Our Desire is to

Create many opportunities for ladies at Stratford to make friends and grow in their relationship with God. We hope that you find a place in our ladies’ ministry.

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Naomi’s Circle

Widows Ministry Outreach

Naomi’s Circle began in September 2007 at the Stratford Heights Church of God in Middletown, Ohio, with the understanding that God has a special concern for widows. James 1:27 says, “Pure and undefiled religion (worship) before God and the Father is this: to visit the orphans and widows in their trouble and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.” We offer this ministry as a warm fellowship for women who have lost their husbands and who are in need of understanding, comfort and times of sharing. We also offer help to those who occasionally need transportation or assistance around their home.

Our mission is to plead the case of, provide assistance to, and promote the spiritual growth and ministry of widows.

Based on Isaiah 1:17, Naomi’s Circle strives to fulfill the Biblical mandate to “plead for the widow” in a variety of ways, including:

  • Distributing a monthly newsletter – if you would like to be added to our monthly newsletter mailing contact Barb Rogers by phone 513-727-0077 or barb.rogers@twc.com
  • Maintaining a prayer list that is distributed to 98 widows currently on our roster to be “Prayer Warriors”, intercessors to the throne room of God on behalf of the needs of our church family, our community and our nation. We always pray for the peace of Jerusalem and people of Israel.
  • Offering a faith-based GriefShare DVD series to assist widows through their journey of grief. This ongoing mission is to care for and love these ladies on their journey into and through widowhood by providing emotional and spiritual support.
  • Hosting three luncheons each year. We meet in our church fellowship hall or restaurants and enjoy a time of good food, fun and fellowship. During the luncheon, we have devotions, sing a hymn together, and hand out door prizes donated by area businesses.

Job 29: 13 says, “I caused the widow’s heart to sing for joy.” And that is the goal of this ministry!

Our ongoing outreach project is to the Iris M Vest SpiritCare Center and the Smoky Mountain Children’s Home both located in Sevierville, Tennessee. We are in contact with them throughout the year sending them birthday & thinking-of-you cards, donating items to stock the SpirtCare Center’s “Market Place”, donating children’s school supplies and presenting them Easter and Christmas gifts to the children.

This is a vital ministry to our church and community. I welcome the opportunity to answer any questions you may have. For information contact Barb Rogers, Widows Ministry Coordinator, by phone at 513-727-0077 or by email: barb.rogers@twc.com

Our prayer:
“Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love. Where there is injury, let me sow pardon. Where there is doubt, let me sow faith. Where there is despair, let me sow hope. Where there is darkness, let me sow light. Where there is sadness, let me sow joy.”

“O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console;
To be understood, as to understand; To be loved, as to love. For it is in giving that we receive, It is in pardoning that we are pardoned, And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.”