CULLMAN, Ala. – Cultivate is a new women’s outreach initiative that will hold its first monthly gathering at the Christ Covenant Presbyterian Church Youth House at 1310 St. Joseph Dr. NW on Thursday, March 26, at 11:30 a.m. The group is open to women of all ages and will feature rotating topics designed to encourage fellowship, personal growth and faith-centered learning.
Organizer Lisa Jones said the idea for Cultivate grew out of a preparedness presentation she previously shared with local groups, including a women’s business organization and a library program. After being asked to present at her church, Jones said, the concept expanded into something more intentional.
“As I began thinking on this, my thoughts expanded to the verses in Titus 2 that instruct older women to teach the younger women,” she said.
Jones said her upbringing played a significant role in shaping the vision for the group. She recalled learning a range of homemaking and self-sufficiency skills from her grandmother, including sewing and cooking, as well as growing food.
“Many of the homemaking skills that I learned growing up are not being taught or practiced. But in my conversations with younger women, many have said they have a desire to learn,” she shared.
That interest led Jones to consider a monthly gathering where women could come together to share knowledge and explore common interests. Future topics may include gardening, food preparation, natural health, self-defense and other hands-on learning opportunities.
The first session will focus on family and emergency preparedness, a topic Jones described as both timely and practical.
“Preparedness is not something that needs to be approached in a spirit of fear, but in a very practical manner,” she said. “It means that in times of turmoil, you are able to help those around you and care for your family.”
The initiative is also rooted in encouraging women to find value and purpose beyond societal expectations of success.
“I want to refocus women on God’s design and call for us,” said Jones. “I don’t want any woman to feel ‘less than’ because they aren’t pursuing success by the world’s standards.”
While still in its early stages, Cultivate has already drawn support from other women in the community who have joined in planning future gatherings. Each session will include an introduction activity, a presentation and time for questions and discussion. Attendees are encouraged to bring a friend and, if needed, lunch to enjoy during the meeting.
For additional details, contact Jones at lisa@ljonesphotography.com. To sign up, visit www.ljonesphotography.com/form/cultivate.
