by Norma Gunter
This month’s March circle program from the new ABW Ministries Ministry Focus Resource is “See…the Risen Christ.” The scripture is Matthew 28: 1-10. Easter Sunday is on March 27, 2016, and so we focus on seeing the risen Christ. Indeed, the first people to lay eyes on the risen Christ in Matthew’s gospel were women: Mary Magdalene and “the other” Mary. The guards at the tomb passed out when the angel appeared but the two Marys, afraid as they were, held fast. The angel commanded them to “go and tell,” and it was while they were obeying, on their way to the disciples, that the risen Christ appeared to them. They were engaged in the ministry they had been given and, in so doing, saw the risen Christ.”
As American Baptist Women we are also commanded to “go and tell”. One way we can do this is the new Women’s Camp. Young West Virginia American Baptist Women have been asking for ways to learn from some of the more “experienced” women. One way to do just that is the first ever Women’s Camp. The camp will be April 1-3, 2016 at Camp Cowen. The camp will, “unite generations of women from across the state at a weekend focused in God’s word, and designed for women to share and grow in Christ no matter what the age.” (“Seasons”)
The women will participate in: group study and worship, small group discussions, and interest groups where they will share, learning new skills from each other. The schedule includes: worship, fun, fellowship, food, speakers, nature walks, candlelight services, SPA night, campfire, etc. Tentative special interest groups include: canning, sewing/quilting, fitness, meal planning, Bible journaling, budgeting/finances and several other groups.
All women 18 years of age and older are invited to participate. The cost is only $35.00. A variety of housing is available. Meals are served family style. The registration deadline is March 24, 2016. Women of First Baptist Church get together and go and experience a weekend focused on living life as a Christian woman. (Registration form on next page)
Money from the Million Women Movement is being used for start-up money for camp programming for this new ministry. Money is available for new ministries for West Virginia American Baptist Women. Ladies of First Baptist Church do you have an idea for new ministry?