This blog is getting out late today, but I'm sure it has nothing to do with the fact that I slept in this morning. Nor with the fact that I've kind of putzed around all day. I went over to Darci's this afternoon and told her I was going to say that the blog is late because of my spending some time with her. She gave me permission to use that as my excuse, so I am!
Common Grounds meets this Wednesday at 6:30 PM. We've got a lot of ladies that will be out of town, so would love for all of you who are in town to show up! After all, who really needs Hawaii when we have coffee, dessert, each other, and God's word? Let Karen and Janet do the hula if they want, but I'm sure they won't be having more fun than us! Well, if I have to be honest here, there's a slight chance they might, but we won't dwell on that possibility!
Coming up soon is the Wapato Valentine Dinner on Saturday, February 12th. Doors open at 6:30, and once you walk through them you will enter an evening of music, photos, fun, food, and romance. Tickets are only $10 a person for adults. You may bring your children, which only costs $2 a child. They will be in the annex and get dinner, crafts, and games for that low price. You can't find a better deal in the greater Portland metro area! Start practicing now to apply that sexy red lipstick you've always wanted to wear. (Did I just say "sexy" in a church blog??) This is your chance to dress up in a formal, or a fancy dress, church clothes, or whatever makes you feel beautiful. Hope to see you all there. Tickets can be bought at the church from now until then.
On Saturday, February 19th, Christina and I will be speaking at a women's brunch at the Truevine Christian Fellowship in McMinnville. This will be our third year to share with the women there. This year we'll be speaking on "The Great Romance." (Hmm, I wonder why we chose that topic?!) My friend, Su, who heads up the brunch, says we can invite our women's group to join them, so please consider this an open invitation. It begins at 10 AM and you would only need to bring a breakfast item to be shared at the potluck. It's over by noon, so you have most of the day for yourself. We would love to have some of you join us, so please call if you have any questions.
Thanks to all of you who have signed up to provide meals for Darci Stevens' family during her surgery and recuperation. When I visited with her this afternoon I asked why they can't take care of the stones in both kidneys at the same time and just get it over with. But in case of anything going wrong, they want to be sure that one kidney is still working. So that's why she will have to have two separate operations.
Just a reminder that spots for our Loving Well retreat are completely filled, but I will be offering it again in May. I'm thinking about the weekend of May 13th and 14th. Do those sound like good dates for any of you that won't be able to attend the one in March? I'd love for you to let me know if you're interested in a May retreat, using the same material as the March retreat. If our house has not sold by then (chances seem pretty slim that it will) I would host it here at Ashberry Lane. We'd be able to sleep here, enjoy the theater room and the hot tub. I think it would really be a lot of fun. But I need to know if anyone out there is interested.
Sherrie Aschraft, Women's Ministry Director
sherrieashcraft@yahoo.com 971-285-6699
Monday, January 31, 2011
Monday, January 24, 2011
Monday, January 24, 2011 WOW-Zine
I have the feeling this will be a short blog today, as I've got a lot going on. If you were at church yesterday you heard the exciting news that our daughter, Christina Berry, is now engaged to the terrific Dave Tarabochia. To say I'm happy doesn't even begin to express the emotions I have! Two mature Christians bringing their faith and love for each other together to create a new family for five children is an amazing thing to watch. So now I'm expecting two new grandsons in April!
For any of you who were sitting on the fence trying to decide if you were going to retreat or not, teeter no longer! We are maxed out for the legal limit of 40 women to sleep in the house, and 45 there during the day. It's amazing to have filled up the slots 6 weeks ahead of the event! We're only allowed to park 9 cars there, so will definitely be doing carpooling. By mid-February I'll be sending more specifics to those of you who are going.
I realize there are several of you who would love to attend retreat but are unable to do so this year. Don't despair! Because this is a video series, I'll be able to offer a mini-retreat sometime in May, maybe at Ashberry Lane. The cost would be significantly less, but the teaching and "galship" would still be incredible. Please let me know if you're interested in taking advantage of this offer. (Now I'm starting to feel a little bit like a late-night infomercial!)
Other News:
Darci Stevens is having surgery on February 1st. Her family will be in need of meals while she recuperates. Chrissy has a meal plan set up, which you can access by going to http://www.takethemameal.com/, putting in the family name "Stevens" and the code "1234". I know it will put Darci's mind at ease if she goes into surgery knowing her family will have food to eat!
