Fran Woodworth

Frances (Fran) Woodworth grew up next to the former Evangelical United Brethren Church in Ames, Iowa.  Her love of, and participation in, the life and work of the church has been a ‘life-long’ activity.  She is married to L. Scott Woodworth, a retired member of the Iowa Annual Conference and the Red Bird Missionary Conference.  Scott and Fran came to the Red Bird Missionary Conference as commissioned missionaries of the United Methodist Church.  They see in the mountains and hollows of southeast Kentucky, the awesome presence of God, and strive to serve His children here, in whatever way they are able.

Fran serves as the Executive Secretary of Red Bird Mission and is Statistician for the Red Bird Missionary Conference.  She came to Red Bird Mission with a background in public library work, having served as children’s librarian and/or library director in various Illinois and Iowa communities where the Woodworth’s have lived.  She holds a BA in education/library science from the University of Northern Iowa and did her graduate work in library science at NYU.  She is a master story-teller and shares her ‘stories’ whenever she is invited to do so.  Fran was recently elected to serve her second quadrennium as a member of the General Board of Global Ministries.  The Woodworth’s five children, all grown, are scattered around the United States.  Her community work has included organizing for archival and historic preservation, fund-raising and grant-writing.  Fran enjoys cooking, quilting and reading in her limited free time.

Red Bird Mission, guided by Jesus Christ, empowers individuals and advocates justice by providing spiritual, educational, health, and community outreach ministries.