Close-knit still: Fifteen years later, Renew group continues to meet in Greenville

By MAUREEN MCGUINNESS- | Comments: 0 | Leave a comment

Since 1983, a group of women from St. John the Baptist parish in Greenville has been meeting on a regular basis to discuss Scripture, perform service and pray together.

The 12 are part of a Renew group that continued to meet after the first three-year Renew program ended in the Albany Diocese in the mid-1980s. Seven members are original; the others have joined over the years.

The women say they have learned about Scripture, the Church, prayer and each other at their monthly meetings. Through the different perspectives each woman brings to the group, members are able to learn from each other.

Living faith

"The way to know Jesus is to hear it from another person," said Suzanne McHugh. "Whether from teachers, priests or our fellow man, the word of God is the living word."

Some members credit the group for helping them to become more assertive; others say it has helped them overcome their fears of speaking in public; and still others find the group helps them handle the problems life puts in their way.

"We tell each other things we can't tell others," said Bunny McMurry. Said Marilyn Mahoney, "We respect confidences. We feel free to share what's on our mind. It helps to talk."

Supportive

Mrs. McHugh said that when she had triple bypass surgery, the Renew group was there for her. "The support and love was absolutely overwhelming," she said. "There were prayers and visits to the hospital. It's a wonderful support group."

Harriet Gumport, who is credited by many members for keeping them together, said, "When my husband had a heart attack and surgery, this group brought us through."

Besides praying together at each monthly meeting, the women have a prayer chain that is activated whenever a member is in need of prayers. Group members also remember each other during daily prayers.

"When I pray, I pray for my Renew sisters and their families," said Marie Duryea. "They are my family; it's a close bond."

The idea that the Renew group is a family is shared by many of the members. When speaking about what the group means to her, Mrs. McHugh said, "It's sisterhood, support, love and unity. We're unified in Christ."

Scripture study

Studying Scripture is important to the Renew women. Many of them shared stories of not being allowed or encouraged to read the Bible in years past.

"I started school in 1943 and had two years of college by 1958," said Mrs. McHugh. "In all of that time, I remember only one Bible story book."

Mrs. Gumport was discouraged from Scripture study when she was a newlywed. "When we lived in Schoharie, we decided to have a Cana group to do Bible study," she said. "It was other young couples. Our pastor heard of our meeting. He sent us a letter to cease and desist or risk excommunication. So we turned it into a square dancing group instead. That shows how far we've come."

Concern for others

The members of the group extend their action into the community through a myriad of service projects.

Each year at Christmas, for example, one member finds a family in need and the group provides them with Christmas gifts. Members contribute money and a few go shopping for the presents. The group then gathers for a covered dish party where the gifts are wrapped and the group celebrates the holiday.

They have also sponsored two children from the Christian Foundation for Children and Aging. Each month, members also bring their pennies to the meeting and give them to the Columbiettes. Each request for money is done discretely. Envelopes are left out during meetings and members can contribute what they are able to.

"We've tried to keep everything loose so people don't feel compelled," Mrs. Gumport said. "Anyone who can does; anyone who can't doesn't."

Besides taking on service projects, the women have been active in social justice issues. They have written letters and participated in boycotts of products and television programs.

Special meaning

Each woman has found something unique in the group.

"I didn't know anyone when I joined," said Mary Moynihan. "I enjoy the friendship and the meetings. I got to know them when I was new here. I enjoy the discussions and listening."

Mrs. Mahoney said of the group, "Everybody's important. You need the group. It gives you a spiritual and mental lift."

Christina McDonald enjoys "the friendship and the serious interpretation of the Bible. It's made it more understandable. And I enjoy the companionship."

More to come

When Renew 2000 starts, each of the members of the Greenville group will join a new Renew group, but they will continue their monthly meetings. The women hope that this will enrich their monthly meeting.

"With each of us going to a different group, we'll bring new ideas back," said Mrs. Duryea.

"If small Renew groups could remain [after Renew 2000 is over], just think of what could be done," she added. "It would be such a special blessing. We've had a wonderful 15 years."

(09-17-98) [[In-content Ad]]