|
By Frances Haynes and Pat Tynes
|
|
Tuesday, February 26 2008 |
The Big Sisters Ministry was started in 2004. The Lord put on the heart of Frances Haynes to desire in her life to fulfill the directives of the scriptures found in Titus 2:3-5.
Teach the older women to be
Reverent in the way they live,
Not to be slanderers
Or addicted to much wine,
But to teach what is good.
Then, they can train the younger women
To love their husbands and children,
To be self-controlled and pure,
To be busy at home,
to be kind,
to be subject to their husbands,
so that no one will malign
the Word of God.
Titus 2:3-5
The initial goal was to reach out to younger sisters and mentor them in being Godly Christian women. Frances invited other mature sisters to do the same and thus started Big Sisters and Little Sisters mentoring relationships.
The more time Frances spent with sisters she discovered other issues and needs. One was that many older sisters felt they had nothing to offer others in the church or the community. She began to encourage the sisters to look for ways to serve and meet needs. The word of God, enthusiasm and encouragement from Frances has had a big effect. Many quiet flowers have bloomed and thus began the activities that now fill our calendars. Look for a list of activities at the end of the article.
We would like to make one point about the Big Sisters activities and Events:
WE WANT EVERYONE IN THE CHURCH TO PARTICIPATE
IN BIG SISTER EVENTS. THE BIG SISTERS ARE THE COORDINATORS AND THE PLANNERS!
WE NEED AND WOULD LOVE TO HAVE MORE PARTICIPANTS!
If you hear about something you would like to be a part of please contact the coordinator, Frances or Pat Tynes. If a Big Sister calls you or your family group and asks for help and support we hope you will volunteer!
ONGOING EVENTS
Student Suppers: coordinated by Sylvia Middleton fixing meals once a month for the campus students in our midst- giving them a touch of home and a little mothering.
The Lemonaide House: coordinated by Inez Pempleton is a monthly outreach to an assisted Living facility
The Dept of Juvenile Justice Project: coordinated by Calisteen Faust is under development at this time. The goal is to get volunteers to be mentors to children who have already "messed up". We want to let them know that there is hope and to be a source of encouragement to the juveniles.
Crochet and Knitting Club: currently making lap robes for wheel chair patients.
Frances is currently leading a mentoring group for young, single Mothers.
ANNUAL EVENTS
The Back to School Bash in August is always a great success. Our desire is to give kids a great start in school. Supplies are donated and each child receives a big bag of school supplies. A light lunch and raffles for book bags and other prizes make the Bash an exciting event. We also organize a clothing exchange for school clothes at the same time.
The Fall festival for elementary aged school children has been organized by Charise Dockery and Celeste Osterburg the last two years. It is a safe environment to enjoy food and games and eat goodies.
Thanksgiving Baskets are put together each year for families in the church that can use a little help around Thanksgiving time. Additionally Big Sisters help collect toys and gifts within the congregation for members who might be unable to afford toys because of financial burdens.
In 2008 Mother's Day we will assist the children of Single Moms have a special Mothers Day banquet for their Mothers.
The door is always open to new Big Sisters. If you have an idea for a project, need a mentor or have a comment or question please contact Frances Haynes.
|
