Recently I saw an advertisement for a company called The Pearl Girls. Obviously, this was a designer of pearl jewelry—beautiful necklaces, earrings and bracelets. As women, we love beautiful things, and pearls are always treasured. My mind wandered to Jesus’ Parable of the Pearl in Matthew 13—“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it”.
I think that the women of First Presbyterian Church are “Pearl Girls”! By God’s grace, we have found the pearl of great value, and now we have the privilege of enjoying its beauty and wonder. The Women’s Ministry of First Presbyterian desires to enhance and enrich each woman’s relationship with Christ through discipleship, fellowship, prayer and opportunities to serve others. We would love to provide avenues of ministry to you and to have you share your talents and gifts with our church. We invite you to contact us and let us know of your particular interests and needs. There are many opportunities for spiritual growth and fellowship just waiting for you!
Jean Nickell
Chair, the Women’s Minsitry
Our Mission To cultivate women into a deeper relationship
with Jesus Christ through Bible study, prayer,
discipleship, and fellowship, so that we
may serve the Lord in our personal lives,
our church, our community, our world.
The
Women’s Ministry of First Presbyterian
Church offers opportunities for women
to STUDY, to PRAY, to FELLOWSHIP, and
to SERVE at First Presbyterian Church.
We encourage new members and women who
are not actively involved in these opportunities
to join other women at First Presbyterian
Church in growing spiritually, enjoying
fellowship, and serving our Lord in the
ways that best fit your needs, time, gifts,
and talents. Questions about Women's Ministry?
Send email to women@firstpresgreenville.org
Upcoming Events
Watch for these Upcoming Events
Winter Wakeup!
Sat. Jan. 21, 9:00am till 12:00
Fellowship Hall
Brunch plus 2 exciting seminars!
Cost--$7.00
*April Dessert Social
Tues. April 24, 6:30pm-8:00pm
Fellowship Hall
Speaker: TBA
MONDAYS David, Seeking a Heart Like His
a Beth Moore DVD study 10:00–11:30am, Room 212, January 9–March 26
God will never give up on you. Explore how David’s life proves this promise to be true in this examination of the “man after God’s own heart.” Contact:Anna Hanks Hewitt (242.4552 or annaboo45@hotmail.com)
TUESDAYS Here and Now... There and Then
a Beth Moore Study of Revelation 8:30–10:00am, Room 308, resumes January 3
Beth Moore presents many points of view, allowing women to decide for themselves when the interpretation varies among scholars. She teaches that God is as specific about what He does reveal as He is about what He does not reveal. Contact:Nina Williams (288.2526)
WEDNESDAY MORNINGS “Mercy Triumphs”
a Beth Moore DVD study of James
10:00–11:00am, Room 212, begins January 18
James, Jesus’ own brother, started out as a skeptic. See how one glimpse of the resurrected Savior turned an unbeliever into a disciple. In the process, learn how you can put your own faith into action. Contact:Mary Gossett (swuprofmg3335@aim.com) Sermon on the Mount
by John Stott 6:30–7:30pm, Room 212, January 11–April 4
The Sermon on the Mount is probably the best known part of the teaching of Jesus, though arguably the least understood. Those who were present at the Sermon on the Mount were astonished. It is the nearest thing to a manifesto that Jesus ever uttered for it is His own description of what He wanted His followers to be and to do. Come join us as we strive for a clear understanding of this amazing teaching. Contact:Susan Douglas (233.1440)
WEDNESDAY EVENINGS Young Women’s Bible Study (20s to early 30s) 7:00–8:30pm, January 18–March 28
Diana Orders Home, 109 Holbrook Trail, Greenville 29605 Contact:Diana Orders (630.1525) With All Your Heart
a video study by Ray VanderLaan 6:30–7:30pm, Room 405, February 22–March 28
This study takes you on a journey through Sinai and Israel, a region that still is largely desert, but at times is filled with lush, bountiful areas. We will discover how Jesus called people to live in the Promised Land. When asked, “Teacher, which commandment of the Lord’s is the most important?” Jesus told them, “You are to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and strength. This is the greatest and most important.” Let’s take a faith journey with Ray VanderLaan through the land of Israel as we learn from God’s Word and the Spirit’s teaching what He meant and how we can do this in a culture that wants us to love everything from homes and cars to ice cream, jobs, and trips. Contact: Barbara Hanner (275.7137)
THURSDAYS Childcare is available for Thursday Bible Study participants. “The Promised One—Seeing Jesus in Genesis”
by Nancy Guthrie 9:30–11:30am, Room 317, January 12–March 15
After the resurrection, when Jesus used scripture to explain who He was and why He came, where did He start? In the Old Testament. And this is where “The Promised One” begins to look for Christ, finding Him in the people, promises, and patterns of the Old Testament. With contagious passion and theological soundness, nationally acclaimed Bible teacher Nancy Guthrie shows how the book of Genesis points us to the person of Christ.
