Justice for all
United Women in Faith gather in Rock Hill for 52nd annual meeting
By Allison Trussell
ROCK HILL—The United Women of Faith held their annual meeting Oct. 26 at Woodland United Methodist Church.
Pulled from Psalm 146, the theme of the two-day meeting was justice for all.
The Rev. Anthony Hodge, superintendent of the Rock Hill District, provided the message during the Friday evening service, and he continued that message based on Luke 18:1-18 during the Saturday meeting, after the scheduled speaker was delayed.
There are injustices throughout our world, Hodge said, including the lonely, the homeless, those with mental health issues, environmental issues and our polarized nation.
But, Hodge said, “Justice is justice. … At the end of the day, we are more alike despite our differences and opinions.”
Hodge told the story of when he was pastoring a church in Charleston and his friend Dave started a running group with the youth to prepare for the Cooper River Bridge Run. To support the youth, Hodge joined in the training. Dave was a long-distance runner and could have left Hodge behind in the race.
“But he didn’t; stayed with me until I crossed the finish line.”
Isn’t that what we’re called to do, Hodge asked the women. Regardless of what we may think about someone, Christ calls us to meet them where they are and walk with them.
The work should be done not for praise or notoriety. In the parable of the workers in the vineyard, everyone got paid the same regardless of how long they worked. “In churches, we should make room for all because at the end of the day, I was taught, ‘The first shall be last.’”
Patricia Leach, the scheduled speaker, is the Catawba Nation Assistant Chief, the first woman to hold the position.
Leach grew up in humble surroundings and said her journey was not planned or particularly clear. However, with hard work and determination, she received bachelor and master degrees and now owns a human resources consulting business.
“Destiny has a way of finding you even if you don’t want to be found,” she said with a chuckle. She had strong mentors and people who encouraged her, but what she learned quickly is that those people were as flawed as her; they weren’t perfect.
She recalled that she didn’t really campaign for her position—”I’m not a politician”—but she was given so much guidance and encouragement by others to pursue the role. During the campaign, she recalled her mother’s main lesson: “People can only meet you where you are.” Her running for office meant getting out and talking to people, making those connections.
She offered a brief history of the Catawba Nation and said it was its strength that allows the nation to give back despite the hardships the people have endured.
One of her main focuses, and that of the nation’s leadership, is the youth, connecting them to their history while preparing them to take on the world. She works closely with public schools, and the programs they’ve developed are for the entire person.
An example she gave was a Healing Court. Substance abuse affects everyone, not just the user. The Healing Court focuses on healing, not punishment, and the healing is aimed at the family unit, not just the substance abuser.
Her position has allowed her to break barriers, cultivate relationships, encourage authenticity and show the next generation that you don’t have to fit the mold.
Informational moments were offered by leaders of the CRJC Project, Presidential Scholarship, Legacy Fund, Mission u, National Program Advisory Group and Limitless, as well as committee reports.
A memorial service was held to remember those who had passed since the last meeting.
Following a recognition of retiring officers, new officers were elected and installed for the coming year: Debra Schooler, Columbia District, president; Kimberly Graham, Florence District, vice president; Sandra Love, Columbia District, spiritual growth coordinator; Vickie Failor, Greenville District, program resource; Ann-Marie Wallace, Greenville District, Committee on Nominations chairman; Samoria Session, Hartsville District, Committee on Nominations Class of 2027.
The 2025 meeting will be held Oct. 24-25 in Spartanburg.