Women's Ministry: Circle of Friends to Begin Another Season at St. James Armenian Church

A group of women called "Circle of Friends" faithfully meets every other month at the St. James Armenian Church in Watertown, MA, to explore their faith and better understand what it means to be a Christian woman. 

The group was started to address women's needs to come together in an environment where everyone can be herself and share their thoughts, ideas, and concerns.  Along with getting away from the grind of everyday life with children and work, the women also wanted this time to explore their spirituality and faith.  They wanted to meet regularly, have discussions rooted in Scripture, explore examples of Godly women from the Bible, and continue on our journeys of faith with other spiritual Christian women. 

At meetings, a guest presenter explores subjects relevant to their daily lives and leads the women to a deeper understanding of their lives and to greater insights on the selected topics.  Discussions are open and honest and the topics chosen are based on requests made by the attendees who answered our survey.  The atmosphere is relaxed and familiar as the women share their joys, their burdens, and their faith journeys. 

The first meeting addressed women and their personal journeys with Christ, which led to the ultimate question, "Do we believe God is big enough to solve our problem or answer our prayers?" 

Many Circle of Friends morning gatherings have been held since that first session.  Topics have included: discipleship, parenting, self-reflection and personal conduct, prayer, and reconciliation of relationships.  Women of all ages and experiences attend and enjoy listening to the perspectives each woman brings to the discussion.  The St. James Women's Ministry has followed five guiding principles in planning its programming: scripture, prayer, discipleship, friendship, and education. 

The 2003-2004 programming, titled "Women of the Bible", will explore several women from the Old and New Testaments and the lessons women today can learn from their lives. 

The Circle of Friends gatherings are open to all women and give participants the opportunity to explore our world through the eyes and hearts of some very special speakers and to engage in interesting and intriguing discussions.  Women of all ages are welcome: the elder woman for her wisdom, the mature woman for her ideas, the young woman for her energy, and the youth for her natural joy. 

For more information, please e-mail us at stjameswm@yahoo.com or call Elaine Westermark at (617) 489-3359 or Ruth Falletti at (781) 729-0393).