If one of your New Year’s resolutions this year as a woman is to connect with other women in the community, make new friends and add just a little more fun to your life then Manteca’s Place of Refuge church has just what you need. 
Whether you attend the church or not makes no difference as all women in the community are invited to participate in the exciting monthly activities that allow ladies to bond, laugh and just enjoy being together.
 Because members of the women’s ministry at Place of Refuge fully understand a woman’s busy work, home, single or family-life schedule along with their deep need and desire to connect with other women in the midst of it all, they have developed fun, interactive, inspiring and social activities for ladies to enjoy together once a month throughout the coming year.
 Long time church office administrator and women’s event coordinator and participate JoAnne Lund says, “We wanted to offer something once a month as a way for women to really connect with each other.”

Paint night Friday
 The 2016 women’s calendar of events kicks off Friday, Jan. 15, with the interactive activity, Paint Night, which if you’ve never gone to one, is a woman’s creative, social dream.  It’s time to get away from the daily routine, meet new people, enjoy good conversation, and share food while learning step by step how to create a masterpiece of artwork starting with a blank canvas.  The best part is that no prior painting or artistic talent is required.   All that is really needed is the desire to get to know other women and a willingness to have fun. 
The cost for this first event is $30 per ticket which is half the cost of a typical paint night elsewhere and includes the canvas, paint, use of all supplies, instructions by master artists Paula Vershay and Shirley Brocchini, along with finger foods and drinks.
 Place of Refuge makes every effort to accommodate busy schedules and tight budgets by keeping event costs down so that more women are able participate. 
 
This year’s ladies event calendar includes:
 
Jan. 15: Paint Night
Feb. 19: Movie Night “War Room”
March 4-5: Sweet Life Conference (The House, Modesto)
April 15:  Organizing from the Inside Out
May 7:  Mother’s Day Tea & Boutique
June 17: Bunco Night
July 15: To be announced
Aug. 19: Bowling Night – Strike Zone, Manteca
Sept. 16: Craft Night with Paula Vershay-Perdriel
Oct. 21:  Pictionary Game Night
Nov. 12: Annual Holiday Tea 9:30 a.m.
Dec. 16:  PJ’s, Popcorn & Picture (Movie Night)
All of the women’s monthly events (except the Holiday Tea) are held at 6:30 p.m. at Place of Refuge unless otherwise specified.  They often require signing up in advance.  If this is the year you want to branch out and make new friends and try new things let Place of Refuge get you started.
 For more information about women’s events or Place of Refuge Church contact JoAnne Lund at JLund@PlaceOfRefuge.com  or call the office at (209) 239.1371.