The Betty returns on Thursday, October 19, from 7 - 8:30 p.m.! The theme for this upcoming Women’s Ministry storytelling gathering is "Belonging.” What does it mean to “belong?” When and where have you felt a sense of belonging? Was it a specific moment? A physical place? A gathering of certain people? Did it require something of you or of those around you? If you have a story about how God has worked or is working out a sense of belonging in your life, please consider being one of the storytellers! Contact Lauren Holahan by September 24 to get on the storyteller list and/or to help with the event.
“Revelations in Stone”
Bev Iber, a Graduate Gemologist and Blacknall member, is offering a six-week study of gemstones in the Bible and their meaning for us as Christians. There are two class options: Friday mornings beginning March 10 or Tuesday evenings beginning March 14.
All adults are welcome; consider inviting a friend! Total cost is $120 per person and space is limited to ten persons per class. (Scholarship spaces possible.)
The Women's Retreat: Valle Crucis
By Traci Hoover
As an awkward middle schooler (we called it “junior high” back then), I found myself in a church youth group that planned a fall retreat just a two-hour drive from my hometown in the North Carolina foothills. That place was Valle Crucis. That weekend we did what middle schoolers do on youth retreats: roasted marshmallows, went on hikes, snuck out on the fire escape, square danced, and took turns soaking in ancient claw-footed bathtubs (well, maybe that is not something middle schoolers normally do on retreats!). I can’t remember if I went on more than one retreat there as a teenager, but my memories are so vivid I feel certain I must have, or maybe it was just the kind of place that left that deep of an impression.
You can imagine my surprise and delight when in the fall of 1992 I started attending Blacknall and learned that their Women’s Retreat happened each November at Valle Crucis!…
The Women's Retreat: Grow Deeper in Community, Together
By Jenny Witman
I am still relatively new to Blacknall, so while many faces I see on Sunday mornings are starting to feel familiar, many are not yet linked to names or stories. After a season for all of us of being remote with COVID, and perhaps especially for those who, like me, are new to the church, the Women's Retreat will be a wonderful opportunity for all of us to become more connected and for each of us to feel like we are surrounded by our people.
The Women's Retreat: It's Worth Wearing a Nametag
By Katie Reeder-Hayes
For my first five years at Blacknall, I was a Women's Retreat skeptic. I was sure it was nice for other people, but I wasn't a "retreat person." As a mom of young kids, I felt guilty about time away from them, and too tired to contemplate figuring out anything new that involved registration and a map. As a woman in the workforce, I didn't attend weekday women's ministry events and felt like an outsider to this event that other women seemed unnervingly enthused about. As an introvert, I was terrified someone would force me to wear a nametag and play icebreaker games. But at the urging of the unforgettable Amy Rowell (extrovert extraordinaire), I reluctantly signed up in 2006. Well into my second decade, the Women's Retreat now goes on my calendar months in advance.
I've been to the retreat in so many conditions -- excited, optimistic, exhausted, sad, and wounded…
Abundant Joy Women's Center Fall Groups
Abundant Joy is offering several small groups that will meet throughout the fall beginning in early September. Women can register for a group by emailing abundantjoycwm@gmail.com or calling 919-943-0789.
Summer Playgroup | Beginning June 2 | Thursdays 9:30 - 11:30 am
Calling all children ages six and under—and their moms! Beginning June 2 and running into August, a playgroup will meet on Thursday mornings from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. We'll rotate "hosting" duties each week, which really just means picking the location—and that could be a local park, Blacknall, the Museum of Life and Science, the new downtown library, or a local pool, just to name a few possibilities.
Register now! Spring 2022 WBS
WBS will begin our spring semester on Thursday, Feb. 3 and will run through Thursday, April 28. We'll gather at church on Thursday mornings from 9:30 to 11:15 a.m. for fellowship, worship, teaching, and small group time.
For those who can't come on Thursday mornings, small groups will meet at other times throughout the week, too, either in person or over Zoom.
This spring, we will be studying Hebrews with the study guide "Better: A Study of Hebrews" by Jen Wilkin. There is no fee aside from the cost of the book; please purchase a copy online or at your favorite book store.
If you have any questions, please contact Becky Gould at bgould@blacknall.org .
When: February 3 - April 28
Time: Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Where: Blacknall Memorial Presbyterian Church
Cost: Free | Purchase book at your favorite bookstore
Women's Bible Study Fall 2021
We’re eager for each woman at Blacknall to participate in our study of Romans 8, using the study guide If God Is For Us: The Everlasting Truth of Our Great Salvation. The large group gathering and teaching begins on Thursday, September 23 (9:30-11:15 a.m.). Join us on Thursday mornings to hear teaching, enjoy fellowship, and meet in small groups.
You may also listen to the talks online and join a Zoom small group or follow the study on your own. It is no small thing for the women of the church to be engaged together around a portion of God’s Word! There is no fee aside from the cost of the book, which can be purchased from your favorite book seller. Please register using the link below.
Women's Retreat
OCT. 16-17, DURHAM, NC
In-person & virtual options REGISTER HERE
We’re looking forward to this year’s Women’s Retreat right here in Durham, NC! Our speaker for the retreat is Jennifer Hagin and our focus will be Resilience.
Find details on the Women’s Retreat page here.
