Elizabeth Wysor is an active mom to three young girls. Originally from Tampa and a graduate of Appalachian State, Beth now calls Charlotte home. Being part of the Community Bible Study, an interdenominational Bible study, of Gastonia has helped her to make friends for herself and her children and has helped her whole family grow in their faith. Stay tuned for future installments where we will share additional opportunities for families of various faiths.
Q: How did you first learn about the Community Bible Study?
My mom brought me to CBS with her when my first child was five months old. I was really looking for some young moms in the area that I could socialize with since most of my friends had not had children yet. I have been in the New Moms core group for four years now because I have either had a child in the nursery or been pregnant.
Q: What’s a typical class?
The class I’m involved in runs from September through May. We meet every Wednesday from 9:15 a.m.-11:15 a.m.. This year there are about 300 women attending. That large group is divided up into smaller “core” groups of about 10-15 women. Each week you arrive and everyone meets in the sanctuary for about 15 minutes for opening, which is usually praise music or someone’s testimony. After the opening everyone goes to an assigned room with their core group. Each week we are given a section of whatever book we are on (currently we’re on Philippians), to read and answer a few questions within our core group. After about 45 minutes with core group, everyone returns to the sanctuary and we have a leader who gives a 30 minute lecture on the reading/questions.
Q: Do you need to sign up?
Registration is required for this bible study. They hold a few “New Member Classes” throughout the year and give people the option to join later. Early registration is definitely recommended if you have young children because the children’s department fills up very quickly! It is a WONDERFUL program and I am so grateful for all of the children’s teachers that give their time each week to help my children grow up knowing God.
Q: Is there a fee or is it free?
There is a $25 registration fee. There is also a $10 fee per child, with a $20 max fee, per family. They also charge $60 for the commentary books that are used throughout the year for study. There is a scholarship program available if financial assistance is needed. We do not want finances to be a reason to stop someone from attending the study.
Q: Is there are certain quote or phrase from the Bible that speaks to you as a new mom?
As a new, young mom I had a lot of questions for the “Man Upstairs.” I was taken down a path I never thought I’d be on at the age of 23. Marriage and children came way too fast for me. After joining CBS I really started to realize how important it was to sit back and let God do his work in my life. I finally learned that He will not give me anything I cannot handle. I am now blessed with three beautiful girls that I wouldn’t trade anything for. Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”.
Q: What’s your favorite thing to do when you get Me-Time without the kids?
I’m trying to remember the last time I had “Me-Time”… Hmm. I get out of the house and fast, even if it’s just to the closest coffee shop. Sometimes a 10 minute break in the day can do wonders for my sanity. If I have more than 10 minutes – I shop, preferably for myself!
For more information about Community Bible Study, visit: http://www.communitybiblestudy.org/
For information about classes in North Carolina, visit: http://www.communitybiblestudy.org/classes_and_courses.aspx
