Meet Karen Oyer!

Karen Oyer, along with a team of women, have been very busy getting ready for Women's Day Away on Saturday, September 24th!  They are very excited for this big day and we are so thankful for their hard work!  I have known Karen for many years and she has such a heart for reaching women and her love for the Lord is evident in all that she does!  Thank you Karen!  

Can you guess by the pictures what this year's theme is for Women's Day Away?

  

How many years have you been organizing Women's Day Away?  

This is year 16 for me for Women's Day Away and I can't believe it!  Donna Yost, on staff at Grace, knew I had been wanting to see a one day women's conference offered by Wooster Grace and she asked me to join her to put together an event.  I was very excited to be a part of a day that would bring encouragement to women.  We asked some other amazingly talented women to join us that was the beginning of Women's Day Away!

Who are the other team members that have helped you with this BIG event?

Our team is the same as last year: In addition to Donna and me, Chris Hawkins and Wanda Doohan share catering responsibilities, working directly with Panera Bread. Celeste Kern leads a prayer team for us. Vicki Andrea transforms the Grace campus each year  (can't wait to see what she does in the men's rooms this year!).  Jackie Buckwalter uses her writing talents for our advertising; Shelly Eberly arranges and participates in the music/worship; Gwen Lemmon creates the fabulous themed stage in the worship center; Mary Misner works with facility and gets all those handsome fellows to say yes to pamper us all day; and Cathy Simms is hostess coordinator and also does a myriad of responsibilities as part of the church staff.
 
What is the most exciting part for you with planning this event?

I'll have to say there are many things about Day Away that are exciting, but the most exciting part is seeing women who are discouraged, overwhelmed, lonely, or just plain tired make their way to Day Away (often by themselves) and find that just a few hours to open their hearts to God can bring a new perspective to their lives.  When we come together and unite as women, God never disappoints- there is  hope and encouragement and we have a blast together.

The evaluations are always overwhelmingly positive which is a tremendous motivator - no one ever regrets coming!

How can we pray for you and the team during this last 2 months before Women's Day Away?

You can pray especially for our speaker, Renee Swope, who will be traveling from North Carolina, as she prepares to speak on our theme: "Road Trip - Travel Essentials for Life." In addition, you can pray for our other seven presenters who are preparing on a variety of topics. 

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

Our theme verse this year has always been a favorite of mine: "Trust in the Lord . . . in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths." Pv. 3:5-6. 

What are your hobbies/interests?

I love spending time with my husband and two children, traveling, hanging out with girlfriends, and organizing whatever I can. 

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

Taking time to renew yourself with God may be the best thing you can do with your time - come to Day Away! Registration brochures are now available at woostergrace.org.

By the way, scholarships are available to Grace attenders and are very confidential, available at the Women's Ministry Table.

Did you know?

Wooster Grace Brethren Church will be housing Adult National Conference.  This Sunday, July 24th, there will be a special women's event.  It will be held in the South Fellowship Hall at 3:00-4:30.  Also, throughout July 24-27th there will be many sessions that you can attend.  The evening sessions are free!  Make sure to check out Wooster GBC's website for more details!  http://woostergrace.org/

His Creation

This past week I traveled to Fort Collins, Colorado to visit a few friends and was amazed once again by God's beautiful creation.  The Rocky Mountains were beautiful as they stood majestically.  We went to Estes park and I loved coming across waterfalls of melting snow as we drove higher and higher up the mountain.  It was beautiful! 

His creation is amazing!  Psalm 104: 24-28 talks about creation and all that our loving God has created for us.  

          Oh Lord, what a variety of things you have made!

          In wisdom you have made them all.

          The earth is full of your creatures.  
Ps. 104:24

Where have you traveled this summer?  We would love to hear where you have been!  At the bottom of this post there is a comment link.  Click on the comment link and share with other Wooster GBC Women by writing where you have traveled and maybe what God has taught you while you were there.  We hope that you are having a wonderful summer and would enjoy hearing from you!