Did you notice I didn't show up in your inbox yesterday? I find when I've got a lot of company around the house, it's hard to maintain my usual schedule. I've got five out-of-state family members here for the week, plus had a lot of additional extended family show up for the day yesterday, so the WOW-Zine went by the wayside.
I'm going to keep this very short this week. The main announcement is that Common Grounds will meet at my house Wednesday night at 6:30, as the school will be using the church facility. So show up to Ashberry Lane for our study. The Perk will meet at 9:30 Thursday morning at the church as usual, with dear Heidi H. being the woman in charge of child care. We're studying the last few days of Christ's life, and will be focusing on Luke 22:7-23, dealing with The Last Supper.
On Friday of next week, June 21st, we'll have a WOW Movie Night at Amy Rusaw's. Show up with goodies in hand at 7, and by 7:30 we'll be watching whatever movie we select there that evening. This is only for women, but that means you can bring friends who may not normally attend our studies or events. I know we'll have a great time hanging out together!
Just as a heads up, you already know we'll be meeting throughout most of the summer, but there are two weeks that neither group will be meeting. One is Fourth of July week (the 4th and 5th), and the other is during VBS (July 17th and 18th). We'll be meeting the other weeks until the middle of August, when we'll take a short break before starting our fall schedule.
I promised short, so this is the end!
Sherrie Ashcraft, Women's Ministry Director
sherrieashcraft@gmail.com 971-285-6699
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Monday, June 3, 2013
Monday, June 3, 2013
It's June already! Just a few more days of school for your kiddos, and then perhaps a more relaxed schedule for you. Remember that Women's Ministry will be providing events throughout the summer for you to enjoy. Our studies will continue through the middle of August, and we have special things going on each month.
This week we'll be delving into Luke 22:1-6 at Common Grounds (Wednesday at 6:30 PM) and The Perk (Thursday at 9:30 AM). Both groups meet at the church, and child care is provided on Thursday mornings. Hope you're able to make it to one of these. And remember, we'll be continuing through most of the summer.
Our next special activity for June is a movie night on Friday, June 21st, at Amy's. We start at 7 PM with snackies that you all bring, and then we pick from a selection of movies. This is for women only, but feel free to bring friends along.
A huge thank you to all who came out Saturday to Lighthouse Book and Bible for my very first book signing for On the Threshold. The owners, Carl and Bernice, were pretty amazed by the turnout. Your love and support meant so much to both me and Christina. And those of you who have bought books from me privately are such a blessing too! I hope you all enjoy reading it as much as we did writing it!
Today is my 61st birthday, which leads me to contemplate this past year. I just want you younger ladies to understand that God isn't through with you until He's through with you! I never would have dreamed that at this age my first book would be published, or that I'd be so involved in the lives of many women through women's ministry. Nor did I ever, in my wildest imagination, think a granddaughter and great-granddaughter would be living upstairs from us! God leads us down many paths in the course of our lives, and they're not all easy or pleasant, but He is with us on each one of them. As it states in Isaiah 30:21, "Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, 'This is the way; walk in it.'" My prayer is that in the years ahead I will continue to daily remove the ear wax so I can hear Him clearly.
Sherrie Ashcraft, Women's Ministry Director
sherrieashcraft@gmail.com 971-285-6699
A huge thank you to all who came out Saturday to Lighthouse Book and Bible for my very first book signing for On the Threshold. The owners, Carl and Bernice, were pretty amazed by the turnout. Your love and support meant so much to both me and Christina. And those of you who have bought books from me privately are such a blessing too! I hope you all enjoy reading it as much as we did writing it!
Today is my 61st birthday, which leads me to contemplate this past year. I just want you younger ladies to understand that God isn't through with you until He's through with you! I never would have dreamed that at this age my first book would be published, or that I'd be so involved in the lives of many women through women's ministry. Nor did I ever, in my wildest imagination, think a granddaughter and great-granddaughter would be living upstairs from us! God leads us down many paths in the course of our lives, and they're not all easy or pleasant, but He is with us on each one of them. As it states in Isaiah 30:21, "Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, 'This is the way; walk in it.'" My prayer is that in the years ahead I will continue to daily remove the ear wax so I can hear Him clearly.
Sherrie Ashcraft, Women's Ministry Director
sherrieashcraft@gmail.com 971-285-6699
Monday, May 27, 2013
Monday, May 27, 2013 WOW-Zine
Happy Memorial Day, ladies. I hope you didn't have a camping trip or barbecue planned for today! If so, I'm sure you've come up with other plans (indoors) by now. We can always hope for better weather for the 4th of July, right?
