Monday. December 27, 2010 WOW-Zine

Happy last Monday of the year! This is a very special week, since it's the end of 2010. Soon, all the things that have been taunting you this year (losing weight, being better organized, growing in your spiritual life) will no longer have the power to say "neener-neener" to you. You won't be living under the guilt of unrealized goals from 2010. No, instead you'll get to have a fresh start, a clean slate, a new beginning, and all the other cliches that go along with the new year. But seriously, enjoy the fact that this is the last Monday that you'll be able to berate yourself for not doing everything you've wanted to do this past year. Let it go! Take some time this week to prayerfully sit down and ask the Lord what His intentions are for you during this coming year. Instead of "losing weight, being better organized, or growing spiritually", you may find He speaks to you about your greater need for discipline, which covers all these  different areas. Pick just a handful of things you'd like to see improvement in during this next year. Find someone who will check in with you every now and then to see how you're doing. You could even use the comment space on this blog to write down what you feel God speaking to you about. That way we can all pray for you as you begin 2011. Any takers?

This Wednesday at 6 PM is our Pizza/Undecorate the Church get-together.  Please bring $5 to cover the cost of pizza and pop. I'd like to know how many are coming, so just drop me a note. If I remember right (which I probably don't) the following women have said they'll be coming: Chrissy, Anita, Karen, Kathy, and myself. Anyone I've missed???

Just so you know, our retreat registration will open to the whole wide world in just three more weeks! So if you want to be sure to get a spot, hand me an $80 check made out to Wapato Valley Church, or a fistful of bills equaling $80. That will reserve your place for a weekend you won't soon forget. Who gave me a $20 bill toward retreat at the WOW party? I still have the money, but can't for the life of me remember who handed it to me. I was suddenly getting sick and my brain wasn't functioning up to its usual speed! (If more than one of you tell me you gave me the $20, I'll know we have a serious problem going on!!)

Common Grounds will resume on Wednesday, January 5, 2011 at 6:30 PM. In our study of Self Talk, Soul Talk we've laid the ground work for the real meat of the study. Even if you've never attended, you can easily slip into our sessions. Not only do we spend quality time in the Word, but also quality time developing relationships with each other. Please join us every other Wednesday.

How about a little trading post activity on this blog? If you're like me, you like to start the new year by getting rid of things you no longer need. I'm thinking we could "advertise" such things on this blog. Things you'd either like to sell or give away.

For example, Christine told me that she has baby clothes she'd like to give to anyone that needs them. Since she has two boys, I'm presuming the clothing is for baby boys. She said to give her a call at 971-255-9620 and she can give you more information.

I have a set of dishes I'd love to sell for only $50. There are 8 dinner plates, 8 salad plates, 10 mugs, and 6 glasses. They're all in good condition, but I'm just not into that pattern any longer. But it may be perfect for you!

Well, I think that's it for this week. Be sure to leave comments letting us know how we can pray for you during this coming year. May you have a blessed last week of 2010!

Sherrie Ashcraft
Women's Ministry Director
sherrieashcraft@yahoo.com
                                                                                     971-285-6699

Monday, December 20, 2010 WOW-Zine

Merry Christmas!! As you're frantically running around finishing your last minute errands before Christmas, I hope you'll take a few minutes to sit back and relax with this week's WOW-Zine.

I lost my voice during the WOW Christmas party last week, and haven't quite found it yet. Because of that, I'm not going to talk much today. But they say a picture is worth a thousand words, so I guess I'll still be pretty wordy. We had a fantastic time at our Christmas party, with oodles of great tasting cookies exchanged, and some very interesting white elephant gifts being fought over.  (Fought over, as in people trying to get rid of things they'd chosen. "You want this pig cookie jar. Really you do." Or "I'm sure this package of Tucks would go well in your bathroom!" ) I have the sneaking suspicion that we will see some of these items return, in mint condition, if we have a white elephant gift exchange next year. Pictures from the evening will be at the end of this blog, so be looking for yourself there. With thirty women present, I'm not sure if I snapped a pic of everyone, but that was certainly my intent.

My voice is failing, but before I leave you for this week, just a reminder that on Wednesday, December 29 at 6 PM we'll have our Undecorating Pizza party. Bring $5 to cover the cost of pizza and soda. We'll eat, visit, and put away Christmas decorations at the church for another year. Please let me know if you're coming. You can just say so in the comment section.

