Neighbors Caring and Sharing, which meets weekly at Conestoga Mennonite Church in Morgantown, is now it is 35th year of offering programming for local women.

The first meeting of the Christian women's group for 2021-22 was held on Sept. 21 and featured a welcome back brunch. Meetings will continue each Tuesday from 9:15 to 11 a.m. through June 14, 2022, with a break during the Christmas holiday.

The meetings begin with refreshments and a prayer time, followed by a guest speaker. Child care is provided for infants through kindergarten-age children. While their moms are at the meeting, children enjoy stories, crafts and age-appropriate activities under the supervision of a teacher. Snacks are provided.

All programs and child care are offered free of charge, but donations are welcome. When a craft is the focus of the meeting, registration is required.

Planning and hospitality committee members for Neighbors Caring and Sharing include Sue Sutter, Ronda Brubacher, Blair Petersheim, Norma Denlinger and Tina Essick, program chair.

Essick noted that one of the most popular Neighbors programs is "My Favorite Things," during which attendees bring three different things valued under $5 each to share with the other members. This year's "My Favorite Things" meeting will be on Oct. 12.

"Last year, I brought a book I enjoy to share. Someone brought chocolate chip cookies with a recipe," Essick said. "It may be a favorite cake that your family loves with a recipe or your favorite plant, nail polish or ChapStick."

New speakers this year will include Erica Kanter, who will talk about Anchored Ministries of Elverson on Oct. 5, and Marian Gehman, who will share her personal testimony on Jan. 18, 2022, in a program titled, "The Dust of Progress: Laughter and Life Lessons While Under Construction." "(She will talk about) dealing with challenges in your life," noted Essick.

Another new speaker will be Shaelagh Martin, the wife of new Conestoga Mennonite Church pastor Jeremiah Martin, who will present a program on Jan. 11, 2022. "She (along with Jeremiah) was a missionary in France for 14 or 15 years," explained Essick. "She will talk about Epiphany and how it is celebrated in France."

Also new this year are "Bible Project" programs, which will include "Generosity," led by Rachel Mast on Nov. 9; "Image of God," led by Sonya Stoltzfus on Feb. 1, 2022; and "Holy Spirit," led by Kristy Unruh on April 5, 2022.

In lieu of "Guess Who's Coming to Brunch," which had the ladies meeting at one another's homes in previous years, the group will instead hold five brunches at the church. The first one will be on Nov. 2.

Several field trips are also planned. On Oct. 19, the group will meet at the church at 9:15 a.m. and carpool to the Gring's Mill Recreation Area in Reading. On Nov. 30, the group will visit Elva's Barnyard Art Studio & Gallery in Lititz.

Conestoga Mennonite Church is located at 2779 Main St. (Route 23), Morgantown. For more information and a complete calendar of events, visit http://www.conestogamennonitechurch.org/neighbors.html or call the church office at 610-286-9124.