WOMEN OF THE ELCA

Grace has three circle groups in its Women of the ELCA or WELCA unit. Through these WELCA circles, women of Grace come together to grow in faith, enjoy fellowship with sisters in Christ, and listen for God’s call. 

WELCA members collect cancelled postage stamps for Bethphage Mission in Nevada, a housing and caring provider for people with mental and physical disabilities; and Campbell’s Soup labels for the Navaho Lutheran Mission in Arizona where they are used to secure vans for transportation.

The WELCA Mission Action Committee sponsors birthday parties at White Oak Manor and at J.F. Hawkins Nursing Home once a year. Circle members attend the parties, help serve refreshments, and visit with the residents.

WELCA members also offer their talents to lead the worship service on the annual WELCA Sunday.

 For more information on ministries of WELCA, go to http://www.womenoftheelca.org.

Four New Women's Projects Coming Up!

Frozen Food Bank: donated frozen casseroles, entrees, and side dishes will be kept in the church freezer until needed by a member family during a time of hardship. 

Graceful Ladies Tea:  an inter-generational tea was held on Saturday, March 5 at  in the Ministry Center. This annual event brings women of all ages together for a tea.

Prayer Shawl Ministry: prayer shawls will be made by individuals and presented to someone who has been in that person's  heart and prayers. Classes to learn how to make shawls are planned after the first of the year. You may also donate yarn. Each shawl takes about three skeins.

Fair Trade Coffee Project:  Lutheran World Relief's "Fair Trade Coffee Project" helps coffee bean farmers receive a fair wage for their labors - which helps ensure the survival of their families. Our first order was placed in March and arrived in April. Look for more Information about ordering these coffees.

Watch for more information on these exciting projects in the coming months as the details are worked out!

DORCAS-EVE CIRCLE

THIS MONTH'S MEETING:   Tuesday, Sept. 6 at 10:00 a.m. at the church

Dorcas-Eve Circle meets at 10 a.m. on the first Tuesday of the month (except for June, July and August) at the church for a devotional program. Most of the group’s members are senior adults. At each meeting, members bring paper products (paper towels, toilet tissue, facial tissue, etc.) for The Caring House in Columbia. The Caring House is a home-away-from-home for cancer patients receiving treatment and their families.  The group also remembers shut-ins and college students with cards throughout the year.

                                   Dorcas-Eve Circle Officers 2011
                                   Faye Hartman               President
                                   Jane Wicker                 Secretary
                                   Elizabeth Hunter           Treasurer

LYDIA CIRCLE

THIS MONTH'S MEETING:  Saturday, Sept. 10 at 9 a.m. - Main Dish

The Lydia Circle meets for breakfast on the first Saturday morning of each month, usually at the home of one of the group’s members. The hostess also offers a devotional program. The Lydia Circle sponsors a preschool child and remembers shut-ins and college students with gifts and cards at special times of the year, and  provides meals once a month for the Wonderful Wednesdays program. Members have prayer partners within the circle that they remember on various occasions. Although the group is small in number, members provide love and support for each other.

                                       Lydia Circle Officers 2011
                                  Deborah Ruff                  President
                                  Sue Hartman                 Secretary
                                  Marysue Rivers              Treasurer

NAOMI-RUTH CIRCLE

THIS MONTH'S MEETING:  Tuesday, Sept. 13 at 7:00 p.m. at Donna Murray's 

The Naomi-Ruth Circle is composed of 20-to-40-somethings who meet one Tuesday night of each month at a circle member’s home. The hostess provides supper and devotions. Naomi-Ruth sponsors the Gift-Giving Tree for students in the Prosperity Head-Start Program and supplies meals once a month for the Wonderful Wednesdays program. The group also sends cards to college students, shut-ins, and their adopted Lowman Home member throughout the year. The ongoing goals of the Naomi-Ruth Circle are to gain new members and help the community. 

                                  Naomi-Ruth Circle Officers 2011
                                  Donna Murray               President
                                  Sydney Shealy             Secretary
                                  Suzanne Medlock         Treasurer