Past to Present: the history of Women's Ministries at First Reformed

On February 3, 1893, Reverend James De Pree met with the girls who had been called together to consider a more active and sustained missionary work.  They named themselves the Young Ladies Mission Band.  They still spoke in Dutch, and their motto was “Geef mij Te drinken” (The Master’s words to the woman at the well).  Their meetings were opened with prayer and the singing of hymns followed by Bible study.  They then took up an offering and sewed together.

One year later found them selling their goods.  From this sale of goods, they supported domestic and foreign missions and purchased the baptismal bowl.  They then placed a book beside it where all the children were registered following their baptisms.  This was referred to as the Book of Life of the church and its covenant children.  At their 50th anniversary they purchased an actual baptismal fount dedicated as a token to the church they loved.

On March 13, 1895, the Senior Women’s Mission Society (Vrouwen Hulp En Zending’s Vereeniging) was organized for the purpose of giving aid.  First, they were to serve the families within the church and then the rest of the world.  They gave clothing, bedding, and other sewing needs to local families; the Christian Home in Council Bluffs; Winnebago, Nebraska; and Annville, Kentucky.  These women faithfully followed their Lord with Bible study, prayer, and furthered His kingdom with foreign or domestic missions.

In July of 1909 the Valley Ladies Circle was formed at a picnic of neighbors.  Their goal was to have Bible study, work, and prayer.  They too made goods to contribute to the poor and the orphans.  They also sent money to the Mission Hospital in China as well as the Winnebago Mission.  Once a year they would have a picnic and sell their wares in order to raise money for the missional cause they had that year.

On January 13, 1920, the Junior Women’s Missionary Society was formed.  They were just like the Senior Women’s Society, but they were young moms with small children.  They too had the same goal of Bible study, prayer, and missions.  They planned bake sales to raise money for the organ, and they served dinner at congregational meetings.  This group of women showed deep concern for the welfare of the community and nation.  They wrote many letters to Congress in order to influence action.  This group also suffered much as many of them lost sons during World War II.

In the fall of 1935 the Missionary Guild came into being.  These women  knew that their spiritual life grew through Bible study and prayer.  These women were fiercely dedicated to missions at home and abroad.  They had sales and served lunches in order to raise money.  They sent greetings and gifts to the sick and shut-ins. These women made and sent clothing and Christmas boxes to the needy. They helped each other out in times of sorrow and heavy burdens.

These women also accepted the responsibility of displaying the United States flag along with the Christian flag each week.

In 1948 the LAB circle was formed .  They organized themselves under the Missionary Guild.  Their name came from Reverend L.A. Brunsting.  They wanted to gain a better understanding of the missionary objectives of the Boards of Domestic and Foreign Missions.  They deepened their spiritual life by studying the scriptures.  Their united efforts brought them joy in fellowship of Christian living.

Around 1959 preliminary work began to unite all of the women’s societies into one single organization.  On January 12, 1960 the first Guild of Christian Service of the RCA was held.  By September of 1960 the women had grouped themselves into “Circles” decided upon by common choice and interest.  There were originally seven “Circles,” and by 1976 there were thirteen in existence.  They held four Guild meetings each year in which they eventually took on the responsibility of nursery, cradle roll, work groups, and bulletin stapling.  The main focus of the organization was Bible study, prayer, and missions.

In April of 1990 The Guild for Christian Service formally changed their name to the Reformed Church Women (RCW), and at this time they gained a link nationally to the denomination.  The mission of the RCW was to encourage all women to become members even if they did not join a “Circle.” Their goals amongst themselves continued with the test of time with Bible study, prayer, and missions.  Around January of 1992 they began to call themselves the Reformed Church Women’s Ministries (RCWM) although the change would not be official until March of 1997.

In August of 1998 at Annual Triennial, it was announced that there would no longer be a National link to the denomination by the end of the year 2000.  So, in September a team was formed to re-organize the RCWM into Women’s Ministries.  Along with this they also re-structured the work groups into sets of ten to twelve people and included men in the list.  The decision was made to no longer have dues for the “Circles” and that they would now be structured as small group Bible studies.  They have kept the name of “Circle” as it has been with them for such a long period of time.  The committee is no longer in charge of making decisions for them, yet their emphasis continues on Bible study, prayer, and the support of missions.  The current committee chooses the missions, and the “Circles” donate money at will for the furtherance of God’s kingdom.

God has certainly blessed the women of this church throughout the years.  While gaining knowledge of Him, they have found support and fellowship with one another.  The women of this church have donated much time and money to the furtherance of the Kingdom, and in the process have found themselves to be blessed as they have served First Reformed Church and the world.  The theme of Bible study, prayer, and enabling of mission work to continue forward, whether near or far, has stayed firm throughout the ages.  May those generations that follow us find us just as faithful and dedicated as the women of 1893---to the relationship with our Lord, the study of His Word and the furtherance of His kingdom.

Women’s Ministries 2009