WELCA

WOMEN OF THE ELCA – For all women and their friends

Chairperson: Violet Kulp
865-429-3483
kviolet@att.net

Presently we meet the second Wednesday during the months of September through May – 11:30 a.m. at Calhoun’s Restaurant in Pigeon Forge. Our gatherings include lunch and fellowship followed by planning ministries that we hope to carry out throughout the church year.

There is no commitment to serve any length of time. Every woman is encouraged to Catch the Spirit and enjoy the company of other women while God leads her to fulfill His calling wherever that may be.

Our Mission: To mobilize women to act boldly on their faith in Jesus Christ.

Our Purpose Statement: As a community of women created in the image of God, called to discipleship in Jesus Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we commit ourselves to grow in faith, affirm our gifts, support one another in our callings, engage in ministry and action, and promote healing and wholeness in the church, the society, and the world.

Ministries we currently promote to carry out our Mission and Purpose:

Women’s Care Center “Bottles for Baby” Project – Provided baby bottles for members to fill with change. This program is shared by many individuals and businesses in our community. It enables the WCC to continue their work to help families in need; especially children and women.

Prayer Shawl Ministry – Women in our congregation knit or crochet shawls in various colors and design for this ministry. Shawls are given to anyone who might need to be uplifted and reminded that they are not alone during their time of crisis. Prayers are said during the time spent creating these shawls and then they are blessed during worship and taken to wrap around someone as a reminder that God is always with them.

Ministry to Servicemen — We keep in touch with servicemen in our congregation by sending notes monthly as well as sending boxes of goodies in time for Thanksgiving. The women made fleece blankets and helmet liners to be included in each box. \

Mt. Hope Good Shepherd Clinic dental program and eye glass program – We collect dental products and used eye glasses to donate to Mt. Hope. The clinic sends all the dental products they cannot use to Ghiana for families there and use the eyeglasses for families in our community who cannot afford the cost of expensive eye glasses.

Grace’s Place – Support given through monetary gifts and clothing to help women going through hard times to become skilled in a new job and rebuild their lives for themselves and family.

Along with the above ministries, we host:

Retreat: Every spring we host a retreat for all women 18 years and older in a cabin close to the area. During the retreat we enjoy fellowship along with Bible study lead by experienced leaders.

National Women of the ELCA Sunday: All aspects of the service on this particular Sunday are led by women – the sermon, greeters, lectors, ushers, acolytes, and communion assistants. This Sunday is a way to show how God leads women to act boldly on their faith in Jesus Christ.

Special luncheons after church: We host two luncheons after church each year to encourage members to enjoy fellowship with one another and share the culinary skills of our women.

Christmas Gala: Every December our women transform the church’s fellowship hall into a beautiful Christmas wonderland. Members and friends enjoy a delicious meal followed by entertainment. It is an evening of good food and fun for everyone young and old.