Ladies Love at First Baptist Church of Palmetto celebrates 25 years

MANATEE -- Sam Szulerecki collected china and traveled to research the best high tea events with her sister in anticipation of her 25th anniversary. She wanted the occasion recognized with grace, fellowship and fun. And she was successful in making sure everything was just right for Tuesday's celebration at il Villaggio Homes, an evangelical Christian retirement community, when her Ladies of Love Sunday School class gathered to mark 25 years of studying the Bible together.

Szulerecki brought the china and dishes she collected with her sister to furnish the celebration. To prepare, the pair visited Britain, the birthplace of high tea, a small meal eaten with tea in the late afternoon or early evening, and then traveled the United States to see how it's done in different regions of the country.

"It's just a fun thing to do and it's a lady thing to do," Szulerecki said.

Ladies Love teacher Sandra Hamilton said Szulerecki and class member Ruthie Hausman came up with the idea and volunteered to put it together. The two spent Monday carefully crafting scones paired at the tea with clotted cream and lemon curd, small cucumber sandwiches and desserts.

The Ladies Love class at First Baptist Church of Palmetto offers an opportunity for women of faith study the scripture and share life experiences.

The oldest member of the class is 100 and the youngest is 49. Some are married and some are widowed but most are single.

Hamilton said average attendance Sunday mornings is 15 to 20 women.

"God gets the glory for the time we spend together in the class," Hamilton said. "It's the faithfulness in the ladies. They're faithful in helping each other and praying for each other."

She started teaching the class in 2009, and Hausman said Hamilton's teaching style makes her enjoy class and return each week. Hausman visited several classes before choosing Ladies Love.

"I just loved Sandra's teaching," Hausman said. "We study scripture verse by verse instead of picking a topic and using scripture to support it."

Topical classes work for some people, she said, but Hamilton's style fits her spiritual journey best.

"And I love all of the ladies," Hausman said. "I have learned so much from them."

Judy Oakley has attended the class since it began in 1990 because it offers a refreshing option for women.

"I used to be in a couple's class," Oakley said. "We always used to defer to our husbands because we're from the old school."

When another woman in the church suggested forming a woman's class, Oakley jumped at the chance to join.

"I felt like we contributed more and we weren't inhibited by our hubbies," Oakley said as ladies around the room giggled and teacups clinked against saucers. "The class has helped me grow and mature. It's about the fellowship and love we share for one another."

Janelle O'Dea, business reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7095 or follow her on Twitter@jayohday.

This story was originally published October 15, 2015 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Ladies Love at First Baptist Church of Palmetto celebrates 25 years ."