Our next meeting for Common Grounds will be on Wednesday, February 2nd at 6:30. Last week we talked about the distractions that can mess us up and allow the wrong thinking patterns to develop in our minds. Ladies, remember to awake your soul each morning, and don't let even the good things distract you.
Don't forget the fun and romance that awaits you at Wapato Valley Church the evening of Saturday, February 12th. Doors open at 6:30 for a wonderful evening of dining and dancing as we celebrate love, love, love. Tickets are now on sale at the church for only $10 per person. Child care is provided for only $2/child, and they get to eat, do crafts, etc. It's a wonderful night for the whole family. And you get to dress up!!
Sherrie Ashcraft, Women's Ministry Director
sherrieashcraft@yahoo.com 971-285-6699
For any of you who were sitting on the fence trying to decide if you were going to retreat or not, teeter no longer! We are maxed out for the legal limit of 40 women to sleep in the house, and 45 there during the day. It's amazing to have filled up the slots 6 weeks ahead of the event! We're only allowed to park 9 cars there, so will definitely be doing carpooling. By mid-February I'll be sending more specifics to those of you who are going.
I realize there are several of you who would love to attend retreat but are unable to do so this year. Don't despair! Because this is a video series, I'll be able to offer a mini-retreat sometime in May, maybe at Ashberry Lane. The cost would be significantly less, but the teaching and "galship" would still be incredible. Please let me know if you're interested in taking advantage of this offer. (Now I'm starting to feel a little bit like a late-night infomercial!)
Other News:
Darci Stevens is having surgery on February 1st. Her family will be in need of meals while she recuperates. Chrissy has a meal plan set up, which you can access by going to http://www.takethemameal.com/, putting in the family name "Stevens" and the code "1234". I know it will put Darci's mind at ease if she goes into surgery knowing her family will have food to eat!
Our next meeting for Common Grounds will be on Wednesday, February 2nd at 6:30. Last week we talked about the distractions that can mess us up and allow the wrong thinking patterns to develop in our minds. Ladies, remember to awake your soul each morning, and don't let even the good things distract you.
Don't forget the fun and romance that awaits you at Wapato Valley Church the evening of Saturday, February 12th. Doors open at 6:30 for a wonderful evening of dining and dancing as we celebrate love, love, love. Tickets are now on sale at the church for only $10 per person. Child care is provided for only $2/child, and they get to eat, do crafts, etc. It's a wonderful night for the whole family. And you get to dress up!!
Sherrie Ashcraft, Women's Ministry Director
sherrieashcraft@yahoo.com 971-285-6699
Monday, January 17, 2011
Monday, January 17, 2011 WOW-Zine
Today is MLK Day, a rememberance of the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He's the man that was famous for his "I Have a Dream" speech. My dreams are usually not as noble. I'm famous for having all my teeth fall out in my dreams, or having a mouthful of guacomole and being unable to talk. (Perish the thought!)
I'm wondering, if you were to make your own "I Have a Dream" speech, what would you say? What are your dreams? A fantastic marriage to a hunk? Beautiful children who obey at all times? No cellulite, spider veins, or extra pounds? Plenty of money for extravagant vacations? I think I know you gals better than that. You may want a few things along those lines, but I believe you're made of deeper stuff than that. I hope you're dreaming of a closer walk with Jesus, of having friends and being a friend who can be counted on, of growing in your ability to love others. There are ways to make those dreams come true. That's part of the purpose of women's ministries and why I'd love for you to join us as often as possible. We all need to dream big!
Speaking of big, our annual retreat will soon be here, held at a BIG new house in Lincoln City this year. You do not want to miss it! Today is the day registration opens to those who are not in the local area. But there are still four or five spots open for those of you involved at Wapato Valley Church or with Common Grounds. I've previewed the first session of the Beth Moore CD on Loving Well, and I can tell you we're in for a treat. She's a great communicator and fun to listen to. Plus God speaks through her. What a great BIG
combination! Remember, if finances are the only reason you're not able to attend, talk to me right away and we'll see what can be worked out.
I'm wondering, if you were to make your own "I Have a Dream" speech, what would you say? What are your dreams? A fantastic marriage to a hunk? Beautiful children who obey at all times? No cellulite, spider veins, or extra pounds? Plenty of money for extravagant vacations? I think I know you gals better than that. You may want a few things along those lines, but I believe you're made of deeper stuff than that. I hope you're dreaming of a closer walk with Jesus, of having friends and being a friend who can be counted on, of growing in your ability to love others. There are ways to make those dreams come true. That's part of the purpose of women's ministries and why I'd love for you to join us as often as possible. We all need to dream big!
