The Lutheran Business Women’s Club (LBWC) of First Lutheran Church was founded in October 1942 with the objectives of affording opportunities for growth in Christian knowledge, in Christian service, and in Christian fellowship. All activities are in accordance with the teachings of the Bible and with the Constitution of First Lutheran Church. Any Christian woman is eligible to be an active member.
The LBWC generally meets once a month, with exception of the months of January and February. Meeting dates are usually the 4th Thursday of the month, unless the 4th Thursday falls in the same week as the 3rd Tuesday of the month, upon which LBWC instead meets on the 3rd Thursday. Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, we met by Zoom, but currently, meetings are in-person in the Luther Building beginning at 5:30 p.m., with everyone bringing their own brown bag dinner and beverage. At 6:00 p.m., we have a business meeting and/or program.
The LBWC generally helps with Advent and Lent meals before mid-week worship services and assists with other ministry outreach projects of FLC. For example, LBWC recently partnered with FLC’s Human Care Board to collect items for the Avilla Food Pantry, and, in conjunction with both the Human Care and Evangelism Boards, LBWC assembled Blessing Bags to be given out to the poor or needy. We have collected items for the “Wish List” of the Union Rescue Mission as well as the Veterans’ Re-Entry Project and Women’s Shelter of Central Arkansas. We have also made fleece scarves and collected gloves for the residents of St. Francis House.
Recent programs have included craft projects (for example, making Inspirational Flip Booklets and Beaded Keychains), Bible Studies (i.e., “Come Unto Me, Ye Weary” from the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League Quarterly, “Walking the Narrow Path in the End Times,” Pew Sisters Women’s Bible Study, a testimonial of how faith sustained an individual during her years of prison incarceration, and FLC youth discussing their participation in a Higher Things Conference), speakers on various topics or organizations (such as The Call of Pulaski County, the Avilla Food Pantry, the History of MacArthur Park/MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History, Union Rescue Mission/Nehemiah House/Dorcas House, Antebellum Little Rock, Broken China Jewelry Project of the Conway Women’s Shelter, The Library of Congress Veterans History Project, Lutheran Camp on Petit Jean Mountain, St. Francis House, Herbs, Retirement and Estate Strategies, Petal Pushers for the Lutheran Hour Tournament of Roses Parade Float, Skin Care/What to Look for in a Sunscreen/Make-up Make-over, and “You Might Need an Arborist If…” ), photo travel programs (Botswana mammals and birds and safari logistics, chateaus of the Loire River Valley in France, Normandy coast/WWII locations of France, and Martin Luther’s Germany), watching a video “Here I Stand: In the Footsteps of Martin Luther,” summer picnics/cookouts or holiday parties at the homes of members, eating out at a local restaurant, visiting area attractions such as the Esse Purse Museum, attending Murry’s Dinner Theater, and the ever-popular annual Bingo Night with lots of game prizes!
LBWC also provides flowers for the FLC altar/worship services on Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, in honor and loving memory of all mothers and fathers. Typical fundraisers include our Annual Cookie Walk on the 2nd Sunday in December, proceeds from recycling of aluminum cans, Tastefully Simple sales, special hosted meals such as a Sunday brunch, and a raffle of hand-made items (jewelry, quilt, etc.). We recently refurbished the church’s altar communion kneeling cushions. LBWC also makes memorial donations to FLC upon the death of members or a family member.
Officers of the LBWC serve two-year terms. Currently serving as LBWC leaders are Janice Jackson, President; Frances Bacic, Vice President; Vicki McFadden, Secretary; and Dorothy Fulton, Treasurer.
The LBWC invites all women of the congregation, their spouses, friends, and guests to join us!!