Women of Westminster 2019-2020 - Westminster Presbyterian
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Women of Westminster
2019-2020
this book belongs to _________________________________
Once upon a time... This cherished phrase stirs our hearts no matter our age. I love a good story just as much today as I once did as a child. With time, I have come to appreciate the beauty of a story unfolding. There is the introduction-- a place where the setting, characters, and conflict are presented. The thickening plot builds to a climax. At last, the conclusion provides a resolution--where people fall in love, a battle is won, friendship is restored, reconciliation takes place. While many of the stories we read are fictitious, there is but ONE GREAT BIG TRUE STORY in which all of the characters, setting, background, plot, conflict, restoration, and redemption is REAL! A story worth reading over and over and over again. A story that encourages, guides, challenges, and transforms its readers every time. The AUTHOR of this story is God. He wrote His story, The BIBLE, with the first words... In the beginning. This is where it started and the beauty of this Gospel story is that we see it unfolding every day in the ordinary lives of God’s people living out their purpose in small ways but for a greater good. Within the pages of this ministry booklet are stories of REAL women who have faced REAL struggles but who have been met with REAL hope. Their stories are significant because of His story. He has been intimately and intentionally involved in saving, sanctifying, and fulfilling His plans through each of them. I pray that as you read these stories, you would be encouraged by THE GREAT BIG TRUE STORY and of how it all fits together to point us to Jesus. Then, may you consider how God would have you participate in the plans for Women’s Ministry this next year so that you may grow, in the context of community, to know and love more deeply the Author who perfects your story and makes it beautiful to share for His glory! Turning the pages with you, Courtney Denton
Plans
“You have less than a 5% chance to conceive naturally”
is what they told me . My husband and I had been Fall Life Groups
married 9 years. We had been trying to get pregnant for
4 of those years, and we were just starting to see that Enjoy authentic friendship with other women through
things may not go the way we had planned . Medical studying the Bible and growing in relationship with God.
treatments were expensive and offered no guarantees.
Adoptions were also expensive , unfamiliar, and Join us September through November for
uncertain . We both were confident that God would Hoping for Something Better,
move in some way. ‘How” was the question that a study of the book of Hebrews
lingered . For another year we tried to seek God’s will by Nancy Guthrie
for us, but we were stuck looking for clarity and hoping
Wednesdays 10 -11:30 and 6:15-7:45
for a miracle . Turns out there was a miracle planned
Morning Children’s Program (birth-5K) available
for us, but we had no idea how it would unfold .
Do you ever wrestle with a nagging sense of disappointment
Finally, we set a date . If, by Sept. 17, we weren’t ...that life isn’t what you thought it would be ... that you aren’t
pregnant, we would start filling out adoption agency who you wanted to be...that faith seems more complicated
applications. That day came and we weren’t pregnant. than it should be? Do you find yourself longing for...something
The wait took nearly another three years. We had one better?
adoption fall through . We renewed our home study
again , and then again . We wondered if there was As Hebrews shows us, in this life, there is something better.
going to be an end to this story. I wanted to give up hope , There’s something better than superficial spirituality,
but the Lord impressed on me to continue to HOPE. better than meaningless ritual, better than a life bound by
He reminded me in His Word , in songs on the radio, shame and regret. And that something better is within your
in conversations, even on throw pillows and signs at grasp.
HomeGoods – it was everywhere . I was to “HOPE.”
Then one day, we got the call . In less than 24 hours, With stories from her own life and struggles as well as
we were going to be parents. Our home study had just solid insights into biblical truths, the author applies the
expired , so we needed to renew it quickly, but once ancient truths of Hebrews to your very real needs of today---
significance, security, and hope for the future---and
it was complete , we could bring our baby boy home .
encourages you to refuse to settle for anything less than the
Quickly we moved , and by the time he was ready
something better you’ve been hoping for all along.
to be released from the hospital , we were ready for
him. Even though God ordained this day from the No matter where you come from, there’s a place around
beginning of time for our family, to us everything the discussion table for you. Experienced, as well as first
changed in a day. Well , 8 years and a day. Hope was time students, are welcome as we connect our stories
God’s loving work in me . Hebrews 11:1 reminds me: under the authority of scripture. We are better together!
