Comments on: Secret Sister Programs: Challenges, Solutions, and Alternatives

By: Cyndee Ownbey

Cyndee Ownbey — Mon, 01 Jan 2024 14:31:05 +0000

In reply to Kylie. What a great alternative! Thanks so much for sharing! :)

By: Kylie

Kylie — Wed, 27 Dec 2023 21:47:22 +0000

I’ve been looking for an alternative to secret sister, because of many of the issues you pointed out!
This year we’re going to try something different. Each month we will have 2 “spotlight ladies” (still working on the name). In our group chat each month I’ll post 2 ladies and some information about them. A few favorite things, prayer requests, etc… , and everyone is encouraged to reach out and build relationships with them that month. Leave a card or a small gift if they feel led to. But focus on praying for them and getting to know them.
My hope is it will cultivate relationships between women, when someone can’t financially buy a gift it’s okay because no one feels left out. As new ladies come in or someone moves we can easily add and subtract.

By: Cyndee Ownbey

Cyndee Ownbey — Thu, 14 Sep 2023 00:27:45 +0000

In reply to Diann Morris. Diann, please, please take it to the Lord in prayer. Perhaps He'll lead you to make some small changes such as I mentioned above. As I said, it's not a bad program, but it may not serve the purpose of your women's ministry as well as it could. Praying you'll follow the Lord's leading and that He'll make clear your next steps. <3

By: Diann Morris

Diann Morris — Wed, 13 Sep 2023 19:14:18 +0000

After the WMU disbanded several years ago, it seemed that we had nothing in our church for the women in our church. We have a great children’s ministry and a pretty good youth ministry, but really nothing for the adults.
I started a Secret Sister’s group about 4 years ago. We have had some ups and downs and I have wondered if people were really interested or not. I do a great deal of work preparing for the meeting and spend my own money for prizes and refreshments.
However, after reading your post which basically says that the Secret Sister’s group is not a good thing, I believe that I will stop it at the end of this year’s time. However, there is nothing else in our church to take up the slack and I am not going to start anything else.