Where on earth did 2009 go?! How is it that we will be starting a brand new year on Friday? And, as we all know, a new year means a new opportunity to participate in the annual Women’s Ministry Overnight Retreat. So mark your calendar and get ready to register for the 2010 retreat to be held January 29-30 at Shocco Springs. Transportation will be provided by the church bus and vans. The retreat will begin at 4:00 p.m. on Friday and continue until 4:00 p.m. on Saturday. The total cost will be $30.00 per person and should be paid when you register. Registration will begin on January 10th, continuing through January 24th. You do not want to miss this very special time designed for women of all ages. In keeping with the theme for the year, we will continue to Make It Real during this retreat.
Those who make up the Women’s Ministry Servant Team have been faithfully praying about this retreat and we are 100% convinced that everything about this year’s retreat is truly a “God thing.” The inspiration for this year’s retreat actually began when four ladies representing Eastern Hills attended the Leadership Conference in Nashville, Tennessee in November of 2008. Yes…2008 - good things often take a little time to work out. Two of those ladies heard a speaker at the conference and came away convinced that she was someone that the women of Eastern Hills needed to hear and that some way, somehow, someday, there would be a way to make that happen. Well…it is happening now.
That speaker was Leighann McCoy, the author of several Bible studies and the leader of a ministry called “Pray All the Way.” Even though we were a little later than usual in contacting her about our retreat, there was an incredible (God took care of it) series of events that made it possible for her to be with us at the end of January to lead our Bible study. Here is the bio that she sent to us to share with you:
Leighann McCoy lives in Franklin, Tennessee. She is the wife of Tom and the mother of two daughters and one son - Mikel, Kaleigh and TJ. She serves on staff at Thompson Station Church as the prayer and women’s minister. Her husband, Tom, is the senior pastor. She and Tom have seen their congregation grow from 8 to over 1800 members since they came to lead in 1989. Leighann began her writing career as a curriculum writer for Lifeway Christian Resources. Today she enjoys teaching the women in her church and across the nation as she speaks and writes. Her books include Women Touched by Jesus; Women Embracing Life…All of It; Women Overcoming Fear; Oh God, Please! The Heart Cry of a Burdened Soul; and Pray Right!
Now, here is something new for 2010. We will have t-shirts available for the retreat. They will cost $10 and you can order and pay for them when you register for the retreat. Also, for those of you who may want to continue the Bible study that Leighann will lead, books will be available for $10 each and can be purchased at the retreat.
So, maybe you are still not convinced and you just aren’t quite sure that you want to go. Try this – don’t go by yourself. Invite a friend to be your roommate and make it a lot more fun for both of you!
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Never Mind Job . . . Give Me the Patience of Esther
I’ve always thought of Esther as my go-to girl when it comes to courage. There she is – married to a pompous king she met ONCE before he picked her for his bride. On top of that, if she wants to see him and he doesn’t want to see her – she is dead – literally. Then, she gets picked to save all the Jewish people from complete destruction. And the odds are not really in her favor. If she does nothing, she dies. If she tries and fails, she dies. Not trying just isn’t much of an option. Does she have courage? Oh, yes. But, I never thought about Esther as a poster child for patience!
Our world today is not geared to teaching us patience -or even encouraging it, for that matter. When’s the last time you actually baked a potato? In the real oven. . .with an “X” cut into the potato. . . wrapped in aluminum foil. . . like your grandmother did. That kind of baked potato. My son has NEVER baked one that way; he is a product of a microwave-it-and-run, don’t-make-me-wait, instant everything generation. He once (very loudly) wailed, “Mom! The microwave says it takes SIX MINUTES to bake this potato. Who has that kind of time?!” Well . . . you do, if you want to eat.
An aside – there’s something I want to share with you about Haman. I am not a fan. Never have been, but I am even less of one now that I know him a little better. He is almost a caricature and I just cannot think of evil, self-important, arrogant, ruthless Haman without picturing Lord Farquaad from Shrek. If you don’t know who he is, you really need to see the movie. A quick sketch - he is self-important, ruthless, evil, and in need of a genuine princess to help him attain the royal status he lacks. Lord Farquaad can’t even rule a fairy tale. He is also very, very, very short – so when he hops down from his gigantic horse, his fake long legs stay attached to the horse since they are simply a way to hide his tiny real legs. Haman seems to be just as much of a fraud to me – and he doesn’t belong in a palace any more than Lord Farquaad. Thankfully, Haman’s “palace time” is going to be quite limited. Back to what I started to say . . . .
