NCC Women’s Fellowships Have Opportunities For Many

Newtown Congregational Church has a number of women’s groups and bible studies that are open to all, not just members of the church.

“Twelve Moments in Every Woman’s Life,” a Bible study on the life of Ruth, will begin February 1 at Newtown Congregational church and is open to all. The four-week study will be on Mondays from noon until 1, at the church, 14 West Street, with Vicky Truitt leading.

Call the church at 203-426-9024 to sign up. There will be a small charge for the book to be used. Participants are invited to bring a bag lunch and a Bible.

This is the latest endeavor of the women of Newtown Congregational Church, otherwise known as the Women’s Fellowship, that leads and participates in many activities and has several more activities on the agenda. Many of the programs are initiated by one or more of the three circles of women who meet weekly, but others are initiated by other individuals interested in expanding the mission work, education, or spirituality for women of Newtown.

This bible study is the second of the three planned. The first, held this past fall, was an evening study of Mary and Martha, and a spring one is set for the study of Esther. All are the outcome of a questionnaire conducted by circle members with women of the church inquiring what they most wanted to happen.

SpiritSisters, initiated by an individual and noncircle member, was another outgrowth of that questionnaire. SpiritSisters gathered periodically before the church’s Sunday worship service for an hour in the gazebo at The Pleasance during the good weather and in one of the church classrooms as the air outside cooled.

This group gathered women from other churches as well as the Congregational Church to nourish souls and connect with each other in a meaningful way that is Christ-centered. A related workshop was also conducted on a Saturday afternoon to make spirit dolls.

This creation of spiritual space and sharing of a sacred presence with one another will be scheduled again in the spring because it allows for flexibility and spiritual growth in a supportive and affirming surroundings.

The Women’s Fellowship also baked and sold 62 mile-high apple pies recently, which served as a contribution and fundraiser that is an annual activity of women of the church, as is the making of Health Kits for Church World Service, participation and work in the Cornerstone Mission outlet, working weekly at the Dorothy Day soup kitchen, participating in the Prayer Shawl Ministry, or contributing money or needed clothing for the Work Camp trips.

Women of the church furnished many of the supplies needed (including the freezer) in the relatively new commercial kitchen. They help maintain the linens for the Great Room, work and make donations to the Grounds Committee, and help clean and/or decorate the church.

They visit shut-ins and deliver plants and flowers to nursing homes, the hospital, and private homes. Birthday cards, sympathy cards, and get well cards are sent out each week.

The women also raise money for Blanket/Tool Sunday, save and send Campbell’s Soup labels to help finance the Elon Homes and Schools for children in Elon and Charlotte, N.C. The list of contributions to food pantries, holiday baskets, the Salvation Army, summer camp scholarships, and foreign missions is endless. They sponsor teas, theater parties, and enjoy each other’s fellowship.

Meditation is idea that was explored last year by women in the church. It is anticipated that may be started again in the new year.

Evie Watts is the coordinator of the Women’s Fellowship; she is assisted by Jill Skidmore, Nancy Fansher, and Charlotte Kalley. Circle leaders are Linda Manganaro and Margaret Phillips. Charlotte Kalley, Jane Langrebe, and Sherie Roberts lead the SpiritSisters.

For more information on joining a circle or offer something to the women’s program, call the church for specific contact information at 203-426-9024.