Neighbors, a Christian fellowship group for women that meets at Conestoga Mennonite Church, will hold it first gathering of the year on Tuesday, Sept. 20, from 9:15 to 11:15 a.m. The opening meeting will be a "Welcome Back Brunch."

Food will be provided by the hospitality team and planning committee. "We will have finger foods, charcuterie boards and dips," said Neighbors member Blair Petersheim.

This year, instead of meeting weekly, the Neighbors group will meet on the first, third and fifth Tuesdays of the month. The change was made to accomoate Conestoga Cubs, the church's ministry for mothers of young children, which meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month.

Each Neigbors meeting begins 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 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, and a small fee is charged to cover the cost of supplies.

New speakers this year include LuAnn Wise, who will present "Who Is My Neighbor?" on Oct. 4.; Rachel Mast, who will present a morning worship program on March 21, 2023; and Madison Petersheim, who will teach attendees how to create an Easter centerpiece on April 4, 2023.

Also new this year is a field trip to French Creek State Park for women and children on Nov. 15.

With the exception of December, group members will enjoy a monthly brunch.

One of the most popular meetings is "My Favorite Things," which will be held on May 2, 2023. Attendees are asked to bring three different items valued at less than $5 to share with the group, such as a homemade food or a book. "It's so much fun, and it's a way to get to know people," Blair said. "Last year, I brought a few clips from a plant. It should be something you have on hand."

The Valentine Banquet for couples, which was canceled for the past two years because of the pandemic, will return on Feb. 14, 2023, at 6 p.m.

The group also takes part in community service projects. On Jan. 31, 2023, members will knot comforters for the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC). The blankets are distributed worldwide to people in need. On Feb. 7, 2023, members will take part in a service day with Anchored Ministries, an Elverson-based charity.

Blair noted the attendees come from the local community, including Honey Brook, Morgantown, Elverson and New Holland, as well as neighboring towns such as Coatesville and Pottstown. "Last year, we had around 30 to 35 women (in attendance at each meeting)," she noted.

Conestoga Mennonite Church is located at 2779 Main St., Morgantown. For more information, call the church office at 610-286-9124 or visit http://www.conestogamennonitechurch.org/ministries and choose "Neighbors." The webpage also offers a link to join the Neighbors Facebook group.