On Feb. 24, Wesley Church kicked off its 2024 Women Empowering Women program at Colerain Church, 1923 Noble Road, Kirkwood. This year's theme is "Anchored in Truth," and additional meetings will take place once per month until October, with the exception of July.

During the first meeting, participants discussed topics as they relate to truth through a biblical lens. Guest speaker Jeff Wisot, a pastor based in Oregon, gave a presentation on this year's theme. "Each year, God has put a different focus on our hearts," said Alexa Gruber, who helps organize the Women Empowering Women event series. "The kickoff set a great foundation for the rest of the year."

This is the third year of the program, which was created in 2022 by Gruber and Wesley Church's director of congregational care, Beth Foss. Foss noticed an increased number of women in the community who sought help with issues such as budgeting, navigating marital challenges, raising children and taking care of aging parents. As more women came to Wesley Church for guidance, including those from outside the congregation, Foss and Gruber recognized common issues that members of the community were struggling with; they decided to introduce the Women Empowering Women program to serve as a support network and a source of encouragement.

"We're seeing changes in the world that are causing depression, anxiety and other mental health issues among children and adults," Foss said. "This year's program will detail how we can stay rooted in the truth, which doesn't change, despite our ever-changing society."

The program draws attendees from various stages of life, from young women in college to grandmothers and older generations. The diversity in the participants' ages allows women to share their unique experiences and perspectives with one another to strengthen the community. "It really is women empowering women across generations," said Foss. "Ladies feel safe to be themselves here. It's very cool to see the dynamic between them and the support they offer each other."

Another of Foss and Gruber's goals in creating the program was to establish a safe space where women feel comfortable to discuss the issues they encounter in daily life. The pair tries to highlight hot topic themes and relevant subjects each year; last year's theme was "Finding Peace in a Chaotic World."

The next session will be held on Saturday, March 23, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Colerain Church. For more information, email Foss at bfoss@wesleyqville.org or search for "Women Empowering Women (Wesley Network)" on Facebook.