church women united | Through the years

Church Women United is a national movement with units in 50 states and in 3,000 communities. It is an ecumenical expression of Protestant, Orthodox and Roman Catholic women who participate in fellowship, study and action. Its purpose is “to encourage church women to come together in a visible fellowship to witness to their faith in Jesus Christ as Divine Lord and savior and, enabled by his spirit, to go out together into every neighborhood and nation as instruments of his reconciling love.”

Celebrations: World Day of Prayer is observed the first Friday in March by women in 127 nations; May Fellowship Day is the first Friday in May, and World Community, the first Friday in November, focuses on justice and peace. CWU also sponsors a Human Rights Day celebration, this year set for 9:30 a.m. Dec. 10 at Western Reserve United Methodist Church in Canfield. Reservations for the program and breakfast are due by Dec. 5; call 330-793-7024. Cost is $10.

In the Valley: Youngstown Area CWU began in 1914 when the Women’s Interdenominational Missionary Union was formed. The group focused on missions, leper work, migrants, civic interests and family problems. Initially, meetings were annual. Meetings became more frequent; the name was changed a few times including in 1925 as Federation of Missionary Societies of Youngstown and Vicinity. In 1940, the organization became affiliated with National Council of Protestant Women. In 1968, the name became Church Women United of the Youngstown Area.

Protestant Family Service: The group focused on problems of juvenile delinquency. A family service worker was employed and Protestant Family Service was established Sept. 15, 1944. It became a stand-alone agency in 1970.

Projects: CWU is a supporter of the American Leprosy Program, migrant workers and Church World Service programs. CWU co-sponsors the “Keep Christ in Christmas” program in Youngs-town. It also participates in an interfaith tea.