A Review of Christ Community Presbyterian Church’s

Women in the Church Ministry

2005 – 2006, the first year

A steering committee was created in 2004 to address the creation of the Women in the Church Ministry (WIC).  That steering committee comprised of Elizabeth Gauthier (leader), Wini Baker, Carolyn Boulay, Sandra Brino, Nadia Johnson and Zoraida Sisco.  These women tirelessly worked to put together a frame or structure for the future WIC ministry.  Their hard work was much appreciated.

The following women were recommended and approved by elders Al Baker and Bill Schultz to serve:

President:                                                         Amy Sumner

Vice President:                                                 Sandra Brino

Treasurer:                                                         Judy Schultz

Spiritual Life Chairs:                                          Fran Smith & Wini Baker

Event Planning:                                                 Donna DelVecchio

Communion & Sunday Morning Refreshments: Cara Smith

Women Connecting to Women:                        Liane West

In August 2005 Sandra Brino and Amy Sumner met to discuss possible meeting topics for and the schedule of the next year of WIC meetings.  The following meetings were then held during the year:

Saturday, September 10, 2005:  Back to School Kick Off.  A salad luncheon at Wini Baker’s home followed by a trip to the Noah Webster House.

Saturday, October 8, 2005:  Harvest Season.  A brunch at Amy Sumner’s home with a discussion about God’s provision for His beloved people, with a time of sharing.

Friday, October 28^th and Saturday, October 29^th, 2005:  PresWIC Annual Retreat, “Paring Back to the Core.”  Attended by 13 CCPC women.

No meetings in November, December or January.

Saturday, February 11, 2006:  Love from a Spiritual Perspective.  Light refreshments at Sandra Brino’s home with a discussion about love according to God’s commands.

Saturday, March 11, 2006:  Housewarming Shower.  Light refreshments and a surprise (almost!) housewarming shower for church member and first-time homeowner Neyda Rosado.

Saturday, April 8, 2006:  PresWIC Spring Luncheon, “We Gather Together to Ask the Lord’s Blessing.”  At Trinity Presbyterian Church in Providence, RI, attended by 4 CCPC women. 

Thursday, May 4, 2006:  Moving from Religion to Relationship.  A special talk by published author, Lauren Powell, at the home of Nancy Richey.  Lauren gave her testimony about coming to faith as a Jewish woman and the story of her life in Christ.

A decision was made to suspend meetings for the summer beginning with June.  We will begin gathering again for fellowship and opportunities for growth in September 2006.

WIC also oversaw opportunities to serve some of our own families within the church.  One couple received dinner meals for nearly 8 weeks as they dealt with the wife’s bed-rest after fracturing her heel.  Nearly 20 families provided meals or housekeeping assistance over the 8 weeks!  WIC also requested and received assistance with meals for the daughter of a church member who had back surgery.  The daughter and her family (husband and 2 small children) do not attend CCPC, however, this was an opportunity to reach out with the love of Christ.  WIC looks forward to more opportunities to assist those in need.

WIC’s ministry team for Communion and Sunday morning refreshments silently, seamlessly and faithfully coordinated the schedule to be sure the needs of the church are met on Sunday mornings.

WIC’s Event Planning ministry team acts as the coordinator of church gatherings where food or refreshments are served.  This past year WIC set up and facilitated the World Missions International Dinner for 120 people and wrap-up luncheon for 50 the following day in November.  We also provided refreshment support for various meetings and congregational gatherings throughout the year (Vision Dinner, for example).

Our needs for the next year:

Will you please consider whether you might be willing to serve on the WIC Council or on some of the committees?  With so many of our members and attenders coming from a great distance the commitment is not easy.  However, the rewards of serving are great.  We need more women to assist with the International Missions Weekend, in particular.  We also would like to expand our vision for meeting the needs of our congregation, particularly reaching out to visitors and those who are not able to attend church (“shut-ins,” new moms, people who are sick, etc).  Finally, would God have you serve by becoming Vice President?  The plan is for the VP to serve one year and then take over the President’s slot.  In 2006 – 2007 Amy Sumner will remain as President with Sandra Brino as co-President.  We would like to have a woman in the VP role this year to take over the President position in 2007 – 2008.  It is a wonderful “job,” full of rewards and not even much work.  CCPC is blessed to have many women who are eager to help.

Thank you for your support and interest.  May God richly bless us as we head into our second year as Women in the Church!

In Christ,

Amy Sumner, President