The Betty
The Betty | Keeping Christ in the Story
REgister Here
Thursday, Oct. 1, 7-8:30 p.m.
Outdoors, on the lawn of Cory Pikaart
The Betty is an effort to create a space for women to bear witness to the amazing/head-scratching/wonderful/impossible/painful/glorious/joyful work of God in our lives. This fall’s Betty will be an open-mike event that’s socially distanced and safe in number. We invite 7-8 women to share a reading, recite a poem, do a comedy sketch, or tell a short story about their conversation with God during the pandemic in 5 minutes or less. Humorous content encouraged!
If you're interested in being at the mike, please contact Lauren Holahan.
This event is limited to 25 guests. Please RSVP so we know you are coming and can send you some confirmation details.
Women's Bible Study Fall 2020
Registration | Please register by Sept. 6 for small groups
Please join us in "Discovering Hope In The Psalms" together. Online audio teaching begins the week of September 21. Schedule restrictions have prevented many of you from attending our Thursday morning studies but this semester will be flexible with audio teaching and various times for small in-person or Zoom groups.
Contact Tana O’Keefe, Women’s Bible Study Committee Chair, with any questions.
Lenten Journey Into Prayer
April 3-4 | Haw River State Park
Lenten Journey into Prayer Sign Up
This Lenten Journey will kick off with one meeting on Sunday, February 23 (5:30-6:30 p.m., Upper Room) and will culminate in a 24-hour contemplative retreat beginning Friday, April 3 at 4 p.m. through Saturday afternoon. Location: Haw River State Park in Browns Summit, NC.
Participants will receive weekly guides for reflection to encourage their spiritual practice throughout the Lenten season. This spring retreat, led by Martha Carlough, will incorporate expansive quiet time, large group sessions, meals and prayer together.
Cost for a double occupancy motel-like room, meals, etc. is $100. There are some single rooms for $125. Some partial scholarships are available, contact Margaret Frothingham by Feb.13. Registration is open now and closes on February 20. Retreat limit is 35 women.
Paula Rinehart Book Reading
Sunday, Jan. 26, 6:30-8 p.m. | Fellowship Hall
Come enjoy a book reading and fellowship night with Paula Rinehart (Blacknall elder) and Connally Gilliam (writer, speaker, artist), as they share from their new book And Yet, Undaunted: Embraced by the Goodness of God in the Chaos of Life.
An evening to remember that God is good even in the chaos of life.
Contact: Margaret Frothingham
Spring Women's Bible Study
Register here
Thursdays, January 9-April 23, 9:30-11:20 a.m.
For the Spring semester, the focus will be the book of 1 Peter. Each Thursday morning will include worship, teaching, fellowship, and small groups. Small group assignments will remain the same. Childcare is provided for birth through age 4. The registration fee is $20 for Spring semester. Scholarships are available. Feel free to invite a friend.
Women’s Morning Colossians Study
Register here
Thursdays starting Sept. 12, 9:30-11:20 a.m.
Join in a semester-long study of the book of Colossians using the study He is Enough: Living in the Fullness of Jesus. Components of the day are singing, teaching, fellowship and small group time. Childcare is provided for children through age 4. New this year — on two of the Thursdays this semester, guided solitude time is offered. Fee for the semester is $20. Contact: Tana O’Keeffe.
Women's Bible Study Brunch
Thursday, May 9, 9:30-11:15 a.m. | Fellowship Hall
You are invited to the annual Spring Brunch of the Thursday morning Women's Bible Study. Each of the teachers will offer a personal takeaway from the study of Isaiah and lead the group in a time of reflection. You do not need to have done the study to attend. Please come and see how Isaiah has been active this year!
The Betty Storytelling
Thursday, Mar. 14, 7:30-9 p.m. | Fellowship Hall
An Women’s Ministry evening of live storytelling that keeps Christ in the story. In the spirit of Lent, the theme of this Betty is "Relinquishment." We have a great set of speakers lined up: Jill French, Karen Struble, and Margot Hausmann. Contact: Kirsten Burkart.
Weaving Workshop
January 29 & 30, 7-9 p.m. | Fellowship Hall
Caitlin Coons is offering a two-evening workshop for those who’d like to make a tapestry. The first night is for beginners to cover the basics. The second night is for beginners and those who were at the women’s retreat and need help finishing their tapestries. We will have 15 looms/spots for new people who want to learn, and anyone who still has their loom is welcome to join.
Women's Contemplative Prayer Morning
“In Your Light, We See Light"
Becoming Aware of God's Presence
Saturday, October 20, 9-11:30 a.m. | Upper Room
Register here
Anne Storelli and Frauke Schaefer will facilitate scripture reading, guided solitude time, and group reflection with an opportunity to respond through journaling, drawing or other artistic expressions. Victoria Shields from Mt. Level Missionary Baptist Church will help, and women from Mt. Level Missionary will join in, feel free to invite a friend as well. Bring your Bible and journal, or purchase a journal at the event ($4 each). Art supplies will be provided for those who desire them. If you have a particular art medium that you would like to share, feel free to bring it with you. We pray your soul will be refreshed by your time with the Lord!
If childcare is needed, contact Traci Hoover by October 15. If you have questions, please contact Frauke Schaefer.