I am seeing my favorite queen in a new way. For many, many years, I have known the story of Esther. And I always wondered why in the world, when King Xerxes was pretty much just saying, “Esther, name it and claim it. Anything you want – it’s yours,” that Esther’s response was, “Hey, how about you and Haman showing up for another banquet tomorrow?” What was THAT about?! Anyway - turns out, it was about God’s timing, not Esther’s. God’s plan, not Esther’s. So, God wants Esther to have a little patience and she agrees. If she hadn’t had the patience to wait and act when God wanted her to act, the outcome would have been much different. As it turns out, Esther’s willingness to be patient and wait on God’s timing saved the day – and the Jews.
What about you and me? What could God do with us if we just had the patience to WAIT? What if we had the discipline to do what He wants us to do when He wants us to do it – not when it seems convenient, not when it seems “right,” not just get it over with, but when God decides it is time? What if we studied and prayed and talked to God so often, so earnestly that we were really in tune with His plan for us? What if we had the patience of Esther? What could He do with your life? What might He do with mine?
Proverbs 15:18
A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel.
Our world today is not geared to teaching us patience -or even encouraging it, for that matter. When’s the last time you actually baked a potato? In the real oven. . .with an “X” cut into the potato. . . wrapped in aluminum foil. . . like your grandmother did. That kind of baked potato. My son has NEVER baked one that way; he is a product of a microwave-it-and-run, don’t-make-me-wait, instant everything generation. He once (very loudly) wailed, “Mom! The microwave says it takes SIX MINUTES to bake this potato. Who has that kind of time?!” Well . . . you do, if you want to eat.
An aside – there’s something I want to share with you about Haman. I am not a fan. Never have been, but I am even less of one now that I know him a little better. He is almost a caricature and I just cannot think of evil, self-important, arrogant, ruthless Haman without picturing Lord Farquaad from Shrek. If you don’t know who he is, you really need to see the movie. A quick sketch - he is self-important, ruthless, evil, and in need of a genuine princess to help him attain the royal status he lacks. Lord Farquaad can’t even rule a fairy tale. He is also very, very, very short – so when he hops down from his gigantic horse, his fake long legs stay attached to the horse since they are simply a way to hide his tiny real legs. Haman seems to be just as much of a fraud to me – and he doesn’t belong in a palace any more than Lord Farquaad. Thankfully, Haman’s “palace time” is going to be quite limited. Back to what I started to say . . . .
I am seeing my favorite queen in a new way. For many, many years, I have known the story of Esther. And I always wondered why in the world, when King Xerxes was pretty much just saying, “Esther, name it and claim it. Anything you want – it’s yours,” that Esther’s response was, “Hey, how about you and Haman showing up for another banquet tomorrow?” What was THAT about?! Anyway - turns out, it was about God’s timing, not Esther’s. God’s plan, not Esther’s. So, God wants Esther to have a little patience and she agrees. If she hadn’t had the patience to wait and act when God wanted her to act, the outcome would have been much different. As it turns out, Esther’s willingness to be patient and wait on God’s timing saved the day – and the Jews.
What about you and me? What could God do with us if we just had the patience to WAIT? What if we had the discipline to do what He wants us to do when He wants us to do it – not when it seems convenient, not when it seems “right,” not just get it over with, but when God decides it is time? What if we studied and prayed and talked to God so often, so earnestly that we were really in tune with His plan for us? What if we had the patience of Esther? What could He do with your life? What might He do with mine?
Proverbs 15:18
A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Good News for Ladies Who Like to Eat Lunch!
The Women’s Ministry is planning a Downtown Lunch Bunch. The first meeting will be Friday, November 6th at 11:30 at Bandanas. After that, the group will meet the first Friday of each month at a different location. Come join the group and enjoy spending time with ladies who are as busy as you are! If you have any questions, contact Julie Merritt at 301-3995 or jmerritt@elmore.rr.com.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Prayer Team
The Women’s Ministry has long searched for a simple and confidential way to offer the women of EHBC an opportunity to submit prayer requests and feel sure that these requests are being prayed over. We have finally developed such a ministry which we are calling the PRAYER AND THANKSGIVING LINK, offered via a dedicated email account to which only the Prayer Team has access. We invite you to use it when you want this Prayer Team to intercede on your behalf with our Lord or when you have a praise that you want to share with someone who has been praying.
