Women’s Ministries

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The Women’s Ministries Committee creates and coordinates opportunities for women to experience spiritual encouragement, education, support and community in the life of the church. 

All women in our church community are warmly invited to participate in any and all of our activities (childcare is available). Laughter, support and networking are a part of all events!

We hold retreats in the fall and spring at various locations.  Retreat themes focus on spiritual issues relevant to women and allow time for personal reflection, walking outdoors and informal fellowship as well as planned group programming, sharing and prayer.  Leaders are from our congregation or outside guests with special gifts to share pertinent to retreat themes.

Small Groups

Several groups meet around topics of interest to women.  Contact the church office or a WMC member for details on meeting times and locations. 

Women’s Study Group

The weekly Women’s Study Group begins each meeting with prayer time and then discusses an “assigned” section of the book currently being read by the group.  There is no leader and the discussions are always lively and open to a variety of viewpoints.

Dinner and a Book meets on an occasional basis and discusses an entire book.  The whole group participates in discussion and decides on books to read and places to meet.

Yarn Group

The Yarn Group is an informal group which meets every other week to work on personal handwork projects or Prayer Shawls.  We meet in each other’s homes or in the church in the evening.  Check the church bulletin (or contact Karen Hays) for time and place.  Beginners are welcome.

Prayer Shawl Ministry

Prayer shawls are given to church members and friends for comfort and caring during a time of illness, bereavement or other situations.  Please let us know of anyone who is in need.  Visit for details about the prayer shawl ministry which encompasses church denominations nationally and internationally.  You can also find shawl patterns for knit and crochet, prayers and other information. 

Contact for above 4 groups:

Karen Hays (607) 266-9435

karenannhays@twcny.rr.com.

The Poverty Discernment Group meets monthly as a forum of ongoing discussion and study on poverty-related issues, locally and beyond.  We also create and organize outreach projects and experiences open to the entire congregation. Although now under the umbrella of the Outreach Committee, the Poverty Group was created by Women’s Ministries and still collaborates with them on projects

Contact: Lorrie Felch (607) 533-4905

Kenfelch@aol.com

Gathering Opportunities

These are annual events that provide the women of FCC (and friends) to gather for fellowship, prayer, support and renewal.

Annual Women’s Gathering

(February) This is our special event to gather feedback, dreams and enthusiasm from all interested women about the efficacy and meaningfulness of our programs and missions, and to garner renewed involvement in programs and new dreams.

Fall Welcoming Breakfast or Brunch

(September) Our specific goal for this event is getting to know women new to or thinking of joining our community/church and help them (and all of us) feel welcome and supported.

Women’s Communion Breakfast

(Spring) Women of all ages are invited to come together for a meaningful, informal communion followed by a dish-to-share breakfast.  This gathering includes a special sharing of prayers.

These are one time, occasional or new events (not planned regularly at this time).  They may include: special worship services, spiritual feasts, mini-retreats, and small gatherings targeted toward specific groups.

hurch of ChristOpportunities for Involvement

Women’s Ministries Committee Members:

Elizabeth Gray
elizabethgray@twcny.rr.com

Sharon Gunkel
607.257.2063

Karen Rosa
607.257.1550

Amy Stoll
scottamy@gotsky.com

Kristin Vesa
Kristinv@milvesa.com

Linda Yannone
lmy1@cornell.edu