I hope you all have a wonderful time celebrating the birth of Christ! And now, with no further ado ... PICTURES!!!

Monday, December 13, 2010 WOW-Zine

She's baaaack!! Yep, I'm back to normal, at least as much as that is possible for me! Thanks again for all the prayers and concern on my behalf. I'm know that the Lord has intervened in my health and I'm looking forward to a wonderful Christmas season with you gals ...

Beginning with our WOW Christmas party this Wednesday at 6:30 PM. What a great time we'll have! Bring 4 dozen cookies if you'd like to participate in the cookie exchange. It's a wonderful way to get to sample the cooking talents of our women. (And you only have to share with your family if you want to!) Please bring a wrapped, white elephant gift with you. The key to this being a lot of fun is that you don't go out and buy something new to give to someone. Look around your house, under the bed, in the attic, and find something that you no longer want to have. I know what I'm bringing--it's something new but I've never used as it simply wasn't my taste. But someone else may fall in love with it! (If not, they can regift it at our party next year!) We will provide child care at this event. Annika will be there and money given toward babysitting will help fund her mission trip to Mexico. If you bring children, please be aware that they will be in another room and not part of our festivities. So maybe send along a snack or two for them.

All good things must come to an end, or at least that's what I've heard, and that means Christmas too. So on Wednesday, December 29th, we will meet at 6 PM for an Undecorate the Church party. Pizza and soda will be provided, so please bring $5 to cover the expense of your dinner. We'll play Christmas music one last time as we take down the tree, tuck decorations into tubs, eat, and laugh together. It would be helpful if you'd let me know you're coming. (No children at this event, please.)

The time is quickly approaching when we will open up registration for our spring retreat to the general public. You don't want to miss out on gathering with a bunch of crazy women as we get together at a fantabulous beach house in Lincoln City, March 4th-6th. We'll be kicking back in the 40-seat home theater to be encouraged by Beth Moore via a DVD series. Loving Well will be a challenge to apply biblical truths to the people around us. Your $80 will cover Friday dinner, Saturday breakfast and dinner, as well as Sunday breakfast and your stay at this beautiful house. (See http://www.vrbo.com/ #309670) Saturday afternoon will be free time for your shopping, hiking, and dining pleasure.

So, I'll see you all on Wednesday evening for our Christmas party. And if you've never been able to make it to a WOW event before, this would be a great time to change that!

Sherrie Ashcraft, Women's Ministry Director
sherrieashcraft@yahoo.com   971-285-8899

Monday, November 29, 2010 WOW-Zine

Look at this! What's my excuse for getting this blog out earlier than usual this week? Well, because I'm having some health issues and not sure how I'll be feeling later in the day, I decided to take advantage of feeling pretty good now. I just got back from the neurologist, accompanied by Karen and Kathy. (For a good time, call 555 ...!) I've been having some pretty severe torso spasms that go on for 6-7 hours. Talk about abs of steel!! (Mine are still abs of steel wool, however!) I've got an EEG first thing on Friday morning and am off my medications for now. (Be afraid, be very afraid!) Seriously, we don't know what's going on, so I'd really appreciate your prayers.

This Wednesday, December 1st, we will have Common Grounds at 6:30. You won't want to miss it! This will be your opportunity to hear Karen share what it's like going to a doctor's appointment with me. I think I'll have her act it out! Our study of Self Talk, Soul Talk will continue as we discuss the difference between self control and being controlled by God's Spirit.

Two weeks later, on the 15th, we'll have our Christmas party, which involves a cookie exchange and white elephants. It's important to note that white elephant gifts are not something you go out and buy, but some little something that you find around your house and no longer want. Maybe you never wanted it. Perhaps it was an ugly vase you inherited from your great aunt Henrietta. Might be that her ashes are still in it!! You just know that you have no intention of ever dusting it again. Well, simply wrap that baby up in festive paper and bring it with you on the 15th. We'll trade items around and see what you end up taking home! Childcare will be provided for those who need it.

Thanks to the women who showed up last Saturday to decorate the church for the Christmas season. Didn't it look nice yesterday? We've got an Undecorating Pizza Party on Wednesday, December 29th at 6:30. Bring a couple dollars to put in on pizza and visit with your girlfriends while putting the decorations away for another year.

