Unity & Faith
Church Women United is a national ecumenical movement of Christians witnessing to unity and faith in Jesus Christ through worship, study, action and celebration.

Church Women United in Wisconsin is one of the three parts which make up the movement.  These three parts – local, state and national – are interdependent and interrelated and constitute the movement that is Church Women United (CWU).

The Wisconsin state unit of CWU supports local units by providing opportunities for
  •  training and sharing information for local units
  •  education and action on issues of concern for
     women of faith
  •  networking with other Wisconsin groups with common 
     interests
  •  gathering in state-wide events for inspiration and
     fellowship
 
The Wisconsin state unit of CWU also supports the
national unit by
  •  passing on suggestions and news from local units 
  •  interpreting national CWU goals and programs to 
     local units 
  •  encouraging participation in our common celebration days 
  •  providing annual financial support

Highlights of CWU in Wisconsin’s 2011 Annual Assembly

The Wisconsin unit of Church Women United met September 17, 2011, at Albright United Methodist Church, Milwaukee. The Milwaukee unit graciously welcomed us and served as hostesses for the day. Women attending contributed to an offering of canned food for Milwaukee food pantries.

Opening worship was led by Milwaukee unit president Lois Olsen who drew on her experiences as a United Methodist nurse missionary in Liberia to highlight the theme of the day: “Give the Gift of Life, Mind, Body & Soul.” Special music was provided by the Ecumenical Women’s Choir from Madison CWU, Jenny Armstrong, Director. Several women from around the state joined the Madison singers for the anthem “The Gift of Love.”

The Annual Business Meeting of Wisconsin CWU was led by Dorothy Wetterlin, state president. Presidents of seven local units were present. Dorothy reported on her goals for the past year: encouraging organ donation, promoting the National CWU Assembly “Legacy of Light,” and visiting with nine local units. A President’s Luncheon was held in April; hopefully this will be held annually. The 2012 Budget and slate of 2012 officers were approved.

Keynote address – “Giving the Gift of Life – The Importance of Organ and Tissue Donation” – was given by Kara Grennier of Donate Life Wisconsin. Kara explained the conditions for both organ and tissue donation and answered many of our questions about organ donation. For example, even if you can’t donate blood because of your health history, you may still be able to donate an organ on your death. People who are interested in donation should go ahead and lay the groundwork with their family.

Following a tasty soup and sandwich luncheon, two sessions of workshops were offered. Choices were: CWU Officer Training with President Dorothy Wetterlin; Donor Sabbath with Kara Grennier; UN Convention on the Rights of the Child with Marquette professor Lawrence LeBlanc; and Bible Study on “Giving the Gift of Life” with Faith Bauman, Madison CWU.

The closing session included installation of officers for the coming year, presentation of Valiant Woman award to retiring president Dorothy and worship and closing thoughts led by our new president Barb Brockman.