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and Join us in study. Register at wpcgo.com/women or via our
assurance about what we do not see .” Westminster app.
Beth Freeze
Fall Bible Studies
JOSEPH “God Intended it for Good” I spent many years filled with guilt and
Led by Lou Ardrey | lardrey@comporium.net
Tuesdays |10:30-11:30 am|September 10 – November 5 shame from wrongs I had done in my
Westminster Towers
past. I was a believer, but still felt I had
Life is full of trials. Scripture attests to that fact…but to pay penance for the rest of my life .
God allows them. For those who have suffered divorce,
illness, the death of a loved one, a rebellious child, I stopped coming to church but a couple
disabilities, miscarriage, infertility, verbal or physical abuse,
of years ago, after sharing my story with
depression, rejection or other trials, the life of Joseph will be an
encouragement as we look at how he handled the Mike Honeycutt, he challenged me to
disappointments and challenges of life. We can be victorious
in the midst of suffering as we see through Joseph’s eyes the come back . I did and was invited to a
truth of God’s Word….”God intended it for good.”
Sunday Morning Life Group. Before long,
“For everything that was written in the past was I started attending a Bible study at WPC
written to teach us, so that through endurance and
the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” that changed my life . God worked in a
Romans 15:4 mighty way to show me what grace really
is and how it was already mine . For the
first time , I was able to understand that my
Genesis – Chapters 1-11
Precept Inductive Study sins...past, present and future were “nailed
Led by Suzi Melzer | suzanne.melzer@gmail.com
to the cross, and I bear them no more .”
Tuesdays | 10:00-11:30 am | September 10 - November
Sanctuary Parlor NO. MORE. That was the most life changing
moment I have ever experienced!
When you immerse yourself in the Biblical account
of Creation, you will know your Creator in deeper ways,
increasing your awe of Him. Genesis holds the keys
to understanding the origin of sin and evil, the justice
Jane Lowery
of God’s judgment, and the mercy of God’s plan for the
redemption of mankind and hope for a lost and dying
world.
I have been married for 44 years, for 28 Surrendering the Secret
of those years my husband served in the Many women hide the secret of abortion deep in their
Army. The third year of our marriage , hearts and they are suffering severe consequences.
They carry a great burden of shame and failure,
I had an abortion . We made this decision afraid to reveal their hidden pain, and by doing so are
based on the fear of having a child forced to endure the long-lasting effects in isolation.
Surrendering the Secret will allow women to release
that was badly compromised because of this burden and find freedom through ‘redemptive
medical procedures done before knowing community’ while experiencing hope and joy, as shame
and failure are replaced with beauty.
I was pregnant. The effects of my abortion
emotionally were immediate and Join us for Surrendering the Secret,
a post-abortive Bible study
devastating. I suffered terrible depression ,
Lead by Mary Jo Clark and Judy Thomas
guilt, shame , and isolation for 8 years. Thursdays | Time TBD | Beginning in September
We were believers who bought into the lie The Rock Hill home of Mary Jo Clark
www.surrenderingthesecret.com
that we were doing what was best. How Learn more and register with mesetfreetoday@gmail.com
Text or call (801) 829-7323
deceived we were! We felt that God could
not possibly forgive us for this terrible sin . All inquiries are treated with
the utmost care and confidentiality.
