Women's Retreats and Offsite Seminars

WOMEN’S RETREAT — The 17th annual First Church Women’s Retreat will be held March 19-21, 2010 in historic and charming Williamstown, MA. Save these dates and begin preparing for a marvelous time with God and with each other. Click here to view or download the 2010 Women's Retreat Brochure. To volunteer in the planning process or on the retreat weekend, call Arlene at 529-1575, ext. 211.

For those of you who have attended previous Women’s Retreats, they hardly need an introduction. You know that a weekend of meaningful Christian fellowship, love, friendship, prayer, and learning awaits you. But we hope to welcome many new faces this year from among the women of our church. To that end, we have planned a fantastic weekend.

This year’s retreat is once again located in the warm and welcoming Williams Inn located in historic Williamstown, Massachusetts. Nestled at the base ofthe scenic Berkshire Mountains, the inn is known for its traditional New England hospitality. It features an indoor heated pool with hot tub as well as saunas. And the food and service will spoil you!

Our speaker this year, Barbara Ettinger, is the Central Connecticut Area Director for InterVarsity. Barbara’s breadth of knowledge and wisdom make her a wonderful speaker and profound teacher. Our theme will be Walking in Beauty, and we will be learning about the true beauty that belongs to every woman—which can flow only from God. Barbara will lead us through Psalm 27 and speak to us about: God’s powers of attraction; seeing God through our tears; the image in the mirror, and God’s good promises. These talks are sure to draw you nearer to the restored image of God in you.

Once again, talented Tenley Westbrook will lead us in worship—a wonderful treat for all who love worship music. A financial plan for monthly payments can be set up for your convenience. We look forward to seeing you there!

Women's Fellowship Opportunities

SISTERS CELEBRATE SISTERS is back by popular demand! This is a time to adopt a “sister” in Christ in your prayers for a month. She will not know the identity of the person who is praying for her. You, in turn, will be receiving prayer from a secret sister of your own. The dates for registering for SCS are Sunday, January 10, through Sunday, January 17. Once registered, you will be mailed the identity of the person you are assigned, along with any special prayer requests she may have. Starting Monday, January 25, you will be praying for her. Once a week, we hope that you will send her an encouraging note, a Bible verse, or another small anonymous gift that will remind her of the love and protection of God. Someone will be doing the same for you. We will celebrate our month of prayer with a delicious luncheon on Sunday, February 21, at 1:00 p.m. in Keith Jones Hall. (There will be no charge, but we always appreciate your donations.) During lunch, you will reveal your identity to your sister. Often this time of fellowship is particularly powerful, as women find how God placed them with someone who has many things in common with them. New to SCS? We would love to have your company this year along with those who are taking part again! Please register through Arlene Eriksen at 860-529-1575, ext. 211.

Wednesday Mornings for Women:

Childcare is available on Wednesday mornings with advance registration. To register for childcare, please call Marina Wright at 665-7943.

BIBLE EXPLORATION - Join facilitator Christina Jagel in the “exploration” of the New Testament books of Colossians and Philemon. Come, and be inspired! Using study guides (cost: $12.99) by Dr. Kathleen Nielson, this 10-week class will gather in the Library every week from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m.

ME, MYSELF AND LIES — In this DVD-based Bible study for women, author Jennifer Rothschild encourages us to clean out the junk in our thoughts and replace these hidden negative thoughts and failures with positive truths from God’s word. Rather than struggling with self-esteem, body image, stress and other unhealthy thoughts and emotions, we will not only learn to replace the lies we may have been telling ourselves with the truth from God’s word but will also learn to recognize when our thoughts are being intruded by evil and what to do about it. Facilitated by Marina Wright, this class will meet weekly in Conference Room 1, 9:30-11:00 a.m.

SCHOOL OF HEALING PRAYER (LEVEL 1) — Using materials by Francis and Judith MacNutt, this class seeks to advance our Lord’s ministry of healing through prayer. It offers a scriptural basis for God’s gift of healing prayer and teaches how to become an effective prayer minister. This 13-week class will meet in the Parlor, 9:15-11:00 a.m. Class size is limited. If interested, please contact facilitator Janice Johnson at 529-5911 or jbj4790@hotmail.com.

Women's Bible Studies

 WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY — Join facilitator Anne Kelly in exploring the New Testament Books of Colossians and Philemon, using study guides (cost: $10) by Dr. Kathleen Nielson. This class will gather in the Morgan House Oak Room from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. (during Lent, from 7:15 to 8:30 p.m.), beginning Wednesday, January 20. Please pre-register by contacting Anne at annemkelly@mac.com.