Women often ask, “How do I join the Women of St. Stephen’s?” The answer is that as a member of the church, you are one of us and you have available to you a number of opportunities for ministry. During the year from October to May, we sponsor The Woman’s Forum which brings to the church a variety of interesting speakers. These meetings are on the first Tuesday of the month and you and your friends are cordially invited to attend (men, too!). In addition to the fun, fellowship and education of the Forum, other volunteer possibilities are listed below. Watch for announcements on the Women’s bulletin board and on this site to keep informed about our activities.
The Woman's Forum, 2007-08
First Tuesday of the month, October through May in Large Fellowship Hall
Coffee and Conversation, 9:30 a.m.; Program, 10:00 a.m.
October 2, 2007
Emyl Jenkins: Stealing with Style
November 6, 2007
Dean H. King: Faith and Journey in Skeletons on the Zahara
December 4, 2007
J.C. (Nick) Stephenson III: Musical Program
Christmas Luncheon (click here for reservations)
(program, 11 a.m.; luncheon, noon)
February 5, 2008
Jeffrey W. Allison
Dancing on the Volcano:
Life and Art in Paris at the End of the 19th Century
March 4, 2008
William Garner
Kenmore and Ferry Farm: The Future of our Past
April 1, 2008
Michael Simpson: Pulling Out all the Stops
May 5, 2008
Sally Fretwell: The Power of Color;
Spring Luncheon
(program, 11 a.m.; luncheon, noon)
Fall Trip--sign up now!
The Women of St. Stephen's announce their fall trip for 2008, a tour of the Brandywine Valley. Winterthur, the Hagley Museum, Brandywine Battlefield Park and the home of John James Audubon are just some of the exciting stops on a fascinating itinerary. The dates for this trip are November 20-23, 2008. A brochure providing details, costs and a registration form is available for downloading and printing. The brochure is also available at Information Central at church. Questions? Call Marti Thomas, 784-3450.
Volunteer Opportunities
Christian Social Outreach
In addition to sponsoring a clothing drive in both the fall and the spring, this committee prepares and serves lunch several times a year at A Grace Place.
Church Women United
A representative(s) of the Women of St. Stephen’s attends Church Women United meetings the first Friday of the month (October – May), bringing back information concerning health, education, diversity, violence, economic justice and technology.
Circle I
Meeting the second Tuesday of the month (October – May) and led by clergy, this Bible Study lends itself to discussions of current interest and life experiences.
Coffee Guild
The Coffee Hour, following the last service on Sunday mornings, is hosted by volunteers and volunteer groups. Preparing food, providing a table arrangement, serving coffee and punch, greeting newcomers and enjoying the fellowship of the hour is all part of this ministry of hospitality.
Gracious Gourmets
Providing home-cooked meals for parishioners at times of birth and bereavement, the Gracious Gourmets ministry appeals to women of all ages.
May Fair House
May Fair House, a retail food and gift shop open October through May, grants its profits through the Finance Committee of the Women of the Church to organizations in the Richmond area that support women and children at risk. Opportunities to join a cooking and/or a sales team are available.
Outreach Development
This committee investigates and organizes opportunities for our women to become involved in community outreach. This past year, a relationship with the Senior Daycare Program at Peter Paul Development Center was begun. Plans call for its continued development.
Sunday Information Desk
On Sundays, volunteers staff the reception desk in the church office and are available to greet newcomers, give directions and answer questions.
Trips/Tours
Once or twice a year, the Women of St. Stephen’s sponsor a day and/or overnight trip to foster fellowship and support our outreach efforts to organizations in the Richmond area. Information regarding trips can be found in the Sunday bulletin, The Spirit or the Women’s bulletin board.
Additional information is available from Justin Frackleton, president of the Women of St. Stephen’s. The Women produce a brochure in the fall listing these volunteer opportunities and the contact people for each; speakers for the monthly Woman’s Forum; and other information. To receive a copy, call the church office at 288-2867, or Justin at 741-7848. |