How good The Lord was to bring the message
of His forgiveness and restoration through “After years of guilt, regret and paralyzing fear God
lead me to the Bible study Surrendering the Secret.
a beloved friend and then , years later, He used what I would deem my worst and
through a post abortion Bible study. I found most heinous sin to reveal facets of Christ’s beauty
and the freedom found only in His Gospel.
a safe place! Now I am privileged to teach I do not think I would have understood this
this study. How He set us free! without my abortion experience and then
the healing gifted in this study. There is NO sin
that cannot be forgiven in Christ Jesus,”
Mary Jo Clark
- testimony of a post-abortive woman
God can use us in many ways if we only listen to
Prayer Him, as I found out in May, 2016. I had printed
several coupons to use at Hobby Lobby and
Prayer Team decided to go shopping for craft materials.
Tuesdays | 8:45-9:45 am As I walked out the door of Hobby Lobby, I saw a
Small Conference Room Administration Building young lady coming toward me from the parking
lot. I had not used one of my 40% off coupons,
In 1993, a group of women began meeting to pray so I asked if she would like to have it. She took it
every week and have met consistently ever since. and as I was walking away, she called to me to come
Countless prayers have been prayed--healing for
back to her. Her arms were open as if she needed
those experiencing illness, reconciliation for troubled
relationships, comfort for those grieving the death of a hug. As I embraced her, she filled with tears and
a loved one, guidance for those facing difficult said , “You have no idea why I am here today and
decisions, wisdom for those parenting rebellious children, how much I needed this coupon .” I could tell by
salvation for those who don’t know the Lord and more. the hug and her emotions she was hurting, so I
asked if I could pray with her and she said , “Yes.”
You are invited to participate with these women as I am so blessed because the simple gesture of giving
they continue in the privilege of communing with her the coupon opened a door for me to praise God
a heavenly Father who longs to hear from his people. and pray with her. As I held her in my arms,
Come each week or occasionally. Pray aloud or silently.
I could feel the peace that only Jesus can give flow
If you would like prayer for yourself or someone between us. I asked her if there was anything else
else, please contact Lou Ardrey at 803-328-5524 or I could do for her and she said , “No, but you have
lardrey@comporium.net. given me hope and saved my life .” I had no idea
what she meant, but God did .
What a blessing I received that day, also. I also
needed a hug and to feel I had a purpose for the
day. I suffer from depression at times, and had
been feeling really lonely and sad for a few weeks.
Cyber Prayer Team
God used a 40% off coupon and an opportunity on
A group of women who receive the pastoral prayer the sidewalk to show me once again my purpose ,
list and other requests weekly by email. If you would which is to serve my Lord by spreading His love
like to sign up to pray for these requests, please and light to a dark world .
contact Rhonda Cranford at 803-367-3490 or
crancharho@comporium.net. Phyllis Grem
Several years ago I wrote the story of my life and
Monthly Growth Groups entitled it GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS. I wanted my
children and grandchildren to see how God has been
DEBORAH SISTERS IN FAITH faithful to me through the years.
1st Tuesday | 7-8:30 pm 2nd Tuesday | 11:45-1:45 pm
My father died when I was 3 years old , leaving my
Women’s Homes Women’s Homes
mother, who had just turned 30, a widow with
Led by Camille Livingston Led by Anne Ridgeway
cl@camillelivingston.com ear1@comporium.net 3 children . I am deeply grateful that God opened my
803.415.3371 803.322.3556 eyes to the truth of His Word early in life and I became
a Christian when I was 10 years old . From that time
JOY WOMEN OF HOPE on , my Heavenly Father has filled the void in my life
2nd Tuesday | 6:30-8 pm 3rd Monday | 10-11:30 am left by the death of my earthly father.
Connie McQuinn’s Home Sanctuary Parlor
Led by Connie McQuinn Led by Alice Adams When I was in my 40s I realized that, although I had
csmcquinn@yahoo.com abadams@comporium.net been deeply involved in the church all of my life , I was
803.328.3424 803.367.3320 still a “baby Christian” because I was being “spoon fed”
by listening to sermons but not reading God’s Word
on my own , I heard about Bible Study Fellowship
and , after praying for three years for a class in
Louisville , Ky., the Lord gave me the privilege of
leading that class for four years. When we were
transferred to Birmingham, AL, I prayed with a group
of friends for three years to establish a class there also.