I had several relaxing days off last week, and want to thank Janet and Amy for filling in for me at the Bible studies. I knew I was leaving you all in very capable hands. But I am looking forward to being back with you this week. Important notice: Because of baccalaureate at the church Wednesday night, Common Grounds will meet at my house at 6:30 PM this Wednesday. Let me know if you need directions. My address is 24090 Wapato School Rd. I'm about 4 miles south of the church off highway 47. When you arrive, follow the red brick path to the lower-level front door. I'll keep the light on for you! The Perk will meet Thursday morning at 9:30 at the church as usual. Melissa, you're the mom that has signed up for childcare this week--thanks! Both studies will be looking at passages found in Luke 17:20-26 and 21:5-38.
I've got some really exciting news to share with you. On the Threshold, the contemporary Christian novel my daughter Christina and I have co-authored, is now available not only as an e-book through amazon, Barnes and Noble, etc, but also in print form. This is the fulfillment of a 14-year-long dream! Yes, we've learned a few lessons about patience and perseverance along the way. This coming Saturday, June 1st, we're having a book signing at Lighthouse Book and Bible in Hillsboro. (1050 SW Baseline, 503-693-1990) Christina and I will be there from noon to 2 PM. Please come by and purchase a copy or two of On the Threshold and we'll be more than happy to autograph them for you. You can also order the print form through amazon, but it doesn't come with our autographs! We really hope a lot of you will be able to celebrate this event with us. And if you haven't already signed up for our Infrequent, Humorous Newsletter, you should really head over to ashberrylane.net to do so. You'll be able to find out details about a contest we have going on, and you don't want to miss out on having a chance to win. By the way, in the book acknowledgements you'll find the name of our own Karen Fordyce, plus the recipe for Janet George's cinnamon rolls!
Since I was out of town last week and didn't publish a WOW-Zine, I haven't had a chance to say thank you for all of you who were part of our recent Feminini-Tea. Weren't the tables and food lovely? Our volunteer hostesses did such a good job with the tables and taking great care of their guests. Our speakers, Kathy Togstad and her daughter Melissa Beuhler, did a wonderful job talking about our self-worth and depression. Hard topics handled in a gracious manner. The seventy of us who were present all had a special time together. We'll do it again next year!
I was so surprised at the tea when Nicole presented me with several gifts from you wonderful retreat ladies. It was very nice to be recognized for the hard work that goes in to the events provided by Women's Ministry. I hope you all realize that this is not a one-woman show. I could not do what I do if it were not for the team of women I have to work alongside me. I am so blessed. I'm really looking forward to relaxing with the massage, as well as getting my nails done, and the sugar bowl and creamer with the Nehemiah verse on them was just perfect. The notes that were included were also such an encouragement to me. So, a big thank you to all of you!
Nicole also had some gifts for Christina, who was unable to attend. But I was honest and gave them to her! She wanted me to express the following to you: Dear WOW, you lived up to your name. I can't think of anything that sounds nicer after the rush of preparing for retreat and then launching a book than relaxing with some tea from Starbucks after a thorough massage. Thank you for generously blessing us with the words of the cards, as well.
Love you all,
Christina
I had several relaxing days off last week, and want to thank Janet and Amy for filling in for me at the Bible studies. I knew I was leaving you all in very capable hands. But I am looking forward to being back with you this week. Important notice: Because of baccalaureate at the church Wednesday night, Common Grounds will meet at my house at 6:30 PM this Wednesday. Let me know if you need directions. My address is 24090 Wapato School Rd. I'm about 4 miles south of the church off highway 47. When you arrive, follow the red brick path to the lower-level front door. I'll keep the light on for you! The Perk will meet Thursday morning at 9:30 at the church as usual. Melissa, you're the mom that has signed up for childcare this week--thanks! Both studies will be looking at passages found in Luke 17:20-26 and 21:5-38.
I've got some really exciting news to share with you. On the Threshold, the contemporary Christian novel my daughter Christina and I have co-authored, is now available not only as an e-book through amazon, Barnes and Noble, etc, but also in print form. This is the fulfillment of a 14-year-long dream! Yes, we've learned a few lessons about patience and perseverance along the way. This coming Saturday, June 1st, we're having a book signing at Lighthouse Book and Bible in Hillsboro. (1050 SW Baseline, 503-693-1990) Christina and I will be there from noon to 2 PM. Please come by and purchase a copy or two of On the Threshold and we'll be more than happy to autograph them for you. You can also order the print form through amazon, but it doesn't come with our autographs! We really hope a lot of you will be able to celebrate this event with us. And if you haven't already signed up for our Infrequent, Humorous Newsletter, you should really head over to ashberrylane.net to do so. You'll be able to find out details about a contest we have going on, and you don't want to miss out on having a chance to win. By the way, in the book acknowledgements you'll find the name of our own Karen Fordyce, plus the recipe for Janet George's cinnamon rolls!
Since I was out of town last week and didn't publish a WOW-Zine, I haven't had a chance to say thank you for all of you who were part of our recent Feminini-Tea. Weren't the tables and food lovely? Our volunteer hostesses did such a good job with the tables and taking great care of their guests. Our speakers, Kathy Togstad and her daughter Melissa Beuhler, did a wonderful job talking about our self-worth and depression. Hard topics handled in a gracious manner. The seventy of us who were present all had a special time together. We'll do it again next year!
