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WIC • Women In the Church

WIC Purpose Statement

The Women in the Church, as a ministry of the First Presbyterian Church of Jackson, seeks to glorify God and serve Christ’s kingdom on this earth.  We believe that the entirety of Scripture is inspired and infallible and is to be our guide for faith and life.  We seek to support our Session and ministers in their God ordained roles as leaders and shepherds of this body through participation in worship, discipleship, and outreach; and we seek to promote the church’s peace and purity as we co-labor in the work of the church. 

The Women in the Church, understanding the unity we have in Christ, seeks to unite FPC in Christian community by helping all our women know and apply increasingly the teachings of Scripture in all areas of life and by seeking to involve them in meaningful communion by equipping them for ministry, service, and care.  The goal of this ministry is to aid in the spiritual growth and care of those within our community of faith and to pass our faith along to succeeding generations, both physical and spiritual, teaching them to promote the welfare of Christ’s church, both locally and worldwide

 

The Primary Goals of the Women In the Church are:

1)  that our women be taught and increasingly apply the teachings of Scripture so that God would be glorified in our lives, 
2)  that we, through the faithful stewardship of our time, talents, and treasures, involve our women in meaningful community and service with one another so that Christ would be glorified through acts of encouragement, mercy, and compassion,
3) and that we equip our women to support our leadership in the work of the church through worship, discipleship, and outreach so that our church could be found faithful in service to Christ.

 

Women with Hearts for God
2007-2008

 

2007-2008  WIC CALENDAR

 
August 2007

Monday, August 28
Leadership Training and Kickoff 

 

September 2007
Tuesday, September 18
Fall Kick-of Lunch - "The Purpose of Prayer"
Week of September 10
Circles Meet

Saturday, September 29
Fall PresWIC at FPC

 

October 2007

Monday, October 8
Council
Week of October 15
Circles Meet
Sunday  October 14
Sanctuary Dedication
Wednesday, October 24
FORTS Night
Monday, October 29
Ladies' Night Out w/Card-making: "The Plan of Prayer"
 

November 2007

Monday, November 5
Council
Week of November 12
Circles Meet
Tuesday, November 6
Election Day Prayer Walk
 at Parham Bridges Park
November 15, 2007
WIC Luncheon: "The Particulars of Prayer"

 

December 2007

Monday, December 3
Council
Week of December 10
Circles Meet
Tuesday, December 4
WIC Christmas Dinner
 

January 2008

Monday, January 7
Council
Week of January 14
Circles Meet

 

February 2008

Monday, February 5
Council
Week of February 12
Circles Meet
Week of February 20-24
Missions Conference

 

March 2008

Monday, March 3
Council
Week of March 10
Circles Meet

 

April 2008

Monday, April 7
Council
Week of April 14
Circles Meet
Thursday, April 10
WIC Spring Event

 

May 2008

Monday, May 5
Council
Week of May 12
Circles Meet

 

June 2008

June 2-6
Vacation Bible School

Tuesday, June 24
Mother/Daughter Luncheon

 

August 2007

Monday, August 27
Leadership Training & Kickoff

 


 
 

Women with Hearts for the Word
Fall 2007 - Spring 2008

"I will meditate on Thy precepts and regard Thy ways. I shall delight in Thy statutes;
I  shall not forget Thy word."
Psalm 119:15-16
 

LADIES’ BIBLE STUDIES
Fall 2007

 

WIC Monthly Circles

Circles are comprised of small groups of women from all ages and stages of life, who meet together monthly for Bible study, prayer, fellowship, opportunities for service, and updates on life at FPC.

In an earlier letter, Paul gives us insight into God’s will for our lives—His will is for our sanctification (1 Thessalonians 4:3).  As believers in Christ, we are called to pursue holiness and to grow in our knowledge and understanding of who God is, so that it will effect how we live.  In light of our overarching W.I.C. theme on prayer, it is fitting that we approach our study of the book of James as a prayer for our faith and sanctification.  James turns our attention, not on how to become a Christian, but rather, how to live like one.  James reminds if what we believe does not effect how we live, then our faith is dead.  True faith always leads to obedience and produces the fruit of righteous living.  But what are the specifics of righteous living?  How should a godly woman live?  James will not allow us to miss the answer to this question, as he examines our response to trials, our obedience to what the Word says, favoritism, the tongue, wisdom, worldliness, presumption, suffering, prayer, and steadfastness.  James’ words are easy enough to understand, but are we doing what he says? 

Time:       Circles meet during the second week of each month (Exact dates will be listed in the 

                    W.I.C. Yearbook, which will arrive in late August)

Format:    Lecture, ministry updates and opportunities, fellowship, and refreshments

Teacher:  Each circle has a different teacher (see W.I.C. Yearbook for specifics)

 

Circle 2                      Monday 10:00 a.m.                Homes

Circle 3                      Monday 10:00 a.m.                Homes

Circle 4                      Monday 10:00 a.m.                Homes

Circle 5                      Monday 9:45 a.m.                  Church

      Circle 7                      Tuesday 5:30 p.m.                 Miller Hall

Circle 9                      Tuesday 10:00 a.m.               Church

Circle 10                    Tuesday 10:00 a.m.               Homes

Circle 11                    Tuesday 10:00 a.m.               Homes

       Circle 13                    Tuesday 12:00 p.m.               Miller Hall

       Circle 14                   Monday 12:00 p.m.                Miller Hall

 ***Note:  Circles 7, 13 and 14 are scheduled to meet the needs of working women.
Circles that meet at the church have nursery options available.
 

 

WIC Weekly Bible Studies

One of the primary purposes of the W.I.C. is that our women be taught and increasingly apply the teachings of Scripture so that God would be glorified in our lives and hearts.  Each of these Bible studies seeks to encourage spiritual growth, fellowship within the body of Christ, and commitment to faithful worship and service in the church.  Our Bible studies are open to all ladies, and we encourage you to invite friends to join us. 

Nursery options are available upon request for all Bible studies.


Philippians

MOMS Bible Study – For Mothers of Young Children
Philippians:  A Prayer of Joy and Thanksgiving

“Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord.”  Philippians 3:1 

Each day we are faced with the pressures and stresses of life.  Spouses, children, family, and jobs bring great blessings and at times, great trials.  The book of Philippians meets us in just this everyday pattern of life, recognizing that there are ups and downs.  No one has experienced this reality more than Paul, who writes this warm and encouraging letter to us from prison.  Paul reminds us that that our faith goes hand in hand with our living.  We cannot separate our faith from our daily responsibilities, for it is our faith in Christ which enables us to face each task, each blessing, and each trial with joy.  But how is this possible?  How can faith in Christ enable us, in all situations, to rejoice and be thankful?  The book of Philippians points us to Calvary where God took the darkest moment in history and worked it all for good, reminding us that this same God can be trusted to do the same in our lives. 

 

Time:  Wednesdays from 9:00-11:00 a.m.

Format:  Small Group Discussion and Lecture

Teacher:  Shirley Windham

Registration: Will begin on August 1st for Bible study and nursery


 

 

Colossians

Colossians:  A Prayer That We Be Rooted and Grounded in Christ

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful…
so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ.”  Colossians 4:2-3 

One of the small groups for this study will be devoted to applications for
mothers  of adolescents.  Please note this option on the registration card
if you would like to be a part of it. 

With the modern conveniences of media, we are constantly bombarded with news, celebrities, and others who want to tell us how to live, what to believe, and who we are.  As Christians, we realize that what we believe informs and affects how we live—our theology informs our living.  The pressures we face are very similar to those of the Christians at Colossae who faced opposition from false teachers who claimed that “mere Christianity” was not enough.  These false teachers attempted to convince Christians that greater freedom and fullness could be found apart from Christ.  And so Paul writes this letter of Colossians to us, in order to ground us in the supremacy of Christ and remind us of the importance of devoting ourselves to Him so that we will not be persuaded by false teachings.  The book of Colossians will challenge us to love Christ abundantly and absolutely, and by doing so, we will find true freedom and true fullness in life that will be displayed by right and godly behavior.  During this study we will be continually reminded that Christ is more than sufficient for all of our daily needs.  He alone can fill all of our longings, hopes, and desires.  In Him, we find the fullness of life and in Him, we live, move, and have our being.  May it be our prayer as we begin this study, that “as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving” (Colossians 2:6).

 

Time:  Thursdays from 9:15-11:00 a.m.

