Since September the calendar of events has included: group discussion over Kate Bowler’s book, No Cure for Being Human and an outing to her speaking event at the Avalon; fellowship through off-site breakfast and dinner gatherings; culinary collaboration in the creation of individual charcuterie boards for New Year’s Eve; creativity at a February Galentine’s’ candle pouring class and lunch; and a Bible Max theater viewing of Esther’s story in, One Night with the King.
The opportunity to participate in Women Connect events is flexible. Women of all ages and in all stages of life have come together to connect. Some attend every month, while others have jumped into one or two events. Women attend for a variety of reasons, but all are seeking the opportunity for intentional time set aside to be in conversation with other women of faith.
Trish Olmstead’s first of several Women Connect events was the Kate Bowler book study, No Cure for Being Human. She attended to learn about the author’s experience with a terminal diagnosis to better know how to listen and understand the cues given by her own friend diagnosed with AML.
Trish wondered, “What could I glean from women I really didn’t know?” She learned that, even though every story shared was unique – they are all universal. “I learned that when we have that kinship with each other, it adds insight, strength, and joy to our lives. Thank you, ladies, for sharing your connection!”
“I learned that when we have that kinship with each other, it adds insight, strength, and joy to our lives.”
Lois Brown and Janna Sagvold each attended the breakfast or dinner outings and the charcuterie board-making class. The class provided Lois with the opportunity to work with her new neighbor while creating an individual appetizer tray to serve over the New Year’s holiday. Lois seeks out occasions like these to meet and visit with new people. Janna was invited to these events by a group of friends from church where she experienced “tons of laughs and fellowship.”
Several women have attended Women Connect events to spend quality time with family members. Becki Anderson enjoyed time with her daughter and daughter-in-law at the charcuterie board class, while working alongside other women. Eliza Johnson and her mother attended the candle-pouring event, where Eliza enjoyed “meeting and having conversations with like-minded, faith-centered women, many of whom come from diverse backgrounds and are at different stages in our life, but who are all united by our faith in Christ.”
Marianna Malm appreciated sharing in the February Galentine’s event, which reminded her of childhood days in church:
“Creating candles with a group of women of faith took me back to my younger self singing, ‘This little light of mine, I’m gonna Let it shine’ with Sunday school classmates. While pouring candles each participant had an opportunity to be heard and to “shine.” What a delightful way to meet new friends while reconnecting with others. Happiness is created when shared, which was exactly my experience when someone personally invited me to consider attending this event. What a lovely reminder for all of us to make a connection by including others with such an invitation.”
Kim Forness and Karen Holmen also registered for the Galentine’s event and lunch, stepping out to try something new. Kim commented that it was great to come together for a fun activity while connecting with new and familiar people from church in new and meaningful ways. Karen described this gathering as, “a wonderful opportunity for good food, much laughter, and needed fellowship – all good for the soul.”
Linda Gill has participated in nearly all of the Women Connect events. Similar to the experiences shared by others, she echoed appreciation for the time set aside to connect and engage with women of faith.
Women Connect will continue to offer a variety of monthly opportunities to bring women together for a time of fellowship through conversation, laughter, and maybe learning something new! If you are looking for events to attend with the women in your life or meet new women of faith, we would love to have you join us!
Upcoming Women Connect Events
Weekend Retreat at Mount Carmel • April 25-27, 2025 » LEARN MORE
Spring Luncheon • May 3, 2025 » LEARN MORE
Summer Bible Study series on Hebrews.
Look for more information on registration and deadlines in the worship bulletins, on the monitors throughout the church, on social media, and on our website.
If you have a fun idea for this group, please share with Polly Kloster (Director of Mission) at pkloster@flcfargo.org.
Words: Polly Kloster, Director of Mission