I was so surprised at the tea when Nicole presented me with several gifts from you wonderful retreat ladies. It was very nice to be recognized for the hard work that goes in to the events provided by Women's Ministry. I hope you all realize that this is not a one-woman show. I could not do what I do if it were not for the team of women I have to work alongside me. I am so blessed. I'm really looking forward to relaxing with the massage, as well as getting my nails done, and the sugar bowl and creamer with the Nehemiah verse on them was just perfect. The notes that were included were also such an encouragement to me. So, a big thank you to all of you!
Nicole also had some gifts for Christina, who was unable to attend. But I was honest and gave them to her! She wanted me to express the following to you: Dear WOW, you lived up to your name. I can't think of anything that sounds nicer after the rush of preparing for retreat and then launching a book than relaxing with some tea from Starbucks after a thorough massage. Thank you for generously blessing us with the words of the cards, as well.
Love you all,
Christina
With that, I will bring this week's WOW-Zine to a close. I sure hope I get to see you this week either at Common Grounds, The Perk, the book signing, or all three!
Sherrie Ashcraft, Women's Ministry Director
sherrieashcraft@gmail.com 971-285-6699
Monday, May 13, 2013
Monday, May 13, 2013 WOW-Zine
Is it already a Monday again? Wow, how the time flies when you're keeping busy! We had a wonderful mini-retreat here at Ashberry Lane this past Friday and Saturday. Twelve women joined me and Nicole Paz as we went through the book of Nehemiah and talked about Doing the Impossible. We missed the three of you that weren't able to come at the last minute. Relationships were deepened both with each other and the Lord, and I think we were all glad we'd made the effort to do this.
This coming Saturday, May 18th, is our tea. Thanks to all who have responded and let me know you're coming. At this point we've got about sixty women planning on being there, but we still have room for more. BUT, you need to let me know no later than Wednesday morning. The event is free, but we need to be sure we have enough tables and place settings for everyone who comes. AND, if you've told me your coming, please make sure that you actually do! I don't want to have ladies work hard to decorate a table, and then have it empty because people forgot to come. If we all work together on this, it should flow smoothly. You are in for a treat when you hear our speakers--Kathy Togstad and her daughter, Melissa Buehler. They'll be talking about She's All That and a Box of Chocolates. Definitely not something you want to miss! Remember, that's Saturday, May 18th at 10 AM at the church. Feel free to dress up, and don't forget to bring a tea-type food to share with everyone.
I need some help the Monday after the tea. You see, we're renting a big hot-water urn from a place in McMinnville, and it has to be returned on Monday morning. I can't do it, as I'm leaving town Sunday morning. Would one of you be able to make a trip to McMinnville next Monday morning and take care of that for me? Please let me know so I can cross that off my list! Thanks.
Yes, I actually get to go on a little vacation next week, so there won't be any WOW-Zine coming out on Monday. Even though I'll be gone, our Bible studies will run as usual. Janet George will be leading Common Grounds next week, and Amy Rusaw will head up The Perk. Please make sure to come out and support these ladies.
This week in both studies (Common Grounds Wed. at 6:30 PM, and The Perk on Thurs. at 9:30 AM) we'll be looking at Luke 17:11-19, and probably Luke 18:18-30. The MIC (Mother in Charge) will be Nicole Paz. By the way, if your schedule changes with sports and other activities, please feel free to attend whichever study day works best for you. That's one of the purposes of offering the same class twice each week.
Perhaps you've heard the announcement about Baccalaureate being held at the church on Wednesday, May 29th, and realized that conflicts with Common Grounds that week. Well, there's a way around that! We will meet at my house that Wednesday night, so just show up at Ashberry Lane at 6:30 PM instead of at the church. The Perk will meet at the church as usual the following day.
Remember that our studies will be continuing throughout the summer, along with some special, fun events. I think I talked about them in last week's blog, and I'll do it again when I send a WOW-Zine out two weeks from now.
In the meantime, enjoy this blog from Holley Gerth. I know I post things from her a lot, but there's no reason for me to try to be creative when she can express things so well. One of the common threads from both retreats has been how many women feel they don't measure up or aren't worth much. I love what she has to say about that!
Sherrie Ashcraft, Women's Ministry Director
sherrieashcraft@yahoo.com 971-285-6699
This coming Saturday, May 18th, is our tea. Thanks to all who have responded and let me know you're coming. At this point we've got about sixty women planning on being there, but we still have room for more. BUT, you need to let me know no later than Wednesday morning. The event is free, but we need to be sure we have enough tables and place settings for everyone who comes. AND, if you've told me your coming, please make sure that you actually do! I don't want to have ladies work hard to decorate a table, and then have it empty because people forgot to come. If we all work together on this, it should flow smoothly. You are in for a treat when you hear our speakers--Kathy Togstad and her daughter, Melissa Buehler. They'll be talking about She's All That and a Box of Chocolates. Definitely not something you want to miss! Remember, that's Saturday, May 18th at 10 AM at the church. Feel free to dress up, and don't forget to bring a tea-type food to share with everyone.
