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Purposes of the Women's Ministries |
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Saturday, July 09 2005 |
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The purpose of Women’s Ministries is to encourage women of all ages to grow in their faith and equip them to be beacons of light in their homes, communities and workplaces. This is accomplished by providing opportunities for growth through study, service and warm community with one another. Additionally, Women’s Ministries strives to help women mature in their faith by discovery and exercise of their God-given gifts.
EQUIP
Sharing the MCC goal of having every member grow through participation in Bible study, Women’s Ministries offers a variety of studies for women in the church and women who may not be members of MCC. Studies are Biblically based, provide perspective for applying Christian principles to a woman’s life, and are typically taught by women from MCC.
Joy In the Morning: For over 15 years, this study has been held on Tuesday mornings during the school year and provides an application oriented Bible Study for women. Fellowship time builds relationships and trust among the broad range of women who attend. Child care is provided which makes this study particularly attractive to young mothers.
Joy in the Evening: This is a bi-weekly study offered on Monday nights and primarily attracts working women from MCC and the community. Studies tend to be teaching oriented with less discussion time than the Joy in the Morning program.
Summer Joy: Typically, Women’s Ministries offers a Bible Study or modified women’s program during the summer. This has included “Hot Topics- Cool Drinks” which was an application/ issues oriented program and Beth Moore Video Studies.
Women’s Retreat: An annual Women’s Retreat is typically offered in the spring. The purpose of this event is to help women grow in their faith by focusing on a topic (such as Spiritual Gifts) and to build relationships among women. The retreat environment enables connections, trust and deeper sharing among MCC women.
Thrive Conference: Women’s Ministries hosted this simulcast event in 2002 and 2003. This venue offered women the opportunity to learn from nationally acclaimed teachers of how to be more purposeful for Christ in their relationship.
SERVE
Women are encouraged to utilize their spiritual gifts and serve God in many capacities at MCC, whether in the office, preparing Wednesday night dinners, teaching children, or many other areas. There are several specific areas of service: The Family Shop: For 20 years, Women’s Ministries has provided affordable second hand clothing to those in need; both for sale and then to relief organizations. Volunteers used this clothing ministry as a means of reaching people, providing the gospel message as well as clothing, and the proceeds of the sales are used to support Women’s Ministries and projects within the church.
The Food Chain: Women’s Ministries organizes volunteers to provide meals to families or individuals when there is a specific need in their life. Typically meals are provided for two weeks following a new baby or hospital stay.
Funeral Reception: Women’s Ministries serves grieving families by hosting a reception for the family and guests following funeral services at MCC. While the families typically pay for some of the food, Women’s Ministries provides comfort to the family by organizing and serving the food. FELLOWSHIPClearly, assembling for studying and serving together provides strong bonds between the women at MCC and offers fellowship opportunities. Recognizing the need for special events and festive activities, Women’s Ministries also oversees the following. Joy Lunches: This ministry is focussed on the older women in the congregation (Just Older Youth) and provides a monthly luncheon and guest speaker for the women. It provides a relaxed outing and an opportunity for interchange with one another.
Special Events: Occasional special events are held by Women’s Ministries (or co-hosted with the Fellowship Committee). These typically depend on the initiative of individuals who feel called to organize and provide the event. |
