First Baptist Church
of Hamilton, New York

Founded in 1796, First Baptist is an American Baptist church with an ecumenical congregation. First is the "Mother Church" of Colgate University.

Christian Women’s Fellowship

Susan Barrett & Jean Chapin, Co-Chairs

Meetings are open to anyone interested.  Please join us!

2010 Events Calendar          

Christian Women's Fellowship Report for 2009

Once more the Christian Women's Fellowship held six regular meetings, annual luncheon and the annual lawn sale.  All occasions were filled with friendship, devotions, learning, travel, helping others and enjoyable experiences.

February's speaker -- Kris Sisbower, NYS Trooper, spoke to us on domestic abuse…what an eye opener talk she gave us.

Also in February, a carload of us traveled to Chittenango First Baptist Church to work on tearing sheets into three-inch strips, sewing pieces together and roll into bandages -- our church turned in more than 30 bandages after this special workshop.

March's speaker -- Jessica Chapin told us about her short time living "The Amish Life" bringing with her several books (in German) she used when teaching children not much younger than herself. 

In April we toured the landmark Madison Hall and had lunch at the Copper Turret.  While at Madison Hall, we took pleasure in knowing some of the First Baptist pews that were removed from the front of the sanctuary were now being used by the Hall and looked right at home.

On May 7 our annual luncheon was held at the Seven Oaks Club House and as always we were severed a lovely meal.

The August lawn sale (always the last Saturday in August) actually began July 13 when we started collecting items.  Thankfully, Marilyn Upton took over as chair for Margaret Miller who was unable to chair this event.  As hoped for, so many members AND friends of First Baptist showed up on designated days to sort, clean and make sure electric stuff was in working condition.  To some folks this sale offers a lot of junk; however, to most it is good gently used merchandise that still has a lot of life to give to a new owner.  Even though the day of the sale it RAINED and rained, we considered it a great success.

October 1 we were pleased to have Debbie Kliman as our speaker enlightening us about the Chenango Canal System.  Her presentation was so informative she should offer it to other groups if she hasn't already!

At our November meeting Diana Bowers, Superintendent, Hamilton Central School, blew us away with her talk on issues the school system is facing in today's world.  We were so enthralled with her presentation and had a mountain of questions, our regular business meeting and devotions had to be tabled because others had to run to another meeting.

"Fifty Years of Dolls" topped off our last meeting of the year with Deirdre Purdy sharing with us her personal collection of dolls she has favored since childhood

During our December business meeting a slate of prospective officers for 2010 was presented, voted on, and accepted as follows:

• Chair - Jean Chapin
• Secretary - Carolyn Todd
• Treasurer - Marilyn Upton
• White Cross - Jean Chapin
• Sunshine - Susan Barrett
• Receptions - Linda Cazer
• August Lawn Sale - Margaret Miller
• Post Cards - Jean Chapin
• Program Committee - Jane Todd, Jean Chapin, Holly Bisselle, Margaret Miller

Our CWF budget continues to support American Baptist Ministries and International White Cross and many other worthwhile endeavors (see CWF Treasurer's Report).  We pray our group continues in fellowship and welcome ALL to join us at our meetings whether it be a special speaker, our annual luncheon and, of course, the August lawn sale.  Perhaps we should rename our group to "Christian Women/Men Fellowship" since we enjoy the presence of male guests!
  
Respectively submitted,
Susan Barrett & Jean Chapin

CWF Treasurer's Report

First Baptist Church
27 Broad Street
PO Box 73
Hamilton, New York 13346
315-824-2780