Format: Small Group Discussion and Lecture

Teacher:  Allene Moorhead

Ruth and Esther

Ruth and Esther:  God’s Providence, Our Confidence in Prayer

“Then I will go the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.”  Esther 4:16 

“God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform, he plants his footsteps in the sea, and rides upon the storm.”  The stories of both Ruth and Esther each illustrate beautifully how our God superintends every detail of our lives.  There is nothing that we face in life that has caught our God by surprise, and though we may question the uncertainties, He is continually working all things together for good.  We will see this great doctrine of God’s providence again and again in these two books, which serves as a reminder to us that God is our invisible but ever-present helper, whom we can trust, depend on, and who hears our prayers each day.  In both Ruth and Esther we see examples of godly people who waited on and trusted in the Lord even though they found themselves in extremely difficult circumstances.  As we study the book of Ruth this fall, we will see how God uses both the bitter and the sweet in our lives to refine us and teach us godliness.  In the spring, as we study Esther, we will see how God uses people and circumstances to bring about His covenant promises, all the while reminding us of the trustworthiness of His sovereignty and providence. 

Time:  Thursdays from 9:45-11:00

Format:  Lecture

Teacher:  Laura Husband

 If you have questions about our W.I.C. Circles or Bible Studies, please contact
Ashley Hall, Associate Director of Women’s Ministry, at 601-353-8316 or ashleyh@fpcjackson.org.

 

 

 


 


Women with Hearts for
Service
Fall 2007 - Spring 200
8

 

"As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another,
as good stewards of the manifold grace of God."

I Peter 4:10

 

 Caring Ministries

The true purpose of our caring ministry is that we reflect Christ’s priestly care to His people.  Part of the covenant promise that God gives to His children is that of provision and protection—and He uses the body of Christ to accomplish that caring and tending.  It really is in this way that each of us functions like a priest, by serving one another—we are the “priesthood of believers.”  Christ set the example for us by becoming a servant of men even unto death.  Similarly, we are called to sacrifice our time, resources, and lives for others in the body of Christ, our church.  Will you prayerfully consider joining one of our caring ministries? 

Caring
These ladies extend our church’s love and care to those who are ill through visits, delivery of meals, and phone calls.  This ministry is in need of ladies who enjoy making visits and providing help to folks in our congregation.  All meals that are delivered are prepared by our Cooks Who Care.  
Chairman:  Bess Corbitt – 601-957-6460 

Cooks Who Care
This committee works in tandem with our Caring Ministry Team.  Those who volunteer are called upon four times a year to provide 9x9 inch casseroles, bread, and desserts to be stored in our church freezer.  Recipes are provided!  The meals are then taken by our Caring committee to those who are ill. 
Chairman:  Mamie Hollingsworth – 601-362-2924
 

Loving Concern
Members of this ministry team cook and serve a meal in the home of families in our congregation following the death of a loved one.  Ladies, this is an excellent opportunity to minister to those in our church body during a time of need.  Volunteers are assigned to and serve on teams on a rotational basis, therefore you could be called upon approximately four times a year. 
Chairman:  Anna Henson – 601-919-9739

Correspondence
Members of this ministry team send notes on behalf of the Women in the Church to those who have lost a loved one or have suffered an illness.  If you have a merciful heart and enjoy letter writing, please consider becoming part of this ministry team. 
Chairman:  Julia Yandell – 601-362-0129
 

 Encouragement Ministries

The Apostle Paul explains the goal of the church to us in 1 Timothy 1:5: “The aim of our charge is love that issues forth from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.”  As church members, God uses each of us with our varying gifts and strengths to love and encourage others in our family of faith.  It is to this end that we ask you to pray about your involvement in our encouragement ministries.

 College Ministries
These ladies provide encouragement to our FPC college students through notes, prayer, and occasional care packages.  The committee meets monthly for prayer and special projects.  If you are a mother, grandmother, or friend of a college-age student, please consider being a part of this ministry!
Chairman: Jan Wade - 601-362-8132
 

 Friends of the Golden Circle
The Golden Circle is made up of members in our church who, for various reasons, are unable to attend worship services, Bible studies, or Circles.  These ladies enjoy visits, cards, and phone calls.  Volunteers are needed to visit these ladies monthly to provide spiritual encouragement and to keep them connected to the church body.

