Melissa Jefferson signs up for the 12 week Bible study: “Precepts upon Percepts: Abraham – Journey of Faith,” which focuses on Abraham’s faith journey in Genesis 12-25, during the Fort Gordon Protestant Women of the Chapel Fall Kick-off held Aug. 26 at the Bicentennial Chapel on Brainard Avenue. The women were able to meet the instructors and look over the course material before making their selection. The Fort Gordon Protestant Women of the Chapel held their Fall Kick-off for their evening sessions Aug. 24 and the morning sessions Aug. 26 at the Bicentennial Chapel, Building 28414, on Brainard Avenue. The theme was “Shine in the Light of his Glory”. Patti Minietta, the PWOC president, welcomed everyone at the morning session Aug. 26 and gave the opening prayer. The opening song, “Open the Eyes of My Heart” was sung.

Chaplain (Capt.) Brian Minetta, the chaplain advisor for PWOC, greeted the women and guests.

Each member of the 2010 and 2011 PWOC local board was introduced. Speaker for the event, Linda Jones, talked about the “Gideons International Card and Bible ministry”.

Everyone was given an opportunity to sign up for one of three Bible studies and meet the instructors. At 7 p.m. on Tuesdays at the Bicentennial Chapel the Bible study, “Precepts upon Percepts: Abraham – A Journey of Faith” is being offered. This study focuses on Abraham’s faith journey in Genesis 12 -25 and is being taught by Bethany Morrison.

At 9:30 a. m. Thursdays, three different Bible studies are being offered. Each runs 12 weeks. Morrison is also the instructor of the morning Bible study, “Precepts upon Precepts: Abraham - A Journey of Faith” (Genesis 12 -25). “Hope for the Home Front: Winning the Emotional and Spiritual Battles of the Military Wife,” is being taught by Gwen Chandler and Kelly Ginder. It explores the emotional and spiritual battlegrounds common in the experience of today’s military wife. Learn how to battle fear, loneliness, anger, disappointment, temptation, frequent moves, single parenting and separation from loves ones with scripture and encouragement from seasoned Army wives.

Sharon Tillman and Kelly Jensen are instructing the Bible study, “Becoming a Woman of Purpose,” which explores God’s intended purpose for himself, for us as his people, and for you as his unique creation.

Bethany Morrison offered the closing blessing for the morning program and the “Doxology” was sung.

The event was free. PWOC is open to all women connected to the Fort Gordon community. It is a diverse group comprised of women of all ages, ethnicity and marital status. The Protestant Women of the Chapel International, which is 50 years old, is a resource network that unites, trains, and encourages women in the military chapel community in their spiritual grow.

Children registered with the post’s Child Youth School Services receive free onsite childcare from 9 a.m. to noon on Thursdays at the Bicentennial Chapel during PWOC programs. Mothers can register their children at CYSS online at https://webtrac.mwr.army.mil/webtrac/gordoncyms.html. For more information about PWOC special programs, events and Bible studies, contact Patti Minetta, PWOC president, at (910) 964-2814 or visit ftgordonpwoc@gmail.com.