Looking for a small group where you can connect and learn with other women?

• The video curriculum workbook will be a valuable resource for learning about the topic before the class because each week has five day’s worth of interaction with that week’s message, Scripture and prayer.
• The first five lessons will cover the following: Praying to become all God made me to be . . . Praying for a life-transforming walk with God. . . Praying to be free of the past . . Praying to put my life in right order . . . Praying to surrender control of my life to God.        
• However, it is not necessary to have the workbook in order to attend the class or gain from the information presented. Just be sure to bring paper if you are a note-taker.

1. If you’ve already done this video study or read the book, what is the gem that you still remember? Still practice?
2. What would you like to learn about regarding prayer?

• 3 Phases of Becoming Part of CNC
• 4 Week Hospitality Group Format
• 5 Ways I Saw God Take Care of Me Today
• Answer the following to see what you should do: P.S. Small groups is the answer
• Getting Financially Fit Will Happen This February-March: Attend This CNC Small Group
• Hospitality Field Trip Refreshes and Teaches
• Out of the Saltshaker and into the World
• Small Groups Help with New Year’s Resolutions: Especially When it Feels Like You Are Scaling a Wall

I like evaluating  . . . programs, books, my life. The process helps me to think more clearly about the pros and cons. This is how I see what works, what doesn’t and most importantly how it can be done better.

What are some questions you’d use when evaluating a retreat? Why? Or what are some good questions you’ve answered?

Below are ones we’ve used at our retreats. Comments on these? 

1. What did you like most about retreat?
2. Which aspects of the program were most helpful?
3. Which aspects of the retreat were not helpful or should be done differently?
4. When did you experience God during the retreat?
5. When did you experience community during the retreat?

Last week I spent an hour with a woman from my church talking about women’s ministry. . .

• What’s missing
• What could be added
• How to better help women find community with each other

Today I took a survey about women’s ministry.

Both interactions gave more focus to what I’ve been pondering in my own confused mind and heart. How can we (the women’s ministry team) better minister to the women in our sphere of influence?

What’s missing in women’s ministry today?

Ladies, how can we offer relevant, nurturing events so that women can mature spiritually, emotionally and relationally? What needs to happen so that women can meet up with and stay connected to our glorious Lord and Saviour who so freely gives us His salvation, grace and power?

Your responses, please.

The Women’s Ministry team had a FUN time making 70 pies. However, these were big enough to fit into a bottle cap and studded with a magnet.

Giving out gorgeous magnets is expected at our annual tea.  Go here for a look at some of the past years’ favors.

So, I am always on the hunt for ideas.

 ”This is what we NEED to make for the tea,” I thought. I saw and bought a fabic pie magnet and showed it to Heidi. Heidi did some research, experimentation and then came up with these beauties.

Each year we say, “Oh, this is the best one yet. How are we going to top it?”  Well, this year really IS the best one yet. What do you think?

If you weren’t able to attend the Tea, you still have a chance to get one. March 15th we’ll be having a bake sale at church. We’ll also be selling our (all church) cookbooks. With every cookbook ($14.99) you’ll receive a free magnet. The proceeds will go towards the women’s retreat June 5-7.

If you went to the Tea, which magnet did you pick and why?

 Edited to add: Photos by Elizabeth Symington. She is found here & here.

Look at the invite my daughter created. The artwork is hers.

The map is painted on a shell (about 6″x4″ ) she found in Baja.

It’s not too late to RSVP. Do so today!

Ladies, RSVP today. My daughter made this post card.

Put this date on your calendar. Start saving (about $5 a week) for the Retreat cost of $155.00. Registration forms are coming in December.

Have any questions? Contact Susan  or Reggie at the church office.

What do you hope to not find at your women’s retreat?

1. Perfect Women
2. KP or Cleaning Duties
3. Bunk beds
4. Pious Attitudes
5. 25 Cent Showers
6. Easy Answers
7.  Jam-Packed Schedule
8. Theology Nazis
9. Boring Speakers
10. Critical, Kill-Joy Women

These 10 missing things are great reasons to attend the Women’s Retreat at Zephyr Point. My favorite two to miss are Theology Nazis and KP/Cleaning Duties. One more, okay? I won’t miss a Jam-packed schedule either.

Retreat cost is $155.00. Registration forms will be available in December. The deposit is $77.50 or you can start making payments to hold your spot. You don’t need a registration form to turn in money now. Just be sure to put “women’s retreat payment” on the memo line of your check. 60 spots are available.

Let us know if you have any questions. You can contact me or Reggie at the church office.

 Coffee mug charms? Yep. They are like wine glass charms except for coffee mugs. Isn’t this a cool idea? Sandra came up with it.

1. Go here (notmartha.org) for the supply list and directions. These are made on a hoop earring base.
2. Craftbits.com has directions using memory wire or jewelry wire.
3. Save-on-crafts.com has the cutest charms using multiple beads.
4. ChocolateAndZuchinni.com has directions also. Do take a look as these charms have a distinctly different look. This is especially good for those who don’t like the little bead look.
5. BeadWork.About.Com has charms with initials. Cute for a wedding reception, graduation party (hint, hint) or even a posh shower.
6. Black-Purl-Magazine.Com has directions for crocheting wine charms. Who knew you could crochet with wire?
7. These shrinky dinky charms from LjcFyi.com are soooo cute! What about printing actual photos of people on the shrinky dink paper.
8. How about using electronic components? “It’s an easy five-minute project with elegant results,” says EvilMadScientist.Com.
9. Polyclay can be used to make veggie charms (or coffee beans). Go here (hgtv.com) for supplies, directions and photo.
10. ABigSlice.Com suggests using buttons, beads, watch parts, and old costume jewelry.
11. Copper disks can be etched into one of a kind markers. DIY.Com has the scoop on this.
12. Thujandin.com has put together a pdf with instructions and photos of 12 very different glass markers.
13. MiyCreations.Com uses thick photo paper for a charm that is novel. A slit is cut in the charm so that it can clip around the stem. Obviously this cute charm is not meant to be used multiple times.

Note: Want to buy some? Go here to Heathers-Store.Com to buy these CUTE fimo clay snowmen charms. It’s never too soon for snowmen. Again, Hint! Hint!

Michelle and I met and planned our rough draft of a schedule of what we are doing. If you want to join us, le us know. Or bring whatever you want to work on. If you want it posted, let me know that too.

Go here to see the blog and the schedule.

Hey, are you coming?  I DO HOPE SO. August 8th will be here before we know it. RSVP so we have enough place settings and drink.