In 2003, the women of Hillcrest launched a Women's Ministry
program that would carry out the mission of the Hillcrest Church of Christ,
enrich and promote the spiritual women of the congregation. Several people have
been reached with the love of Christ through the servant attitude of the women
of Hillcrest.
The ministry is led by a "leadership team" consisting
of six women of the congregation who have a love for service and an insight into
what we need to be doing to help our congregation and our community. The
programs that are currently ongoing at this time are:
-
Prayer Chain -- When a person needs immediate
prayer for themselves or family and friends, we have a group of ladies that
are contacted and asked to pray for this urgent need.
-
Bible Study -- For several years, we have had
a 4:00 PM Bible study here at the building. Ladies have enjoyed this special
time together in fellowship and have grown spiritually through the study of
God's Word.
-
Ladies' Devotionals -- We meet in members'
homes on the last Thursday night of the month to study a topic that we have
chosen. We enjoy this study and fellowship together in the intimate setting
of the home.
-
Jail Ministry -- Presently, there are eight
women involved in the teaching at the Greene County jail on Monday nights.
They have found that their own lives have been greatly blessed by sharing
the Word of God and their time with those who are hungering and thirsting
for a new beginning.
-
Mission Outreach -- Mission Outreach is our
homeless shelter in Paragould. We collect personal hygiene items and place
them in packs for the shelter to distribute to the new residents who come
there for shelter. We also provide household and baby items to them.
-
Special Events -- Each year, we have a ladies'
RETREAT. We take a weekend, rent a facility for our ladies and gather
together for a time of fun and relaxation, along with a wonderful spiritual
revival. We have an annual Valentine's dinner together and an annual
Christmas party. We also, on occasion, have a fall banquet or a spring tea.
-
Card Ministry -- Several women are involved in
sending cards of sympathy, encouragement, congratulations, etc. to people
who need a card. This ministry has touched many lives by the thoughtfulness
of the women.
-
Shower Committee -- Women who love to use
their God-given talents to decorate and/or host showers for anniversaries,
weddings, babies, and other times serve on this committee.
-
Hospital Care Kits -- Women get together and
make up kits to be taken to the local hospital. These kits contain items
that are needed for those people who have been hospitalized, or for their
families who might be staying with them.
-
Food Committee -- Most of our food needs are
handled by the share groups that meet together from time to time. But when a
need arises with someone that is not actively involved in a share group,
this committee sees that their needs are supplied.
-
Welcome Baskets -- Baskets are made up of all
kinds of goodies and are taken to newcomers of the congregaton.
We encourage each and every woman of the congregation to use
whatever spiritual gifts God has given to them in the service of the Lord's
Church. Together, we can do more!
Cathy Jarrett currently serves as the WINGS co-ordinator.
