Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Did any of you notice you didn't hear from me on Monday? For several years I've sent the WOW-Zine out on Mondays, but yesterday I made a conscious decision not to. And it's all Pastor Pete's fault! Did you hear that sermon of his on Sunday? I was really convicted about my need to take a Sabbath rest every week. For months I've been saying that I never have a day off, almost like that was a good thing. And it's not! I realized that I never have to think twice about whether to tithe or not--I know it's a principle that God has blessed my entire life. So I also need to trust that He will take care of me if I "tithe my time" and take a day each week to rest and rejuvenate, as a way of being obedient. That being said, I've looked at my schedule, and Monday seems to be the most likely day for me to take as a Sabbath. So, from here on out, the WOW-Zine will be published on Tuesdays.

Ladies, do you realize it's nearly November?? We've got lots of fun things coming up in the next few months, beginning with our WOW Wild Game Night on Friday, November 8th, beginning at 7 PM at the church. This is always a very fun evening, and you never know what hilarious things will happen! This time, by popular demand, I will be showing the Family Feud episode that our family was on years ago. Yep, you may not have known you had such a celebrity in your midst! So bring a favorite game, a snack to share, and a desire to relax and have fun! And feel free to bring friends.

Our first Sew 'n Sew is just around the corner. Saturday, November 16, at 10 AM in the annex (across the street behind the church) Shellee will be leading a sewing class. She's starting simple
--helping us make pillowcases. These would make great Christmas gifts. She's bringing a sewing machine, but we'll need some others ones on hand, so please let me know if you can provide one that morning. You're responsible to provide your own material, so contact me (contact info is always listed at the end of the WOW-Zine) if you want to participate, and I'll tell you how much material you need for what size pillowcase. Sign-up sheets will also be available at both Bible studies. Many of you have asked for something like this, so I hope you're able to take advantage of it. 

For those of you who have been waiting for the handout information from our Hope Floats seminar, Dr. Kristie has provided several links, and I'll be sending that out to you later today. So be watching for that.

Both of our women's Bible studies will be meeting as usual this week--Common Grounds on Wednesday night at 6:30, and The Perk on Thursday morning at 9:30. Our study through Beth Moore's presentation on the book of James--Mercy Triumphs--has been a huge blessing to us. This week we'll be discussing James 1:22-27. Remember, you can join Bible study at any time, there's no homework, and it's a wonderful way to get to know the other women in the church as well as to deepen your spiritual life.  This week Jody signed up for snacks on Wednesday, Stephanie is on for Thursday, and Nicole P. is the MIC for Thursday morning.

This is probably enough information for your Tuesday morning, so guess that's it until next week. I hope your week has got off to a good start, and that I'll see you at one of our studies this week.

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

Monday, October 21, 2013 WOW-Zine

Hope Floats ... Rising Above Depression, was a wonderful event Saturday. Fifty-five women gathered to hear Kristie talk about the many facets of depression, and ways we can deal with it ourselves or help others get through it. We loved her sense of humor, the way she could just roll with whatever was happening, and all the insights she had for us. And the interactive presentation helped us stay focused the whole time. The most common comment I heard was, "It's so nice to know that I'm not alone, and that I can talk to other people about this instead of feeling ashamed." 

Several of you indicated that you would like an opportunity to meet with other ladies throughout the fall and winter to support each other just by talking and praying. We will get that up and running in the next few weeks.

A room full of beautiful women ready to listen.

Our presenter, Dr. Kristie Knows His Gun. What a wealth of knowledge she has!

A huge thank you to my Hope Floats team--Kathy Fordyce, Nicole Paz, and Keisha Long. I certainly could not have done it without them. These ladies spent many hours and weeks working with me to give you a program that made it worth your while to come. And a big shout-out also goes to all you women who enabled us to provide a comforting lunch to everyone. I don't know of any other place you could go to get a free day of such practical information!

I don't want to sound mean, but have any of you noticed that Christine Hoffmann appears to be putting on some extra weight lately?? I suppose most of you know there's a good reason for that--she's expecting son number three just before Christmas! The Wapato Shower Forecasters are throwing a baby shower for her this Saturday at 11:30. Our chief meteorologist, Laura Fordyce, has sent out e-vites for it, but we are well aware that those don't always go through. So please know that even if you didn't get an "official" invitation, we'd like you to come celebrate this important event on Saturday. You can contact Laura at 971-244-2134 for more information.

Both of our women's Bible studies meet this week, and we'll continue to study the book of James along with Beth Moore. This week we'll spend some time in discussion of James 1:20-25, and also some time with Beth via the DVD. Both are important ways of applying God's word to our heart. Common Grounds meets Wednesday at 6:30 PM (Janet has signed up for snacks) and The Perk gets together Thursday morning at 9:30 (Nicole P. is on for treats, and Anastasia signed up to be our Mother In Charge that morning.) Thanks ladies!

