The WM’s Ministry Board: Consists of 4 women: Laurie Shakarian, Donna Thomas, Jessica O’Leary and Susan Bauer. Through our WM’s Light meetings, Care Group meetings, WM’s Ministry classes, Retreat and Special Events it is our desire to teach, encourage, and draw women into a closer relationship with Jesus Christ. We also use our Facebook page to encourage women, post prayers and scriptures weekly; additionally, we use zoom or video meetings, emails, phone calls, texts and cards to up-lift the women of FGT.
Special Events:
Feb 24th (A night at the Movies): We showed the movie “Jesus Revolution”, served popcorn, theater candy, and a beverage along with great fellowship. This was an easy and wonderful way to show your unsaved friends about Christianity.
May 4th & Oct 24th (An Evening of Prayer): Several people got together in May on the National Day of Prayer and again in Oct to pray for the needs of the body of Christ. Leadership led us in prayer, we also served communion. There were 52 men & women those evenings.
Aug 18th – 20th (Annual Women’s Retreat): “For such a Time as this” was the theme for our retreat that was held at Michindoh which 52 women attended.
Oct 1st (Life Chain): We gathered while prayerfully standing to silently protest abortion for an hour and one-half at Ford & Wayne Rd. There were 24 men, women and children who participated.
Nov 18th (Giving Thanks Banquet): Was held on a Saturday afternoon. 45 women gathered at Rose’s Restaurant for a delicious Thanksgiving Luncheon.
Ministries, Meetings, Programs & Classes:
The Meal Ministry: 2023 was a challenging year for many of our members, but our ministry remained strong, and we were able to bless and assist the members of FGT in new ways. We provided nearly 50 meals for women and their families who were recovering from surgeries and illnesses. We were also able to help collect critical items and financial donations for a family after htey suffered a horrible house fire. In addition, WM’s assisted in providing food for one funeral in September.
The Helping Hands Ministry: Is an important part of our church body which provides meals, light housekeeping and/or transportation for those who are members of FGT and in need due to an extended recovery from surgery or illness. This ministry gives opportunities throughout the year for the saints of FGT when our members need help in these areas.
Prayer Line: Is available if you wanted extra prayer support. You could go to fgtonline.org on the church app and send a prayer request or simply call or text any board member with your request. We gladly prayed with people and added their request to the FGT prayer line, and the other prayer line warriors also prayed. We also rejoiced with you over your praise reports. In 2023 there were 275 prayer requests and praise reports.
Women’s Light: We met bi-monthly, starting in Jan on the 3rd thursday evening from 7-9pm in the Loft.
WM’s Care Groups: There were 5 women’s groups that met every other week during 2023. Women’s Care Groups provided a place where women can grow, learn and encourage each other. We leaned on and prayed for one another.
Secret Sister: Is a 6 month commitment about encouraging, supporting, and enriching one another in prayer as well as providing gifts on special occasions and cards to show they are loved. The program holds a fun “reveal” in June and Dec at which time new secret sisters are chosen. Participants must be member, seeking membership, or involved in WM’s ministries and with at least a 6-month church attendance. We averaged 23 womenh participating in the program.
WM’s Ministries Class: Met on Sunday evenings from 6-7pm in room 101. We used different topical studies to help us better understand God’s Word. This class is for women who want to live the life God called them to live – one knowing him, listening to him, living for him.
Craft Night: Was held the 3rd thursday evening, every other month, starting in Feb. Many women really enjoyed making the crafts, so this gives us a fantastic opportunity to invite others to enjoy a time of crafting and Christian fellowship.
Also things that the WM’s helped with in 2023:
* Spring Clean-up * Weeding the flowerbeds during the Summer * Helping w/Wild Game Dinner * Pie Fellowship
Our Volunteers: Are the backbone of the WM’s Ministry, who collaborate with us behind the scense. Our volunteers are incredibly special people we know we can count on because they hear the Lord and answer his call to service. Our volunteers are the family we serve with, to help our church family, whenever there is a need. No matter what the need is, we will work together to get it taken care of. You are incredible, extraordinary, self-less sisters and brothers in Christ who give your all to serve! We truly thank you and pray for you, you have been such a blessing, may God richly bless you!
In closing, I would like to say that it was our desire to encourage, nurture, and support our FGT family through love, prayer and service. We did this to help this great body of believers grow spiritually and remain strong until the day the Lord calls us home.
Respectfully Submitted, Laurie Shakarian