Desert Skies United Women in Faith
For Women of All Ages & Interests
Our Purpose
- to know God and experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ (spiritual growth)
- to develop a creative, supportive fellowship (friendship)
- to extend the concept of missions through participation in the global ministries of the church (outreach)
About UWF
Come for the food. Stay for the connection, ideas, and community.
Looking to connect with other women, grow in faith, and make a real difference in the community? You’re in the right place.
Desert Skies United Women in Faith (UWF) is a vibrant, welcoming, multigenerational group of women who meet for brunch, fellowship, service, and fun — all while supporting causes that matter. We meet about six times a year on Saturday mornings — always kicking things off with a delicious brunch and then diving into inspiring speakers or fun group activities. It’s a relaxed space to meet new friends, be inspired, and recharge your spirit.
Smaller Groups (Circles)
We have three monthly Circles that meet at different times and locations — in homes, restaurants, and at both campuses. Each one has its own personality, but all are centered on friendship, faith, and service. And our Helping Hands mission team meets regularly to support local causes and create real impact.
We plan special events, outings, and projects throughout the year — so there’s always something meaningful (and fun!) happening. Stop by a meeting. We’d love to meet you!
Want to know what’s coming up next? Check out our Joyful Noise newsletter.
We also schedule several special activities and outings throughout the year. The activities for the next two months are:
UWF Event Calendar
10 – Zippy 49ers meeting, 9:30 am, Fellowship Hall
14 – Cookie Walk both Campus before and after services
24 – Christmas Eve
25 – Christmas Day
31 – New Years Eve
January 2025
1 – New Year’s Day
6 – Epiphany
14 – Zippy 49ers meeting, 9:30 am, Fellowship Hall
17 – UWF General Meeting, 9:30 am Fellowship Hall Houghton Campus
26 – UWF Board Meeting, 4:30pm Zoom
See Skyline for circle meetings dates and times.
UWF Circles
Zippy 49’ers Circle – Houghton Campus
Meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 9:15 a.m. in Fellowship Hall (September–May)
We focus on faith-based topics that matter, and support local outreach like the Sister Jose Women’s Center and the Prayer Shawl Ministry. We start with a light breakfast and good conversation, then dive into prayer and study around topics that speak to our faith and the world we live in.
Our current service projects:
Sister Jose Women’s Center – we collect gloves and other needed items
Prayer Shawl Ministry – knitters create cozy shawls while praying over each one, so the person receiving it feels truly wrapped in love and prayer. Over 200 shawls have already been shared with those who are sick, grieving, or in need of comfort.
Whether you knit or just want to support others, there is a spot waiting for YOU in our circle of friends.
Mary Martha (M&M) Circle – Various Locations
We meet as needed throughout the year engaging in hands-on projects and community outreach — always with lots of laughs (and yes, there are always M&Ms!). Our smiles are bountiful and our faith infectious.
What we’ve been up to:
- Built a Little Library for the Houghton Campus, which was filled by neighbors right away
- Served meals for local organizations
- Collected donations for families in need
- Created Caring Cross fused glass gifts
- Partnered with Tanque Verde School District to tutor children supported by Amity and Dragonfly social services
If you like variety, hands-on projects, and jumping in and making a difference, this is the circle for you.
Esther Circle – Vail Campus
Esther Circle is all about community and service at the Vail Campus. Come be a part of something purposeful and rewarding.
Ongoing projects include:
Sunday Mornings at the Arizona Senior Academy
We help set up for church services and keep the Christ Café running to create a warm, welcoming space for all.
Trunk or Treat Photo Booth Fun
This October, catch us at Ocotillo Ridge Elementary’s Trunk or Treat with a super fun photo booth setup.
College Grad Dinners – Powered by Esther Circle
We’re celebrating student success by hosting the graduation dinners for Frontera Wesley students at the University of Arizona — not just in the fall, but again in the spring!
Snack Support for State Testing
We’ll be providing snacks to fuel students at Secrist Middle School during State Testing Week.
Teacher Appreciation Week – We Got You!
Our educators deserve the best. We’re showing love to the amazing staff at Mica Mountain High School and Secrist Middle School with some heartfelt appreciation during Teacher Appreciation Week.
If you love organizing events and serving behind the scenes, you’ll feel right at home here. Come join us.
Helping Hands Mission Support – Houghton Campus
Looking for simple ways to serve and connect? This is a casual, come-as-you-can group focused on small mission projects that make a big impact. It’s a great way to serve the community in just an hour or two a month.
- Primavera Lunches
2nd Tuesdays at 9:00 a.m. at the Houghton Campus Kitchen
We make and pack lunches for Primavera Works. The Primavera Foundation helps people transition out of poverty through housing and job training. The packing takes about an hour — quick, simple, meaningful. - Hygiene Kits Project
Currently led by a dedicated Zippy 49’ers Circle member, this project welcomes more helping hands! Each month, she contacts five local organizations to gather their hygiene needs and delivers supplies directly to:
- Emerge (Center against domestic abuse)
- St. Luke’s Home (Assisted living for low-income seniors)
- Youth on Their Own (Assisting homeless teens)
- Interfaith Community Services (Serving Pima County seniors, disabled, or those in financial crisis)
- TMM Family Services (Local outreach for families in need) This project brings comfort and dignity to those in vulnerable situations.
Helping Hands Mission Support Group packs items for mission projects. It is a great time of fellowship and mission. Come join us.
