Disciples Women welcome counselor, author
Gathered for the Christmas meeting of Disciples Women of Weirton First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) were, seated, from left, Karen Blanc, secretary; Susan Brown, vice president; Janet Rymer, president; Connie Norwood, treasurer; Carol Skerbetz, president emeritus; and Lynda Slowikowski, author and special guest speaker; and standing, Diane Bowers, Jody Zias, Robin Norwood, Paulayna Zias Hostetler, Susy Beamer, Diana Murray, Beth Younciak, Suzanne Kuhns, Cathie Yeager, Judy Cross, Ginger Greene, Francine Hauldren, Sophie Kuhns and Mikayla Zias. Susan Spencer Smith also attended. -- Contributed
Disciples Women of Weirton First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) collected sweatpants, sweatshirts and underwear for Weirton Elementary School students. Counselor Stacy Flowers Cullinan, right, accepted the donations from Disciples Women President Janet Rymer. -- Contributed
Gathered for the Christmas meeting of Disciples Women of Weirton First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) were, seated, from left, Karen Blanc, secretary; Susan Brown, vice president; Janet Rymer, president; Connie Norwood, treasurer; Carol Skerbetz, president emeritus; and Lynda Slowikowski, author and special guest speaker; and standing, Diane Bowers, Jody Zias, Robin Norwood, Paulayna Zias Hostetler, Susy Beamer, Diana Murray, Beth Younciak, Suzanne Kuhns, Cathie Yeager, Judy Cross, Ginger Greene, Francine Hauldren, Sophie Kuhns and Mikayla Zias. Susan Spencer Smith also attended. -- Contributed
Disciples Women of Weirton First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) collected sweatpants, sweatshirts and underwear for Weirton Elementary School students. Counselor Stacy Flowers Cullinan, right, accepted the donations from Disciples Women President Janet Rymer. -- Contributed
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WEIRTON -- The mission of Weirton Elementary School is to "educate the whole child," Counselor Stacy Flowers Cullinan told members of the Disciples Women of Weirton First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) at their "Joy to the World" Christmas gathering.
With 900 students in preschool through fourth grade, Weirton Elementary is West Virginia's largest elementary school, according to Cullinan, who noted that school staff members "work to provide all that each child needs to be able to learn. If a child is hungry, cold, or unclothed, or missing sleep or care, we help in every way we can. We nurture, feed and nourish."
Disciples Women President Janet Rymer presented Cullinan with a collection of sweatpants, sweatshirts and underwear donated by members for the school's free clothes closet in keeping with the group's principle of justice for children.
Cullinan explained that clothing donations at Weirton Elementary are organized so that each child can "shop" for their own items.
She said the school appreciates all donations, including coats and jackets, backpacks, classroom supplies, hygiene items, take-home snacks and other resources. Secret Santas help in the holiday season, and wish lists are created by staff to help meet student needs.
Cullinan, a Weirton resident, previously worked 16 years as an early childhood and elementary school health consultant for Pittsburgh public schools through the University of Pittsburgh Office of Child Development.
Lynda Slowikowski, special guest speaker, presented her original short Christmas story "Jazzy and the Shiny Bright Star" as published in Carolyn Bradley's book "Surrounded By His Love." The story depicts a wayward lamb on Christmas night and reflects the author's experience with a child who was reluctant to portray a sheep in a Nativity play.
Members voted to raise money for the church elevator fund. Devotions were presented by Treasurer Connie Norwood. Susan Brown, vice president, led the icebreaker and craft sessions. Secretary Karen Blanc made announcements.
President emeritus Carol Skerbetz and her team served as hostesses.
Disciples Women meetings are open to all women. The next session is set for 6:30 p.m. on March 16 in the church fellowship hall, located at 3252 Main St., Weirton.
Special guest speaker will be Jennifer Allen, wife of the Rev. Thaddaeus B. Allen, regional minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in West Virginia.
The Sunday worship at Weirton First Christian Church starts at 10:30 a.m. and is aired on YouTube channel WEIRTON FIRST CHURCH CC (DoC). The Rev. Mark W. Mayer is the church's pastor.