By Tricia Springer
It’s a Saturday morning, and a group of women is meeting at First Plymouth for tuna sandwiches, fruit salad, and excellent chocolate chip cookies. I sit with Noelle Cochran, Deb Strawser, Lee Probasco, and Marilyn Miller. What brings these women to the luncheon?
“Every time I come to one of these, I get to know someone better.” Deb says.
Marilyn says, “It’s just an easy and enjoyable way to meet other women.”
“If you’re looking to make friends, five minutes after worship in Plymouth Hall just doesn’t do it. You can make real connections at Women’s Luncheon,” says Lee.
Lee Probasco knew that First Plymouth women enjoyed time together to deepen relationships. She had attended the annual Women’s Retreat several times and thought, “This is ridiculous. We get together once a year and connect and open up, share laughs and tears, and that’s it until next year!” She wondered, why be limited to once a year? A monthly lunch could be just the ticket. So, Lee made it happen.
The Women’s Luncheon first appeared on the church calendar in January 2023. Held on the 3rd Saturday of each month in the Commons Room, it’s a gathering of 30-40 women who enjoy a simple catered lunch while getting acquainted and enjoying a short presentation.
My table mates remember some of the standout presentations. One was a panel of doctors, nurses, and social workers from our community who talked about their experiences in health care. There was enthusiastic discussion after the presentation, particularly regarding aging and late-life issues.
Another presentation featured people associated with the Iliff School of Theology who spoke firsthand about LGBTQ issues. Questions were encouraged, and many women said they came away with a new perspective about this community.
Noelle says, “There was a presentation about libraries. The woman who spoke told us about the services you can get through the library. It’s more than books and magazines and movies. You can buy discounted tickets to the Botanic Gardens and museums and read papers like the New York Times without having to buy a subscription.”
There isn’t always a presentation, but rather an activity designed to encourage conversation. The day I attend, there are questions provided that act as mixers and ice breakers. The answers can be serious and deep, or short and funny. In my group a woman shares about her spiritual journey that took her through both eastern philosophy and divinity school. These “wow that’s fascinating” moments, for me, are what Women’s Luncheon is all about.
“These friendships are important. I always feel that if something happened to me, I know my church friends would help my family. It’s like having a different kind of insurance policy, having this group of people that you trust and that you know would be there for you,” says Noelle.
Deb says, “When I first came to the Women’s Luncheon, Lee encouraged us to sit with people we didn’t know. I hadn’t met Noelle until today. Sitting with people you don’t know, that’s the key.”
Lee says, “We need connectivity. I think people need to know they have a friend if they need one.”
So, if you seek friendship, connections, or just good cookies, you are welcome at the Women’s Luncheon!
Details can be found in the weekly church emails.