I hope you already have Friday, Nov. 8th marked on your calendar as our next WOW Wild Game Night!  We always have a lot of fun at those events, and this one will be extra-special due to a guest appearance of ME being on Family Feud! Yes, about 12 years ago our family was on that television show. You won't want to miss seeing me in my oh-so-fake, doesn't-look-good blonde days! Bring a game and a snack and show up at 7 PM on Nov. 8th at the church.

Ever wanted to learn a few sewing skills? Have we got the opportunity for you! Our first Sew 'n Sew class will be held Saturday, Nov. 16th, at 10 AM in the annex. (The building right behind the church.) Shellee is going to teach us how to make pillow cases, which you could either keep for yourself or use as Christmas gifts. Beginning this week, I will have signup sheets available at both Bible studies, as well as directions as to how much material to bring for what size pillow cases you want to make. Shellee will be bringing her sewing machine, but we'll need some additional ones. Please let me know if you can help meet that need.

As you can see, WOW (Women Of Wapato) is a very active group, and I hope you'll take advantage of the different things we offer!

Until next week,
Sherrie Ashcraft, Women's Ministry Director
sherrieashcraft@gmail.com     971-285-6699

Monday, October 14, 2013 WOW-Zine

Most of you probably won't read this until Tuesday morning, as it's late Monday night when I'm finally getting around to this. It's been a super busy time for the past four days, and I couldn't write this until now, after 10 PM. Kristin Larkins gave me permission to just write "Hi, come to everything, bye!" But I'll add a little bit to that!

 The major reminder is that Hope Floats is this Saturday from 10 AM to 3 PM, with lunch included, all for free. Over fifty women have signed up for this seminar. Parking is going to be tight because the Knights have a big event going on upstairs that day, so we're encouraging all of you to park either on adjacent streets, down at the ball park, or perhaps over by Scoggins Coffee. Please be sure not to use any space in front of the Gaston Store or in their parking area behind the store.

Both of our Bible studies meet this week as usual. Lori A. is bringing treats for Common Grounds on Wednesday night at 6:30, and Kristen S. is covering snacks for The Perk on Thursday morning at 9:30, with Karen being the Mother In Charge over at the annex.

I'll end by reminding you of our Game Night on Friday, Nov. 8th at the church, and our Sew 'n Sew on Saturday the 16th. More info in next week's WOW-Zine.

That's all I've got in me for this week, ladies! 

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

Monday, October 7, 2013 WOW-Zine

What a great weekend we had at Women of Faith! There's nothing like spending hours with seven or eight thousand other women! The worship time, various speakers, mini-concerts, and the power of the Lord were a joy to experience. I've already bought ten tickets for next year ($81), which will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. So save the dates of October 10-11, 2014.

And since we had to make a Starbucks run first thing after leaving the motel on Saturday morning, I figured this was appropriate:

(Bizarro)

Hope Floats ... Rising Above Depression. This one-day seminar is just around the corner, and I hope you've been inviting friends to attend with you. We have a guest speaker who will be sharing not only information about the different types and causes of depression, but also helping us learn some ways to deal with it, in both ourselves and others. So join us at the church on Saturday, October 19th, from 10-3. Childcare is not provided, but a FREE LUNCH is! It would really help if you could RSVP by the 13th, so we can make sure we have enough food for everyone. Let me know by text, email, or phone call if you're planning to attend, and how many ladies will be coming with you. (This will also be appropriate for teen girls.)

Do you realize how quickly Thanksgiving and Christmas are approaching? Have you thought of making any homemade gifts this year? We are offering a bit of sewing encouragement at our first Sew 'n Sew, to be held on Saturday, November 16th. Shellee is going to help ladies/girls make pillow cases. This will be a great project for those who have little sewing skill but want to learn to sew a straight seam! Those of you who are already great seamstresses are also invited, as others can learn a lot from you. This will be our version of an old-fashioned sewing bee. And maybe the Men's Ministry will do a barn-raising! Be watching for further announcements about how much material you'll need to bring, and what time we'll get together. 

We're continuing our journey through Beth Moore's study on the book of James, called Mercy Triumphs. We are being thoroughly challenged by God's Word as we apply it to our lives each week. Come join us at either Common Grounds (Wednesdays, 6:30 PM) or The Perk (Thursdays at 9:30 AM--child care provided.) This week Tiffany has signed up to bring treats on Wednesday, Sharon for Thursday, and Kristen S. is our MIC.

(Pearls Before Swine)

So, that's probably enough humor for one Monday! Have a blessed week, my friends.

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