Women's Ministries
Purpose:
The purpose of Women's Fellowship shall be to enlist the women of the church in a fellowship of worship, education, service and giving, to work with the ministries and missions of the church as it serves the cause of Christ in the community and throughout the world. All women of the church are members of Women's Fellowship and are encouraged to participate in any or all activities & ministries.
Receptions:
Our Fireside Room is a wonderfully warm and welcoming place for friends and family to gather in times of grief or celebration. Doris Cross, our receptions coordinator, welcomes your participation in hosting and serving refreshments as occasions arise. Gracious hospitality offered at times of celebration or loss is truly a ministry of love and support.
Fellowship Events:
A variety of events are scheduled to provide an opportunity for fellowship, learning, or spiritual growth. A program schedule is available annually in the fall.
Women's Retreats:
Each spring and fall, an overnight retreat featuring inspirational speakers, small group discussion and sharing, music, and fellowship provides an opportunity for women to build relationships and grow spiritually. The next Women's Retreat is anticipated in the fall.
Church World Service Missions:
Each winter, donations are collected and assembled for health kits, school kits, and infant layettes and sent to Church World Service for distribution throughout the world, wherever people have been displaced from their homes due to war, famine, or natural disasters.
Scholarships:
Women's Fellowship funds scholarships for FCC members who are enrolled in institutions of higher education and for children and youth attending Christian Summer camps. Applications for scholarships are available through the church office. Scholarships are awarded in the spring. Membership and active participation in First Congregational Church are the criteria for selection. Contact the church office, 947-6698
Dickens' Christmas:
Dickens' Christmas is our annual Christmas Arts and Crafts Bazaar, held on the first Saturday in November. Local artists and craftsmen "set up shop" with their handicrafts and the church offers hand made gifts, homemade baked good & confections, and a salad buffet luncheon. Lots of work, lots of fun, and a great community outreach opportunity. Proceeds benefit missions, scholarships and projects of Women's Fellowship. Contact: Susan Palisin, 929-6666
Thrift Shop:
The Thrift Shop is a resale shop where "previously enjoyed" clothing, accessories, and knick-knacks are sold (recycled) to the community at very reasonable prices. Located at 207 E. Eighth St., the shop is open from 10:00-4:00 Tuesday through Saturday. Telephone: 946-6620. Volunteers rotate to staff and maintain the shop, and the congregation supports it with donations,consignments and purchases. Proceeds benefit missions, scholarships and projects of Women's Fellowship. The Thrift Shop is also a source of emergency help in special circumstances. Contact: Joanne Schultz, 275-6735.
Cherry Blossom:
Cherry Blossom is a jam and jelly making enterprise of the church. Volunteers make and market jams & jellies and enjoy great fellowship while serving the church! Proceeds benefit the missions, scholarships, and selected ministries of the church. Contact: Kathy DesErmia, 995-9644
Participate:
Women's Fellowship Board meets regularly to coordinate the fellowship and service ministries described above. If you desire to participate in the planning and coordination of women's ministries, please contact Women's Fellowship President, Jeanie Ahart, 941-4161.
