First Presbyterian Church of Vicksburg’s Presbyterian Women hosted a potluck salad luncheon for the group Tuesday, celebrating the start of the fall season and the return to ladies’ Bible study groups after summer break.

The fellowship hall of First Presbyterian Church was decorated with bright pinks and greens and a flower-themed balloon display created by Debbie Haworth of Big Fun Balloons by Debbie. Members attending brought their choice of salad.

“We just gather, everyone brings a salad or dessert to share,” Haworth said. “I’d say we had about 29 or 30 ladies attend.” 

As part of the Worship Committee, Haworth, Stacy Teller and Tammy Boolos decorated for the event with fresh flowers and the balloon arrangement.

Jenny Bottemiller, moderator of Presbyterian Women, said the events are easy and fun for those involved.

“The salad luncheon . . . is nothing that has to be heated up in the oven. It could be tuna salad, potato salad, chicken salad, vegetable salad. We had a really big bowl of fruit.” 

Dessert was provided by the coordinating team of the Presbyterian Women.

“We like to have a ‘Welcome Back to the Circle Year’ luncheon. We’ve been doing it for decades,” she said. 

A “circle” is a small group of women who meet regularly for Biblical study and fellowship, said Bottemiller.

“We have three really active circles, and a fourth that meets when they can,” Bottemiller added.

As with many organizations, the women are re-grouping after the isolating effects of Covid. 

“Since the pandemic, we’re just kind of getting our mojo back. We’re still hanging on. We had the feeling, ‘what’s going to happen?’ (after the pandemic), but we’re still hanging on. We lost a lot of our momentum because we weren’t meeting in person. Now, we’re getting back to it,” Bottemiller said.

“I’d say each circle has about 12-15 women in it. One circle meets on the second Tuesday of every month at 9:45 (a.m.).” 

Other circles meet on Monday mornings and Thursday afternoons, according to Bottemiller.

“You can join any or all of them,” she said. “We (each group) pick our own Bible study. We tend to use a lot of the Warren Weirsbe Bible study books. He does a study for every book of the Bible. My circle goes back and forth between the Old and New Testaments.”

Bottemiller explained, “Each circle has a circle leader and Bible teachers. We have light refreshments at each circle. We socialize . . . talk about Presbyterian Women business that may be coming up, then go into the Bible lesson.”

The Presbyterian Women’s group isn’t just about luncheons and Bible studies. They are active in the community, providing help to the Salvation Army and Meals on Wheels. The Christmas Angel Tree program is a favorite, and members collaborate to purchase toys and gifts for disadvantaged children.

“We collect coats and sweaters for (Vicksburg) Family Development and we do things for the Food Pantry. We don’t just do internal things for the church; we do community things, also,” Bottemiller said.

Anyone who is interested in attending a circle meeting or the Presbyterian Women’s group should contact First Presbyterian Church of Vicksburg. Church membership is not required. 

“Tell them you’re interested in joining a circle,” said Bottemiller.  “I’ll help anybody that needs help to find a circle.”