Women

Women have been the backbone of Christian community since it’s the earliest days. Jesus’ earthly ministry largely was financed by three Jewish women (Luke 8:3). Women account for almost half of the leaders the Apostle Paul greeted in the closing chapter of his letter to the Romans. Memorial is committed to helping women use their gifts in service of the church and our city.

Women also have particular needs and challenges that call for support. Women struggle with issues of identity, value, significance, calling and relationships. As women age, the contexts in which these issues arise change, but the underlying issues themselves are shared by women in every calling and at every stage of life.

How to Connect with other Women at Memorial

• A community Group is a great way to connect with a core of people in the church. Some of our groups are intergenerational, some are not.
• Several women’s Bible studies also meet throughout the week in which women of different ages study together and pray for one another. Women’s Bible Studies are intergenerational teaching opportunities in which women of different ages study a book of the Bible together. Women’s Bible Studies begin in September and last through May. The Tuesday morning group meets at 9:15am in the church parlor. The Tuesday evening group meets at 6:30pm in a home. All women are welcome to join. Childcare is provided during the morning group. More information is available at the Information Table near the sanctuary.
• Within your group or study, we encourage you to identify one or two women to pursue one-on-one outside group time. Like all relationships, this takes some trial and error, some flexibility and a lot of perseverance.
• Beyond that, the Women’s Ministry Team plans occasional gatherings—some more structured, some less so—to give opportunity to get to know women of different generations. The Women’s Ministry Team is comprised of women of varying ages and stages of life, and is charged with helping to foster community among the women of the church. While Community Groups are the context in which a woman may develop one or two key friendships, the Women’s Ministry Team plans opportunities where women of different generations and backgrounds where they can spend time getting to know each other.
• An easy way to start, though, is to linger after the service and get to know people. Memorial is the kind of church where some people will still be hanging out in the sanctuary an hour after the service. If you are willing, it isn’t difficult to meet other women.
• If you or a woman close to you are facing a crisis situation, Memorial has a board of Deaconesses that are prepared to step into your situation if asked. Memorial’s Deaconesses are elected to three-year terms by the congregation and are charged with assisting the elders in providing pastoral care to women in the church. Deaconesses are available to step into any of the difficult challenges in which a woman may find herself (miscarriage, domestic violence, depression, eating disorders, etc). If you are facing a crisis situation, you can begin by contacting the church office at 314.721.0943 and they will connect you with a deaconess.