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WEGO: 'Men Can't Have All the Fun'
SPRINGFIELD, MA (August 29, 2005) - Men's ministries often include outdoor
excursions into the woods as part of their programming. Barbara Nason
figured why should the men have all the fun?
As a result of her wondering, Nason initiated a women's ministry at the
Evangelical Covenant Church called Women Enjoying God Outdoors (WEGO).
The acronym serves a dual purpose, also referring to "We go."
Since the ministry started about 15 months ago, the women have gone
camping, canoeing and kayaking, cross-country skiing and golfing. They
also have visited a castle and a Shaker village.
More than a dozen women recently returned from a camping trip. "We had
absolutely perfect weather and enjoyed walking and swimming and boating
in the afternoon," Nason says. "In the midst of all this, we just never
stopped speaking and had two long Bible study sessions on two psalms -
one of praise and one of reconciliation."
Depending on the activity, an entirely different group may participate,
Nason says. Only a handful took part in the winter activities, for
example. Eight women took advantage of an equestrian outing last fall,
but have not participated in other activities. "They're already looking
forward to the next time we go horse riding, though," she adds.
Nason tries to plan at least one activity a month for the women who have
ranged in age from 16 to seniors. "The hard part is finding a common
denominator of abilities," she says, recognizing that not everybody will
be able to do everything. Still, the outings offer a way for the women
to build community and invite newcomers, Nason says. "That's my only
real goal - to foster community."
It wasn't many years ago that Nason was new to the church community -
she attended the church off and on through a Bible study that focused on
the Gospel of Mark. Nason says she previously attended churches that
were focused on social issues, but were devoid of biblical teaching. She
has found both at the church, she adds.
WEGO has been an excellent way to invite new people, she says. "We've
got real outreach opportunities." At least three women have started
attending the church as a result of the ministry. She adds, "I invite
people from work."
Nason had wanted to be part of an activity that would build community
but didn't know what to do until she was walking in the woods with some
friends while doing a Bible study. "They said, 'Why don't you do what
you're doing.' "
Nason says she hopes other churches begin similar ministries. She's
dreaming of camping with at least 150 women from other congregations.
Having witnessed what the women were doing, the men of the congregation
have formed their own outdoors group, with one joking, "I have my own
MEGO too!"
To learn more about the WEGO ministry, email Nason at
paperbirch@earthlink.net.
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