Hello there, my friends!
Let me start right off with the most important thing I need to tell you this week, and that regards a CHANGE OF VENUE AND TIME for our WOW Movie Night. It will still be this Friday, Sept. 26th, but will be indoors at 7:30 at Janet George's. (2751 Phillips Rd., Gaston. She's about 1/2 mile up from Karen's driveway. The house is on the left side and the address on the mailbox is easy to see. And their motor home is near the road, which is another good indication that you're at the right place!) Now you won't have to bring all the stuff to keep warm outdoors, but don't forget to bring a snack to share. We'll be watching Mom's Night Out, and this event is open to high school girls also. Karen, who was going to host this event, is back in Illinois spending precious final hours with her grandma, who is dying. Our prayers are with Karen and family.
We got off to a good start in both Bible studies last week, and it's just going to keep getting better. It would be even better if you would come too! Last week was our introduction to God Is Just Not Fair. There are a lot of questions we tend to ask God when life gets hard and we can't figure it out--God, is this fair? Do You err? Do You hear my prayer? Do You care? Are You aware? Are You there?
You may have wondered why I asked people to bring a blanket with them to study. It's because we all have a "faith blanket," comprised of the things we believe, the experiences we've had, etc. It was fun to have the ladies say why they liked their "blankies" so much and to hear the stories behind them. One was about 30 years old and had holes and tears, and stuffing all bunched up in one corner with no batting at all in the center. Another was simply tatters, held together with love. And don't you find that's what happens to your faith blanket? The hard stuff happens and our questions create holes and tears. But just because the blanket is torn doesn't mean we don't continue to wrap it tightly around ourselves. We talked about Job and how in the midst of all his questioning (he asks over 60 of them in that book!) he pulls his blanket tightly around him and says, "Though He slay me, I will still trust Him," (Job 13:15) and "I know that my Redeemer lives!" (Job 19:25). When we have questions, getting answers isn't the answer. The answer comes in seeing God through the rips in our faith blankets.
So join us this week at either Common Grounds on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 (Kristin L. is bringing snacks) or at The Perk on Thursday morning at 9:30 (Kristen S. is bringing snacks, and Stephanie will be our Mother-in-Charge.) This week we'll be talking about our Just Desserts!
I hope you're telling your friends about the marriage and parenting event Wapato is sponsoring the first weekend of October, led by the Pritchards, nationally sought-after speakers on these subjects. Sign-up sheets started filling up Sunday. You can still sign up this Sunday, or call the church office (503-985-3351) to get your name on the list. Suggested cost is $20 per person. Friday night's (Oct. 3rd) event will be a potluck dinner at the Rusaws and the opportunity to hang out with the Pritchards and Saturdays seminars will take place at the church. This event is open to everyone, but no child care is provided.
Until next week,
Sherrie Ashcraft, Women's Ministry Director
sherrieashcraft@gmail.com 971-285-6699
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