The Prayer Link email address is – ehbc.womens.prayer@hotmail.com.
At least three members of the Prayer Team will pray immediately upon receiving your request and will continue to pray daily for a week. At the end of that time, one of them will contact you via an email address that you have given us permission to use to learn the status of your prayer request. If we need to continue in prayer, we will do so. We want to be accountable to you.
You can be very comfortable sharing your requests with the women on the Prayer Team. There are ten women - all mature Christians - who will maintain strict confidentiality with all requests. It is very important that no one violates your confidence. If you do not want to be contacted after a week of prayer, you can include that in your prayer request.
Go to ehbc.womens.prayer@hotmail.com when you need someone to pray for you.
The Prayer Link email address is – ehbc.womens.prayer@hotmail.com.
At least three members of the Prayer Team will pray immediately upon receiving your request and will continue to pray daily for a week. At the end of that time, one of them will contact you via an email address that you have given us permission to use to learn the status of your prayer request. If we need to continue in prayer, we will do so. We want to be accountable to you.
You can be very comfortable sharing your requests with the women on the Prayer Team. There are ten women - all mature Christians - who will maintain strict confidentiality with all requests. It is very important that no one violates your confidence. If you do not want to be contacted after a week of prayer, you can include that in your prayer request.
Go to ehbc.womens.prayer@hotmail.com when you need someone to pray for you.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Why I Should Not Skip Bible Study
Today was not my very best day and I considered just skipping Bible study tonight. I’ve been dealing with a medical issue – aggravating, irritating, stressful, and a little scary, but relatively minor in the great scheme of things. After yet another trip to the doctor, staying home was sounding pretty good. Missing one week wouldn’t really matter. I’ve been four weeks in a row, after all. And I have learned a lot so far in our study of Esther – that has to count for something. Surely, I had “earned” a night off. Well . . . apparently not. I went anyway. And am I ever glad that I did.
Tonight we learned that it’s tough being a woman in the tight fist of fear. No kidding. I do not like to be afraid. I don’t watch scary movies because I don’t want the stuff in my head that nightmares are made of. I don’t ride anything that turns me upside down because it makes me panic. I don’t wander around outside in the dark because my imagination is too good at creating spooky things. I don’t go outside and check things out when the dogs bark because I don’t want a face-to-face encounter with whatever is lurking out there. If it scares the dogs, it will probably scare me. Clearly, I avoid things that frighten me. Why? Because I do not like to be afraid. At all. But, sometimes – I am. And nothing empties my head of all the right things to do like fear. There is nothing quite like a good jolt of fear to make me forget every Bible Drill verse I ever learned about trusting in God. I know this. From experience.
Didn’t know this until tonight – the most common command in the Bible has nothing to do with loving your neighbor, obeying God, or following any rules. It is this – do not be afraid! That applies to all of us, even a scaredy-cat like me. Fear not. Take courage. That doesn’t mean that our situation is not fearful; it means that God gives us courage in His presence. So, if Queen Esther can adopt the “if I perish, then I perish” attitude, knowing that chances were greater that she would than that she wouldn’t, surely we can face other situations that aren’t life-and-death by relying on God and His promises. Our fear may be real, but so is our God!
And to think that I almost missed a wonderful night of Bible study that seemed designed just for me. I suspect there are others who, like me, felt like it was a lesson tailor-made just for them.
Tonight we learned that it’s tough being a woman in the tight fist of fear. No kidding. I do not like to be afraid. I don’t watch scary movies because I don’t want the stuff in my head that nightmares are made of. I don’t ride anything that turns me upside down because it makes me panic. I don’t wander around outside in the dark because my imagination is too good at creating spooky things. I don’t go outside and check things out when the dogs bark because I don’t want a face-to-face encounter with whatever is lurking out there. If it scares the dogs, it will probably scare me. Clearly, I avoid things that frighten me. Why? Because I do not like to be afraid. At all. But, sometimes – I am. And nothing empties my head of all the right things to do like fear. There is nothing quite like a good jolt of fear to make me forget every Bible Drill verse I ever learned about trusting in God. I know this. From experience.
