Women Supporting Women in Norwalk

Women Supporting Women in Norwalk

by Robert Mitchell

The women of the Norwalk, Ohio, Salvation Army spent a recent fall day apple picking and going to lunch together. Many of them, who are older and don’t get to socialize regularly, commented on how much they enjoyed themselves being a part of the women’s ministry event.

“It’s a good source for fellowship for some of the ladies who might not have another outlet for fellowship otherwise,” said Captain Heather Purvis, the corps officer in Norwalk. “Some of them even say women’s ministry is their favorite part of the week. They look forward to spending time with each other. They lift each other up corporately.”

The women’s ministry meets every Thursday at 1 p.m., and the group of about 10 women engage in prayer, sharing, and a devotion at the corps an hour west of Cleveland. They also plan events like the apple orchard trip, crafts, painting, cookie decorating, and even a harvest party.

Serving the community

The women will help pack gifts for Christmas distribution next month and write out cards for nursing home residents. And they will participate in The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program.

“Service to others is something they’ve strived to do,” Purvis said.

The women organize events around various holidays, Purvis added, including St. Patrick’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Resurrection Sunday, July Fourth, and Thanksgiving.

Linda Norman, who started helping in the church kitchen in 2011 before being invited to the women’s ministry events, hosts a tea party every year in the late summer featuring a variety of food and fellowship. Norman has been a regular at the women’s ministry events in between raising her five children.

“I needed acceptance, and I found it there,” Norman said. “I enjoy fellowshipping with the women. We get along very well. When we talk with each other, you know you’re talking to a friend.”

Imparting spiritual knowledge

“It’s taught me that everybody has their own crosses to bear,” Norman said. “Some of them have really rough lives and some of us don’t, but we’re all still God’s children and all still want to be loved by our fellow women. We support each other.”

Purvis and her husband, Captain Derrick Purvis, have been in Norwalk since July, and she is starting to build relationships for deeper spiritual connection.

“If there is a lady needing some spiritual guidance, I am able to meet with them one-on-one,” she said. “The ladies actually do a really good job at uplifting each other and being that spiritual support as well. That’s nice because then it all doesn’t fall on me.

“That’s what the body of Christ is supposed to be—all of us working together.”