Women's Ministries Mini Christmas Leadership Retreat

We had a lovely evening 2 weeks ago as we spent time at one of our leader's homes and enjoyed a delicious meal and some very special time together.  Our leader Donna, shared what has been laid upon her heart as well as challenged us in our own spiritual walks. 

Cathy Simms, Janene Nagel, Jo McLuckie, Karen Oyer

Roxanne Fetterhoff, Erin Workman, Maralee Boreman, Melissa Butler, Donna Yost

Roxanne Fetterhoff played Silent Night as we sang.  It was a wonderful time of fellowship!  

Events have been put on hold right now for the holidays.  We wish everyone a Merry Christmas!  Have a wonderful time with family and friends to celebrate our King's birth!

Discipler's Bible Study

This is a Bible Study that helps women deepen their knowledge of God and their reflection of Christ through personal study, fellowship with other women and praying for one another.  The goal of this Bible Study is to help women understand the scriptures and take that knowledge, applying it to their everyday lives.  This Bible study has 3 components: Daily study of the Scriptures, discussion of lessons, and a lecture after discussion.  Our study meets on Thursday nights at 7:00 - 8:30.  There is no childcare. 

Right now we are studying Genesis.  We have seen God's power in creation, His mercy in dealing with sin and His faithfulness in His covenants with all of creation.  The study has ended now for the holidays but will pick back up March 3, 2011 continuing until April 7, 2011.  We will continue with our study on Genesis with the life of Abraham and the beginning of the Israelite nation. 

We have 3 discussion groups led by Bonnie Shultzman, Shirley Ecker, Judi Holmes, Gayle Hostetler, Beth Hohenberger and Barb Steiner.  Our class administrator is LuAnn Swartzentruber with the teaching done by Janene Nagel.  Please call the church if you have questions or if you would like to register for this Bible Study. 

Holiday Extravaganza

What a great first night!  We had nearly 500 women at Monday night's Holiday Extravaganza!  Our speaker, Julie Lawson, delivered a powerful message on God's design for our lives.  There were many beautiful tables, lots of delicious desserts, and many good memories with friends.  Tomorrow night is the final night! 

Five Statements of Faith

We have an absolutely wonderful Bible Study taking place on Tuesday nights with over 40 women.  Beth Moore is our speaker as we study Believing God.  The study focuses on our faith and each week we state the pledge which you can see as you watch this video.

1.  God is Who He Says He is

2.  God Can Do What He Says He Can Do

3.  I Am Who God Says I Am

4.  I Can Do All Things Through Christ

5.  God's Word is Alive and Active in Me

Getting Those Tables Ready!

 Holiday Extravaganza

Hopefully you are getting your table ready....or at least your tickets!  Holiday Extravaganza will be here before we know it on November 8th and 9th.  Our theme this year is "Christmas By Design."  The doors open at 6:00 and desserts will be served at 7:00.  The program, featuring speaker Julie Lawson, will begin at 7:30.  Hope to see you there!

More From WDA

The centerpiece at lunch made by The Faithful Little Cupcake!  

Susie Shellenberger was our speaker!  She kept us laughing and delivered a powerful message! 

Celebrating Food with Ruth Ann Martin! During this session there were many yummy recipes shared  from wonderful women in our church! 

 Faa was interviewed about GROW ministry!  She had a table set with several items from Thailand for sale.  All of the money from the sale went to Faa's ministry. 

Women's Day Away

It was a great day as we had nearly 500 women at our 15th Women's Day Away!  Susie Shellenberger was a wonderful speaker.  The food, shopping and fellowship was excellent!

Sandy Carr presented Celebrating You!  It was a wonderful session and included three makeovers!

Audrey's Attic had a room set up to do some major shopping!  It was so exciting to begin to think about fall decorating.  

Panera provided breakfast and lunch.  Breakfast was donated!  Mmmmmm....so good!  Thank you Panera!

What a great time with the girls!  More to come soon! 

Final Touches Before the Big Event

This was a recent work day for Women's Day Away.  The team is putting together the last minute details before our BIG event this Saturday, September 25th.  Please pray this week for our speaker Susie Shellenberger.  It is going to be a great day!  A BIG thank you to all the women who are making this day so special! 

One Amazing Woman

I have had the privilege to know Donna Yost for close to 22 years now.  As a close friend to her daughter Julie, I would spend lots of time at the Yost home.  Even as a young girl I remember it being very evident that Donna had a passionate heart for women and children.  It is now an honor and joy to work alongside with her on the Women's Ministries Team.  Here is a quick interview with Donna Yost, our Women's Ministries director.

How many years have you been serving as head of Women's Ministries?

I have been leading the Women’s Ministries Team for sixteen years.

What has been your most favorite event held for women at Grace? 

I have two favorite women’s events, Women’s Day Away and Holiday Extravaganza. It takes more work to make Women’s Day Away happen because it is a whole day event.  I love kicking off the holiday season with Holiday Extravaganza each year. It puts me in the mood to decorate my house and bake for the holidays. 

What is your favorite verse you would like to share with women to encourage them?

My favorite verse is Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

God gave me this verse when I was going through a difficult time in my life. It always encourages me to think about the hope I have in Him and the future I have with Him in heaven. 

Any last thoughts you would like to share with our bloggers.

We offer studies and events at all different times during the year. Be sure to take advantage of some of them. You’re sure to be encouraged in your Christian walk and may make some new friends as well. All women’s studies, events and ministries are listed in our 2010-2011 brochure located on our website (www.woostergrace.org, keyword: women) or at the Women’s Ministries Table. 

Thank you Donna for your hard work and passionate heart for women!

Women's Day Away Preparations

The Women's Day Away Team has been working hard! Don't forget to purchase your tickets! 

Women's Day Away Celebrate's 15 Years

On September 25, 2010 we will celebrate our 15th year of Women's Day Away.  Our featured speaker will be Susie Shellenberger.  Susie is the founding editor of Brio and Susie Magazine.  She has also authored 51 books and has traveled to every continent.  Susie is a truly gifted speaker as she challenges her audiences to walk in holiness and obedience to God. 

Not only will you enjoy our featured speaker, but you'll also have a chance to shop, enjoy Panera Bread, and spend time socializing with more than 600 women. 

We would love to have you attend this event!  For more information, check out www.woostergrace.org or look for the registration tables in the church halls.  Tickets do sell out quickly for this event!  We will have more information posted soon! 

Welcome Women of Grace

We are thrilled to get a blog up and running for Women’s Ministries.  It is exciting to think of how we can all become connected through this blog!  I am looking forward to sharing with you all that the Women of Grace are learning as well as how we are being stretched in our faith!  Welcome and please continue to come back and read further updates!