I need some help the Monday after the tea. You see, we're renting a big hot-water urn from a place in McMinnville, and it has to be returned on Monday morning. I can't do it, as I'm leaving town Sunday morning. Would one of you be able to make a trip to McMinnville next Monday morning and take care of that for me? Please let me know so I can cross that off my list! Thanks.
Yes, I actually get to go on a little vacation next week, so there won't be any WOW-Zine coming out on Monday. Even though I'll be gone, our Bible studies will run as usual. Janet George will be leading Common Grounds next week, and Amy Rusaw will head up The Perk. Please make sure to come out and support these ladies.
This week in both studies (Common Grounds Wed. at 6:30 PM, and The Perk on Thurs. at 9:30 AM) we'll be looking at Luke 17:11-19, and probably Luke 18:18-30. The MIC (Mother in Charge) will be Nicole Paz. By the way, if your schedule changes with sports and other activities, please feel free to attend whichever study day works best for you. That's one of the purposes of offering the same class twice each week.
Perhaps you've heard the announcement about Baccalaureate being held at the church on Wednesday, May 29th, and realized that conflicts with Common Grounds that week. Well, there's a way around that! We will meet at my house that Wednesday night, so just show up at Ashberry Lane at 6:30 PM instead of at the church. The Perk will meet at the church as usual the following day.
Remember that our studies will be continuing throughout the summer, along with some special, fun events. I think I talked about them in last week's blog, and I'll do it again when I send a WOW-Zine out two weeks from now.
In the meantime, enjoy this blog from Holley Gerth. I know I post things from her a lot, but there's no reason for me to try to be creative when she can express things so well. One of the common threads from both retreats has been how many women feel they don't measure up or aren't worth much. I love what she has to say about that!
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Sherrie Ashcraft, Women's Ministry Director
sherrieashcraft@yahoo.com 971-285-6699
Monday, May 6, 2013
Monday, May 6, 2013 WOW-Zine
It's already mid-afternoon on Monday, so I guess it's about time I get my blog on! There was too much to do this morning--a walk with my husband, working on details for the Women's Ministry Team meeting tonight, and a shopping trip to McMinnville. But now it's your turn!
As we continue our study of Jesus the One and Only this week, we'll be looking at Luke 17:1-5. (Yes, you can trust me that this is the correct passage this week--I've triple checked it!) Common Grounds meets at 6:30 Wednesday night, and The Perk takes off at 9:30 Thursday morning. I truly hope you can work one of those times into your schdule, as the time we spend together in God's word is really worth it. And remember, there's childcare available on Thursday. Cindy will be the WIC (Woman in Charge) this week, along with her two helpers. Thanks to you ladies who are stepping up and volunteering to meet our childcare needs. We need a volunteer for next week.
Time is running out to make your reservations for our Feminini-Tea, which is Saturday, May 18th, 10 AM at the church. Please check your in-box for your E-Vite invitation with all the details. Thanks to those of you who have already responded. It's important that we have enough tables set up for everyone who comes, so that's why I need you to R.S.V.P. as soon as possible. May 15th is the deadline to do so, but earlier than that would be much appreciated. If you find it's just to hard to respond to the evite, and you plan on coming, please send me an email and let me know and I'll put your name on the list. (If you've signed up to host a table, I'll be sending you information later this week after the team and I get more planning done.)
This Friday and Saturday is the mini-retreat at Ashberry Lane. Please be praying for the fifteen women who have signed up to attend, as well as for me and my assistant, Nicole Paz, as we lead our time together. We're expecting the Lord to do great things! Plus we'll have a lot of fun in the process.
I got another great blog from Holley Gerth, who seems to look at life the same way I do. Maybe it will speak to you too!
Why Whatcha Want and Whatcha Get Don’t Match
It seems God has an answer for me. Um, heaven.
Oh, right. I should have seen that one coming.
As we continue our study of Jesus the One and Only this week, we'll be looking at Luke 17:1-5. (Yes, you can trust me that this is the correct passage this week--I've triple checked it!) Common Grounds meets at 6:30 Wednesday night, and The Perk takes off at 9:30 Thursday morning. I truly hope you can work one of those times into your schdule, as the time we spend together in God's word is really worth it. And remember, there's childcare available on Thursday. Cindy will be the WIC (Woman in Charge) this week, along with her two helpers. Thanks to you ladies who are stepping up and volunteering to meet our childcare needs. We need a volunteer for next week.