Don't forget our Loving Well retreat the first weekend of March. If you've never been to a WOW retreat before, you don't know what you've been missing. If you have been to one, you'll know you don't want to miss it. Eighty dollars will pay for your weekend.

Sherrie Ashcraft, Women's Ministry Director
sherrieashcraft@yahoo.com  971-285-6699

Monday, November 22, 2120 WOW-Zine

I'm sitting here with a mug of homemade mocha, just thinking how much more I would enjoy it if I were sipping it with you ladies! The way the weather is acting, I think we should rename this month Novemburrr! I'm not ready for cold weather yet, but guess I don't get a vote!

So how has your Monday been? I thought I'd be smart and get my Thanksgiving shopping out of the way this morning. About twenty-thousand other smart people joined me at the McMinnville Winco, which completely defeated the purpose! But my day was brightened by seeing Chrissy there. She made like a bunch of celery and stalked me! My question to you is, what is my excuse for getting this posted late afternoon this week? I've used up a couple good ones the last few weeks, and now I need your help. Please leave a comment letting me know of a good excuse to use. :-)

Most of you probably have your Thanksgiving Day menu planned by now. Pull out that piece of paper and let's go over it together, seeing if you've left anything out, okay?

Even if there is someone around your holiday table that acts like a real turkey, just offer extra grace to them. You should also think about stuffing yourself full of the Word of God before having to be around people like that. It's easy to relish those whom we naturally get along with, but some people seem to get themselves into a pickle without even trying. At times we hope they get their just desserts, even if that means we have to cream them. I hope your table is surrounded by people you love, and the rest is all gravy.

This coming Saturday, November 27, you are invited to show up at the church at 10 AM to help decorate it for Christmas. I suggest you stop by Scoggins first and pick up a mocha or some coffee and show up in the Christmas spirit. Holiday music will be playing to help put you in the mood. The beautifying of our church for the month of December is a special gift to our body, and your help is appreciated

Our next Common Grounds is December 1st. God is joining us at our meetings and we're having sweet times of fellowhip. Two weeks later will be our Common Grounds Christmas Party, and you don't want to miss it. In addition to our usually yummy snacks, we'll have a Christmas cookie exchange for those who would like to participate, and a white elephant gift exchange for all of us. If you've never participated in a white elephant exchange, you have a lot to look forward to. You just barely have time to get your passport and head to India or Africa to search for the rare white elephant. Then we all bring them to the church on December 15th and exchange them. It's very exciting! You know how people always say people don't talk about the elephant in the room?? Well, this is a time to prove them wrong! (And if you really don't know what a white elephant gift exchange is, I'll explain it for real next blog!)

Most of you probably know by now that our Keisha Long gave birth on Friday to beautiful little Lila. In pictures I've seen on Facebook, both Keisha and Travis look besotted by their little girl. Congratulations to the whole family!

And speaking of babies, I got word from Kim Turin last night that she and Tony are expecting their second! She's due July 3rd! We're happy for you guys!

I wish all of you a very blessed Thanksgiving. No matter what is going on in your life, you can still find many, many things for which to be thankful. I am so thankful for all of you!

Sherrie Ashcraft, Women's Ministry Director
sherrieashcraft@yahoo.com  971-285-6699

Monday, November 15. 2010 WOW-Zine

What excuse will I use this week for being so late in my posting of this blog? Last week it was my haircut. This time I think I'll say it's because of taking care of a grandchild all day while her mom was at work. Yep, that's it. Lili and I had to hang out together, make a shopping trip to McMinnville, and just generally have an awesome time. However, I will make up for the lateness of this post by including pictures from Oh, Taste and See!

On Saturday, twenty-nine of us had a wonderful time tasting good food and seeing that the Lord is good, even in the midst of sour, salty, or bitter times in our lives. It's easy to love Him when everything is sweet, but we talked of how we don't truly experience the goodness of God until we go through the rough times. Our sharing time was precious, as women opened up about some of the things they're dealing with and of their need to make a conscious decision to embrace the goodness of God in the hardness of life. It was a foretaste of what it's like at our retreats!

This Wednesday, November 17th, is our next Common Grounds. We're having a really good time at those, too. It seems that anytime you women gather together, fun and friendship ensues. You just can't help yourselves! So come to the church at 6:30 for our evening of sweets, sisters, and study!!

