TEA WITH INTENTION IN CHICAGO: Creating Community and Momentum through Monthly Meetings
Group photo at the July gathering
“Tea with Intention” is a WFWP gathering of women to support, learn and grow together. WFWP Chicago recently started monthly “Tea with Intention” meetings to share the worldwide impact of WFWP, the heart and vision of its founders, and create a community that can spread this vision by hosting their own local events.
The kickoff meeting was held on May 20, 2023. The theme, “Understanding the Value of Women,” has been continued into the June and July meetings attended by approximately 30 participants each month. Each gathering took place at the Chicago Family Church in Schaumburg and included prayers, community building activities, and concluded with everyone singing “Let There Be Peace on Earth.”
WFWP members introduced themselves and shared how WFWP has broadened their view of the world, and the need to actively serve and seek reconciliation and peace. Newcomers shared how they met us and why they came.
The most memorable testimonies were related to the Bridge of Peace Ceremonies, the WFWP service projects and conferences here in North and South America, Korea, Japan, the Holy Land, the Philippines and Africa.
Ruth-Eva Konno was welcomed as the new Illinois Chairwoman and then she read from Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon's speech, "Women as the Turning Point of Peace." Afterwards a short video was shown, narrated by WFWP USA President, Kaeleigh Moffitt, outlining the vision, goals and activities of WFWP.
Group photo at the June gathering.
Marina Acevedo, the day’s emcee, shared her sincere testimony and motherly words encouraging each person to support WFWP's annual membership drive and respond by signing up to become members.
June 24th Tea with Intention meeting
Sahara Cardenas, former WFWP Midwest Coordinator, introduced the incoming Midwest Coordinator, Ms. Grace Kisile. Grace thanked Sahara via Zoom for her wisdom and efforts as the coordinator, and then spoke to the audience about her journey that led her to Women’s Federation and enabled her to take on a leadership role.
Illinois Chairwoman, Ruth Eva Konno, read from Dr. Hak Ja Han’s speech from WFWP 30th Anniversary followed by group sharing.
The American Clergy Leadership Conference (ACLC) Women In Ministry Chicago leaders came to bless this meeting, led by Rev. Mama Joy, Rev. Bessie O’Neal-Tucker, Rev. Candace Gunn and Rev. Dr. Elaine Mizenburg.
Rev. Fannie Smith introduced the WFWP Schools of Africa Project which has been her passion over the years, emphasizing the need for awareness and continuing support for this mission.
July 22nd Tea with Intention meeting
This month we welcomed our WFWP Midwest Coordinator, Grace Kisile, visiting in-person from Indianapolis. Grace introduced “The Meaning and Value of WFWP," explaining the vision and mission of WFWP through a PowerPoint presentation which touched on her four years as an administrator and representative for the WFWP International United Nations Office in New York and the valuable practical experiences she gained through working there.
Future Plans
Our plans are to meet again in August, and continue to build our new Facebook group, now 40+ strong. You can find us on Facebook at: WFWP Chicago Chapter. Currently, we are preparing to host a Bridge of Peace Event on September 30, 2023. Please stay tuned for details.
With these first few monthly gatherings where we connected in heart and shared more deeply about WFWP’s vision, the future of the Chicago Chapter is bright!