We have a rather unusual occurrence this week in that Wednesday is Leap Day. We think it takes the Earth 365 days to orbit the sun each year, but in reality it takes about a quarter of a day longer. So to keep our calendar on track, good ol' Julius Caesar changed things up a bit way back in 45 B.C. and added an extra day every four years. Which bring us to this Wednesday! And according to what I read in The Oregonian the other day, it's even more complicated than that. It turns out that Leap Year is not observed during years that are divisible by 100! Who knew? And what about those lucky people who are born on Leap Year (a Leaper, which is so much better than a leper) and age so much slower than the rest of us? The article I read said that there's about a 1 in 1,500 chance of that happening. Are any of you in that category? We'd love to help you celebrate your rare birthday.
It just so happens that Common Grounds meets this Wednesday at 6:30 PM at the church. I thought maybe we should play a game of Leap Frog during our social time at the beginning, but then I felt a twinge in my back and thought better of the whole idea! Nor will we decorate the tables with frogs! Instead, we'll gather for some coffee or tea, goodies, great conversation with girl friends, and a study of The Bleeding Woman, as found in Mark 5:25-34. This is a topic that all of us are familiar with in one way or another. It's part of what defines us as women. Yet there's more to this story than meets the eye. Come with a heart open to receive what the Lord wants you to hear and ponder. BTW, you Common Grounds gals, I really missed a lot of you at our last study. I know life gets very busy, but taking care of yourself spiritually is one of the best things you can do. If you're not there, not only do you miss an opportunity for God to speak to your heart and make necessary adjustments in your life or way of thinking, but you're also missing out on God being able to use something you say or do to bless the lives of other women. We each need each other.
The Thursday Perk meets next week at 9:30 AM and will be studying the same passage.
Retreat registration for our April 13th-15th SeaSide Escape opens March 1st. That's this Thursday, ladies! But like I said at church yesterday, I know some of you are so anxious to sign up and hand over your $80 that you'd be showing up at my front door at 12:01 AM on Thursday. So to avoid that unfortunate event, I'm going to accept registrations a few hours early--at Common Grounds. Remember, the first two weeks of registration are just for those who regularly attend Wapato Valley Church. But don't panic, women, there will be room for everyone who wants to go, I'm quite sure. So there's no reason to push people out of your way or trample each other in a mad dash to register! (Now there's a visual!)
On March 14th registration will expand to those who attend either of our Bible studies but go to church elsewhere. Two weeks after that, if we still haven't reached our cap of 40 women, we will open it up to anyone else who would like to come. That's when you can invite your friends or relatives. If for some reason you are unable to attend, I am open to doing a local retreat at my home later in the spring, just as I did last year. We would use the same materials, but just have the event on a Friday evening and all day Saturday. We had a great time doing that last year.
Some years we've encouraged nursing mothers to attend the retreat as long as their baby is not yet crawling. But with the configuration of this particular retreat, it won't work to do that. It's imperative that each woman in attendance is able to actually be there and not attending to the needs of her baby. So I'm going to have to regretfully ask that all babies remain at home. We have so many young mothers that I'm sure this is going to effect some of you, and I apologize for that. But what we could do is let lap babies be at the secondary retreat at my house later in the spring. I hate to have you young moms miss out, as I know you really need the encouragement. Those of us who are older mothers, grandmas, and even great grandmas know that there are seasons in a woman's life, and sometimes things have to be delayed a bit. So from here on out, plan your child-bearing around women's retreat and you should be just fine!!
WOW Movie Night is this Friday, March 2nd, at my house south of Gaston. Show up around 7 PM with a snack to share. We'll start the movie by 7:30. At this point I'm leaning toward The Young Victoria. This is a lush period piece with beautiful colors and costumes, and tells the story of 18-year-old Victoria ascending the throne and being romanced by her future husband. Feel free to wear your PJs and tiaras when you come!
Exercise classes continue! Zumba classes are held Monday and Wednesday at 4:15 PM at the church. Some of us have tired of Zumba, or just want a change of pace. For those of you in that category, show up on Tuesday and Thursday at 5 PM for an exercise surprise. Last week we busted some moves from The Core DVDs. This week we'll do another one of those on Tuesday, and something different on Thursday. Bring your favorite workout DVD along with you if you'd like us to try it.
Don't forget about The Art of Marriage conference being offered at the church on Friday, March 16th beginning at 7 PM and going through Saturday afternoon. Childcare is not provided, but you can call the church office ( 503-985-3351) and speak to Becky to get names of babysitters. The workbook costs $35 per couple, and you need to let Becky know you want that by March 1st. Attending a marriage conference is not a sign that you're having problems in your marriage. It's an acknowledgement that marriage is hard work and we need to constantly be acquiring new tools to help us build a stronger marriage. I really hope you'll take advantage of this opportunity, as it's not that often that something of this caliber comes to our small town.
So as you've read through the WOW-Zine this week, I hope there's at least one thing that has grabbed your interest and you've decided to attend. Common Grounds, exercise class, movie night, marriage seminar, retreat--so many opportunities, so little time! Let me close out today with some great thoughts about speaking without words. (And a special thanks to those of you who are leaving comments!)
Feb 27, 2012 06:00 am | Roy
We can speak—
With the eyes of understanding;
With the ears of alertness;
With the smile of delight;
With the tone of kindness;
With the spirit of compassion;
With the hands of mercy;
With the embrace of acceptance;
With the handshake of friendship;
With the look of interest;
With the tears of compassion;
With the nod of affirmation;
With the touch of tenderness;
With the heart of love;
With a face that radiates His light.
Lift up the light of Your countenance upon us, O Lord. Psalm 4:6 AMP
Let your light shine in front of people. Then they will see the good that you do and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16 HW
Sherrie Ashcraft, Women's Ministry Director
sherrieashcraft@yahoo.com 971-285-6699
