About WOWS
History
WOWS was born in the hearts of some Walnut
Street women as a result of a 2000-2001 year-long "Discovery" Bible study in
which over 500 Walnut Streeters asked God to show them the passions and
spiritual gifts with which He had endowed them. Several women -- Susan
O'Keefe, Pat Bellinger, and Mary Ann Tyler among them -- united in their
conviction that God was leading them to facilitate ministry to, for, and by
women. Pastor Robert Long endorsed our vision, with the caveat, "Don't ask
the budget for funds!" God has blessed us with more opportunities than we
could have ever imagined. Yet, the BEST is yet to come--and YOU can be part of
that!
WOWS embodies a mission to empower and
nurture the women of Walnut Street Baptist Church in and through worship, fellowship,
discipleship, service and missions ventures. It is intended to be an
umbrella uniting the many ways women connect through the church.
WOWS isn't just its own little social group; it's women who
serve in various capacities throughout the church coming together to fellowship,
always with Christ as the focus.
“My dream is that each and every woman of Walnut Street will
find ways to respond through activities of WOWS in 2006 to the heart-call the
Holy Spirit is giving her,” said WOWS coordinator Mary Ann Tyler.
What We Do
As a group, we make
an effort to take advantage of various fellowship opportunities.
Following is a list of activities and events coordinated or attended by WOWS:
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Group Bible Conferences:
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Liz Curtis Higgs / Embracing Grace,
Louisville (Feb. 2007) |
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Beth Moore, Indianapolis (2005) |
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Beth Moore, Lexington (2004) |
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Anne Graham Lotz, Lexington (2004) |
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Beth Moore, Cincinnati (2003) |
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Fellowship Events:
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Wondrous Women of Walnut Street - To honor women of faith who have helped
build the family of God at Walnut Street |
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Festival of Tables - The very popular annual dinner where each table is
decorated by a hostess who chooses her own theme. |
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An elegant fall tea |
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Mission Events:
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Outreach at the Old Louisville Flea Market |
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Activities-sponsored Christmas Market |
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Recycling of gently used Bible study materials and purchase of some new ones
for the Native American outreach in Gallup, NM |
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Annual
Shine for Jesus event where WOWS polish and deep clean our worship areas;
donation of funds for fix-up and painting projects |
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A WOWS-led Worship Event in 2005 in which women of Walnut Street ages 6 to
60+
led in singing, scripture presentation and testimony |
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Touched Twice ministry event in fall 2003 in
which WOWS partnered with Community Missions and the Long Run Baptist
Association to provide a free clinic with various
medical, dental, and
counseling services to the WSBC neighborhood |
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Easter Basket ministry |
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How WOWS Fellowship is Funded
Expenses are incurred for the many WOWS
activities, and there are several ways that funding is obtained.
Fellowship events are funded through ticket
sales, and profits are used for additional ministry projects.
The WOWS created a cookbook in 2003 with recipes and
stories from Walnut Street women. This cookbook, originally selling at
$10.00 each, has earned money for the work of WOWS.
Another funding source is the generous donations given by
individual Women of Walnut Street. In addition, WOWS was slated to receive a stipend
from the 2005 church budget.
Be a Part of WOWS
Want to become a part of this wonderful fellowship? We
welcome you and would love to have you join us. Not only are there ways to
help with coordinating WOWS, but there are many different ministries and
activities at the church with opportunities to help. This Christ-centered
fellowship is open to all women, not just Walnut Street membership. Visit
our Contacts page to request information or to find
out more about us.
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