Ministry Updates, page 3

Women On Wednesday (WOW)

Women on Wednesday proved to be a great success this semester, offering seven different classes coupled with a time of worship and meditation on God's word. The semester ended with a Christmas brunch and fellowship.

WOW is striving to live up to our mission statement: to impact women for Christ by building bonds of friendship through shared praise, study and prayer. The most exciting news regarding WOW is the number of women who attend who are not of our congregation. Monica stated it best when she said, This is not my home church and yet the people here are so wonderful and encouraging. I feel so welcome when I enter these walls." Monica is the mother of four and attends the Moms of Young Children group.

WOW also has a strong influence on those who do go to Central. Jill, a mother of three children under the ages of 2 and 1/2, stated with passion, "This is the only time I get out of the house all week. It is such a comfort to me to have a group of women who support me during this season of my life."

Nancy has recently moved to the Baltimore area and praises WOW stating, "I could not be more blessed to have moved to Baltimore and found WOW. The women in my group are my new family."

And many women have commented on the additional blessing of Jean who each week, faithfully does a devotional before our classes. Her love of the word and Christ always redirect our thoughts to what truly is important.

Presbyterian Women

Presbyterian Women is made up of four Bible Study Circles, with over 60 women in attendance. We are using a study guide co-authored by Debbie Schmidt entitled, "Women's Words." It focuses on several women in the Bible, and as we study together, we get to know their hearts. In keeping with "reaching beyond these walls," Circles are open to people outside of Central and each Circle supports one or more missionaries.

Our Fall Kick-Off was held on September 21st and Anita Gutschick, a skilled dramatist, portrayed several women of the Bible. It tied in perfectly with this year's study! There were over 100 women in attendance, many of them guests. We gave half of the offering to Karis House, a Christian women's shelter in Baltimore.

At the Christmas program, we collected non-perishable food items for the Christian Community Center and viewed the beautiful cross-stitch tree ornaments made to be distributed in area hospitals and nursing homes.

The Program Committee has done a wonderful job of planning our Fall and Christmas programs. They are also planning a Spring program for 2005. Our thanks to all who have helped to make this a very exciting year in the life of Central women.

To God Be the Glory! Love in Christ, Mary Magan and Jan Turnbaugh (Co-Moderators)

Men Of Promise

A men's retreat? I had only camped once in my 44 years. I attended worship, went to a small group, but wanted more. I didn't know what to expect as we left in the rain. The tornados knocked out the electricity, but the guys were fired up. That night 16 strangers started to know each other. We shared on Saturday from our Bible study in pairs, fours and in the large group. It was cool. I look at our group picture now and plan to hang it where visitors can see. Many aren't connected and don't trust God or others. I can't wait for next year's retreat when we will become 32, or maybe 64. Before then we'll have the Chili-Bake-Off, watch the playoffs on a wide screen TV, go on a Winter Freeze-out Backpacking, and a spring day hike. There is also the sexual wholeness class and the Promise Keepers rally in Philadelphia. It's amazing. My wife and kids say they have to search for me at church now because I'm talking with the guys. I feel at home. It's family. Several weeks after the retreat, Robb called and asked, "Are you coming to Christopher's baptism?" I told him, "No, I'm going fishing." Then it hit me. Robb was family! We are "Men of Promise," and I had promised God that I would support my Christian brothers. I called back and said, "I'll be there." I sat with Robb on the third row! I never sit up front, but God wanted me to feel, as well as hear, John's sermon. The Bible says to put to death the old things. John made me see old things in my life that needed to die. It's amazing how God can use other people if you let them into your life. I had shut people out; now I'm connected. I'm amazed at the difference a weekend made. It can only get better... Man of Promise

Some Community Stats for 2004

Webmaster's Note: Due to privacy concerns, this section will not list names or details on the website.

• 42 New members
• 14 Births
• 5 Deaths
• 17 Baptisms
• 3 Weddings