Didn’t know this until tonight – the most common command in the Bible has nothing to do with loving your neighbor, obeying God, or following any rules. It is this – do not be afraid! That applies to all of us, even a scaredy-cat like me. Fear not. Take courage. That doesn’t mean that our situation is not fearful; it means that God gives us courage in His presence. So, if Queen Esther can adopt the “if I perish, then I perish” attitude, knowing that chances were greater that she would than that she wouldn’t, surely we can face other situations that aren’t life-and-death by relying on God and His promises. Our fear may be real, but so is our God!
And to think that I almost missed a wonderful night of Bible study that seemed designed just for me. I suspect there are others who, like me, felt like it was a lesson tailor-made just for them.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Things I've Learned from Esther
When the new Bible studies began in the middle of September, I began the Esther study. Truthfully, I wanted to do “Me, Myself, and Lies,” but I work full time and it wasn’t possible for me to be somewhere else on Tuesday mornings. So . . . Esther it was. We’re now four weeks into the study. The things we are learning!! Apparently, those ancient Persians really liked to party. And eat. Banquet after banquet – for months at a time!
We are seeing Queen Esther in a whole new light – and we are just getting to the part where she cannot remain silent and decides to approach the king, even though she knows she could die. One of the things I have learned about Esther is that she listened to other people who could give her good advice and she learned from what others were doing. (I need to work on my Esther-ness.) She listened to Mordecai who acted as her adoptive parent. She listened to Hegai who knew what would please the king most. She paid attention. She made friends. She was beautiful. She received special treatment because of her beauty. But . . . she was NOT a snob!
Esther’s circumstances were no accident. How likely is it that an orphan Jewish girl (and perhaps not such a devout one, at that) would grow up to be the Queen of Persia when she could have been sitting in Jerusalem among other Jewish people?! And how likely is it that the same little orphan Jewish girl would become a queen and save herself and ALL of her people from annihilation? So, I’ve been thinking over the past four weeks as Esther’s story has been unfolding. What might God want to do with us? What could He do with us if we were willing to do what He asks of us? What would He do with you if you just offered yourself to Him just like you are, let Him provide the “beauty treatments,” and see what He has in mind?
So far, here’s what we have learned that is tough about being a woman:
• It’s tough being a woman in another woman’s shadow.
• It’s tough being a woman in a world where beauty is a treatment.
• It’s tough being a woman in a mean world.
• It’s tough being a woman thrown a giant-size weight.
If you aren’t participating in the Bible studies because you think you don’t have the time . . . rethink that. Whatever you gain from any part of the study is yours to keep! You just never know what God can do with a woman willing to follow Him. That woman might be you.
We are seeing Queen Esther in a whole new light – and we are just getting to the part where she cannot remain silent and decides to approach the king, even though she knows she could die. One of the things I have learned about Esther is that she listened to other people who could give her good advice and she learned from what others were doing. (I need to work on my Esther-ness.) She listened to Mordecai who acted as her adoptive parent. She listened to Hegai who knew what would please the king most. She paid attention. She made friends. She was beautiful. She received special treatment because of her beauty. But . . . she was NOT a snob!
Esther’s circumstances were no accident. How likely is it that an orphan Jewish girl (and perhaps not such a devout one, at that) would grow up to be the Queen of Persia when she could have been sitting in Jerusalem among other Jewish people?! And how likely is it that the same little orphan Jewish girl would become a queen and save herself and ALL of her people from annihilation? So, I’ve been thinking over the past four weeks as Esther’s story has been unfolding. What might God want to do with us? What could He do with us if we were willing to do what He asks of us? What would He do with you if you just offered yourself to Him just like you are, let Him provide the “beauty treatments,” and see what He has in mind?
So far, here’s what we have learned that is tough about being a woman:
• It’s tough being a woman in another woman’s shadow.
• It’s tough being a woman in a world where beauty is a treatment.
• It’s tough being a woman in a mean world.
• It’s tough being a woman thrown a giant-size weight.
