Brienna Williams | Over 70 women gathered together Sept. 23 to kick off HPU’s Women to Women ministry. It was a lovely evening of mingling and fellowship at the home of HPU’s president and first lady, Melinda Hines.
Laughter was heard across the house as the women shared refreshments and participated in introductory games.
“Our first meeting was a wonderful success! I’m so thankful for the opportunity to spend time getting to know some our HPU young women,” said Christy Meinecke, co-coordinator of HPU Women to Women.
Howard Payne students had the opportunity to meet many women from the community of Brownwood, as well as each other. There was even an opportunity, for students who desired, to sign up for a mentor. Co-coordinators, Tracey Carrier and Meinecke introduced the ministry and spoke about their hopes and dreams for its future.
“My hope is that each young student that comes to the Women to Women event feels she’s in a place that she can laugh and have fun, to relax and let the cares of the day fade away for a bit…a place she looks forward to returning to because she knows she will be welcomed.”
Hines spoke to the women about the influence of mentor relationships in her life and shared the importance of forming those relationships. The event concluded with an opportunity for Howard Payne students to suggest ideas for future events. There are many exiting things in the future of this new ministry.
HPU Women to Women extends a welcome to all Howard Payne ladies for the next meeting on Oct. 21, at 7 p.m. It will be an evening of enjoying all things fall, snacks and pumpkin painting, and will feature PJ Gramling, director of admissions, as the event speaker.