Stonecroft Ministries started humbly. Helen Duff Baugh lived in San Jose in 1938 and was married to a banker. One day her husband told her about an employee who was struggling with her life because of the recent loss of her mother.

They decided to invite her and some other women from the bank to a dinner at which Helen "talked about heaven and how to get there." At the end of the evening, several of the women asked if they could get together again the next week and continue their discussion. That was the beginning of Stonecroft Ministries Outreach Meetings, where women now meet together in 67 countries around the world to hear the good news of the Gospel in a clear and appealing way.

The local affiliate of this organization is South County Women's Connection, which sponsors brunches, luncheons and dinners approximately five times each year. There are no dues or other membership requirements to belong.

Local women are invited to an event on Tuesday, Sept. 9, from 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Coyote Creek Golf Club in Morgan Hill. All women in the South Santa Clara County area (from Gilroy to South San Jose) are invited to attend. This program will include:

- A delicious luncheon buffet;

- A presentation by Danielle Fiegel, owner of Massage Envy in Morgan Hill, who will explain how regular massage therapy enhances overall health;

- And a brief inspirational talk by Barbara Hart, a local entrepreneur, who will explain how she has "found perfect security."

The cost to attend is $21. Reservations must be made immediately by calling Holly at (408) 778-0146 or e-mailing scwomensconnection@yahoo.com.

Another lunch event will be held at Coyote Creek Golf Club, a Home-based Business Fair, on Nov. 11 from 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. Women can network with other entrepreneurs and publicize their businesses to women in their community.

On Sept. 27 Stonecroft is presenting an Intentional Connections Workshop giving women a chance to explore what it means to connect with God, each other and the community, as well as show participants some of the resources available for doing this. The free workshop will be held from 9 a.m. to noon at 20 Great Oaks Blvd., No. 100, San Jose. For more information or to make reservations, call (408) 472-1234 or e-mail teresajsharp@yahoo.com.

South County Women's Connection also holds monthly sessions to pray for the community. Any woman is welcome to join them Oct. 7, Nov. 4 or Dec. 2 at E-ternal Treasure Book Store, 433 Vineyard Town Center Way, Morgan Hill, from 8:45 to 10 a.m. Prayer requests can also be dropped off in advance at the store.

Stonecroft Ministries has an International Headquarters in Kansas City, Mo., with a staff of nearly 100. Among the programs offered by the organization are Christian Women's Clubs, After 5s, Moms on the Run and Stonecroft Couples Clubs. An especially important aspect of this ministry is Stonecroft Bible Studies where people of different backgrounds can feel accepted and comfortable in a small group study, even if they have never opened a Bible before. These sessions are informal, non-denominational, practical, weekly meetings designed for people of all ages, lasting an hour over a period ranging from four to 14 weeks. Learn more at www.stonecroftministries.org.

Chuck Flagg Chuck Flagg is a retired teacher with a passion for religion. Write him c/o The Dispatch, P.O. Box 22365 Gilroy, CA 95021.