We really want to focus on fellowship this year. We have 12 or 13 speakers, but a lot of our programs will be digging deeper into the community and getting to know each other better," said Madison Petersheim, a member of the planning team for Neighbors, a Christian women's fellowship group that meets at Conestoga Mennonite Church, 2779 Main St., Morgantown.

Petersheim, who is on the planning team along with Rachel Mast and Rebecca Beam, announced that the club will meet at the church every Tuesday from Sept. 10 through May 13, 2025, with the exception of Dec. 24 and Jan. 31, after meeting every other week last year. The meeting time has also been changed to a later time of 9:30 to 11 a.m. to accommodate women who drop off their children at school.

For the opening meeting, which will mark the group's 38th year, a welcome back brunch will be featured. "We will get together and eat and catch up on our summers. We will have a fun activity planned and get to know anyone that is new," said Petersheim.

Each Neighbors meeting includes refreshments, prayer time and a program; child care is provided. "Every meeting will start with coffee and prayer, and this year we will have speakers, activities and other things planned," Petersheim said. "All child care is free. We have paid child care workers that come in every week."

When a craft is the focus of the meeting, registration is required, and a nominal fee is charged to cover the cost of supplies.

New activities this year will be a Game Morning on Nov. 26 when attendees will be invited to bring a card or board game. There will also be new speakers, including Conestoga Mennonite Church pastor Jeremiah Martin. "On Sept. 17, we are having the pastor of the church come in. He is new to the group," noted Petersheim. "Bob and Cindy Petersheim will do a Q and A on marriage on Feb. 4, 2025. Everyone knows them, but they have never come in before."

The group also takes part in community service projects. On Jan 21, 2025, the ladies will knot comforters for the Mennonite Central Committee. The blankets will be distributed worldwide to people in need. On March 25, 2025, members will take part in a service day with Anchored Ministries, an Elverson-based charity.

The popular "My Favorite Things" meeting will be on March 18, 2025, and attendees may bring three different things valued under $5 each to share with the other members. Past items that members shared were baked goods, books and plants.

Women who attend the meetings come from the Morgantown, Honey Brook and Elverson areas, while others travel from towns in Lancaster County, including New Holland and Ephrata.

"It ranges from 15 to 20 (attendees). Our biggest morning is 25," Petersheim said. "We would like to see (additional members). This year, it's all about fellowship."

For more information about Neighbors, call the church office at 610-286-9124 or visit www.conestogamennonitechurch.org/ministries and look for "Neighbors." The webpage offers a link to join the Neighbors Facebook group.