Women’s Ministries

Winter Retreat for Women
February 7-8, 2009

“Holding Fast in the Fast Lane”

Victory Ranch - Bolivar, Tennessee

Keynote Speaker: Rev. Mary Beth Bernheisel

For women of all ages and stages! SAVE THE DATE! Make your plans now to get away from it all for an overnight retreat from 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 26 to 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 27, 2008.  Dr. Cindy Wesley, United Methodist pastor and Lambuth University professor of religion, will be our keynote speaker.  Come experience the joy of time apart in worship, study, rest and recreation with other Christian women. 

Women in Christ Sunday School

 Made up of women of all ages, this class is characterized by warm Christian fellowship.  Class studies include explorations of the Holy Bible and books by well-known Christian authors.  Study, fellowship, prayer, inspiration, and laughter are some of the ingredients of this special mixture of women.

 Age            Intergenerational                        Location     Room 108

Women’s Bible Studies

 Daytime Groups

 Tuesday Morning

Lunch & Learn: A Bible Study for Women

A women’s Bible study that is one hour long!  Uses Biblically based books by well-known authors for study and discussion.  After class, they enjoy going as a group to a downtown spot for lunch.  Meets September to May.

 Time         10:00 a.m.                              Location   Newman Center

Leaders    Susan Crocker & Betsy Dement

Wednesday Morning

Pastor’s Bible Study

A lecture/discussion class that enjoys depth Bible study and Biblical application of Scripture to everyday living.  Not limited by size; the only book required is the Holy Bible.  A great place to greet old friends and meet new ones!  Meets September to May.

 Time       10:00 a.m.                              Location       Room 206

Leader    David Weatherly

Invitation to Presence

A group of women who are committed to living the examined life together as they seek to become more and more the persons whom God designed them to be.  Meets weekly from September to May and welcomes women of any age to their fellowship. 

Time      10:00 a.m.                              Location     Room 111

Leader   Andrea Woods

 Blessings!  A Beth Moore Study Group

A group of young women who gather weekly from September to May to laugh, study, pray, share life experience, and grow in Christ.  Using the studies of Beth Moore, they are inspired, challenged and encouraged in their Christian walk.  Nursery provided by reservation only; please call the church office 24 hours in advance. (422-4002)

 Time      10:00 a.m.                              Location     Room 114

Leader   Fran Thomas

 Evening Groups

 Wednesday Evening Beth Moore

Come for Wednesday evening fellowship supper at 5:00 and join a group of committed women for study and fellowship afterward.  Nursery available.

 Time      6:00 p.m.                                Location     Room 114

Leader   Joyce Speight

Ruth Group

A small group for 20/30-something women that meets monthly in homes of members for Bible study and fellowship.  Life application of biblical principles, strengthening ties of friendship, providing support, and sharing the joy of Christian faith are the purposes of this group. 

Women’s Prayer Ministries

 Love and Praise: Grandmothers Praying for Youth

This group of women has undertaken the joyous task of praying for all FUMC youth in grades 6-12, on a daily basis.  Come and meet with the group every Friday, or simply sign up to receive two to three names by mail each month and pray as you are able.  A beautiful way to be part of youth ministry at FUMC.

Prayer Shawl Ministry

Do you like to knit?  Join the prayer shawl ministry!  At FUMC, Prayer Shawls are knit with special love and prayers and given to individuals who are ill, suffering a loss, or otherwise in a life crisis.  Yarn for each shawl is blessed as knitting is begun; prayers continue throughout the knitting process and another blessing is offered at the giving.

 Prayer Shawls are a tangible symbol of God’s love reaching in to human hearts through the prayers and service of others. 

United Methodist Women

 A member of United Methodist Women is anyone who commits herself to the PURPOSE and chooses to belong.  United Methodist Women celebrates an inclusive membership and welcomes women of all ages, stages, and life experiences. www.new.gbgm-umc.org/umw/about

UMW Circles

FUMC Circles carry out the purpose of United Methodist Women through monthly meetings, general meetings, and mission projects.  We invite you to join a circle and grow in faith with other committed Christian women.

Rebekah Circle

10:00 a.m. on third Mondays in homes of members.

Martha Circle

10:00 a.m. on third Mondays in homes of members.

Lydia Circle

7:00 p.m. on first Tuesdays in homes of members.

UMW Purpose

The organized unit of United Methodist Women shall be a community of women whose purpose is to know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ; to develop a creative, supportive fellowship; and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church.

For more information or to join call Kathy Vest at 422-4002.

Women’s Serving Ministries

Soup Ministry: Home from the Hospital

A delicious meal of soup, muffins, and dessert is prepared and delivered by the women of our Senior Adult Ministry to persons just returning from a hospital stay.  Pam Jaco is coordinator of this ministry.

Faithful Folders

A group of women gathers each week to fold, stuff, and seal the church newsletter for mailing, while at the same time sharing faith, fellowship, and joy.

Week-Day Church Receptionists

In two shifts a day, five days a week, volunteers staff the receptionist desk at FUMC.  Not limited to women. 

Library Volunteers

FUMC’s library is kept stocked and up to date by a dedicated corps of volunteers. Not limited to women.

Soup Kitchen Volunteers

Several times a year, members of FUMC serve as volunteers at the local community soup kitchen.  Not limited to women.

Monday Mission Group

A group of women that meets monthly to support a local or regional mission, such as RIFA, Birth Choice, and Reelfoot Rural Ministries.

Kitchen Helpers

Every Wednesday from September to May, every first and third Friday, and at many other times during the year, delectable meals are served forth from FUMC’s kitchen, under the guidance of Food Service Director Gena Mandle.  A great place to make new friends, learn useful kitchen techniques, and serve others. All volunteers welcome.  Not limited to women. 

To sign up for a serving ministry, call Kathy Vest at 422-4002.

Women’s Recreation Ministries

Senior Ladies Exercise Group

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:00-10:00.  Small group, “no-impact” exercise and stretching.  No fee.

Mattflex:

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:15-6:00 p.m.  A low-impact aerobics class that focuses on core strength and flexibility.  Free to YMCA members, $5.00 per class for all others.  Not limited to women.

Climate Controlled Walking

Members are free to walk in the gym when the space is not in use for other activities.  A call to the church office (422-4002) to check on availability is suggested.

Racquetball

One court is available on a first-come, first-serve basis, or by reservation.  Equipment is available.  Free to FUMC members and their guests, $2.00 for non-members.  Instructors available upon request.

Walk the Walk

At 8:15 a.m. on Fridays, September to May, any woman interested in meeting at the Union University Tower for fellowship and exercise is welcome.  Look for Fran Thomas and Lesley Rickman.