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!

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.