The Lord gave me the opportunity to lead that class
for four years before my husband , Jim, retired and
we moved back to South Carolina.
Through studying God’s Word in depth , He helped me
to see how applicable it is to everyday life and gave
me a passion to share it with others. God’s word has
guided , sustained and comforted me through many
of life’s challenges….breast cancer, Blepharospasm,
Macular Degeneration , my daughter ’s depression ,
ministering to several family members who require
24 hour care and now taking care of Jim, who has
dementia. I could never praise and thank the Lord
enough for how He enables me daily. Great is His
faithfulness!
Lou Ardrey
Fall Retreat
Connect, grow and get to know other women
at Westminster better through...
Teaching Sessions I appeal to you therefore, brothers,
Worship
Coffee & Conversation
Personal Stories by the mercies of God, to present
Hiking & Shopping Excursions
September 20-22 your bodies as a living sacrifice,
Ridgecrest Conference Center cradled in the
Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina
holy and acceptable to God,
Jesus said, Come away with me to a quiet place and rest… Mark 6:31
Courtney Doctor is an author, Bible teacher, conference which is your spiritual worship.
and retreat speaker, and periodic blogger. She has
an MDiv from Covenant Theological Seminary and
is the author of From Garden to Glory: A Bible Study
on the Bible’s Story. She currently serves as the Do not be conformed to this world,
Coordinator of Women’s Training and Content
for The Gospel Coalition. Her greatest desire in all
of this is to be able to faithfully study, apply, and
teach the word of God and help others to do the same. but be transformed by the renewal
God has blessed Courtney and her husband, Craig, with four wonderful
of your mind, that by testing you may
children, two amazing daughters-in-law and three precious grandsons.
Jami Smith has spent the better part of her life bringing Christians closer to
the Creator. Smith has traveled the world using music as a
tool to help believers connect with the Lord. Smith’s latest discern what is the will of God,
project VERSE. is an all-scripture album featuring twelve
songs written word-for-word from the Bible.
Jami Smith was raised in a small town in Oklahoma. Part
of Smith’s charm is that she never left those small-town
what is good and acceptable and perfect.
values behind when she left home to pursue her dream.
She still lives within 60 minutes of her hometown. Jami and
her husband, Justin, have two children, Emory Grace and Griffin Thomas. Romans 12:1-2I found myself pregnant and unwed at 22.
God put me at WPC at just the right time . Care
I started singing in the choir when I was 17 A team of women serving Westminster members
weeks in my pregnancy. The choir members and families in times of joy, sorrow and need through
ministries of mercy and presence. If interested in joining
took me right in , happy I chose life . one of these teams, please contact the leader listed.
God showed me the true Christian faith Baby Bundle Team
when I started attending Westminster. Delivering a bundle (Jesus storybook Bible and
He placed women in my life who cared mother’s devotional book) to a new mother when
her baby arrives and celebrating the newest members
for me . I have always considered myself of Westminster with a visit and gift.
a Christian , but didn’t fully understand Leader: Joy Dixon | joywdixon@gmail.com
what that meant until I started Bible study Bereavement Team
with other choir members – a special group Preparing and serving meals to grieving families
after the church funeral.
of ladies that I call my family. They help Leader: Madge Biggers | mbiggers4@comporium.net
me through the happy and hard times
Care Card Team
of life . They remind me of God’s love for
Ministering to our members with cards of
me and my son . I really don’t know where encouragement (sympathy, illness, surgery, etc.)
Leader: Carol Bowers | carolbowers@hotmail.com
I would be without God , the church , and
the people He has put in my life but I do Ministry to Widows
know my life has been changed by the Spending time with widow’s in a social setting,
encouraging them and loving them.
love , care , and encouragement of those at Leaders: Jan Gillespie | gillespiejw@comporium.net
Mary Jo Clark | mj520921@hotmail.com
Westminster.
