Women’s Fellowship Groups: Serving First Baptist for More Than 130 Years.  The women of the women’s fellowship groups of First Baptist have been quietly helping behind the scenes for many, many years.  The roots of the fellowship groups date back more than 130 years. At that time, First Baptist already had a Ladies Aid Group, which helped care for the practical needs of the church. By 1871, the group had grown so large and had so many responsibilities that they decided to form two additional groups, a Home Mission Society and a Foreign Mission Society.  In 1902, these three groups were united and named the “Co-workers.” The Co-workers were a vital and important part of First Baptist.

In 1951, the American Baptist Church formed the Baptist National Council for Women. As they developed their program, the women of First Baptist began to feel a need to connect to a larger mision and work more closely with American Baptists elsewhere. In 1959 the Co-workers became the American Baptist Women. They divided into Circles, which met in members’ homes. An ABW Board was established to serve as a liaison between National and Regional Headquarters and the Circles.  Originally there were five circles, named simply with letters of the alphabet: A, B, C, D, and E. Soon those names were changed to Adah, Dorcas, Esther, Ruth and Mary of Bethany. Later two evening circles, Martha and Naomi, were added. Shortly after that the Hispanic women of First Baptist formed Lydia Circle.

Over the years the work of the circles has expanded to include White Cross and Love Gift. They also learn about the work of Special Interest Missionary Families, studying their work, praying for their ministry, and sending small gifts and letters for encouragement. And they continue to provide practical help for First Baptist programs.

In 1990, the American Baptist Women added the word Ministries” to the organization title to more closely reflect the work they do. They are now known simply as ABWM. More recently they changed Circles” to “Fellowship Groups.”

First Baptist now has three active Fellowship Groups: Dorcas, Martha, and Ruth.

Dorcas Fellowship meets the third Thursday of each month at 1:00 p.m. in the Memorial Room. Its leader is Artis Whitcomb.

Martha Fellowship meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Memorial Room. Its leader is Florence Sisler.

Ruth Fellowship meets the second Tuesday of each month at 1:00 p.m. in the Memorial Room. Its leader is Ruby Glenn.

Each monthly meeting has a theme. Sometimes a guest speaker is invited.  Other times, members of the group present a lesson. They take up special collections for the scholarship funds and Love Gift.  Several times a year the three circles unite for special programs.

If you are interested in joining one of these fellowship groups, please contact:

• Artis Whitcomb (847.695.0895)
• Florence Sisler (847.888.2656)
• Ruby Glenn (847.742-.015).