Speaking of big, our annual retreat will soon be here, held at a BIG new house in Lincoln City this year. You do not want to miss it! Today is the day registration opens to those who are not in the local area. But there are still four or five spots open for those of you involved at Wapato Valley Church or with Common Grounds. I've previewed the first session of the Beth Moore CD on Loving Well, and I can tell you we're in for a treat. She's a great communicator and fun to listen to. Plus God speaks through her. What a great BIG
combination! Remember, if finances are the only reason you're not able to attend, talk to me right away and we'll see what can be worked out.
Loving Well Retreat
March 4th-6th
Lincoln City
$80
Lots of fun!
Another fun event coming up in just a few weeks is the Wapato Valentine's Dinner. This is the one opportunity a year we have for dressing up fancy, if so desired. The church is transformed into a beautiful, romantic dinner place, with a live band and dancing. All for the low cost of $20 per couple. Tickets will be going on sale in the near future, but write this one on your calendar for Saturday, February 12, in dark red lipstick now!
Common Grounds meets this Wednesday at 6:30. We'll have a delightful evening of conversation, dessert, and continued study of how to control what we allow in our soul closet. It's a very practical Bible study, which might even help you realize some of your dreams!
Sherrie Ashcraft, Women's Ministry Director
sherrieashcraft@yahoo.com 971-285-6699
Monday, January 10, 2011
Monday, January 10, 2011 WOW-Zine
As I'm writing this, the winter sun is streaming through my office window. It almost looks like it could be Spring out there. Yet, the weathermen are saying we've got a snow and ice storm coming in tomorrow. I guess that makes me appreciate today's weather even more. That's what we should do with the events in our life--enjoy those sweet, warm times when everything is going well, knowing that the wintry blasts that test our faith may be headed our way. I'm glad to know God's in charge of it all.
We had a great time at Common Grounds last week and I think we were all challenged to start our days by awakening our souls. That's one of the ways to guard the door of our thought closet. (We'll be given other tools in the coming weeks.) Several of you have told me you're really trying to say, "Awake my soul" when you first wake up in the morning. I'm not reaching 100% yet, but at least I think of it early in the day. It's a positive reminder that we need to be on the alert to what may try to turn us away from God during the day.
Retreat slots are filling rapidly. At this point we just have 13 openings left before registration is made available to those outside our local group. All along we've said that it will open to others in the middle of January, which would be next Monday. If you are sure you want to go, and sure you will have the money by the middle of February, please let me know. It's only fair to have as many of WOW-ers attend as possible, but we don't want to be left with empty spots. So drop me a line or give me a call to let me know. If you're involved with Wapato and the only thing keeping you from attending is the $80, talk to me about that also. We don't want lack of money to keep anyone from being able to come.
So, as a reminder, our Loving Well retreat is March 4th-6th in Lincoln City. The fantastic house will provide a warm welcome to all of us, and the weekend will be filled with some of the best times imaginable. You have a group of ladies who make up the Women's Ministry Team that are already praying for you and what God wants to do during the weekend. We're making fun plans for our time together, so please say you'll join us!
Our next Common Grounds will be Wednesday, January 18th at 6:30 at the church. We'll be talking about distractions and what they have the potential of doing in our lives. And we'll add another tool to our arsesnal we can use to protect our hearts--hope!
As we were meeting at Common Grounds last week, our Nicole Paz was in the process of delivering her third child--a beautiful little girl named Alivia. Congratulations, Nicole, and we can hardly wait to meet her! If any of you would like to help with meals for the Paz family, Chrissy has a great website set up at http://www.takethemameal.com/. Where it asks for the family name, type in "Paz" and the password is "1234". (Even I can remember that!) You can see who else is helping out, what day they're bringing food, and even what's on the menu!
Sherrie Ashcraft, Women's Ministry Director
sherrieashcraft@yahoo.com 971-285-6699
We had a great time at Common Grounds last week and I think we were all challenged to start our days by awakening our souls. That's one of the ways to guard the door of our thought closet. (We'll be given other tools in the coming weeks.) Several of you have told me you're really trying to say, "Awake my soul" when you first wake up in the morning. I'm not reaching 100% yet, but at least I think of it early in the day. It's a positive reminder that we need to be on the alert to what may try to turn us away from God during the day.