If you aren’t participating in the Bible studies because you think you don’t have the time . . . rethink that. Whatever you gain from any part of the study is yours to keep! You just never know what God can do with a woman willing to follow Him. That woman might be you.
Friday, September 25, 2009
We’re Beginning to Think a Lot About…Christmas?!
That’s right! This is just too good not to tell everyone – even if it is still September. Mark your calendar for Thursday, November 12th. That’s when the Women’s Ministry is sponsoring “An Evening of Christmas Decorating Tips” at Southern Homes and Gardens in Wetumpka. We will begin at 6:00 p.m. and enjoy snacks, decorating tips, and…shopping! With a discount!! Transportation will be available from the church for those who prefer to travel with the group. Of course, you are welcome to just gather at Southern Homes and Gardens at 6:00 if that works best for you. Almost as good as a discount – this trip is FREE. Registration will begin October 25th, so be sure that you reserve your spot. Please remember to register even if you are providing your own transportation so we can have an accurate count.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
It's Not Too Late!
If you were considering participating in one of the Bible studies this fall and missed the first one - don't worry! It is not too late for you to begin. The first meetings were held yesterday and today, so you have missed only the opening session. Here is a great opportunity for you to Make It Real - spend time with other women, learn more about yourself, and deepen your relationship with your Lord and Savior. Whether you choose the Esther study, the Isaiah study, or Jennifer Rothschild's Me, Myself, and Lies, you will not regret the time you spend in God's Word. Worried about the homework? Just do what you can - and come to the Bible study anyway! Hope we'll see you there!!
Monday, August 31, 2009
Make It Real - Kick Off Coming!
There are all kinds of years out there – and most of them don’t begin in January. You’ve got fiscal years, academic years, lunar years, solar years, galactic years, leap years, calendar years, seasonal years . . . well, you get it, I’m sure. So, add to that the Women’s Ministry year. It is easily computed like this: It begins the Monday after the Sunday night service in August which is planned and conducted by the Women’s Ministry and continues until the next Sunday night service planned and conducted by the Women’s Ministry. (One small exception – should that Sunday night service NOT be conducted by the Women’s Ministry, the new year will begin anywhere from mid-August to the first of September. We like to be flexible.)
Unlike most of the other types of years, ours has a theme. Each year, the Servant Team spends a great deal of time praying for the Women’s Ministry and making plans for the year. Those plans include a theme, and this year it is Make It Real. Right about now you might be thinking, “Huh?” Just keep reading.
“Real” can mean a lot of things. I know because I looked it up and found nine definitions – and that was just for the adjective. Add in the noun and adverb versions and it gets even better. Here is my favorite definition: “actual: being or reflecting the essential or genuine character of something.” We were led to our theme by the Point of Grace song with the same title, Make It Real. Take a minute to read the lyrics:
Well we walk, down the road, everyday
With a plastic smile and we wave like we're in a parade
Oooh and then we pass one another
With a nothing but a "how do you do"
Oh but it would make me smile
If we'd stop for awhile
And just give me the truth now
We can make it real
Open your heart
'Cause that's when you start
To truly feel
We can make it real
Look in my eyes
You feel it inside
Yea you know you will
We can make it real now
We can make it
Let your mind take a walk in the rain
Let your head roll back, taste the joy, remember the pain
'Cause we can talk about the weather
We can weather it together my friend
Yes we can
And the sun will shine on your heart and mine
We will feel it again and again and again
Chorus
This life that we're livin’
It's all that we're given
There's so little precious time
Cause now it's the moment
Let your emotions breathe in the open sky
Fly
We can make it real now
We can try to make it real
Oh yea
Open your heart
'Cause that's when you start
To truly feel
We can make it real
Look in my eyes
You'll feel it inside
Yea you know you will
Open your heart
'Cause that's when you start
To truly feel
We can make it
We can make it real
Yea you know we can
We can make it real
Yea
There is often such an “unsettled” feeling in our world – the state of the economy alone will bring that about. Life crowds in and we give others just enough of our “real” selves to get by, but maybe not enough to make a difference. So this year, we want to Make It Real in everything we do. Here is the challenge: Make It Real in your relationships with other women through Bible study, through prayer, through opportunities to spend time together . . . and most important, Make It Real in your relationship with Jesus. Your life will be richer, your interactions with others much more meaningful, and your connection to your Savior even stronger. For one year, try living the definition of “real” – be and reflect your essential and genuine character!