There's a change on the calendar for women's ministry. We had planned an evening party for Dec. 3rd, but that will NOT be happening then. We've moved that event to the last Common Grounds before Christmas, which is Wednesday, December 15th.  Instead of our usual study, we'll do a cookie exchange and lots of other fun things. So plan ahead and bring 3 dozen cookies that evening. (They do not have to be homemade.) Bring along an extra platter to take cookies home with you. This is a wonderful way to get a sampling of many kinds of cookies to enjoy throughout the holiday with your family. Or, you can hide them in your underwear drawer so no one else will get into them! There may be some women who don't like doing a cookie exchange, and that's fine. Please still come and join us for all the rest of the festivities! Child care will be available that night for a nominal cost.

Don't forget the Loving Well retreat coming up the first weekend of March. To check out pictures of the house (if you haven't already) got to http://www.vrbo.com/ and look at # 309670. The cost is only $80, so start saving. The first forty that pay are the ones that get to attend. Make sure you're one of them!

Remember I give out little prizes at Common Grounds. Your name is entered in a drawing if you leave a comment here. Plus, the interaction can be quite entertaining!

Enjoy these pictures from Saturday. And a disclaimer: if I happened to snap the shutter and caught you in an unflattering pose, I'm sorry, but that's just what happens sometimes. (And believe me, I know that from experience!) It's the camera's fault--not yours! If I somehow missed getting a picture of you, it was probably because there was so much moving around that I missed you. I'll be sure to take a close-up of you next time!

Sherrie Ashcraft, Women's Ministry Director
971-285-6699 sherrieashcraft@yahoo.com

Monday, November 8, 2010 WOW-Zine

Welcome to the "happenin' place to be" on a Monday afternoon. I know I'm a bit later than usual in posting this week's blog, but I have a good excuse. Really, I do! I went and got my hair cut this afternoon, and now I can't keep from looking at myself in the mirror! My hair is still long, but it's layered and kinda flirty and sassy. Just what I wanted.

It's always nice when things turn out the way we want, but that often doesn't happen, does it? Whether it's how your kids behave, how your date-night plans work out, or even something as simple as finding the right ingredients for a new recipe, we're sometimes disappointed. How thankful I am for a God who never disappoints! He doesn't always do what I was expecting, but in the long run I have never been disappointed. Instead, I've been able to look back and see that His idea was so much better than anything I could have planned.

I hope you will be able to join the festivities this Saturday, 10 AM at the church, when we celebrate Oh, Taste and See! This is a WOW-sponsored event, which always means friends, food, and fun! If you haven't yet responded to your evite, please do so right away so we know how to plan. There's also the very real possibility that I somehow unintentionally skipped over your name and didn't send you one. If that's the case, it doesn't mean we don't want you to come. Instead, it means I was in charge! Please email me if you didn't get the invite. A couple Red Cross-trained sixth graders will be available in the nurseries to care for your children if you're unable to leave them home. (Or at the supermarket, park, etc.) These girls are earning money for the Mexico mission trip, so those who use their service are asked to pay them. We will also have a basket available for donations from the rest of us. WOW is providing ham and cinnamon rolls--please bring a breakfast food to fill in the gaps. We'll be done by noon.

Our next Common Grounds will be next week, Wednesday the 17th. What a great time we've been having! Around twenty-five women gather for these times of socializing, sharing, and study. There's always room for more. We begin at 6:30 and are done promptly at 8. Last week we talked a lot about wisdom, as it should be the source of what we speak to ourselves in Self Talk, Soul Talk. Instead of a verse to memorize for next week, we are reminding ourselves of three very important ways to deal with our thoughts.
1. Refuse things that are inaccurate.
2. Replace them with what is good.
3. Repeat the process for as long as it takes to bring our thoughts under control.

If you have one of the beautiful bookmarks that Amy made with a list of all our activities for the year, you'll need to make note of a change. Instead of having our WOW Christmas party and cookie exchange on Friday, Dec. 3rd, it will become a part of Common Grounds on Wednesday, Dec. 15th. Be planning ahead for what delicious holiday treat you'd like to share with the rest of us. If you're not interested in a cookie exchange, come anyway, as there's lots of other things we'll be doing.

