Updates: May 7, 2026

Why Red Shoes?

Occasionally, you might notice a woman pastor step into the pulpit wearing red shoes. It’s simple and quiet, and it means something.

In the United Methodist Church, red shoes have become a way for clergywomen to remember one another—especially those who served faithfully, sometimes in hard places, and are no longer with us. The tradition is connected to the witness of Georgia Harkness, an ordained Methodist pastor, teacher, and leader from the 1920s, who was deeply committed to strengthening the church and supporting women in ministry. After her death, colleagues began wearing red shoes as a quiet way to honor her life and the shared journey of clergywomen.

Red is the color of the Holy Spirit, of courage, of showing up when it matters. When red is worn on our feet, it becomes about the walk—where God sends us, and how we serve out our call.

The color is not meant to stand out for attention, but meant to quietly say, we remember… and we’re in this together.

Here at Rapid City First United Methodist Church, that spirit fits who we are. We believe God calls people—men and women—and we take seriously our role in encouraging that call. You’ll see that in the women who lead, preach, teach, and serve in and through our church. We celebrate them and we will continue to raise them up in ministry.

So, if you catch a glimpse of red shoes on a Sunday morning, you’re seeing more than a style choice. You’re seeing a story—of faith, of perseverance, and of a church that keeps walking forward together.

To learn more about it, see https://preacherparents.blogspot.com/2010/05/red-shoes.html

United Women in Faith
Mother's Day Baby Shower

UWF is celebrating Mother's Day by collecting baby items to donate to Mommy's closet.

Items Needed:
Diapers
Pull-Ups
Wipes
Pacifiers
Food

Place donations in the Parlor Pack n Play!

UWF Spring Social

All ladies are invited!
Wednesday, May 13, 1:30 p.m.
Church Parlor at Rapid City First UMC
Angel food cake and strawberries served