David Broyles | The News

The Moms Of Many Seasons (MOMS) project sponsored by Salem Baptist Church in Dobson is looking forward to continuing in the new year. Free sessions are held on the first and third Thursdays of the month from 9 to 11 a.m. and the next semester starts Jan. 17.

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DOBSON — At first glance, Salem Baptist Church’s Mothers Of Many Seasons (MOMS) program could suggest it draws from “to everything there is a season” of Ecclesiastes. But in actuality, the program draws on verse 11 in chapter 40 of the Book of Isaiah where it is written, “He (God) shall feed his flock like a shepherd; he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom and shall gently lead those that are with young.”

Women’s Ministry Director Donna Nash said the program began in January of this year with the idea of providing Christian fellowship from which women of all ages could benefit.

“For many women, juggling our roles of wife, mother, employee, boss, student or grandmother can be overwhelming,” said Nash. “It’s like walking through life in a fog. God never intended for us to figure things out on our own.” She pointed out some of MOMS sessions have included three generations of one family.

Nash said MOMS is designed to allow women to discover how to coordinate their lives with God’s word. She explained each lesson and devotional in the series is designed to allow women to “weave” God into their marriages, parenting, finances, relationships, sufferings and joys. She said one of the strong points of the program is the opportunity it provides for multi-generational interaction among women, including those whose children have left the nest.

“From the beginning, we recognized there are many moms out there of all ages who need fellowship,” added Nash. “We are the only group in the area I am aware of that offers this opportunity free because we are trying to open this up to women.” The sessions are held at Salem Baptist on the first and third Thursdays of the month from 9 to 11 a.m. Free child care is provided. Bible stories, music games and simple crafts are offered children.

She said previous sessions have included speakers with short devotionals, demonstrations of bulk cooking and storage, information sessions with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service of Surry County about topics including radon, nutrition and spending habits. Service projects for the group this December included a packing party for Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes.

The project began simply enough for Nash and her fellow church members involved in women’s ministry when they were approached by young mothers who wanted to know about basic skills, like how to sew on a button. Women’s ministry sponsorship followed soon afterward.

“We shared some of our experiences with the young moms,” added Nash. “I am a retired grandma myself. Many of us have been in similar situations as they are in now and it’s a way we can help. The biggest group we’ve had was 28 people. The Lord’s letting us start small. We’re letting God grow it in his time.”

Nash said some participants come from Ararat, Va., for the fellowship. She said MOMS has its own brochures now which are available in some doctor’s offices locally.

“It’s not a Bible study you have to attend every week,” said Nash. “Anything to give that hope of the Lord to women. Everyone in our women’s ministry all contribute towards this.” She said quite often members share their testimonials and outside resource persons also share their life lessons.

She said MOMS remains a way to “help people to get stronger by helping them know God is using them and guiding them with a purpose.” Nash said the ministry is faith based and is not denominational. She said the comfort of knowing the Lord is with them becomes even more precious in the wake of recent economic downturns and how confusing and complicated the world in general has become.

“We are trying to provide aid to women who overwhelmed,” said Nash. “Economic times have left grandmothers caring for grand children and children who have returned home. We want them (women) to come in and get lifted up and encouraged and to not listen to what the world is saying but what God says.”

Persons who want more information on MOMS may contact Salem Baptist Church at 374-4419 or go to momsministrysbc@gmail.com or www.salembaptistdobson.org for more information. The next semester is scheduled to begin on Jan. 17 and its theme is women of the Bible.

Reach David Broyles at dbroyles@heartlandpublications.com or 719-1952.