This 10-week study will help you make new discoveries of Jesus as seen in the shadows of the Old Testament, apply the gospel found in Genesis to daily issues in your own life, and develop your longing for what is ahead when the world is once again made new. This study is rich and will deepen you love for the Word and for Jesus!! Books are available in the Vineyard bookstore. (This is a DVD video/small group discussion format.) Contact:Jean Nickell (jeannickell5@gmail.com or 297.9355) “Am I Messing Up My Kids?”
by Lysa TerKeurst 9:30–11:00am, Room 308, January 5–February 16
Do you feel like you’re the only mom who doesn’t have it all together? Feel stressed and like you’re really blowing it? If so, you’re not alone—70 percent of moms say they struggle with the complicated role of motherhood. Author Lysa TerKeust thinks the other 30% are lying! If you ever feel this way and could use some accountability from other moms, then this study is for you.
Tina Jones will facilitate this 7-week study which includes a lesson and group discussion. Please contact Tina that you will be joining and if you need childcare. This is a great opportunity to invite a mom you know who could use a little support! Be bold and pray about who to invite! Books are available in the Vineyard. Contact:Tina Jones (672.0347) Rebuilding Jerusalem and a Faithful Community 9:30–11:00am, Room 301, begins January 5
This study will cover the period after the return of the Jews from Babylon, sharing their struggles and victories after their land has been totally ruined. We will examine the Old Testament books of Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi to see how God was using the difficulties of this time to prepare the way for the coming of the Messiah. Contact:Nancy Caudel (286.1101) “Mercy Triumphs”
a Beth Moore DVD study of James 12:00–1:00pm, Room 308, January 5–February 16
James, Jesus own brother, started out as a skeptic. See how one glimpse of the resurrected Savior turned an unbeliever into a disciple. In the process, learn how you can put your own faith into action. Contact:Claire Rice (271.1825 or ridge107@att.net) Childcare for Thursday Bible Study participants must be reserved in advance. Contact Evelyn Penkert, epenkert@firstpresgreenville.org or 672.1843.
The 2011-2012 Circle Study is “Ephesians—Wholeness for a Broken World.” You are welcome to join a monthly circle at any time.
Contact Anna Teasley (525.6232 or aeteasley@yahoo.com)
to find a group that works best for your life and schedule.
Women's Ministry Monthly Bible Study Groups
2011-2012
Monthly Bible Study Circles meet from September through May of each year.
Our study for 2011-2012 is Ephesians
Broken marriages, shattered friendships, racial divisions, wars between nations—we live in a fractured world. How can the pieces be put back together? Solving such problems is good, but we often lack a broader perspective. We put Band-Aids over gaping wounds instead of looking for long-term solutions. We lack vision, so we fail to ask why we are involved in these activities at all.
