Group Q - Women in Action
by Irene Hofmann

Many years ago, back in 1982, a group of women were searching for a group within our church that was geared toward their age group, mostly younger mothers and singles.  Doris Porter began the group as the first president, with Helen Finch as the treasurer and Jean Gottschalk as the entertainment chair. 

In the beginning, the group was interested only in getting together for social activities and for fellowship with each other.  About 8-12 women met in each others homes, and enjoyed activities, such as going to a show or out to dinner, etc.  The group began to grow, but the purpose remained as a social activity.

After a few years, Etta Williams became leader, and older women also joined.  Etta was active in American Baptist Women's activities, and the group became more involved and more "mission-oriented".  At the time, there were many women's groups within the "Women's Society" of the church, with "Q" being the last one formed.  After Etta's leadership for many years, she felt it was time to step down, and Irene Hofmann became the new leader to the present.  Under her leadership, the group has grown to an average membership of over 20 women of all ages.

Many different events have been enjoyed over the years, including pot luck suppers, picnics and cookouts, theme night meetings, craft workshops, assembling of kits for Church World Service and attending plays, museums and other local events.  As the years went by, many of the older groups within Women's Society were dissolved and as of the present time, there are only two left, Group Q and Group Y.

Group Q has been instrumental over the past few years in sponsoring many outreach projects, both locally and in other communities.  For several years, an "Angel Tree" project was promoted during the Christmas season, to benefit the children of prisoners at the Billerica Prison, and also families from the Tri-city Homeless Task Force were adopted and given gifts.  Two years ago, an "Advent Angels" program was introduced, giving members and friends an opportunity to help abused women and their children in the Response, Inc. shelters.  All of these recipients have been so truly touched and appreciative of the generosity of those at First Baptist Church.

So today the purpose of Group Q has changed quite a bit since the beginning.  Not only do the women enjoy good times together socially, but they feel the need to spread the gospel by reaching out to the many others in our country and around the world who are in such great need. 

Each Mother's Day and Father's Day, members and friends are invited to give $5.00 gifts in memory or honor of loved ones, which helps Church World Service provide blankets and tools to those in need.  This has been an ongoing  project of Group Q for many years, and is very successful.

The love and friendships formed within Group Q continue to play a large part in the workings of American Baptist Women.  All women are always welcome to join and become more involved in church work and support each other throughout times of both trial and happiness.  We are indeed "Women in Action" here at First Baptist Church.
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Irene Hofmann was President of Group Q.  A resident of  Quail Run, Tewksbury, MA.,  Irene is an accomplished musician and mother of three grown sons.  Currently, Irene sits as a member of the Board of Trustees of First Baptist Church Malden and a soloist of the Church Sanctuary choir.