Time is running out to make your reservations for our Feminini-Tea, which is Saturday, May 18th, 10 AM at the church. Please check your in-box for your E-Vite invitation with all the details. Thanks to those of you who have already responded. It's important that we have enough tables set up for everyone who comes, so that's why I need you to R.S.V.P. as soon as possible. May 15th is the deadline to do so, but earlier than that would be much appreciated. If you find it's just to hard to respond to the evite, and you plan on coming, please send me an email and let me know and I'll put your name on the list. (If you've signed up to host a table, I'll be sending you information later this week after the team and I get more planning done.)
This Friday and Saturday is the mini-retreat at Ashberry Lane. Please be praying for the fifteen women who have signed up to attend, as well as for me and my assistant, Nicole Paz, as we lead our time together. We're expecting the Lord to do great things! Plus we'll have a lot of fun in the process.
I got another great blog from Holley Gerth, who seems to look at life the same way I do. Maybe it will speak to you too!
Why Whatcha Want and Whatcha Get Don’t Match
By Holley Gerth
“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart.” — King Solomon
“You git what you git and you don’t throw a fit.” — Southern Saying
As I drive, my thoughts zip down a
two-lane road in my mind as well. In one lane, I’m thanking God for
answered prayers and desires granted. In the other lane, I’m feeling
frustrated that my day-to-day reality doesn’t always line up with the
magnificent vision I have in mind. I long to see a sign from God that
one day those two lanes will merge. When will that finally happen?
Oh, right. I should have seen that one coming.
We live in a paradox, friends. We
are not Home yet. And on the journey to where we’re going, what we can
dream up and what actually unfolds in our lives are never going to align
perfectly. Never. I’m not saying that to be a stinker. I’m saying it to save us from one of the biggest dream killers: unrealistic expectations.
If we demand that our perfect vision be fulfilled then we will never be satisfied.
Not with our dreams.
Not with our marriage.
Not with our job.
Not with our church.
Not with ourselves.
“So why bother dreaming?”
you might ask. It’s simply this: “Where there is no vision the people
perish” {Proverbs 29:18 KJV}. In other words, our dreams and desires
pull us toward life. They draw us toward Home. They keep us looking to
God for his best in our lives. That’s a good and beautiful thing.
It’s only when we turn our desires into demands that we get into trouble.
You know what I’m talking about, don’t ya? Yes, ma’am, we all do.
What can we do to avoid that?
First, we can accept that we will live between those two lanes all of
our lives here on earth: the ideal and the real, the eternal and the
everyday.
Then we intentionally thank God for what’s less than perfect. And at the same time we keep pressing toward the vision he’s placed in our hearts.
We live in the paradox.
We release our expectations and yet we continue to look to the future with expectation.
One mile, one day, one dream at a time.
Yes, all the way Home.
So, ladies, that's it from Ashberry Lane for this week. May you have a super-blessed one!
Sherrie Ashcraft, Women's Ministry Director
sherrieashcraft@yahoo.com 971-285-6699
Monday, April 29, 2013
Monday, April 29, 2013
Those of us who were able to attend the Beth Moore conference in Eugene this past weekend were blessed right out of our socks! I wish you all could have been there. It was an event that was nearly as large as Women of Faith, with 7,3000 women (and a few brave men) gathered together. The worship times were inspired and intense, and I often found myself with tears streaming down my cheeks. And what a delight it was to be able to see and hear Beth teach in person! She is so genuine and down to earth, and yet such a gifted speaker/teacher. I'll let you know the next time she's back in our area.
Doing The Impossible, the mini-retreat will be happening in less than two weeks. This is your last week to sign up to attend that. I need to know by this Saturday, May 3rd, if you'd like to come to Ashberry Lane for May 8th and 9th. The cost is only $10, and you get to go home and sleep in your own comfy bed. We'll begin Friday night with dinner here at 6 PM, and we'll finish Saturday afternoon around 5. I've already sent out an e-mail to those of you who've told me you're going. So if you didn't get one, and want to be part of the retreat, let me know right away. Babies who are not yet walking around may come with you if you don't have other childcare available.
Common Grounds (Wednesday night at 6:30) and The Perk (Thursday at 9:30 AM) both meet this week. We'll continue our journey through the book of Luke as we concentrate on Luke 19:11-32, which is the story known as The Prodigal Son. Stephanie has signed up to be the mother in charge of childcare for Thursday morning. We're grateful for the wonderful care Becky provided last week. It seems to be working well for you women to take turns with the kids in order to give us an uninterrupted time of study.
Our Feminini-Tea, with the theme She's All That and a Box of Chocolates, will be held Saturday, May 18th, at 10 AM at the church. Thanks to those who have agreed to host and decorate a table. You all should have received an Evite to this event, and it's really important for planning purposes that you respond to that. So far we have over thirty guests coming, but there's still forty-something of you who have not yet replied. We want to be sure we have enough tables set up, so that's why it's important to let me know if you're coming or not. Our guest speakers will be Kathy Togstad and her adult daughter, Melissa Beuhler. Please remember that any girls you bring must be at least four years old and able to sit quietly through the talk. Feel free to invite friends and family, and just include them as guests when you R.S.V.P. There is no cost for this event, but we ask that you bring a tea-type food to contribute to our meal.
Let me leave you today with an article written by blogger Holley Gerth. She calls this, "If You Ever Feel Like You're Not Living Up to Your Potential." I hope you find it encouraging as you begin this new week. She says:
Have you ever thought about that?
In other words, “It was enough.”
Sherrie Ashcraft, Women's Ministry Director
sherrieashcraft@yahoo.com 971-285-6699
Doing The Impossible, the mini-retreat will be happening in less than two weeks. This is your last week to sign up to attend that. I need to know by this Saturday, May 3rd, if you'd like to come to Ashberry Lane for May 8th and 9th. The cost is only $10, and you get to go home and sleep in your own comfy bed. We'll begin Friday night with dinner here at 6 PM, and we'll finish Saturday afternoon around 5. I've already sent out an e-mail to those of you who've told me you're going. So if you didn't get one, and want to be part of the retreat, let me know right away. Babies who are not yet walking around may come with you if you don't have other childcare available.
Common Grounds (Wednesday night at 6:30) and The Perk (Thursday at 9:30 AM) both meet this week. We'll continue our journey through the book of Luke as we concentrate on Luke 19:11-32, which is the story known as The Prodigal Son. Stephanie has signed up to be the mother in charge of childcare for Thursday morning. We're grateful for the wonderful care Becky provided last week. It seems to be working well for you women to take turns with the kids in order to give us an uninterrupted time of study.
Our Feminini-Tea, with the theme She's All That and a Box of Chocolates, will be held Saturday, May 18th, at 10 AM at the church. Thanks to those who have agreed to host and decorate a table. You all should have received an Evite to this event, and it's really important for planning purposes that you respond to that. So far we have over thirty guests coming, but there's still forty-something of you who have not yet replied. We want to be sure we have enough tables set up, so that's why it's important to let me know if you're coming or not. Our guest speakers will be Kathy Togstad and her adult daughter, Melissa Beuhler. Please remember that any girls you bring must be at least four years old and able to sit quietly through the talk. Feel free to invite friends and family, and just include them as guests when you R.S.V.P. There is no cost for this event, but we ask that you bring a tea-type food to contribute to our meal.
Let me leave you today with an article written by blogger Holley Gerth. She calls this, "If You Ever Feel Like You're Not Living Up to Your Potential." I hope you find it encouraging as you begin this new week. She says:
“I could do more.”
“I could try harder.”
“I could perform a little better.”
Thoughts like these run through
our minds and in return we run through life never feeling like we are
enough. What if we don’t live up to our potential? Wouldn’t that be the
biggest waste?
And yet there is One who didn’t live up to His potential.
He could have fed more hungry people.
He could have healed more of the sick.
He could have ended sin once and for all.
Yet Jesus didn’t.Have you ever thought about that?
And He didn’t reach the end of His life and say, “I didn’t live up to my potential.”
Instead He said, “It is finished.”In other words, “It was enough.”
You are not called to live up to your potential–to do as much as you can, as quickly as you can, for as many people as you can.
{Hint: “Potential” is usually just a code word for other people’s expectations.}
You, my friend, are simply called to say “yes” to God.
With all your heart.
For the rest of your life.
Until the day He says you are finished.
And, yes, it will be enough.
Because there is no greater success than being a servant who simply brings joy to your Master…and you do.
Sherrie Ashcraft, Women's Ministry Director
sherrieashcraft@yahoo.com 971-285-6699
Monday, April 22, 2013
Monday, April 22, 2013 WOW-Zine
Hey, it's a beautiful Monday afternoon as I sit down to write to you. I hope you're able to be out and about and enjoying this wonderful weather, which I hear is supposed to get even better as the week goes on. I'm just getting over a short-lived cold and have appreciated being out in the sunlight today. It's about time to dust off the razor, get a new tube of self-tanning cream, and try on the capris from last year!
Be watching your in-boxes for an Evite regarding our soon-coming Feminini-Tea. It's important for the team to have a good count on how many of you will be attending so that we're able to set up enough tables and have enough hostesses. It would help a lot if you let us know if you're coming, and then be sure to show up! The last day to R.S.V.P. is Wednesday, May 15th. This event occurs on Saturday, May 18th at 10 AM at the church. We'd love to have all of you come, plus bring friends and family with you. The lower age limit is that little girls need to be at least four years old and able to sit quietly through a presentation. There is no charge, but we ask that you bring a tea-type food to share. Our guest speakers are Kathy Togstad and her daughter Melissa from McMinnville. I've heard Kathy talk in the past, and you're in for a treat! Her topic is She's All That and a Box of Chocolates!
