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Brandon Group Unites Christian Women

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By D'ANN LAWRENCE WHITE

dlwhite@tampatrib.com

Published: March 11, 2009

BRANDON - There are only three topics table hostesses are warned to steer clear of at Brandon Christian Women's Connection luncheons.

"We don't discuss age, weight and we don't talk about specific religious denominations," said Linda Terrell, hospitality chairwoman of the group. "We find that if we avoid those three subjects, there are never any hurt feelings."

Terrell said age and weight are always sensitive topics for women. And since the group welcomes Christian women of all denominations, the organization has found it best to highlight what women have in common rather than their differences.

For more than 70 years that has been the successful philosophy behind Stonecroft Ministries, a nondenominational, nonprofit international organization.

The goal of the ministries is to bring women of faith together through luncheons, inspirational speakers, Bible studies and community outreach projects.

Stonecroft Ministries was founded in 1938 by Helen Duff Baugh in San Jose, Calif., but it took more than six decades for the ministry to make its way to Brandon.

Millie Warren, a member of First Baptist Church of Brandon, thought there was a need to unite Brandon's Christian women and founded the chapter five years ago.

It began small, but quickly caught on. February's luncheon drew 98 women.

"There's an electricity about this group," said member Ilene Stubbs of Bay Life Church. "We have a variety of ages and are able to attract younger women now that we provide child care, and the speakers and entertainment are always wonderful."

Stubbs was familiar with Stonecroft Ministries when she joined Brandon Christian Women's Connection a year ago. She had been a member of a chapter in Germany when her husband was stationed there in the military 22 years ago.

Stonecroft Ministries has chapters in 63 countries, with 67 luncheon groups meeting in the United States.

Trenna Russ, who works at Hawthorn Village of Brandon, said she was hooked after attending her first luncheon.

"Someone called to thank me and ask if there was anything they could do to make it better," she said. "I was really impressed. If more businesses would do that, they'd be more successful. I think it's really nice to have women of all different faiths get together for a common cause."

Tammy Sawicki, a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, and Yoemy Waller, a member of Resurrection Catholic Church, attended their first luncheon in February.

Both belong to a Christian business group and wanted to extend their social network.

"I think it's a wonderful idea to get together with different women of different faiths," Sawicki said.

The luncheons are held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. the second Monday of each month in the Special Events Center at Bell Shoals Baptist Church, 2102 Bell Shoals Road, Brandon. The cost is $12.

For luncheon reservations, contact Bobbi Gardner at (813) 657-8632 or e-mail Barbara-gardner4@yahoo .com. Complimentary child care is provided for children up to age 5 with reservations.

In addition, the group is starting weekly small-group Bible coffee studies at members' homes. For information, contact Anne DeVries at (813) 671-5499.

Reporter D'Ann Lawrence White can be reached at (813) 657-4524.

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