THE PURPOSE of The Women’s Ministries of Lafayette Federated Church is to incorporate all the women’s activities and programs into one team with our focus being one body united for Christ. “Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ, we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” Romans 12:4,5 THE VISION of The Women’s Ministries of Lafayette Federated Church is to glorify God by striving to meet the spiritual, physical and emotional needs of women in all stages of life; to provide experiences and resources that will encourage, support and equip each one to use the gifts God has given her; to serve and share her faith in her own home and community. “We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.” Romans 12:6-8 COMPASSION MEALS IN TIMES OF NEED - We provide meals for those recuperating from illnesses and other instances as needed. Help is needed in making phone calls, providing and delivering food. Funeral Repasts - We provide light refreshments for bereaved families and friends after the service as requested. Help is needed in providing food, setting up, serving and cleaning up. Prison Ministry - Worship and Bible study is held at the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility every Sunday evening at 7:00 PM. One or two women visit and there are usually 3 to 12 women who come to worship and learn. Assistance is needed in leading the Bible Study and Worship time (training provided), writing to the inmates, and also praying for their specific requests. Angel Tree -  A part of the Prison Ministry Fellowship – we participate at Christmas time by providing gifts on behalf of the inmates to their children. Help is needed in setting up the display for the Narthex, making phone calls, collecting and distributing the gifts. Cards – We send cards of encouragement to those who are ill or those who have lost a loved one. EDUCATION Times to grow in your faith by meeting with other women to fellowship, pray and study God’s Word. TUESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY – 9:15 AM (Child care provided) THURSDAY EVENING BIBLE STUDY – 7:15 PM (no child care) WOMEN’S SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS – 9:40 AM during regular Sunday School Hour SEMINAR/RETREAT - usually held in the Spring – a one day seminar where you’ll join with other women to hear God’s Word through a gifted speaker, be ministered to by special music, and enjoy one another’s fellowship during our morning coffee time and lunch – ways to help are by being on the committee to help with plans for the theme, locate a speaker, music, help with the food preparation, serving, setting up and cleaning up. FELLOWSHIP AND OUTREACH May Fellowship – usually held the first Friday in May - An evening of fellowship with a speaker, music and great desserts! Women can serve by helping to prepare desserts, be on the committee to plan the event (theme, speaker, special music) or helping set up, serve or clean up. Heart & Home – usually held the first Friday or Saturday after Labor Day. A time of fellowship with a speaker, special music, and refreshments. Women can serve by being on the committee to plan the event (theme, speaker, music) or helping decorate, set up, serve or clean up. Christmas Luncheon - usually held the first Saturday of December. During the luncheon there is a speaker, special music and craft that pertain to the season. Women can serve by helping prepare the main meal helping locate a speaker and special music, organizing a craft, helping set up, serve the meal or clean up, or by bringing a side dish to add to the meal. MOPS – Mothers of Preschoolers exists to meet the needs of moms with infant through preschool aged children who want to connect with other women. These women share a desire to improve their parenting skills, child rearing, nurturing and effectiveness with their children. Areas to serve are child care during the meetings, kitchen duties, publicity and speakers who can contribute helpful information to moms of young children. Support Groups – For example: Divorce Recovery, Grief Support, or other special needs. None at this time – but if there is interest in any area, please let us know Wednesday Night Suppers - a time of fellowship around the dinner table. The church provides the main course, drink and dessert while those attending bring a side dish. Each family is asked to donate $1.00 per family member. (This dinner precedes Wed. night clubs and prayer meeting) Volunteers are needed to help in the kitchen preparing the main course, setting up and/or taking down tables, or cleanup in the kitchen. SERVICE Hospitality - (New Members) - Several times a year we provide bagels and baked goods for a reception in the gymnasium to welcome our new members. Help is needed with providing food, setting up, serving and cleaning up. (Music Programs) - Several times a year we provide refreshments for special music programs. Help is needed with donations of sandwiches, baked goods, setting up, serving and cleaning up. Kitchen - We ensure that the kitchen is maintained with all the necessary supplies and equipment. Help is needed with the routine upkeep and the annual cleaning. Tablecloths - We are responsible for cleaning and storing the tablecloths and skirts. We ensure that they are returned in a timely and presentable fashion. Help is needed with the cleaning and record keeping.