WOMEN’S MINISTRIES: BUILDING A CIRCLE
By Vicki Marsh
ircles consist of ladies who share a vision of forming friendships, planning projects or events, learning more about God through Bible studies, and serving God by ministering to each other and others. There is a difference between saying “Hi” to someone before or after church and meeting with them once a month. Your circle group is an opportunity to get to know other ladies at your church. Your circle can be a support group for you and will pray for you in times of trouble and joy. Some circles are composed of ladies who are of the same “generation” with the same concerns (such as more mature ladies who are dealing with signs of aging, health concerns, grandchildren, etc.) In a circle of younger women, there needs to be consideration of who will keep the children while they attend circle, etc. Some circles have ladies from all “seasons” of life, and they can share experiences and enrich each other from different perspectives. The important thing when forming a circle Once you have your group, it is important to “organize” the group to determine at least one or two who are willing to teach the Bible study, a leader who communicates when the meetings will be and any other information that should be shared with the group, a secretary and/or treasurer to handle money, attendance, etc., and a project or event planner. In a smaller circle with fewer members, many of these jobs can be combined. It is important that everyone feels that they are an integral part of the group and that they do contribute by hosting the group, being the card lady (sending each member a card on her birthday, or when they are sick), or other responsibilities. We all have different talents and are “part of the whole,” and we should use them for the good of the group. The more you put into something, the more you will get out of it! These are just ideas to get you started. Does your group have to be called a circle? No! Do you have to have a set number time since many of them were working full-time. They called themselves “The Lunch Bunch”. When you are trying to get your group organized or once you have your group, don’t forget the most important component—PRAYER! All that you do should have God at the center of it. Pray for your group, pray for your church, pray for your leaders in the church and in the country, pray that all that you do will be for the glory of God! Even if you are unable to belong to a circle, as long as you are a woman who attends an ARP church, you are a part of Women’s Ministry!
C Save the Date Ladies, did you know there is an event just for you during Synod week? Please
mark your calendars and make plans to join us for Oasis, a time of refreshment and fellowship, on Wednesday, June 10th, from 2-4 in Synodical Hall. Childcare provided in Mary Alice Cottage.
sponsored by ARP Women’s Ministries
20
The Associate Reformed Presbyterian
Women’s Ministries
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32