Retreat slots are filling rapidly. At this point we just have 13 openings left before registration is made available to those outside our local group. All along we've said that it will open to others in the middle of January, which would be next Monday. If you are sure you want to go, and sure you will have the money by the middle of February, please let me know. It's only fair to have as many of WOW-ers attend as possible, but we don't want to be left with empty spots. So drop me a line or give me a call to let me know. If you're involved with Wapato and the only thing keeping you from attending is the $80, talk to me about that also. We don't want lack of money to keep anyone from being able to come.
So, as a reminder, our Loving Well retreat is March 4th-6th in Lincoln City. The fantastic house will provide a warm welcome to all of us, and the weekend will be filled with some of the best times imaginable. You have a group of ladies who make up the Women's Ministry Team that are already praying for you and what God wants to do during the weekend. We're making fun plans for our time together, so please say you'll join us!
Our next Common Grounds will be Wednesday, January 18th at 6:30 at the church. We'll be talking about distractions and what they have the potential of doing in our lives. And we'll add another tool to our arsesnal we can use to protect our hearts--hope!
As we were meeting at Common Grounds last week, our Nicole Paz was in the process of delivering her third child--a beautiful little girl named Alivia. Congratulations, Nicole, and we can hardly wait to meet her! If any of you would like to help with meals for the Paz family, Chrissy has a great website set up at http://www.takethemameal.com/. Where it asks for the family name, type in "Paz" and the password is "1234". (Even I can remember that!) You can see who else is helping out, what day they're bringing food, and even what's on the menu!
Sherrie Ashcraft, Women's Ministry Director
sherrieashcraft@yahoo.com 971-285-6699
Monday, January 3, 2011
Monday, January 3, 2011--WOW-Zine
Happy New Year! Welcome to the first Monday of the year! Are you excited about 2011? I am. The last couple years have had quite a bit of challenge in them for me, and I'm hoping things will turn around this year. But I have no guarantee of that. The year may be filled with many joyful things, or hardships may be waiting for me just around the corner. Life can be exhausting! But I love how Matthew 11:26-30 is phrased in The Message. Jesus says, "Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me--watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." That's my goal for the year. (And thanks to those of you who shared your goals last week in the comments!)
This Wednesday at 6:30 Common Grounds resumes. One of my goals each year is to continue growing in the Word of God. A great way to do that is to meet with other women as we look at what the Lord has to say about our thought closet. This week we'll be looking at the role of the Holy Spirit in keeping our closet in order. It's a very practical lesson, and you won't want to miss our discussion.
It's time to get your retreat reservation in if you haven't done so yet. We have several women that aren't part of Wapato that are waiting in the wings to take spots if they're still available two weeks from now. Ladies from as far away as Washington and Kentucky!! Remember, you must be paid in full to hold your spot. (And thanks to Neva for letting me know she was the one that gave me the $20 a couple weeks ago.) Beth Moore's video series Loving Well will be something we'll all learn from. And don't forget the fantastic times we have laughing together, playing together, eating together, and yes, even crying together. We have many special things in store for you this year. This all happens March 4-6th, for only $80. Please join us.
Sherrie Ashcraft, Women's Ministry Director
sherrieashcraft@yahoo.com
971-285-6699
This Wednesday at 6:30 Common Grounds resumes. One of my goals each year is to continue growing in the Word of God. A great way to do that is to meet with other women as we look at what the Lord has to say about our thought closet. This week we'll be looking at the role of the Holy Spirit in keeping our closet in order. It's a very practical lesson, and you won't want to miss our discussion.
It's time to get your retreat reservation in if you haven't done so yet. We have several women that aren't part of Wapato that are waiting in the wings to take spots if they're still available two weeks from now. Ladies from as far away as Washington and Kentucky!! Remember, you must be paid in full to hold your spot. (And thanks to Neva for letting me know she was the one that gave me the $20 a couple weeks ago.) Beth Moore's video series Loving Well will be something we'll all learn from. And don't forget the fantastic times we have laughing together, playing together, eating together, and yes, even crying together. We have many special things in store for you this year. This all happens March 4-6th, for only $80. Please join us.
Sherrie Ashcraft, Women's Ministry Director
sherrieashcraft@yahoo.com
971-285-6699
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