Rachel Bell Ministry to Shut-ins
Visiting with women who are homebound, taking
them a small gift and spending time with them.
Leaders: Jan Gillespie | gillespiejw@comporium.net
Mary Jo Clark | mj520921@hotmail.comMy eyes swelled with tears of joy as I sat in
Presbytery Fall & Spring Gatherings the choir loft and watched my 2 year old
daughter, Liddy, beaming with pride and
Westminster is one of fourteen churches in our local waving at me . She was sitting in her Daddy’s
Fellowship Presbytery. A Presbytery is an administrative lap, next to her GrandBill and Granny, in the
body representing all the local congregations of a same row where my own Grandmother sat for
specific area. Each year the women in the presbytery many years. So much of my faith story has to
come together for two main events - a spring and a fall do with the great heritage of faith I have in
gathering; they also offer other meetings, or workshops
my own family, but also within my church
as needed, to help equip and train the women in our
family. My introduction to music was through
local WIC (Women In the Church) Fellowship Presbytery.
the Westminster Children’s choir and piano
lessons with Jill Lee . In high school I learned
some of the tenets of our theology from the same
teacher who now encourages my Life Group in
The purpose of the WIC Fellowship Presbytery is to: lessons on parenting. I have happy memories
encourage women with biblical training of Wednesday night dinner in the Hall .
create a sense of community among the churches My faith grew because I saw tangible examples
in our denomination by connecting, worshiping,
of what it means to be part of a faith
praying, and growing in the Lord together
family— getting to know and love one another
equip women to serve God in their homes, work
place, community and world--for the building up through the seemingly simple things like
of His Kingdom and His glory Sunday School classes, Pioneer club, and youth
group trips. The same church community that
prayed me through my childhood prayed for
me when Liddy faced a health scare shortly
after her birth . Of course people have come
Fall Gathering and gone from Westminster over the years, but
October 19 | 8:30 am - 1 pm
the foundation remains. It thrills me to know
Hopewell PCA |$12
that my children are being known and loved
Leader: Mary Quiminer| mquiminer@gmail.com in the same way that I was as a little girl .
www.pcacdm.org | fellowshippresbywic.webs.com My prayer for them is that, like me , they
never remember a day where they don’t know
Jesus as their Savior.
Elizabeth Cranford RobinsonAs a mother of three children under five
I was shocked , disappointed and afraid Christmas Gathering
when I was diagnosed with breast cancer
in January 2018. During the year I went
Wednesday, December 4 | 6:30-8 pm | WHall
through multiple surgeries, chemotherapy,
radiation , and dealt with all the physical , Usher in the season of celebrating Jesus in
emotional , and spiritual challenges that an inspirational, warm, and connecting way.
come with facing a crisis. Cancer attacked Join with Westminster sisters in Christ
and focus on the reason for the season.
my sense of security, my sense of being in
control , my idols of comfort, health and a
long life , but as I walked this road I never
would have chosen , I was reminded over
and over that the only thing I have that
cannot be taken away is my relationship
with the Lord! It refocused my life on what
is truly important and challenged me to
make each day count, even the hard days,
even the days of sickness, even the days of
pain , even the days of waiting. God
showed me that he can use those days as a
platform and to transform my heart. The
Lord used our community at Westminster
to powerfully and humbly serve and
support us. I cannot adequately express
how profoundly the body of Christ showed
us His love and how it has motivated me to
look for opportunities daily to serve , pray
and love others like Christ loves the church .
Christy AreheartWinter Life Groups
My parents divorced when I was 6.
God provided spiritual parents with a solid Enjoy fellowship, small group discussion, large group
gatherings and prayer.
foundation .