Our mini-retreat on Doing the Impossible is coming up on Friday, May 10th, and all day Saturday, the 11th. I'll have the sign-up sheet available at both Bible studies this week. Cost is only $10, and you'll even get to go home and sleep in your own bed Friday night. The hot tub will be up and running for some down time on Saturday afternoon before the final session. I'll soon be sending out a letter to those of you who have expressed interest, letting you know more details. We're going to have a wonderful time together, so if you've not told me you're planning on attending, please let me know. This is an event that you can bring your young babies to, but not ones that are walking around.
This week in Bible study we'll be looking at Luke 13:31-35. I thought we'd get through that section last week, but there was too much good discussion! By the way, we don't have anyone signed up for treats for Common Grounds (Wednesday night at 6:30) so please let me know if you'd be willing to cover that for me. I'll have a new sign-up sheet with me that night so that we'll be taken care of in the future. The mom in charge of childcare this week for The Perk (Thursday morning at 9:30) is Becky Clark. We sooo appreciate you ladies taking turns providing adult back-up for our two young gals that help take care of the kids.
Let me leave you with a blog I read by a man named Daniel Darling. (Doesn't that sound like something out of Peter Pan?!) It was posted on Crosswalk.com last week, and I thought it fitting, especially considering how many people made decisions to grow spiritually as a result of retreat. I hope this encourages all of us:
HOW NOT TO GROW
How does a person grow? Specifically, for followers of Jesus, how does a person grow spiritually? Another word for growth is sanctification--that supernatural process by which the Holy Spirit takes the Word of God and forms us into Christ's image. Growth is primarily a work that God does in us--I can't, essentially, make myself grow.
Be watching your in-boxes for an Evite regarding our soon-coming Feminini-Tea. It's important for the team to have a good count on how many of you will be attending so that we're able to set up enough tables and have enough hostesses. It would help a lot if you let us know if you're coming, and then be sure to show up! The last day to R.S.V.P. is Wednesday, May 15th. This event occurs on Saturday, May 18th at 10 AM at the church. We'd love to have all of you come, plus bring friends and family with you. The lower age limit is that little girls need to be at least four years old and able to sit quietly through a presentation. There is no charge, but we ask that you bring a tea-type food to share. Our guest speakers are Kathy Togstad and her daughter Melissa from McMinnville. I've heard Kathy talk in the past, and you're in for a treat! Her topic is She's All That and a Box of Chocolates!
Our mini-retreat on Doing the Impossible is coming up on Friday, May 10th, and all day Saturday, the 11th. I'll have the sign-up sheet available at both Bible studies this week. Cost is only $10, and you'll even get to go home and sleep in your own bed Friday night. The hot tub will be up and running for some down time on Saturday afternoon before the final session. I'll soon be sending out a letter to those of you who have expressed interest, letting you know more details. We're going to have a wonderful time together, so if you've not told me you're planning on attending, please let me know. This is an event that you can bring your young babies to, but not ones that are walking around.
This week in Bible study we'll be looking at Luke 13:31-35. I thought we'd get through that section last week, but there was too much good discussion! By the way, we don't have anyone signed up for treats for Common Grounds (Wednesday night at 6:30) so please let me know if you'd be willing to cover that for me. I'll have a new sign-up sheet with me that night so that we'll be taken care of in the future. The mom in charge of childcare this week for The Perk (Thursday morning at 9:30) is Becky Clark. We sooo appreciate you ladies taking turns providing adult back-up for our two young gals that help take care of the kids.
Let me leave you with a blog I read by a man named Daniel Darling. (Doesn't that sound like something out of Peter Pan?!) It was posted on Crosswalk.com last week, and I thought it fitting, especially considering how many people made decisions to grow spiritually as a result of retreat. I hope this encourages all of us:
HOW NOT TO GROW
How does a person grow? Specifically, for followers of Jesus, how does a person grow spiritually? Another word for growth is sanctification--that supernatural process by which the Holy Spirit takes the Word of God and forms us into Christ's image. Growth is primarily a work that God does in us--I can't, essentially, make myself grow.
And yet you can't escape the New Testament's overwhelming pulse that
God commands us to intentionally pursue Him, that growth is, in some
ways, our job as Christians. There are quite a few texts that illuminate
this, but 1 Timothy 4:7 comes to mind. Paul here tells us to
"discipline ourselves to godliness." In other words, yes the Holy Spirit
does the work in us, but we also will not grow if our Christian life
consists of us sitting on the couch and waiting for growth to happen.
