Women Ministries
The Women Ministries is a fellowship of women open to all ladies desiring to serve God by reaching out in tangible way to the world around us. They have a barrel available for clothing and food donations throughout the year for the Union Gospel Mission.
These are a few of the things the women of our church enjoy doing.
Activities
Quilting B: This group of ladies meets twice a month to sew quilts. Every November they put all their hard work on display for the congregation to see and buy. What isn't purchased, is donated to local charities. For more information about this group, click here.
Coffee Hostess: Ladies are encouraged to sign up for two or more Sundays a year to host the fellowship hour after each service. The sign up board is located in the fellowship hall near the kitchen. The responsibilities include arranging the serving table, making the coffee, providing the refreshments (cookies, breads, muffins, or cakes) and beverages, and serving them in the downstairs fellowship hall.
Throughout the year, the Women Ministries organize various social occasions for the women of the church, and for the church body. These include: Mother-Daughter Spring Luncheon; memorial luncheons held at the church after funerals; church potlucks; wedding receptions; and our annual Christmas dinner.
Each September, there is a 3-day weekend Women's Retreat of the North Pacific Conference at Cascades Camp near Yelm, Washington. This includes a special speaker, a variety of workshops on Saturday, fellowship with friends, enjoyment of the beautiful camp grounds and always, good food.
The Purpose
The purpose of the Women Ministries is to create a fellowship amongst the ladies of the church and to serve and glorify the Lord by helping others. The Women Ministries exists to advance God's kingdom through ministries that equip women to grow, serve and reach out with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Women Ministries is a fellowship of all the women of the Evangelical Covenant Church, locally, regionally and in the United States and Canada. It is an integral Part of the local church and the denomination.
The organization provides opportunities for women individually and in groups:
- TO GROW in personal devotion to Jesus Christ
- TO AFFIRM their spiritual gifts and provide opportunities for growth in utilizing those gifts
- TO PARTICIPATE in evangelism and Outreach, touching others with the love of Christ
- TO MINISTER to the underprivileged, especially women and children
- TO PARTICIPATE in the ministries of the denomination worldwide
Women Ministries seeks to achieve these goals through prayer, study, stewardship and service. It is a fellowship which seeks to build relationships with women of differing ages, talents and interests. It recognizes the need for each woman to know God and find her particular area of service in her church and community.
Women Ministries encourages programming based upon the needs and interests of women. While some may find fellowship in group meetings most meaningful, others may give their time to teaching, or to music ministry or youth counseling. Others may prefer community involvement or service. Each woman's Contribution is recognized as significant wherever her Christian faith finds expression.
Women Ministries seeks to help women grow in their faith and to communicate Christ's love next door or around the world.
Organizations in the same geographical area are members of a conference or region. There are eleven conferences or regions in the United States and Canada. If a conference is large or wide-spread, it may be further divided into districts. Conference activities include retreats, district get-togethers and an annual meeting. Many conferences encourage support for projects particular to their area, such as camps and conference centers and college scholarships. There is a conference board of Women Ministries which oversees conference activities and keeps in touch with local churches for encouragement and guidance.
The national organization of Women Ministries is composed of all local organizations in the United States and Canada. It meets annually to conduct its business and at special Triennial conferences which provide additional opportunities for inspiration and fellowship. There is an executive secretary of Women Ministries and an administrative office in Chicago, Illinois. Activities on a national level are guided by a ten member board elected by the denomination. Conference presidents periodically meet with the board.
Special Opportunities To Give
National Project: All Covenanters are given the opportunity to respond to a special project each year. This may be a mission, benevolent, or educational project. The project is chosen after careful consideration by the national board.
Special Gifts: Women missionaries from our own church congregation are also remembered through prayer, letters, and an annual gift. These include wives and daughters — Carla, Kym, Barbara, Esther Ruth, Patty Arensen and Kristy Faber.