Join us Wednesdays beginning in January for
My mom entered into a homosexual Psalms: At His Feet by Hope A Blanton and Christine B Gordon
Wednesdays | 10-11:30 am and 6:15-7:45 pm
relationship when I was 14. Through those Morning Children’s Program (birth-5K) available
spiritual parents, God led me to WPC.
Psalms is the hymn book of Gods’ people, written primarly
by David. Psalms takes basic themes of the Old Testament
I was diagnosed with Hodgkins’ Lymphoma and turns them into song. The Psalms can be identified as
laments, hymns of praise, thanksgiving, celebration, and
Stage 4 during my senior year of high
wisdom. This study highlights twelve psalms that will help
school . God healed me . you articulate the deep emotions you experience while
living in a broken world. But these psalms may also be
more practical than you think. Designed to be completed
My dad had 3 additional divorces. Despite
in just thirty minutes, each study is both substantive and
this, God has given me an identity in Him. time efficient.
Register at wpcgo.com/women.
My heart is thankful for God’s provisions
in my life . I’m grateful for the community
of believers and their influence beginning
with Christian grandparents as a child to
being adopted by a spiritual family as a
teenager. I appreciate that I go to a church
where I’m known , loved , and strengthened
in my walk with Christ through genuine
relationship.
Kristen EaslerWinter Bible Studies
God’s Righteousness Revealed - A Study of Romans
Led by Lou Ardrey | lardrey@comporium.net
Tuesdays | 10:30-11:30 am |January 7 - April 28
Westminster Towers
The theme of Romans is the righteousness of God “For
in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a
righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is
written: the righteous will live by faith.” (Romans 1:17)
Paul’s letter to the Romans is one of the most remarkable
pieces of literature ever written. It is said to be the most
comprehensive statement of the Christian faith in the
In the beginning was the Word,
Bible. It concentrates on two doctrines…sin and
salvation. It has been called the most profound book and the Word was with God,
in existence. Augustine, the great Christian theologian,
was converted by reading chapter 13. Martin Luther’s
life was changed by this book and it also had an
and the Word was God.
important part in the life of John Wesley. Paul’s letter is still
transforming people’s lives today the way it transformed John 1:1
Augustine, Martin Luther and John Wesley.
Genesis – Chapters 12-50
Precept Inductive Study
Led by Suzi Melzer | suzanne.melzer@gmail.com
Tuesdays | 10:00-11:30 am | January 7 - April
Sanctuary Parlor
What can you learn from men of God that will ground
your faith, challenge your walk, and give you hope
for the future? All of Genesis points us to the Savior who
will crush the head of Satan and choose a people for
himself. The story of redemption unfolds in the book
of Genesis.Hinged Conference Hinged Conference - Keynote Speakers
Courtney Denton is married to Alex and has two young
“Hinged: Vitally Connected to Christ and His Church” children, Blakely and Banks. She serves as the
Saturday, February 1 | 9am-2:30pm director of Women’s Ministries at Westminster
Main Conference (includes 3 plenary sessions and lunch) Presbyterian Church in Rock Hill, SC.
Courtney’s desire is to equip and encourage
A hinge is a utilitarian piece of hardware. Its job is to connect women with the understanding of their
two pieces together so that they are made useful. Have you God-given design and to live a life
ever wondered what difference it would make if we actually transformed by the Gospel. She is the
believed we were better when we were hinged together to author of KICKSTAND Devotionals. Courtney
loves time with her family, Mexican food,
Christ and one another? We live in a world of radical
shopping, and traveling.
individualism. We long for vital connections and yet we are
more isolated than ever before. It is our hope that women
(ages 13-103) will gather to connect across our differences: Melissa Kruger serves Director of Women’s
different generations, cultures, and contexts. But even more Content for The Gospel Coalition (TGC) and
on staff as Women’s Ministry Coordinator
impactful will be to see them vitally connected to Christ and
at Uptown Church (PCA) in Charlotte, NC.