As always, I'm including a reminder about our spring retreat, Loving Well, which is the first weekend of March. You've heard me talk about it a lot, and several have already paid their $80. I think this is the highlight of the year for lots of us, at least as far as church activities go. You've never had fun until you've had it with this group of women! You've never felt the freedom to share and be yourself as you will with this group of women! You've never stayed in such a gorgeous house for a retreat. Beth Moore's video series will speak to the heart of each of us, I believe. If you need to make payments toward the $80, you can give them to me. You won't earn any interest, but neither will you spend the money!

So, don't forget this Saturday morning, don't forget next Wednesday evening, and don't forget God loves you!

Sherrie Ashcraft, Women's Ministry Director
sherrieashcraft@yahoo.com   971-285-6699

Monday, November 1, 2010 WOW-Zine

Okay, ladies, have you done it yet? Turned over a new leaf? (On your calendar.) It's hard to believe it's already November and the holidays will be coming at us faster than we can duck. So let's make up our minds to truly enjoy the opportunities to get together in a meaningful way with family and friends during these next couple of months. (And hopefully you have people who fit in both categories!) Instead of begrudging the extra work and activities, let's savor them.

Common Grounds meets this Wednesday at 6:30. I noticed on one of Chrissy's comments she promised she was bringing something really good to eat. That's reason enough to come! But wait, there's even more! For an additional monthly payment of "just showing up" you will also get tons of laughter and great conversation,  plus practical ways to apply God's word to your life. I'll see you there!

Saturday morning, November 13th, we'll have a wonderful time at Oh, Taste and See! Join your women friends at the church at 10 AM for a special experience together as we have breakfast and discover some of the tastes the Lord brings into our lives. Childcare will be available (at a slight cost) for those who need it, but you'll have to let me know ahead of time.

For this Wednesday, we're memorizing Galatians 5:22--"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law." Don't worry, you don't have to repeat it on your own like they do at AWANA. We'll say it together as a group.

Women are already giving me their $80 for our Spring Retreat entitled Loving Well. This is a video series by speaker and author Beth Moore. I'll have the brochures and registration forms available at Common Grounds. Full payment will hold your spot. This will be open to only Wapato and Common Grounds women  until the middle of January, at which time you will be free to invite friends from other places if we still have openings. A couple of people have already asked to have friends put on the waiting list. Again, that will be on a first-paid basis. If you haven't checked out the pictures of our retreat house yet, you can see them at http://www.VRBO.com and type in #309670. It's incredible!

Speaking of incredible, that's what you gals are!! I feel SO blessed to be a part of such caring, open, fun-loving Christian women. I hope you all feel the same.

Sherrie Ashcraft, Women's Ministry Director
sherrieashcraft@yahoo.com  971-285-6699

Monday, October 25, 2010 WOW-Zine

Remember that old Carpenter's song where part of the lyrics said, "Rainy days and Mondays always get me down." Well, we've got both the Monday and the rain, but here's hoping you're not letting it get you down! God has blessed us with so much, even on drippy days. And have you noticed how the clouds and sun keep playing hide-and-go-seek? I think it's a good reminder of life. You may be in a dreary, dark time right now, but realize that it will pass and the sun will come out again. And when you're in a bright time, savor it, because you know it won't always be like that.

We had a great group of women together for the Life is Short event last Friday. What a relaxing, goofy, joyous time!! We had so much food and so much fun that we said we should have turned it into a pajama party and spent the night! We'll have to do it again in the near future.

Common Grounds does not meet this week, but will next week, Nov. 3rd. We're having a great time as we work our way through Self Talk, Soul Talk.
And there are prizes involved! If you leave a comment on this blog or next week's blog, your name will be entered in the contest for candy. :-)  If you bring a first-time guest with you, both of you will be able to select a little gift. I know some of you will do just about anything for chocolate, so let the games begin!

Have you put our women's breakfast on your calendar yet? It's at 10 AM on Saturday, Nov. 13th. This will be an opportunity to be encouraged as we look ahead to a busy holiday season. More information will be given next week, but make sure to Save the Date!

And now, to our biggest event of the year--our retreat at Lincoln City the first weekend of March. This you definitely don't want to miss! We'll be sharing in a video presentation by Beth Moore, called Loving Well. That's a topic we can all learn from, I'm sure. We'll spend a wonderful weekend together in a beautiful house a couple blocks from the beach. If you haven't checked out the house yet, go to http://www.vrbo.com/ and put in # 309670. The place is unbelievable!!