Unlike most of the other types of years, ours has a theme. Each year, the Servant Team spends a great deal of time praying for the Women’s Ministry and making plans for the year. Those plans include a theme, and this year it is Make It Real. Right about now you might be thinking, “Huh?” Just keep reading.
“Real” can mean a lot of things. I know because I looked it up and found nine definitions – and that was just for the adjective. Add in the noun and adverb versions and it gets even better. Here is my favorite definition: “actual: being or reflecting the essential or genuine character of something.” We were led to our theme by the Point of Grace song with the same title, Make It Real. Take a minute to read the lyrics:
Well we walk, down the road, everyday
With a plastic smile and we wave like we're in a parade
Oooh and then we pass one another
With a nothing but a "how do you do"
Oh but it would make me smile
If we'd stop for awhile
And just give me the truth now
We can make it real
Open your heart
'Cause that's when you start
To truly feel
We can make it real
Look in my eyes
You feel it inside
Yea you know you will
We can make it real now
We can make it
Let your mind take a walk in the rain
Let your head roll back, taste the joy, remember the pain
'Cause we can talk about the weather
We can weather it together my friend
Yes we can
And the sun will shine on your heart and mine
We will feel it again and again and again
Chorus
This life that we're livin’
It's all that we're given
There's so little precious time
Cause now it's the moment
Let your emotions breathe in the open sky
Fly
We can make it real now
We can try to make it real
Oh yea
Open your heart
'Cause that's when you start
To truly feel
We can make it real
Look in my eyes
You'll feel it inside
Yea you know you will
Open your heart
'Cause that's when you start
To truly feel
We can make it
We can make it real
Yea you know we can
We can make it real
Yea
There is often such an “unsettled” feeling in our world – the state of the economy alone will bring that about. Life crowds in and we give others just enough of our “real” selves to get by, but maybe not enough to make a difference. So this year, we want to Make It Real in everything we do. Here is the challenge: Make It Real in your relationships with other women through Bible study, through prayer, through opportunities to spend time together . . . and most important, Make It Real in your relationship with Jesus. Your life will be richer, your interactions with others much more meaningful, and your connection to your Savior even stronger. For one year, try living the definition of “real” – be and reflect your essential and genuine character!
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Prayer Keeps Us Connected - August 30th
On Sunday night, August 30th, the Women's Ministry will be coordinating and presenting the evening worship service. The theme for the night is "Prayer Keeps Us Connected." This worship service will be the culmination of a year where our emphasis has been Connected to His Purpose. Plan to be a part of this very special service and hear first-hand about the importance of prayer in your daily life. God wants to hear from us! He loves us and desires that we communicate with Him. Can you imagine getting to know someone without ever having a conversation? There is no better way to draw closer to our Heavenly Father than through prayer. Sunday night's service will be a special time and will be followed by a lemonade and cookies reception. We'll see you there!
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Fall Bible Study Information
Women's Ministry Fall Bible Study
Esther
It's tough being a woman.
a Beth Moore study
Begins September 14th for 10 weeks
Meets in Room 141
Cost of book - $15
Monday at 1:30 p.m.led by Debbie Borden
Tuesday at 9:30 a.m.led by Heidi Myrick
Tuesday at 6:00 p.m.led by Sandra Rooks
Me, Myself & Lies
A thought closet makeover
a Jennifer Rothschild study
Begins September 15th for 7 weeks
Meets in room 139
Cost of book - $12
Tuesday at 9:30 a.m.led by Brittney Gardner
Precepts: Isaiah
a Kay Arthur study
Begins September 15th for 10 weeks
Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.led by Judy Ray
Morning study meets in Room 143, evening study meets at Judy's house
Cost of book - $25
All ladies are invited!
Childcare is available upon request.
Call Diane in the church office.
