The History Of The Women's Christian Fellowship

                                                                                                                                                             (WCF)

                                                                                  Mission: To SERVE as a BEACON LIGHT to those in need

In 1954, soon after People's Community Church was founded, the late Rev. Carlyle Fielding Stewart organized the Missionary Society, Rev. Stewart appointed the late Mrs. Ivars H. Caldwell as president. After a short time, Mrs. Caldwell renamed the Missionary Society, The Women's Christian Service. This organization was a blessing to the church and the community, as its members served in many areas requested by Rev. Stewart. Under Mrs. Caldwell's leadership, members worked hard raising money for any projects that they were asked to handle. Mrs. Caldwell instituted two annual events -- The Annual Tea and the Thanksgiving Basket Project. The Women's Service members were active in the Area Council for the World's Day of Prayer Movement.

Membership dues were $1:00 per month. These funds were used to carry on the labor of love in the church and the communi ty.

After 10 years, Mrs. Caldwell became weary and resigned as president.

 Upon Mrs.Caldwell's resignation, Rev. Stewart appointed the vice-president, Mrs. Delma Martin, to serve as president. After serving a few years, Mrs. Martin resigned and Mrs. Ernestine Battle became president. It was under Mrs. Battle's leadership that the name of the auxiliary was changed to the "Sisterhood". Mrs. Battle replaced theAnnual Tea with the Annual Sisterhood Luncheon, held every second Saturday in June and continued the Thankgiving Baskets in November of each year. In addition, a "Baby Jesus Shower" was held at Christmas time and the gift were donated to organizations for unwed mothers. Following Mrs. Battle's tenure, Mrs. Thelma Long was elected president and served until health challenges caused her to resign, then   Mrs. Loretta Carter served as president for a peroid of time. Following Mrs. Carter, Mrs. Grace Allen was nominated and elected to serve as president. She was a very dedicated leader and president. Under her leadership, the members were very active with many projects in addition to the two annual events. The Sisterhood was very active with the Michigan Area Council of Community Churches, as well as the Women's Christian Fellowship of the International Council of Community Churches. In addition to the activities mentioned above, an annual breakfast was held in April of each year, as well as a sponsored trip to the American Passion Play in Minnesota. Funds generated from these two events helped to purchase turkeys and chickens for the Thankgiving baskets and also sponsored a delegate to the ICCC Annual Conference. Mrs. Allen attended many annual conferences and paticipated in the programs and activities. Members prepared items to take to the Annual Conference each year for the Bazaar. The Bazaar is a major fund-raiser for the International Council's Women's Christian Fellowship. Mrs. Allen was a great role model, serving faithfully until health challenges caused her to take a leave of absence as president. During this period , Mrs. Willa Tye served as Interim President. The Sisterhood continued its activities, growing stronger financially and spiritually, as well as in membership, totaling some 224 members. A Clothes Port was organized at a mini-police station near People's Community Church. A member of the Sisterhood, Mrs. Joyce Brooks, managed this project. Clothes donated were given to those in need, free of charge. After a two-year period, Mrs. Allen returned to assume the presidency. She served until further health challenges caused her resignation.

Mrs. Mary Woods was elected president. Under Mrs. Wood's leadership , the name "Sisterhood" was changed to the "Women's Christian Fellowship". Mrs. Woods served for a brief time and resigned prior to moving to Louisiana as a part-time resident. After Mrs. Wood's resignation, the organization was inactive for about a year; however, the Women's Christian Fellowship continued their mission of the Thanksgiving Basket project, with the support of the dedicated membership of People's Community Church and the financial support of the Brotherhood. In June 2003, Mrs. Carolyn Ford was elected president.

Under Mrs. Ford 's leadership, a membership drive was initiated and more than 100 women registered. Annual membership dues increased from $3.00 to $5.00. The Thanksgiving project was held in November of 2003 and named "Brown Bag of Groceries". This project was a tremendous success. The congregation of People's Community Church went over and beyond the call of participation. We provided 124 families with two bags of groceries an a meat certificate from Farmer Jack Supermarket. The Brotherhood of People's Community Church shared the cost in purchasing these certificates.

In 2004, the "CARE BEAR" project was introduced to the congregation. These "CARE BEAR" were dedicated and blessed in March of 2004 and were placed in a basket on the altar. These bears are given to our sick and shut-ins and also friends of People's Commmunity Church. Members wishing to give a bear to a sick & shut-in member, or a friend, take a bear from the basket before the worship service, holds it during the service and then either delivers or mails it to the chosen person. Women of the church are responsible for replenishing the supply of bears. A card that is placed around the neck of each bear reads:

"This bear has been among our congregation. It has heard the Word, prayers prayed, songs of praise sung, and the sermon preached. It has been given love and loved others. Now it comes to you with blessings of worship and love." The Women's Christian Fellowship, People's Community Church, Detroit,  Michigan.

This project has been a success and a blessing to many members and friends. We have received "thank you notes" from the recipients thanking the WCF for their CARE BEARS.

We currently support the International Council of Community Churches Women's Christian Fellowship missions, as well as any needs of our church family at People's Community Church. Our 2005 Membership Drive is ongoing and our goal is to register at least 200 plus women this year.

2005 Projects

We completed the publishing of the WCF Cookbook, with recipes from members and friends of People's Community Church. The Visitation Project of Nursing Homes  commenced later in the summer. We visited nursing homes where members of People's Community Church members reside. The WCF Annual Luncheon was held the second Saturday in June. Plans to make Fleece Lap Wraps by WCF members and distribute them to members in the various nursing homes in September are in process. The final activity for the WCF is the Annual Brown Bag of Groceries project in November.

OUR MISSION

The Women's Christian Fellowship is responsible for maintaining and stocking the Food Pantry of People's Community Church. This food is available, throughout the year, to those in need, under the direction of Mrs. Margaret Coleman, Minister of Social Services.