Our History

Young Church Women United was the name chosen by Marilyn and Julie Lariviere, organizers of the very first Young Church Women Retreat in 1993. Young Church Women United enables young women to affirm their faith journeys and engage in ecumenical and ministry works of Church Women United.

In 1992, a program recognizing outstanding Young Women, ages 21 to 35, began in Massachusetts at the Rhode Island Church Women United Assembly. As this was of great value and continued to be part of their annual event. In the beginning, it consisted of a panel discussion by young women as well as the presentation of certifications.

In 1993, Marilyn and Julie Lariviere, with the help of a revitalization grant from Church Women United, held the first Young Church Women United retreat for teenage girls at Craigville Conference Center in Cape Cod. This retreat aimed at promoting the spirit of ecumenism and the Church Women Concept among participants. The retreats eventually became part of their annual event.

In 1996, another program for teenagers was instituted as part of the Northeastern Regional Assembly and subsequently continued to be part of a regional event.

In 2002, Marilyn Lariviere and Rev. Kristen White wrote the May Friendship Day and incorporated the Young Women Recognition and Retreats into local State Units and Regional Programs.

In 2014, the first two young women ages 21-45 (later changed to 40 years old when elected) were elected by the common council as Young Church Women United Representative on the National Board of Directors. Rev. MaryAnn Glover and Rev. Julia Yuen were chosen as the first representatives. Later, Amanda Doescher and Marilynn Seashore were elected in 2008.

The current women presently serving on these positions are Jameka Matthews and Sorelle Ngatchou. Their terms will end in 2023 and 2021 respectively.