Registration forms will be available at the next Common Grounds. We have spots for 40 women. They will initially be open to ladies who attend Wapato or Common Grounds. If we still have available spots by mid January, you'll be able to extend an invitation to friends or relatives. The cost is only $80 and must be paid in full to hold your place. Several women have already paid. I will be glad to act as your banker if you want to give me money bit by bit.

So, that's it for this week. I'd love to hear from you via comments.

Sherrie Ashcraft, Women's Ministry Director
sherrieashcraft@yahoo.com  971-285-6699

Monday, October 18, 2010 WOW-Zine

It's autumn! Leaves are falling, and so am I. I took a bad spill last Monday, but the skinned arms are healing well. My tush is still a bit sore, but I know that will eventually go away. So I'm good-to-go for the things happening in the life of WOW in the near future.

The nearest future event is on Wednesday at 6:30 at the church. That's when WOW will meet for Common Grounds. Thanks to all of you who have been attending and participating. I find it very energizing to get together with you women during the middle of the week. Yes, it takes some planning, but I think it's worth it! There's always those yummy snacks (how will I ever lose weight?), great conversations both before and after the session, and then a fun time of searching God's Word together as we talk about Self Talk, Soul Talk. Hope to see you there Wednesday.

Then we have a very special event happening on this Friday, October 22nd. It's called Life is Short, aka Eat Dessert First! And that's exactly what we'll do. Women in the Gaston area who want to carpool can meet at the back parking area of the church at 6 PM. We'll leave at 6:10 to head to Forest Grove--Joe's Ice Cream Shop, (corner of Pacific and Main,) to be exact. Bring money for lucious desserts there before we head back to the church for a night of games and more food! Bring along a snack we can enjoy, as well as a favorite game. We'll have tables scattered around the room so we can have serveral different games going at a time. WARNING: You might want to bring along a surgical mask, as I'm sure the laughter will be contagious!

At the last WOW I introduced our lovely accomodations for our spring retreat, which is the first weekend of March at Lincoln City. To take an on-line tour of the house, go to VRBO.com and put in # 309670. This place will blow your mind! I mean, how many of you have stayed in a house that has an elevator? That has a 42-seat, two-level theater? It's incredible, and you'll be able to enjoy it for the low price of $80 for the weekend. Start saving now, as you have to be paid in full to be considered  registered. (Some women have already paid me!) I hope to have the brouchure and registration form out to you soon.

Because we have a fantastic theather in the home, I figured it would be a shame to waste it. So, our guest speaker for the weekend will be Beth Moore!! Yes, the famous one who goes all over the place giving conferences on how to apply God's word to our lives. That's what I like--the practical stuff! We'll soak in her series entitled Loving Well. I'll tell you more about it at a later time.

Save the date of Saturday, November 13th, as we'll have a women's breakfast at the church at 10 AM. More info will follow as the Women's Ministry Team finalizes the details, but I know you don't want to miss this special time.

Don't forget to be memorizing the verse we're supposed to all learn for Wednesday night. It's a great reminder of how to deal with the bad thoughts that so easily enter our minds. Check last week's blog, as I typed it out there.

I think this is enough for you to handle this week. There's a lot going on, isn't there? No reason to get bored around here!!

Sherrie Ashcraft, Women's Ministry Director
971-285-6699  sherrieashcraft@yahoo.com

Monday, October 11, 2010

Happy Columbus Day! What are you doing to make this a memorable holiday in the life of your family? I'd really like to know. Perhaps you're baking and decorating cakes to look like the three boats that sailed the ocean blue. Perhaps you're taking a cruise to commemorate the day. Whatever it is, leave a comment about it and you might win a prize at the next Common Grounds! (And it doesn't even have to be the truth!)

We had a wonderful gaggle of twenty-five women at C. G. last week. (There's another prize for anyone who can come up with a new word to describe a "gaggle" of women. I've got to stop writing, or I'll be giving away prizes right and left!) Our next meeting is NEXT Wednesday, the 20th. I think we're all enjoying learning about Self Talk, Soul Talk. It's nice to know we're not alone in this issue, isn't it?

