By Vicki Marsh B
ible studies are an important part of women’s ministries. Have you ever wondered how we decide which
study books should be recommended? Each ARPWM Board has a Spiritual Life chair- person. She has a committee of three other ladies who determine which book should be suggested and which book of the Bible will be proposed. Through tradition, a book from the Old Testament is chosen in “even” years and one from the New Testament is
chosen for “odd” years. Once the book is chosen (this year it is Daniel), the committee searches for a study book that they feel would be best by reading several on the subject. Then, the Christian Education Ministry must give approval that the book is appropriate and in line with our beliefs. It is presented to the ARPWM Board and approved and then voted on at the ARPWM Annual Meeting (which will be held on July 27th at Bonclarken this year). The books are available at the Family Bible Conference and by mail from the CEM Bookstore. What if the recommended study does not suit your group? Maybe you just did a similar study in your Sunday School
class or in a Community Bible Study in your town or for some other reason, you would like to use another topic for your group. No circle or Bible study group is exactly the same and you need to have a Bible study that suits your group. I have been in Bible studies on topics like “Bad Girls of the Bible” and “What Can We Learn from Gilligan’s Island”. There are many different topics available. The CEM Bookstore would be a great resource to help you find a book for study as well. Sometimes the hardest part is finding a teacher. Ideally, you would prefer to have more than one. Some circles use a
buddy system where a morning circle and a night circle share the same teacher. There are a variety of teaching styles as well. Some groups send out what scripture will be studied so that members can read it before the meeting. Some teachers give out several scriptures at the beginning of the meeting to members to read at certain parts of the lesson. Some groups prefer the lecture method followed by discussion questions at the end of the lesson. The important thing is that you are studying God’s work and the lessons are helping you apply the scripture to your person life! Many churches have Bible Study groups that are not officially “circles”. Those ladies are still a part of Women’s Ministries!?
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 in Synodical Hall. Childcare provided in Mary Alice Cottage (sponsored by ARP Women’s Ministries). More details to come.
Pastor Wives Fellowship (For Active/Retired ARP Pastors’ Wives): During Synod week in the Jean White Room (Basement of Founders Hall). Lite refreshements will be served. Contact Brandy Glaser for any questions/concerns:
bbglaser@hotmail.com. More details to come.
ARPWM Annual Meeting will be July 27 at 1pm at Bonclarken. More details to follow. ARPWM Silver Tea hosted by the Tennessee/Alabama Presbyterial will be July 29. Catawba Women’s Ministries Annual Meeting at Ebenezer ARP Church in Rock Hill, SC will be October 3.
Save the Date 20 The Associate Reformed Presbyterian
Women’s Ministries
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