Esther
It's tough being a woman.
a Beth Moore study
Begins September 14th for 10 weeks
Meets in Room 141
Cost of book - $15
Monday at 1:30 p.m.led by Debbie Borden
Tuesday at 9:30 a.m.led by Heidi Myrick
Tuesday at 6:00 p.m.led by Sandra Rooks
Me, Myself & Lies
A thought closet makeover
a Jennifer Rothschild study
Begins September 15th for 7 weeks
Meets in room 139
Cost of book - $12
Tuesday at 9:30 a.m.led by Brittney Gardner
Precepts: Isaiah
a Kay Arthur study
Begins September 15th for 10 weeks
Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.led by Judy Ray
Morning study meets in Room 143, evening study meets at Judy's house
Cost of book - $25
All ladies are invited!
Childcare is available upon request.
Call Diane in the church office.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Let Us Pray!
The Women's Ministry KNOWS the value of prayer! Everything we do is absolutely covered in prayer. And, as strange as it may sound, we have been praying about . . . praying. We wholeheartedly believe that nothing in our ministry can be accomplished without prayer. For some time, we have struggled with a way to begin and continue a prayer ministry/prayer team. This effort is being spearheaded by Martha Johnson who has set up a meeting for Sunday, August 2nd, at 4:30 p.m. in Room 150. This will be a planning meeting for the prayer team. Guidelines and procedures are needed, and this will be a time to do this. If you feel like God is tugging at you to become more actively involved in prayer (or the Women's Ministry!), perhaps this is a meeting that you need to attend.
Years ago, when I was in youth choir, we learned a song that is actually one of my favorite prayers. It is by St. Francis of Assisi. As a youth, Francis became a troubadour and longed to become a writer of French poetry, not at all deterred by the fact that he was Italian. God had other plans, and Francis ended up founding the Franciscans while still in his twenties. The prayer goes like this:
"Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace;
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy;
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life."
We can learn a lot from St. Francis.
James 5:16 says, "...The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." It is the prayer of the Women's Ministry to be truly powerful and effective for God.
Years ago, when I was in youth choir, we learned a song that is actually one of my favorite prayers. It is by St. Francis of Assisi. As a youth, Francis became a troubadour and longed to become a writer of French poetry, not at all deterred by the fact that he was Italian. God had other plans, and Francis ended up founding the Franciscans while still in his twenties. The prayer goes like this:
"Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace;
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy;
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life."
We can learn a lot from St. Francis.
James 5:16 says, "...The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." It is the prayer of the Women's Ministry to be truly powerful and effective for God.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Like to Read? Like to Talk?
Henry Ward Beecher must have had me in mind when he asked, "Where is human nature so weak as in a bookstore?" I have loved books all my life. As a child, if I had to choose between taking my dolls along or taking my books, the books ALWAYS won. I even read directions! Maybe reading is your hobby - you love it and you read every chance you get. Or maybe you like to read, but you just don't quite have the time to fit it into your busy life. Well . . . whatever the case, we have a book club for you! Here's the deal - our next Book Club meeting will be August 6th at 6:00 p.m. in Room 144. The book we'll be discussing is Never the Bride by Cheryl McKay and Rene Gutteridge. Now, here's one of the best things about our Book Club. You are welcome (invited!) to come, even if you haven't finished the book - or even started. Really. Now, you might be wondering how it could be any fun at all if you don't even know what the book is about. Come and see. You will have a great time meeting with others who share your passion for reading. So what if you haven't read the book yet - you'll get to find out ahead of time if you think it is worth the time. Julie Merritt leads our Book Club and does a fantastic job of organizing our discussion and keeping us all on track (as much as possible). Coming to the Book Club is not a permanent personal commitment. We meet the first Thursday of each month, but it is fine to just participate when your life/work/circumstances/schedule/family/etc. will allow. Hope to see you there!
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Good News
Here we are - only about a decade into the new century and we're just about to catch up with the old one! Those of us who work as the Leadership Team for the Women's Ministry love the Lord and try very hard to understand the direction in which He might be leading us. For some time, we have felt very strongly that we needed to be more in tune with today's modes of communication. Truthfully, though, it is all a little intimidating and we have NEVER claimed to be technologically savvy - and with good reason. Nonetheless, we are acting on what we believe to be a very real need to reach out in new (albeit a tad uncomfortable) ways. Therefore, we have launched our brand new blog and will use it as a means to inform and encourage all who might venture in and find us. We will tell you about upcoming events, prayer requests, and anything else we think might be of some help. So, welcome...and let us hear from you! We invite you to take part in all the activities of this fun, exciting ministry to and for women.
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