Join us on April 17-19, 2020 in Tempe, Arizona for Calling u, an event for service, spiritual care, social action, networking, leadership development, and enrichment!

By Judi Nibbelink
President, Western Jurisdiction United Methodist Women

There’s a great learning and fellowship opportunity coming to Desert Southwest this April! The event is “Calling u.” The United Methodist Women of the Western Jurisdiction is meeting in Tempe to elect two Directors for United Methodist Women National, and in conjunction with the elections, we are presenting several exciting educational and service experiences. All events will be at the Doubletree Hilton, Tempe, on April 17–19, 2020.

Primary among these is a keynote presentation by Dr. Katherine Hayhoe, recognized as one of the top five experts on climate change in the world. Dr. Hayhoe is an atmospheric scientist and Professor of Political Science at Texas Tech University, where she is Director of the Climate Science Center.

Also joining us will be Harriet Jane Olson, CEO of United Methodist Women and our National President, Shannon Priddy. They will be updating us on our missions and ministries at home and around the world and provide their perspective on the future of UMW in a changing United Methodist Church.

For entertainment as well as education, we’ll enjoy storytelling, singing, and dancing from Yellowbird Production Company, members of the Apache culture. In addition, members of our own Tongan community will be singing for us at lunch on Saturday.

Men and women who are interested in these experiences, whether or not they belong to UMW, are invited to attend this Western Jurisdiction event. Early bird registration for the entire April 17–19 event is $240. You may also attend on Saturday only for $120. Early bird registration ends on January 31, and the fees increase by $25. Saturday registration includes breakfast, lunch, and our dinner cultural banquet, as well as Dr. Hayhoe’s keynote, two workshops, and social action around water issues in the desert. Check out the information at www.wjumw.com.

Please come and join us for “Calling u!”