Many people (okay, just one--hi, Adrienne!) have asked me to post a few notes here on the blog, so that if women have to miss a week they're able to know what's going on. We talked about borrowing beliefs from other people (perhaps labels put on you by parents or friends) that don't really fit, but we wear them anyway. We looked up several scriptures on the importance of words. If you'd like to check them out, you'll find them in Prov.16:24 and 25:11. We spent most of our time discussing II Corinthians 10:4,5. It's a wonderful word picture of how we're to handle our thoughts. And though I say I don't give homework, I am in this case. We're all memorizing those two verses.
For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.  II Cor. 10: 4,5

Don't forget our "Life is Short" night, coming up on Friday, October 22nd. That's when we'll meet at the ice cream shop in Forest Grove at 6:30 for dessert, then come to the church afterward for "healthy?" snacks (potluck style) and games. You won't want to miss out on this!

So, that's it for this week. Make sure to leave some comments and perhaps win some prizes. Have a wonderful week, everyone!

Sherrie Ashcraft, Women's Ministry Director
sherrieashcraft@yahoo.com  971-285-6699

Monday, October 4, 2010 WOW-Zine

If it's Monday, it must be WOW-Zine time. But I'm wondering if anyone is even reading this! Even with the pictures I posted last week, there were no comments left. Hmm ... I may have to start a contest again to get you gals to leave comments.


Common Grounds, our Bible study, will be meeting this Wednesday at the church at 6:30. The new time seems to be working better for most people, and for those of you that it doesn't, I'm sorry. It's just hard to find the perfect time. We had 26 women at our last meeting, when we began the study on Self Talk, Soul Talk. This subject seems to have struck a chord with many women. Feel free to invite friends to join us. Just show up with your Bible and a notebook and expect a great night!

Our next special event is on Friday, October 22nd. I'm calling it our Life is Short evening, as we're starting with dessert at Joe's Ice Cream Shoppe in Forest Grove. That's the "oldies" ice cream place on the corner of Main and Pacific where we went after bowling last year. After filling up on goodies there, we'll head to the church for some sandwiches and snacks during our game night. So there's a lot packed into one evening, and you won't want to miss a fun-filled minute of it.


In last week's WOW-Zine I said we'd be sharing some tidbits of things we learned at the Selah Conference. So here's the goodie for this week: Vicki Norris spoke about The Priority Principle--have I made room in my life for God's priorities? His priorities are to love, obey, go, and share. She challenged us to look for evidence of those things in our lives. To ask, "How am I showing love, obedience, going, and sharing?"


In next week's issue I'll have a great announcement to make concerning our retreat the first weekend of March. Start putting away a few dollars here and there, as it will be on a first paid, first registered basis for filling our slots. You won't believe the place we have this year!!


Sherrie Ashcraft, Women's Ministry Director
971-285-6699 sherrieashcraft@yahoo.com

Monday, September 27, 2010

Welcome to a beautiful Monday afternoon. The sun is shining, the bees are buzzing, and it's hard to believe that fall is just around the corner. Enjoy this week to the fullest, as it may be the last of our really nice weather.


This past Saturday ten of us went to George Fox University for the Selah conference. This is a yearly conference for women and there were nearly 900 of us in attendance. It's kind of like a mini Women of Faith. The worship team was fantastic, and the keynote speakers were full of fun, energy, and wisdom. I think we were all challenged to find ways to simplify our lives. The sun was out by the time lunch break came around, so we enjoyed a casual picnic by the clock tower.

In the coming weeks I'm going to share some of the tidbits of wisdom we heard at the conference. So if those of you who attended would please send me things from your notes that really stood out to you, I'll publish those in the future. I'd like the other women to be able to be exposed to what we gleaned. And wasn't it funny that so much of what was said really fits in with our new Common Grounds study concerning self talk?

Speaking of Common Grounds, we had a great time together last week with 26 women present. But you know what? If you weren't able to make it, there's still room for you! Wouldn't it be something if most of the women of the church were learning about the same thing at the same time?

Our next meeting will be Wednesday, Sept. 29th, at 6:30 PM. We'll be looking at renewing our throught closet.

Selah Sharing: From Vicki Norris, one of the keynote speakers, I learned that it is possible to go from overwhelmed to order. We need to let our lives be aligned with God's order for things. The truth about order is it's about the process and not the final look. When we're living out of order we feel out of control, or like we're just hanging in there. We feel stuck, limited, and hopeless. This would be a great topic for discussion, so please feel free to leave comments and respond back and forth to each other.

Well, I think that's it for this week. Ladies, please know that I am here for you. If you have a prayer concern please give me a call or send me an email to let me know. And I'm always available to get together for coffee!!