His Church. Saturday will be led by intergenerational teaching She’s the author of The Envy of Eve: Finding
and worship teams on key truths from the book of Ephesians. Contentment in a Covetous World,
Walking with God in the Season of
Motherhood, In All Things: A Nine Week
Devotional on Unshakeable Joy, 5 Things
to Pray for Your Children, and editor of
Identity Theft. Her husband, Mike, is the president
of Reformed Theological Seminary and they have three children.
Karen Hodge serves as the Coordinator for PCA
Women’s Ministry, where she seeks to connect
women and churches to one another and to
sound resources. She is also having the time
of her life serving alongside her husband,
pastor and best friend Chris. Chris and Karen
have two adult children, Anna Grace
Botka and Haddon Hodge. It is from the
perspective of a wife, mother, leader and
fellow pilgrim that she hopes to offer insights
from God’s Word concerning how she and they
can most effectively learn to enjoy and extend
God’s glory. Karen, along with Susan Hunt, authored
Transformed: Life-taker to Life-giver and Life-giving Leadership.Outreach Event
As followers of Christ, we can help others know Him.
This is an opportunity for WPC women to safely invite
a friend, neighbor, or unchurched woman to
attend An Evening of Story and Song knowing that
a presentation of the Gospel will be given in an
authentic and approachable way.
February 27, 2020
This special evening with an inspirational songwriter and
Incomparable, unchangeable storyteller will be a ticketed event.
You see the depths of my heart Save the date and stay tuned for more details.
And You love me the same
You are amazing God.
(Lyrics Taken from the Song, Indescribable)Stories and Sweets Amazing Grace ...this is my story. I accepted
Jesus into my heart in 1988. I was a young
As followers of Christ, we have unique stories, which teenage girl at a Young Life camp who
display the work of transformation in our lives into came to camp only thinking of Jesus as the
His likeness. Sharing our stories encourages and inspires Son of Mary, Mother of God! Little did I
us all to live for Jesus and serve others as He did. know that He was so much more than what
The purpose of these events is to share Christ through my Catholic religion had taught me .
the spiritual gifts and experiences of women at WPC. I continued through my late teens, early
twenties making choices that continually
The program may consist of live left me broken and empty! My heart knew
or video testimonies, panel what I needed , but my flesh was so strong!
discussions, individual speakers,
or Q & A format followed Now in my late forties, married to Mike
by a time of fellowship for 17 years with two beautiful children
and dessert. Maddie(13) and Mitchell(6), I can truly
say I have all that I want and much , much
more than I deserve . Has it been easy, heck
no!! Have I always appreciated what I have?
No way! Could I beat myself up about the
ugly truths of the past? Of course ...but why?
No matter what I’ve done , the same Spirit
that entered my heart in 1988 is the same
Spirit that has walked with me through
my 20s, guided (and continues to guide) me
through the ups and downs of marriage ,
raising my children and losing my sweet
momma in 2015. I am so thankful that
“He saved a wretch like me . I once was lost,
but now am found . Was blind but now I
see!” I’ve truly come to a point in my life
where I can say that I am content ONLY
because of His Amazing Grace!
Mary ParkmanI grew up in church , it ’s all I’ve ever known , and I
never strayed from the church or God and I thought that
Summer... was my story. I was always “the good girl” and because of this,
I would go to Heaven one day- the end . But a part of what
I was taught was that the Gospel was something you heard
Stay tuned for more details about our summer and received once through a prayer asking God into your
happenings, including Bible studies and book chats. heart. From there out, you were just supposed to live right
and follow the rules of the Bible and then “believe and have
faith” and God would give you the desires of your heart.