In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul lifts the veil from the future to allow us to see God’s plan to unite everyone and everything in Christ. Studying this book of the Bible will renew hope. The theological insight and depth of this epistle are so great that some have considered it to be the most profound work in the entire Bible; and unlike most of Paul’s other letters, his letter to the Ephesians is blissfully free from turmoil. This letter puts our problems and our entire lives in the context of eternity. It offers us the opportunity to capture God’s vision for all of history and to fit ourselves into His marvelous plan.
All Christians are called to become a part of a living entity larger than ourselves, to get beyond our “me-ness,” and to contribute to the beautiful unity of the Church. Call your friends and closest sisters-in-Christ and start your efforts to be a part of the greater whole by studying “Ephesians—Wholeness for a Broken World” with a study group beginning in September and continuing through August. If you form a group, you could create your own circle for opportunities for Bible study, community service, and church service.
Contact Anna Teasley (525.6232 or aeteasley@yahoo.com) to find a group that works best for your life and schedule. Free Childcare is available for morning circles that meet at the church—contact Evelyn Penkert before attending (epenkert@firstpresgreenville.org or 672.1843).
Monthly Bible Study Circles
2nd Tuesday
10:30am
Meets in homes and at the church
2nd Tuesday
Noon
Meets at church with lunch served
2nd Tuesday
7:15pm
Meets in homes
3rd Tuesday
6:30pm
Meets at church with covered dish dinner
Thursday After 2nd Tuesday
6:00pm
Meets at church with dinner and study
3rd Tuesday
6:30pm
Meets at church with covered dish dinner and childcare
2nd Friday
9:30am
Meets in the Rolling Green Village
Conference Center
Sanctuary Flower Committee
This committee takes the flower arrangements from the Sunday Worship service and breaks them down into smaller arrangements and delivers them to members of our church who are elderly, infirmed, under hospice care or hospitalized. The flowers can be broken down on Sunday afternoon, Monday or Tuesday morning, and can all be delivered to any facility the volunteer
chooses.
Christmas and Easter Flower Decorating Committee
This committee plans and orders seasonal flowers and lovingly decorates our church for these two special holidays. Come join other women for a short period of time to make our church beautiful as we celebrate Christmas and Easter.
Cup of Caring Tea Ministry
Comforting women with the comfort we ourselves have received from God, this unique ministry hosts various teas for cancer survivors, teachers, care givers, etc.
If you have the gift of service, hospitality and mercy, you will love being a part of this ministry.
Women’s Prayer Ministry
A group of women gathers each Thursday morning at 8:00am in the Women’s Ministry room to pray for the needs of our church. This is a powerful opportunity to participate in life-changing prayer for church members and needs. Contact Cema Powell at 292-6650.
If you would like to serve Christ and First Presbyterian Church in any of these ministries, please contact Kim Cotty at 234-6456 or kimcotty@hotmail.com.
Special Events
2012 Women's Ministry Winter Wakeup Click Here for a photo album from the Winter Wakeup
2011 Women's Ministry Fall Luncheon Click Here for a photo album from the Fall Luncheon Click below to hear the keynote address from Beth Simmons
2011 Women's Ministry Kick-Off Luncheon Click Here for a photo album from the Kick-Off Luncheon.
2011 Women's Retreat The Cove Camp, Asheville, NC
January 28-29, 2011 Click Here for a photo album from the Retreat.
2010 October Luncheon Click Here for a photo album from the Fall Luncheon. Click below to hear the keynote address from Debbie Mays.
2010 Kick-Off Luncheon Click Here for a photo album from the Kick-Off Luncheon. Click below to hear the keynote address from Rev. Tracie Stewart.
Contact Us
Women's Minsitry Chair Jean Nickell
Jcnickell20@charter.net
297.9355
Circle Coordinator Anna Teasley
ateasley@yahoo.com
525.6236
Bible Study Coordinator Susan Humphries
slh109@aol.com
422.0029
Volunteer Coordinator Kim Cotty
kimcotty@hotmail.com
234.6456