Women of the Church Circles
The Women of the Church Circles meet monthly for Bible study, fellowship, prayer, and service. Our chief aim in studying Scripture is to grow in grace and knowledge as we are being conformed to the image of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Each Circle has a Bible Moderator who teaches the lesson. The Circles meet at different times and locations (most on the 1st or 2ndTuesday of each month) from September through May. There are currently 15 circles including Abigail, Anna, Deborah, Esther, Hannah, Lydia, Martha Mary, Naomi, Neighborhood Christian Center, Priscilla, Rachel, Rahab, Rebekah, Ruth, and Urban Ministries. Each circle is unique in it focus and service. A brief description of each circle and contact information follows below.
Our study book this year is entitled John by N.T. Wright, one the world’s leading New Testament scholars. Many consider the Gospel of John to be the most artful and poetic of the gospels. Kathleen Nielson notes that “All the Gospels include Jesus’ use of imagery to communicate His message. Only in John, however, do we receive such a gallery full of pictures through which Jesus reveals Himself to the world. Light, wind, water, bread, shepherds, vines and branches – these images open our minds and hearts to Christ Himself, the Lord who made all the stuff of life ant the one who comes in the flesh to redeem it. Through these images Jesus weds the most exalted spiritual truth to the most concrete reality; this is the beauty of the Word made flesh.” In our study of John, we will take “time to absorb the pictures and meditate on them so that the beautiful truth of Jesus will shine into all the concrete realities of our lives, both now and in the very real days of eternity to come.”
Contact: Carol Stewart 737-3573 or Karie Leatherman, 684-6290 or
Abigail Circle - meets the second Tuesday of each month at 6:45 p.m. in C310 for fellowship, Bible study and prayer, and is open to all women. Abigail circle actively supports two missionaries. The Circle Chairman is Tracey Williams- 755-3975.
Anna Circle - meets the first Tuesday of each month at 10:15 a.m. in members' homes for Bible study, prayer, and fellowship with Florence Leffler. They welcome women of all ages. The Circle Chairman is Carolyn Branton - 683-3248.
Deborah Circle - meets the first Tuesday of the month at 1:00 p.m. in room C310W. Deborah Circle is a traditional circle with Bible study, fellowship and spiritual care for one another as their main areas of focus. They welcome new members of all ages. The Circle Chairman is Brenda Vincent - 682-8136.
Esther Circle - meets the first Tuesday of each month at 11:30 a.m. in members' homes for Bible study, fellowship and lunch. In addition the members make Christmas trays and birthday cards with gift cards for our ministers. This circle is open to women of all ages. Circle Chairmen are Nina Wilson - 324-7765 and Monta Robinson - 853-1286.
Hannah Circle - is made up of a very close, loving group of mature Christian ladies who care for, support, encourage, help, teach, and pray for one another. They meet on the second Thursday of each month. "We are very open in sharing our hopes and concerns with one another, and consistenly pray for the needs of ladies in our group. The best part of the Hannah Circle is the warm, Christian empathy we all have for one another." For the past three years their mission has been supporting the Berclair School where they have participated in several projects, including the library and Teacher Appreciation Week fruitbasket give-away. "Hanna Circle is eager to include any ladies who desire a Godly, committed relationship among Christian friends." Circle Chairman is Jeanne McSwain - 327-9615.
Lydia Circle - The ladies of Lydia Circle meet the second Tuesday of every month where they are committed to selecting clothing, accessories and shoes for our missionaries and other Christian groups. The women of Lydia Circle are a close, nuturing group who also meet to study God's Word, love and pray for each other, and work hard in the Mission Closet. They welcome others to join them in their ministry. Circle Chairman is June Robinson - 683-7645.
Martha Mary Circle - provides a wonderful fellowship of ladies who minister to members of Second Presbyterian by visiting those in nursing homes, assisted living or shut-ins, at the request of the members or their families. This circle meets the 1st Tuesday of each month and is open to all ages – and they say, “We are never too young or too old!” Vicki Gore is Martha Mary Circle Chairman - 767-6119.
Naomi Circle - meets the 1st Tuesday of every month at Second Presbyterian for Bible study, prayer and close, supportive fellowship. Bebe Sorrels is Naomi Circle Chair - 685-0817.
Neighborhood Christian Center (NCC) - meets every Thursday (September-May) at 12:30 at the Robinhood Apartments--a Neighborhood Christian Center Apartment Complex. They facilitate a weekly Bible Study for the women residents. They have a snack, fellowship and take prayer requests. They also meet twice in the summer for craft sessions. NCC typically has between 7-12 participants each week and all ages are welcome in this volunteer supported circle. Eileen Wood is Circle Chairman - 682-1483.
Priscilla Circle - The ladies of Pricilla Circle meet the first Tuesday of each month in room B100 at 10:30 a.m. for devotional, Bible study, business - such as treasurer's report, mission report, caring report, WOC announcements, church announcements, birthday announcements, prayer partner announcements, prayer requests, lunch and MUCH fellowship. Their main focus is on their missionary, Dave Briley, and fellowship. They are like a close little family. All ages are welcome. Jo Sammons is Circle Chairman - 853-0801.
Rachel Circle - started in 1959, Rachel’s Circle meets for Bible study and fellowship on the 1stTuesday of each month. All ages are welcome. Norma McHugh is Circle Chairman - 682-1001.
Rahab Circle - is committed to supporting the children of Second Presbyterian and to be the organizing and labor force for Terrific Tuesday. Originally they were established to create and maintain a Children's Clothing Closet. After passing the reins of the Children’s Clothing Closet on to another group, they shifted their support to Terrific Tuesdays and to meeting the needs of Second’s children by meeting together the 1st Tuesday of every month to create the crafts for the Children's Ministry at Sandy Hazelwood's direction. We are a circle in transition this year! All are welcome. Donna Platt is Circle Chairman - 753-6833.
Rebekah Circle - meets on the 1st Tuesday of the month in the homes of various members. The circle’s main areas of focus are Bible study, care and spiritual support for the members of the group. All ages are welcome. Beverly Carrick is the Circle Chairman - 323-3805.
Ruth Circle - meets the 1st Tuesday of the month in private homes, and occasionally at the church. Focus for coming year is Bible Study and fellowship. Any and all ages encouraged to join the group. Martha Roper is Circle Chairman - 452-0380.
Urban Ministries (UM) Circle - welcomes anybody of any age to support them in their service to others. Their focus is putting on Birthday Bible Club - like a mini-vacation Bible School with snack, craft, and Bible story - for the 4 to 11 year old children who are part of MultiNational Ministries. They meet on the 1st Wednesday of each the month - Sept. through May - at 2:00 at St. John's Methodist Church, corner of Peabody and
