Almost 30 years ago, a women’s Bible study came to fruition through the work of local faith leaders. In less than two weeks, the group will celebrate its 30^th year and continues its ministry as an outreach to all women in the community.

In 1985, retired U.S. Navy chaplain and then pastor of First Baptist Church Rev. JC McKee decided to start a nondenominational Bible study for men at the Holiday Inn in Washington. At that time, he asked a faithful Baptist woman, Fran Stephenson, to start one for women. The studies were intended to welcome anyone in the community.

“Perhaps it was his background working with a great diversity of people in the military, but whatever his motivation, Rev. McKee had a passion for reaching out to people beyond the Baptist church,” said Lorre Bowen, a member of First United Methodist Church and the women’s Bible study group. “He didn’t want what they taught to be confined to the walls of the Baptist church.”

Stephenson then received training as a precepts teacher through the aid of a friend and renowned Bible teacher, Barbara Perry of Kinston, who also gave Stephenson support and guidance to undertake the ministry, according to Bowen.

Since its inception, the women’s Bible study has been housed in First Baptist Church, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, First Christian Church, First Presbyterian Church and now First United Methodist, and has grown not only in attendance, but also in terms of outreach.

Bowen said the 30^th anniversary meeting on Sept. 16 at 9:30 a.m. will feature special music and a historical presentation by Stephenson and Mary Howard Blount, another founding member of the group. The presentation will include original materials that were used during the first meetings.

This fall, the ministry is offering a study of the Gospel of Luke and a study of Christian author Sheila Walsh’s book “The Storm Inside” on Wednesday mornings, as well as a study of Christian author Priscilla Shirer’s book, “One in a Million” on Wednesday evenings at First United Methodist. There will also be a study of the Book of Psalms offered on Thursday mornings at Chocowinity United Methodist Church. A nursery will be provided for the Wednesday morning classes, according to Bowen.

Today, the group uses materials to accompany the study, including video teachings, books by Christian authors that offer analysis of Bible teachings and a variety of other materials, according to group member Carol Jones.

“As the years have gone by, we are using a more modern and diverse approach (to Bible study),” Jones said. “It’s a very deep study (of the Bible).”

In addition to weekly Bible studies, the group also hosts luncheons twice each year — one in fall and one in spring — and gives back to the local community, Jones said. On Nov. 4, for the fall luncheon, the group will host Anna Smith of Restore One, a ministry that aids victims of human trafficking. The group will host a pocketbook sale and donate proceeds to Restore One.

“It’s not that we just come together and have a good time and worship the Lord,” Jones said. “We give back. We pick out a charity or cause. It’s not just about us and our gain from our experiences.”

Jones said she sees the Bible study group as a spiritual support group that aids in refocusing participants’ spiritual lives.

“I just feel like God’s word is the truth, and we just need to spiritually saturate ourselves in the truth, especially in the world we live in today,” Jones said. “It’s not just about spiritual knowledge but bringing that spirit to your ear and making God’s word living and spreading it to others in the community and reaching out to those in need.”

Bowen said the group is a form of evangelism that welcomes all women in the community, encouraging participation that transcends denominational, socioeconomic, cultural and ethnic differences.

“The good news of our Lord Jesus Christ and the opportunity to study God’s Holy Word is for everyone,” Bowen said. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to have fellowship with other Christians and encourage people who are new in their faith to know what it means to have a relationship with Jesus Christ. It helps me to transform and renew my mind in God’s will and what he would have us doing.”

First United Methodist Church is located at 304 W. Second St. in Washington. For more information about the women’s Bible study group, call the church at 252-946-3311.