Women of the Word (WOW) gathered in the sanctuary of the Peninsula Community Church in Selbyville for their second women-focused Bible-study class on Thursday morning, Sept. 21.
The women sang hymns, said prayers and watched videos, but the main focus of WOW was the group discussion. The sanctuary of the newly built PCC was rearranged for this purpose. Round tables seated small groups of four to six women and helped to facilitate conversation.
Discussion and interaction was promoted as the subjects ranged from adultery to strength and gratefulness. Emotions changed from tears to laughter while the women connected real-life issues to the message of the story they were studying. “It’s about fellowship and support for daily life,” said Jean Jacobs, WOW facilitator.
Jacobs also said WOW focuses on practical application of the Bible and relationships between women. She said it is the relationships that develop as these women share stories that bond them together.
Cathy Lynch, WOW participant, said she really enjoys attending the sessions.
“Every time I get something different out of it,” said Lynch. “It brings to life things going on in the world.” But for Lynch, the greatest part of WOW is being around good people.
Women of every age — and religion — were present. Because the class focused on stories from the Bible, there was no one specific faith emphasized during the lessons. “It’s an outreach to women interested in getting to know more about the Bible or women who didn’t ever know the Bible,” said WOW facilitator Elaine Hughes.
Each week of WOW study is based on a different chapter from the Old or New Testament. Therefore, according to Hughes, it is possible to miss a class and pick up right were the group left off. “We know a lot of women are very busy,” she said, “but each class is totally new, so it is possible to join in at any time.”
WOW sessions are also held Wednesday and Thursday nights at Mariner’s Bethel and Frankford Presbyterian Church, but Thursday mornings from 9 to 11 a.m. at the P.C.C. are available and cater towards stay-at-home mothers. Childcare is also provided.
“We want to be a source of strength for young mothers,” said Hughes, “to help them identify with other women of all ages.”