Women Only - Studies, Gatherings & Opportunities
*Join the Women of Grace Mills River Facebook group to see updates and view pictures of events. It’s a great way to stay connected.
[Monthly]
Women’s Breakfast - Mary Dean Beland -
- Description: Join other Grace ladies once a month for breakfast and fellowship. This is a great opportunity to get to know some other women who attend GMR? Catch up with old friends and make new ones.
- When: 3rd Friday of each month
- Where: Cracker Barrel, 344 Rockwood Road, Arden, NC 28704
- RSVP: None needed. Just show up.
[Twice per Month]
Mom Date with Kids - Emily Petrilla -
- Description: Come spend time with other moms while kids play. We will meet twice a month and the location will change between the children’s rooms and playground at Grace Mills River, a private home or a nearby park! Grab your morning coffee and join us! Children are still under the care and supervision of their mom while at the event. But, if you want to leave the kids at home and come hangout with other moms you can! Moms with kids of all ages are welcome.
- When: Every other Wednesday, starting January 10th, 9am-11am.
- Where: Varies. See above.
- RSVP: GraceMillsRiver.churchcenter.com/groups/discipleship
[Monday]
Ladies Bible Read - Elenore Beach -
- Description: Join a group of gospel-loving women who love to read through Scripture together. We meet together the first and third Monday mornings of the month to discuss the questions and insights we are gleaning from our readings. Currently, we read through portions of the old and new testaments and engage in laid back but profound discussion.
- When: 1st & 3rd Mondays from 10:30AM - 12PM
- Where: Online via Zoom
- Who: New ladies are always welcome.
- Register: Email Elenore Beach.
- Who: New ladies are always welcome
[Tuesday]
Women’s Tuesday Evening Bible Study - Lee Anne Canter -
- Description: Join us as we study chapters 9 - 16 of Luke using the At His Feet Bible Study, Luke: Part Two. Let's slow down and lean in toward what Jesus might have for us as we take time to dive deep into His word together. We will take 14 weeks to study, discuss, encourage, and pray with one another. My hope and prayer is that we would be strengthened by the Spirit and know the love of Christ anew! *Please purchase study prior to starting. Newcomers welcome!
- When: Tuesday evenings, 6:30PM - 8:30PM, beginning January 30 - April 30
- Where: Lee Anne’s House, Mills River *Directions will be emailed to those that sign up
- Register:*Space is Limited to 14.
GraceMillsRiver.churchcenter.com/groups/discipleship
[Thursday]
New! Thursday Women's Community Bible Study, Begins April 25
- Description: Ladies! You are invited to join the Women's Community Bible Study Thursdays at 9:30am in Room 303. The new study will be "The Gospel of Mark" by Lisa Harper.
- When: Thursdays at 9:30am
- Where: Education Building - Room 303
- Register: Please contact Melanie Wilkins at for more details.
[Women's Only Events]
Women’s Gatherings - Rebecca Parker -
- Description: Let’s gather for an evening out. Come to enjoy some food, drink and fellowship at the end of the week. This is a great opportunity to get to know some other women who attend GMR? Catch up with old friends and make new ones. Join other women that attend Grace for an evening out.
- When: Check back soon for our next planned gathering!
- RSVP: None needed. Just show up.
Women’s Hikes
- Description: Enjoy getting out into nature, some exercise and conversation with other Grace ladies. A few hikes are being planned for the upcoming months. *Join the Women of Grace Mills River Facebook group for updates on hiking details related to weather and other immediate details.
- April 20 - Katie Fuller - katiesfuller@gmailcom & Leigh Ann Conner -
- Sam Knob and Flat Laurel Creek Loop, 4 miles, 807 ft elevation gain, moderately challenging.
- Meet at GMR parking lot at 9am to carpool to the trailhead at the end of Black Balsam Road. Bring a packed lunch to enjoy on Sam Knob Summit.
- Where: Various Locations. See Above.
- RSVP: To the email addresses above.
Let's Connect on Facebook!
Our Women of Grace Facebook Group is a great opportunity to informally connect with one another throughout the week.
This group was created for the women of Grace Mills River to share information with one another related to our congregational life. This is not a communication avenue to raise funds, promote business, or share complaints or concerns about a ministry or event. Posts of that nature will be deleted. Let’s encourage one another and develop our relationships using this tool. Posts should fit into one of the following categories:
1. Words of encouragement
2. Prayer requests
3. Women helping women
4. Advertise GMR events
5. No posts that are for personal or business profit will be permitted.
Women's Leadership Team
The Women's Leadership Team of Grace Mills River exists to complement Session in connecting women of Grace as they grow in the gospel of grace.
WLT Mission
The mission of our WLT consists of the following:
- To encourage women in the use of individual gifts for the church body.
- To bridge communication between women of the church, Session and Grace ministries.
- To be a resource for women as they seek out ministry, education and discipleship opportunities.
- To foster connections between all women of the church through education, fellowship and intergenerational relationships.
- To complement Session in serving the women of Grace Mills River.
WLT Values
We hold to the Grace values of being Biblical, Creative, Dependent, Honest, Hopeful, Generous, Grateful, and Interdependent.
Meet the Women's Leadership Team
Rebecca Parker
E-Mail:
Wife of 40 years to David (an amazing guy) , mother of 4 grown children and grandmother of 4 adorable boys and 1 precious girl. I enjoy when my family comes home to the mountains of NC. With my husband’s recent retirement I enjoy working on projects around my home. My favorite thing to do is volunteer, "I love being behind the scenes and helping wherever I can." I've said many times how I would love to be a professional volunteer, funny how that seems to play out in my life. Most of all I know that Papa God loves me!!!
Leigh Verm
E-Mail:
I grew up Methodist in Canton, Georgia; married a Baptist from Houston, Texas; and have been raising our family in the Presbyterian tradition here in Asheville. I value the many traditions of our Christian faith and find that diversity within the unity of Christ is awe-inspiring. I have worshiped and prayed with brothers and sisters in Christ from Lesotho in Africa to Honduras in Central America. My husband Alan and I met at Davidson College and settled in WNC 18 years ago. I have had the privilege and joy of raising our three children Chase (19), Katherine (18), and Elizabeth (11) as an at-home mom. Bible study is a regular part of my life whether through church, home groups, or Bible Study Fellowship which I’ve participated in for 6 years. It is through these studies that I have come to know God and glimpse the astounding beauty of Jesus’ love for us. Small groups have allowed me to connect with other women and find encouragement through prayer and fellowship. Motherhood reveals my need for Jesus like nothing else. Drawing near to God alongside other Christian women leads me to a more authentic relationship with my Savior.
Jansen Giles
E-Mail:
Carrie Hoyle
Consulting WLT Member
E-Mail:
Christen Stewart
Children's Ministry Director
E-Mail: