TRINITYWOMEN on A MISSION: Studying the Word Together
Sisters in Christ,
Here’s just a little history about me. My name is Sharon Bateman, but most people call me Sammy. Nearly 40 years ago, the Lord called me to teach women His Word. The story is really a very funny one, but you will have to ask me in person to hear it. Since then I have obeyed and have ended up blessed beyond measure. I have taught Bible study to many different groups of women and some men over the years but the one I am most proud of is my “Covenant Women.” We have been in operation for 29 years and currently number 17; we meet on Monday evenings.
When I joined Trinity, I knew that God wanted me to use my gift in my home church, so my husband Tom and I started a study in our home every other week. I have given this group a very special name - “Home Study”. This is a mixed group of absolutely crazy people who shouldn’t be allowed out at night! When I say mixed, I don’t just mean men and women but those who are new and not so new in the faith. Tom and I are called “Mom and Dad” by some of the members, mostly because they are young and beautiful and we are old and wrinkled. I usually choose a topic that will both give a deeper knowledge of the Bible and will relate to our lives today. I write some of my own studies or take them from someone who inspires me.
In this Home Study group, first, there is Jay. You probably have seen Jay because of his long gray ponytail and friendly personality. Jay is a very active member of “Celebrate Recovery” and our prison ministry. If our usher ministry needs another helping hand, they will ask Jay. Next, we have Adam who is one of our newest Christians. Adam is a fireman and a fairly new husband to Megan, and was one of those “most likely to remain a heathen” men. Megan should be awarded “WIFE OF THE YEAR” for her role in taming this man. Adam comes out with the most outrageous statements that keep us laughing and then he shares some amazing truths that he has learned since his conversion. Megan, his wife, has a vast knowledge of the Word and a deep love for our Savior. Mark is a childhood friend of Adam who was invited to our church one Sunday and has never left. He was baptized at one of our annual picnics in the river and started attending our study. Mark is growing in the Word by leaps and bounds and tries his very best to keep his best friend in line. God be with you, Mark. Leslie has been coming to Trinity longer than any of us and is married to a Jewish man who is the love of her life. It is the desire of her heart that he recognize Jesus as the Messiah. Her faithfulness and devotion to her husband is a testimony to all of us. Pam came to our study about a year ago. Pam is quiet and reflective, loyal and devoted to the study of the Word. Her voice is soft but you do not want to miss what she has to say. Our latest members are Clyde and his wife, Ava. I invited them to our Christmas gathering and the food was so good that they decided to stay with our group. I informed Ava that she had been warned how loud and crazy our group could be, so come at your own risk. You will meet Clyde on Sundays during first service if you need prayer and go up front. Clyde has been a believer for many years now and is very wise and mature. He comes out with some of the most beautiful and deep truths that make you want to run it through your heart and dwell on it for awhile. Ava, his wife, has a laugh that is infectious and a personality that draws you to want to know her better. Then there is my husband, Tom. What can I say about him except do not, I repeat, do not take his chosen seat on Sundays! I was a widow when I met Tom 8 years ago and knew from the second date that he was going to be my husband. In fact, I told him that he was going to marry me, lucky man. Tom was a fairly new Christian but deeply serious about his faith. Tom is my cheerleader and my critic. He helps me to see what I need to better help our group grow and flourish. God surely smiled on us the day he brought us together.
Our group is friendly and inviting. In addition to our bi-monthly study we have special times during the year when we come together simply to have fellowship, food and fun. If all of this information is not enough to entice you, maybe the desert and drinks served during each study may help. We are crowded in our gathering room but cozy and inviting. If you are looking for a study group of people who know how to share honestly and studies that will help you grow in the knowledge of the Word and of the One who inspired it, then this is the study for you. I can be reached at sammyjolen@yahoo.com.
