Mary's Circle is a group of women who meet at Our Saviour's Church every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month between 10.30am and 2pm. Women are free to come and go as their schedule allows during those times.
Participation is not limited to membership of our parish. Nearly half the women come from other congregations, other churches, and the surrounding community and add a vital dimension to the group, contributing much to the energy of the atmosphere and discussions. We believe the wonderful spirit of community reveals Christ among us.
Mary's Circle
Mary's Circle is a friendship and care ministry. It aims to provide:
- a safe place to meet and share with other women facing similar life issues of family, personal identity and relationships,
- a forum where women may discuss matters of faith, health, current affairs and social issues,
- a haven where women can
- listen and be listened to
- care and be cared for
- support and be supported,
and all this in a mutually trusting, respectful and prayerful atmosphere, conscious that our everyday God is present among us.
We increase our awareness of our identity as women of God by sometimes studying relevant Biblical characters and are often inspired by faith articles from "The Age". Our aim is to be ecumenical, while maintaining our specific Lutheran Christian perspective. Most gatherings have a time of focus on a topic arranged by a member. Last year included an inspiring presentation on "Sharing the Feast", a visit to a woodfired oven to make our own pizza for lunch, a young teacher sharing her experiences in Africa, a rep from COTA giving information on medications, Bowen therapy and exercise sessions, Christmas in winter, discussions on Angels and Individualism in faith, stories from missionary experiences in Arnhem Land and a visit to a Christmas shop.
Birthdays with special cakes are always a highlight for celebrating each other, for "We who are many are one body in Christ, for we all share in the one bread".
Mary's Circle celebrates Christmas alfresco
Occasional outings, especially when there is a fifth Tuesday of a month, may include a visit to a gallery or garden nursery, lunch at a restaurant, seeing and discussing a film or meeting at a member's home.
80th birthday lunch at a restaurant
Mary's Circle has made donations to Our Saviour's welfare fund for needy people in the wider community. For several years we have also supported women and children in developing countries through e.g. the Catherine Hamlin Fistula program in Ethiopia and Operation Christmas Child. Each project undertaken is affirmed by all the members. Last year some of us were inspired to knit jumpers for Aids babies in Africa.
Mary's Circle is also mindful that, when one of the members wishes to share something of a sensitive and/or personal nature, the group observes strict confidentiality and keeps those confidences strictly within the group.
So if you think Mary's Circle may have something to offer you come along and join us, or contact the coordinator, Junette (phone: 9762 3308).