Women’s Ministry Update – September 2009

What a wonderful end of summer God has given us! We pray you are able to enjoy the long awaited sunshine!

Summer for VBC women was a busy one….. • Sweeter than Chocolate Bible study was fabulous. We delved deeply into Psalm 119. • Facebook Book Clubs enabled some who could not join the study to stay connected and discuss subjects near and dear to God: homelessness, sickness, suffering, growing in Christlikeness, living with loved ones who do not know the Lord, and friendships. • Painting the old nurseries was our service project. • Picking berries with the MOPS ladies, watching their infants, and coming alongside to encourage the moms.

We are already off and running for the Fall. Last year we spent time talking about community and how we can be instruments in the hands of our God. This year we would like to bring that one step down to more intimate relationships, our friendships. Our theme and verse is: Sweet Friendship - Refreshing to the Soul “Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from her earnest counsel.” Proverbs 27:9

The Matthew Henry Complete Commentary. (Crosswalk.com) gives us the following insight: “A good reason given why we should thus value true friendship and be choice of it. Because of the pleasure of it. There is a great deal of sweetness in conversing and consulting with a cordial friend. It is like ointment and perfume, which are very grateful to the smell, and exhilarate the spirits. It rejoices the heart; the burden of care is made lighter by unbosoming ourselves to our friend, and it is a great satis- faction to us to have his sentiments concerning our affairs. The sweetness of friendship lies not in hearty mirth, and hearty laughter, but in hearty counsel, faithful advice, sincerely given and without flattery, by counsel of the soul (so the word is), counsel which reaches the case, and comes to the heart, counsel about soul-concerns, Psalm 66:16. We should reckon that the most pleasant conversation which is about spiritual things, and promotes the prosperity of the soul.”

Ways we can foster and enjoy friendships:

Bible Studies

Signups have begun! We will be reading Girl Talk-Getting Past the Chit Chat. This is a fun, fresh Bible study that will focus on what God says about friendships. The author, Jen Hatmaker, takes a look at what makes relationships tick and examines God’s design for community, how to avoid harmful people, and the five levels of communication that nurture intimacy.

Fall Retreat

Planning is in the works! Pam Kanaly, from Arise Ministries will be our guest speaker; she will focus on godly friendships and the Word. It will be held at Andrews Farm, beginning Friday night, Nov. 6 and going this year to Sunday, Nov. 8. (The church leadership is already planning how the men can help out the women, especially on Sunday AM, so they can stay at the retreat. Thank you men!) .

Discipleship Groups

What does it mean to be a disciple of Christ? This year we will be offering small discipleship groups consisting of three women using the book Discipleship Essentials: A Guide to Building Your Life in Christ. These small groups are designed to provide an atmosphere for God's Holy Spirit to transform our lives through the study of God's Word, intimate relationships and accountability. There will be a training time for those who would like to lead a small group early in the fall. If you would like to lead a group or would like to be a part of a group contact Lisa Lamson or Ruth Swift

Friendship Christmas Brunch

December 5 from 11 am to 1 pm. We have a dramatist, Sherri Martinelli, joining us to bring the season to life. We will also be displaying our nativity scenes, so plan on getting yours out early Also, this is an outreach event; a wonderful opportunity for you to bring an unbelieving woman in your life. We pray you are cultivating those friendships now and that God encourages you to bring your friend to the Brunch where she will hear the gospel presented in a non-threatening manner.

MOPS

Mothers of Preschoolers is starting Friday, September 18, 9-11:30 am. Meetings are on the first and third Fridays, for mothers with children from birth to preschool. Childcare is provided, but a spot must be reserved. Please contact Shaunna Houle or the church office.

All of these events need your help. If you enjoy decorating, organizing or making food, planning, leading, etc, etc: • Pray: Ask God if He wants you to serve Him through any of these events. • Talk: Give any of us a call/e-mail to talk further about the opportunities. • Join in: Enjoy the fellowship of serving with other women on our team.

Rejoicing always,

The Women’s Ministry Leadership Team Peg Archambault, Vicky Fogg, Lisa Lamson