Chairman:  Janie Purvis – 601-981-2276

 PROS (Presbyterian Retired Organization)
This committee plans and implements fun and informative monthly lunch programs for the senior members of the church.  Committee members plan the menus, cook, and serve the monthly luncheon, which is held on the third Thursday of each month (except for the months of July and August)

Contact:  Saundra Dewey – 601-366-3142

  Helping Hands and Hearts
These ladies assist a member of our church who is blind by praying for her, offering encouragement, and extending friendship.  Volunteers will be called upon to provide transportation to doctor appointments, grocery shopping, and other errands 2-3 times during the year on Thursday or Friday for 1 ½-2 hours.

Chairman:  Susan Turner – 601-981-1132

Hospitality
Participants in this ministry assist with new member luncheons which are held bi-monthly at the church immediately following the 11:00 a.m. worship service.  The meal is catered, and committee members take turns serving, hosting, and cleaning up.  While serving on this ministry team, you have an excellent opportunity to include your spouse, older children, and teenagers in our church ministry.  This is also a wonderful opportunity to extend a welcome to new women who have joined our church and are interested in being part of the W.I.C.

Chairman:  Mary Jane McDaniel – 601-919-0244

 
Outreach Ministries

 As a covenant people, we are called, saved, and set apart by the Lord for the purpose of being a blessing to the nations.  “I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing” (Genesis 12:2).  We fulfill our responsibility to be a blessing to the nations by sharing the Gospel and extending Christian love and care to those outside of our church, in our communities, and across the world.  By so doing, we, as Women in the Church, take part in the Great Commission to take the Gospel to the ends of the earth (Matthew 28:19).  Will you prayerfully consider being part of one of our outreach ministries?

CRAFTS FOR MISSIONS
During February and March this group of ladies meets on Tuesday mornings from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., to make Christmas ornaments to send to the missionaries that our church supports.  Our missionaries have expressed heartfelt thanks after receiving these hand-made gifts at Christmas, knowing that they are remembered in our thoughts and prayers.

Chairman:  Debi Nugent – 601-856-7182

SEW AND SOW
This group of ladies meets on Friday mornings from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. at the church to make baby garments and blankets for our local hospital to use when newborns pass away.  This ministry is open to all ladies who enjoy sewing or needlework, or who have always wanted to learn.  Sew and Sow provides an opportunity to learn these special sewing skills, to form relationships with older and younger women, and to minister to those who have lost a child.   A nursery is provided.

Chairman:  Mary Ball – 601-956-2118

FRENCH CAMP QUILTERS
This group of ladies meets at the church on Tuesday mornings from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (you do not have to stay for the full four hours—come for as long as you can!) This ministry is open to all ladies who enjoy quilting and for those who would like to learn!  Each year, the quilts that are completed will be auctioned at French Camp’s Harvest Festival in October.  All the proceeds from the quilts go directly to French Camp.

Contact:  Sallie Williford – 601-713-1292

WOMEN IN NEED
Women in Need is a ministry of God’s love and mercy to the women of the Central MS Correctional Facility (CMCF).  The second Saturday of each month, a group of ladies from our church travels to the CMCF to “mentor” a group of Christian female inmates.  Each member is “assigned” a lady to meet with for a time of fellowship.  Mentoring involves providing Christian interaction, praying with and for one another, a willingness to share yourself and listening sensitively to the experiences of others.  This ministry has a profound affect on all involved.  A mandatory training session is required for all new volunteers.  This year, the training session is on Saturday, July 28th from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. at CMCF.

Co-Chairmen:  Madeline Clark, 601-956-2136 and Cindy Adams, 601-856-2979

FORTS (Friends of Reformed Theological Seminary)
FORTS seeks to encourage international students at RTS with prayer and friendship in an effort to make them feel at home during their stay in Jackson.  This committee also coordinates FORTS Night, where students are honored and recognized at our Wednesday evening service and supper.  If you have a heart for the gospel in other countries and desire to support these students, this ministry is for you.

Chairman:  Kathryn Edwards – 601-956-1405

 

Questions?

If you have questions or would like to be involved in one of these ministries, please contact:
Gail Jones, WIC Service Ministries Chairman:  601-982-5087
Ashley Hall, Women’s Ministry Associate Director:  601-353-8316