Caroline Diaz shares how the United Women in Faith’s Assembly 2026 deepened her faith and inspired her to bring ideas back to Michigan.
CAROLINE DIAZ
Membership, Nurture & Outreach Coordinator
Michigan Conference United Women in Faith
Assembly 2026, held May 15-17 in Indianapolis, was a powerful reminder of who we are as a movement and what God continues to call us to do. More than a gathering, Assembly was a spiritual homecoming — a place where women from across the nation and around the world came together to worship, learn, celebrate, and recommit to our mission of putting love into action for women, children, and youth. The Michigan Conference was well represented, and our presence was felt in every corner of the convention center as our women prayed, learned, laughed, and dreamed together.
This year’s theme — “Dream it! Believe it! Do it!” — invited us to imagine boldly, trust deeply, and act courageously. It resonated throughout the weekend, reminding us that faith is not passive — it is active, creative, and persistent. Assembly challenged us to see ourselves as part of a movement that is not only alive but also thriving, growing, and ready for what comes next.
One of the most memorable moments of the weekend came from the keynote messages delivered by Stacey Abrams and her mother, Rev. Carolyn Abrams, who spoke with clarity and conviction about the power of women’s leadership to shape communities and transform systems. Their words reminded us that United Women in Faith has always been a force for justice and compassion and that our collective voice is needed now more than ever. They encouraged us to lead with courage, speak with integrity, and act with love — even when the work is hard and the path is long.
Throughout the weekend, workshops provided practical tools for leadership development, advocacy, spiritual growth, and community engagement. Whether learning about climate justice, maternal health, anti-racism, or effective local-unit outreach, Michigan women returned home with new ideas, renewed energy, and a deeper sense of purpose. Many noted that the workshops helped them see how small, faithful steps — a conversation, an invitation, a new partnership — can ripple outward to create lasting change.
Worship was another highlight of Assembly, offering moments of deep reflection and spiritual renewal. Through music, prayer, Scripture, and storytelling, we were reminded that our work is grounded in God’s love and sustained by God’s Spirit. The worship services created space for healing, hope, and holy imagination — a reminder that we do not do this work alone.
A particularly meaningful thread woven throughout the weekend was the ongoing momentum of the Unstoppable Campaign. Assembly affirmed what many of us in Michigan already know: United Women in Faith is growing because women are hungry for connection, purpose, and community. We are growing because personal invitations still matter. We are growing because when women feel welcomed, valued, and seen, they stay — and they bring others with them.
This is where Michigan shines. Our conference has long emphasized the power of relationships, storytelling, and invitation. Assembly reinforced that these practices are not only effective — they are essential. As we return to our districts, units, and local churches, we carry a renewed commitment to extending warm, personal invitations to women who may be seeking a place to belong. We also carry the reminder that every woman has gifts to offer and that our mission grows stronger when we make space for those gifts to flourish.
One of the new elements highlighted at Assembly — and something we are excited to bring back to Michigan — is the emphasis on intergenerational connection. United Women in Faith is intentionally creating more opportunities for younger women, teens, and girls to engage in leadership, service, and spiritual formation. This is not just about the organization’s future; it is about honoring the full body of Christ today. Michigan women returned home inspired to build bridges across generations, mentor and be mentored, and create spaces where all ages can learn from one another.
Assembly also celebrated the ongoing impact of the Legacy Endowment Fund, which continues to grow and support mission work worldwide. Michigan women have been faithful contributors to this effort, and Assembly reminded us that our giving is not only financial — it is an investment in hope, justice, and transformation for generations to come.
As we look ahead, the spirit of Assembly calls us to action. It calls us to dream boldly about what United Women in Faith can become in Michigan. It calls us to believe deeply in the power of community, compassion, and justice. And it calls us to do the work — the everyday, faithful work of inviting, welcoming, nurturing, and serving.
To every Michigan woman who attended Assembly, supported someone who did, prayed for the event, or continues to serve in your local unit: thank you! Your leadership, your faithfulness, and your commitment make a difference. May the energy of Assembly continue to inspire us as we live out our mission across the Michigan Conference and beyond.
Want to learn more about United Women in Faith (UWF)? Visit United Women in Faith’s website to learn how to join this global movement.
Interested in getting connected with a UWF group here in Michigan? Visit our conference website to learn more.
Last Updated on June 9, 2026