A welcoming women’s ministry offers friendship, faith, and support each Wednesday at the Greater Valley Corps of the Salvation Army in Ansonia.
The group is open to all women, said Salvation Army Major Dora Garcia, who runs the program.
She and her husband, Major Wilder Garcia, are commanders of the Greater Valley Corps of the Salvation Army.
Last week four Ansonia residents led by Dora Garcia laughed and chatted as they created wreath-shaped wall hangings out of paper and artificial flowers.
Mary Ann Belhumeur said attending the program gives her “an hour to breathe.” She said she is raising her 2‑year-old grandson and needs some time to herself.
Belhumeur said she likes making the crafts, and the fact that “it’s all ladies. You can do the things you like to do.”
She plans to teach the others how to crochet at a future meeting.
Dora Garcia said the ministry program has four components: worship, fellowship, education, and service.
“We do everything based on the love of God,” she said. “It doesn’t matter what religion or church they attend to be a part of the group.”
When the women gather, they experience fellowship, Dora Garcia said.
As for education, she said, “we can always learn something.” And the service component teaches the participants that it’s important to help each other.
“Some of (the women) have problems and I try to get them to talk about it,” Dora Garcia said. “Some do, but some don’t want to.”
The women will be going to a park for a picnic next week, and bingo is on the agenda for the following Wednesday.
Dora Garcia also invites them to attend services on Sunday at the corps, 26 Lester St.
The 11 a.m. worship follows fellowship at 9:45 a.m. and Sunday school at 10 a.m.
Dora Garcia said Vacation Bible School will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 27 – 31.
The free program is for ages 6 – 12. To register call 203 – 736-0707.
Editor’s note: The writer is a member of the Greater Valley Salvation Army Advisory Board.