Have a great week!

Sherrie Ashcraft, Women's Ministry Director  971-285-6699
sherrieashcraft@yahoo.com

Monday, September 20, 2010

My deepest apologies (I wonder how deep that is?) for not getting this post up earlier in the day. But it's Monday--what can I say? I've been in charge of the three grandkids since Thursday night. Last night it took one of them an extra long time to fall asleep as he was in pain. We all overslept this morning, but Josh didn't feel well enough to go to school. So my day has turned out differently from what I planned.


I'm sure that's never happened to any of you, right?! Days like this simply remind us that we are not in control of our lives, even though we may have a schedule all planned out. I hope you're learning, as I am, not to let chaotic days throw you, but to entrust them to the Lord's schedule. I glad He know's what He's doing!

This Wednesday at 6:30 is the beginning of our Common Grounds study entitled Self Talk, Soul Talk. Scroll down to last week's blog to get more info about the subject matter. There is no cost for this study, nor is there any homework. I believe in a guilt-free environment for Bible study. Now, if the Holy Spirit wants to provide a little conviction, that's one thing. But no guilt.
Just bring your Bible and a notebook, along with an open heart.

This is your last call to be able to attend Selah, this Saturday, September 25th, for the low price of $32, including lunch. I've sold the ten tickets I bought, but can order more through Thursday morning. So, if you'd like to go but haven't purchased tickets, give me a call and I can place an order for you. (971-285-6699). You can pay me by check at Common Grounds. Please make checks out to WVC.

Is anyone interested in attending the Women of Faith conference in Portland on October 8 & 9th? I haven't ordered the $89 tickets for that event, as first I need to know who wants them. Please let me know just as soon as possible, as I'll buy one just for myself if need be! :-(

We had a lot of interest shown for WOW providing classes to learn how to knit, crochet, and quilt. If any of you are well-versed enough to be able to teach any of those classes, please let me know.

By the way, there is now a WOW group on Facebook. Several of you have already signed up for it. Please let your friends know about it. Hope to see many of you on Wednesday night at 6:30.

Blessings,
Sherrie

Sherrie Ashcraft, Women's Ministry Director  971-285-6699
sherrieashcraft@yahoo.com

Monday, September 13, 2010 WOW-ZINE

Welcome to another Monday. The kids are all back in school and hopefully you'll have time during the week to sit down with a cup of coffee or tea and see what's ahead for WOW.


We had a wonderful time at our WOW kickoff potluck last Wednesday. New faces showed up (no, no one got a face lift--you know what I mean!) as well as some of us older wrinkled ones. The food was bountiful as well as delicious. Maybe we should have potlucks more often! Scroll down to the bottom of this entry to see pictures from the evening.

Next Wednesday, September 22nd at 6:30-8 at the church will be our first actual study for Common Grounds this year. I'm really excited about the book I'll be teaching from--Self Talk, Soul Talk. If you've ever found yourself talking to yourself, this study is for you. Not because of the simple fact that you talk to yourself, but because of what you're saying. Usually, we're not telling ourselves the truth. The words we say shape the way we think about ourselves. They influence our emotions, thoughts, and decisions. In this study we'll discover how God has made a way for us to make sure the words we say to ourselves are the words He would say to us!

Saturday, September 25th is the Selah conference at George Fox University in Newberg. The theme this year is It's Time to Simplify. You simply must make the time to come to this event! I only have five tickets left ($32, which includes lunch) but can get more for the same low price if we run out. Please let me know as soon as possible if you can go. We can arrange carpools. The sessions go from 9-4:15. Those of us who attended last year had a great time. You won't want to miss this.

All day Friday and Saturday, October 8 & 9, is the Women of Faith conference in Portland. Let's get a group together and invade the place! If you've never been, it's an absolutely fantastic time. If you've been before, you'll still have an absolutely fantastic time. Blocks of seats are still available, but I'll need to order the tickets soon. If we get a group of ten or more tickets, they're only $89. I say "only" with tongue in cheek, as I know that's a lot of money. I can only tell you that it's well worth it!  It will of course cost extra if we're able to get a couple of motel rooms for Friday night. So, again, please let me know as soon as you can if you're able to go.

And now, for those promised photos!

Sherrie Ashcraft, Women's Ministry Director sherrieashcraft@yahoo.com 971-285-6699