Grafenwoehr Protestant Women of the Chapel (PWOC) kicked off their fall Bible studies, on Sept. 3 at Netzaberg Chapel.

GRAFENWOEHR, Germany – Grafenwoehr Protestant Women of the Chapel (PWOC) kicked off their fall Bible studies, on Sept. 3 at Netzaberg Chapel. The first congregation put special emphasis on a metaphorical “back to school haircut,” all while practicing COVID-19 mitigation measures.

The event’s concept was inspired by USAG Bavaria students’ return to school, according to PWOC 2nd Vice President-Programs Megan Walker. The program aimed to celebrate this aspect of normalcy.

“PWOC is also returning to ‘school’ — in that we will be doing monthly word studies and memorization much like the students,” said Walker. “My heart for the kickoff program was for women to embrace a love of learning about Jesus, and become more diligent and intentional in their study of Him and the Bible. That’s why we talked about giving ourselves a ‘back to school haircut,’ so that women could trim up wasted time and energy in order to give God their best.”

Following worship, PWOC president Sara Pak announced the year’s theme as “Christ and Him Crucified,” based on 1 Corinthians 2:2. With this year’s theme selected, Pak said, “I believe that God is leading us to know more about what Jesus Christ accomplished on the cross for those who believe, and what the means for our life.”

Each month, PWOC participants will unpack what Christ and Him Crucified means, by focusing on one word a month in conjunction with Scripture memorization, according to event organizers. These words vary from sanctification to propitiation to justification.

While adjusting to the COVID-19 mitigation requirements, PWOC largely gave attendees high hopes for the future.

“Everyone was so happy to be together again in some capacity,” said PWOC Bible study facilitator Renee Hunter. “New ladies were thrilled to get connected and are looking forward to fellowship and Bible study.”

With fall Bible studies in gear, PWOC event organizers encourage women to attend chapel every Thursday at 9:30 a.m. The next Program Day — where attendees will gather for religious education — is scheduled for Oct. 22. And the last meeting for PWOC will be on Dec. 17.

For those who want to participate virtually, or register for the free program, visit the PWOC Grafenwoehr Facebook page.

Editor’s Note: Jamie Crawford is also a PWOC participant.