by Darlene Graham
Sometime in the 1970s, the late Helen Puccini established the Women of the Word (WOW) Bible class along with co-leader Mary Kalbfleisch. Both ladies were literally shepherds of the flock. They not only presented inspirational Bible lessons, they also provided emotional and spiritual help to members of the class. Even after all these years, that same spirit permeates the atmosphere of our group.
Class member Charlene Hite states, “I moved to Kerrville a year ago and tried out Trinity and the WOW class. The women in the class were great and made me feel right at home. Along with a lot of loving fellowship, I have learned so much from the Bible studies.”
At present, the WOW class, led by Becky Doyal, still reflects the theme set in motion by Helen and Mary. For our Bible lessons, we will be using Lifeway’s Explore the Bible quarterlies starting March 2nd.
Before each Sunday’s Bible lesson, Becky takes time for the class to share prayer needs, followed by a time of prayer together. She provides a list of the prayer needs later in an email to class members. Our class is divided into six care groups of five to six ladies, each with a group leader who regularly checks on the needs of each member. In this way, we are able to make sure everyone is cared for. Birthdays are recognized with gift bags filled with cards and small gifts. We also sponsor a deserving graduating senior with monthly cards of encouragement and tokens of our love.
To encourage bonding and strengthening of friendships, we gather off-campus three times a year for fun, food and fellowship. What good times we have at these get-togethers!
As one of our newer members, Saundra Neely, commented, “One thing that really drew me into this fellowship was the idea of ‘enter to worship, leave to serve.’ There’s a place for everybody here.”
How true it is!