Bible Studies So while I thought I was living for God , I actually ended up
Wednesdays in June & July living for myself - always trying to be a better me & trying to
earn God’s love and rewards through my own acts. Then I got
married , and a few years in , my husband began a new faith
A casual weekly gathering studying God’s Word and
journey that called a lot of what I believed , the way I was
growing in relationship with God and others.
raised , into question- and it caused friction between us and
my family. I could never imagine my husband and I being
on the same page with our faith and I worried how it would
Book Chats affect us raising our kids. So, I prayed for God to show him
Led by Carolyn Lesslie | clesslie@wpcgo.com “the truth” - surely God would change him, because he was
2nd Mondays in June, July & August | 10-11:30 am wrong. As it turned out, I was the one- a pastor ’s daughter,
Sanctuary Parlor the good girl- who had gotten the Gospel so very wrong.
And I slowly began the same journey as him… breaking ties
A time of informal discussion of three selected Christian with the type of “prosperity gospel” that I had been taught -
fiction books. This is not a club, and there is no a works-based theology that kept me tirelessly striving to do
membership. Just a time to enjoy reading and chatting better & be better while ignoring my own sin . It was hard
with one another. and it was humbling as God began showing me the Good
News and through His grace , my relationship with Jesus
began in a new way. I even participated in a
“Gospel-centered Parenting” study last summer with
the WPC women (we joined WPC three years ago) and all
the while this idea of living a Gospel-centered life was still
so new to me . I didn’t know exactly what I was signing up
for, but I was drawn to this idea of a Gospel-centered life
and then the community of women I was with were so honest
that it made it easy for me to learn alongside them- and it
was truly life-changing for me . I see my story so differently
now… because now, all I see is a sinner saved by grace . If you
should know anything about me , that is it.
Lauren NorkumLet's Serve
We need you!
• Help new members connect to women’s ministry opportunities
• Assist with seasonal women’s meet and greets
• Reach out a woman on her birthday
• Deliver baby bundles to new mothers
• Mentor a woman in a crisis pregnancy
• Prepare and serve meals for grieving families
There is a place for you. • Write and send cards of encouragement (sympathy, illness,etc.)
You belong. God has uniquely • Visit at the Towers or a shut-in in her home
designed and gifted you to be in • Help with selecting/reviewing study curriculum
community with others. Your story is • Promote and prepare for upcoming Women’s Life Group study
one to be shared and your gifts • Serve as a small group leader
to be used to advance His Kingdom... • Promote events through social media
Let ’s Connect!
• Design and develop women’s ministry communication pieces
• Assist in event planning
• Serve as day-of-event volunteer to assist with set-up, greeting,
decorating and clean-up
Contact: Courtney Denton • Pray weekly on Tuesday mornings at 8:45 am with the women’s
Director of Women’s Ministries prayer group
• Pray independently for prayer requests of church members
www.wpcgo.com/women ---------------------------------------------------
cdenton@wpcgo.com Please return this portion of the card to the
803.325.6700 WPC Women’s Ministry Office.
Name: ___________________________________________________
Email: ____________________________________________________
Phone: ___________________________________________________
I am interested in serving by _______________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________A Space for your Story
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Women's CORE Leadership Team Representatives
Creating Opportunities Reaching Everyone
Care Team Events Team
Mary Jo Clark Becky Adams
mj520921@hotmail.com becky.adams@cityofrockhill.com
Jan Gillespie Michelle DiEduardo
gillespiejw@comporium.net stromank1@yahoo.com
Connect Team Prayer Team
Mary Kane Lou Ardrey
Marytkane5@gmail.com lardrey@comporium.net
Donna Noonan Rhonda Cranford
dnoonan@wpcgo.com crancharho@aol.com
Discipleship Team Fellowship Presbytery
Maria Ferguson Mary Quiminer
mariatferguson@gmail.com mquiminer@gmail.com
Director Administrative Assistant
Courtney Denton Carolyn Lesslie
cdenton@wpcgo.com clesslie@wpcgo.com1320 India Hook Road | Rock Hill, SC
wpcgo.com | 803.366.3107You can also read
