Print

Email story

Comment

Letter to the editor

Special ministry focuses on helping women

The Affinity group goes beyond social events, providing opportunities for personal growth.

By Sheryl Kay
Published June 22, 2007

When Shrodes came to Northside five years ago, the church was facing hard times from previous leadership issues and Affinity was a subdued group.

Shrodes said in order to keep things at an even keel, she and her husband made no major changes to the church for the first two years. But she jumped right in with Affinity, making it a key ministry at the church.

Many women's groups at churches are more senior-oriented, often thought of as quilting clubs, she explained, but Affinity is much different. Great care is taken in bringing in women of all ages.

Several subgroups exist within the ministry, including a book club, the Titus group for mentoring younger adults, a scrapbooking group and April's Hope, a support group for women dealing with a significant loss.

Each month, all members meet for one social event as well. In the past year, the women have enjoyed a movie outing, a comedy night, salsa dancing, a pajama party, guest speakers and various conferences. Once a year, the ministry hosts the Princess Luncheon, an elegant affair where the men come in tuxedoes, escort the women to their tables, and then stand back as the women dine on gourmet foods and receive gifts donated by area merchants.

Shrodes said the camaraderie is contagious, where women come together "not to break each other, but rather help shape each other."

When Cathy Garland first joined Northside, she was always a behind-the-scenes helper.

"I never wanted to be out in front, " said Garland, 32, an office assistant. "Affinity has really brought me out of my shell and given me the confidence and courage to do what God wants me to do."

Garland said Shrodes was key in her transformation, by asking Garland to do small projects for the ministry, slowly and gradually expanding the scope and the visibility of the projects. Now Garland is often asked to speak to large groups at the church. Although she said she sometimes gets nervous, she has the confidence to move ahead.

"She had a way of helping me see the big picture by seeing all of the little pictures, " Garland said.

Debbie Winchester, 50, an insurance specialist, also spoke of Shrodes' encouraging and mentoring ways.

"I wanted to be a part of anything she was a part of and as time went on, I saw how my participation was helping to make a difference in other women's lives, " said Winchester of Original Carrollwood. "We are helping women right where they live life, showing them how Jesus can make a difference."

Many people don't realize that at any church, membership is at least half female, Shrodes said.

Whether they stay at home or work outside the home, women often feel overwhelmed, isolated and embarrassed to admit to other women that they are struggling.

"Affinity is a place we can speak to all of that, to encourage them not to feel alone, " she said.

For more information about Affinity and the church, please call 961-0910. Contact reporter Sheryl Kay with any religion news at skreporter@hotmail.com or call (813) 230-8788.

[Last modified June 21, 2007, 08:22:47]