Talks” website: www.unitedmethodistwomen.org/faithtalks