So how do we grow? What are the tools God uses? That question could fill up a year's worth of blog posts. It certainly has motivated the writing of many books, sermons, etc. But maybe a better question is this: what are some ways to ensure that we DON'T grow spiritually? I've got five ways to ensure that you, as a Christian, do NOT grow spiritually:
1) Don't Be Intentional About Your Spiritual Life. I'm amazed at how little Christians prioritize their spiritual growth. If you treat church as something you do if you can feel like it, then don't be surprised if you don't "get fed" at the place you worship. If you don't intentionally pursue knowledge about God through reading of good books and listening to good podcasts, don't be surprised at a lack of spiritual fruit. If you don't prioritize a study of God's Word, prayer, and the spiritual disciplines, you will not see continued growth. You will stay the same. If you don't want to grow in Christ, make sure your spiritual life is something that gets the leftovers of your times and energy and effort. Make sure you never read a book that makes you get out a dictionary. Feed your soul on the light fare and the junk food.
2) Always Hang Out With People Just Like You. One of the ways God uses to stretch us is by putting people in our paths who are radically different from us. We live in a world of radical individualization and, if you are not careful, this can creep into your life, especially as you get older and more secure in your worldview. You'll be tempted to hang out only with people who agree with you and reinforce your own biases. This will ensure that you have the exact same opinion on every single issue as you did five years ago. It will also keep you from being exposed to people from differing cultures, tribes, and perspectives. If you don't want to grow, keep looking for friends, churches, associations, blogs, books that just tell you what you like to hear all the time. Make sure you never have conversations with people who disagree with you, radically. Yeah, do that. This is a real growth killer.
3) Never take any risks. If you want to ensure that you are the same exact person you were five years ago, be so conservative in everything you do that you don't take any risks. But here's the thing, if you construct a life with minimal risk, you're essentially editing out the need for faith. I heard this last week from a talk by Bryan Lorits. He essentially said that faith assumes risk. Imagine if Abraham stayed in Ur, because Ur was more secure. Would he have experienced all the richness of God's love? Would he have grown into the mighty man of faith we see in Hebrews 11? No, he wouldn't have. We probably wouldn't have heard of him, would we? Take some risks in life. Put yourself in some situations, relationships, job assignments--that are completely and totally foreign, that will require maximum effort and knee-knocking faith.
4) Keep patting yourself on the back. There is a reason that the Bible says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). You only grow and you only find wisdom for life when you realize that you need to grow and that you need wisdom for life. Lot of young guys do this. They don't read, study, ask questions, because they think they've got it figured out. This was me until I became a father of four and realized I have no clue about life and I need God to pour wisdom into me. I find this dynamic in my role as pastors. The most humble, searching, digging-into-the-Scriptures guys are the ones who have lots of responsibility (family, job, etc). They know they are in need of divine guidance. If you don't want to really grow spiritually, keep thinking you know stuff. Wisdom only comes after you've bowed your knee in humility to the God who knows all things. As long as you think you are the master of your universe and that you don't need any help with anything, you will ensure that you will not grow.
5) Chase trends and dis faithfulness. If you want to have a life of unfruitfulness, keep chasing new trends and paradigms. Keep looking for the easy way out, the shortcut. People who stay the same are people who don't like to work hard at growth, who don't want to put in the blood, sweat, and tears of a life of impact. My generation--we love to talk big about how we are going to change the world--but I wonder if we value faithfulness and steadiness like previous generations. If you want an insignificant life of spurts and starts and stops, keep chasing the next big thing, keep avoiding the hard choices, the sweat, the grind of daily life. Keeping your hand at the wheel, year after year, ensures a life of depth, of weight, of character.
With that, ladies, I leave you for this week!
Sherrie Ashcraft, Women's Ministry Director
sherrieashcraft@yahoo.com 971-285-6699
So how do we grow? What are the tools God uses? That question could fill up a year's worth of blog posts. It certainly has motivated the writing of many books, sermons, etc. But maybe a better question is this: what are some ways to ensure that we DON'T grow spiritually? I've got five ways to ensure that you, as a Christian, do NOT grow spiritually:
1) Don't Be Intentional About Your Spiritual Life. I'm amazed at how little Christians prioritize their spiritual growth. If you treat church as something you do if you can feel like it, then don't be surprised if you don't "get fed" at the place you worship. If you don't intentionally pursue knowledge about God through reading of good books and listening to good podcasts, don't be surprised at a lack of spiritual fruit. If you don't prioritize a study of God's Word, prayer, and the spiritual disciplines, you will not see continued growth. You will stay the same. If you don't want to grow in Christ, make sure your spiritual life is something that gets the leftovers of your times and energy and effort. Make sure you never read a book that makes you get out a dictionary. Feed your soul on the light fare and the junk food.
2) Always Hang Out With People Just Like You. One of the ways God uses to stretch us is by putting people in our paths who are radically different from us. We live in a world of radical individualization and, if you are not careful, this can creep into your life, especially as you get older and more secure in your worldview. You'll be tempted to hang out only with people who agree with you and reinforce your own biases. This will ensure that you have the exact same opinion on every single issue as you did five years ago. It will also keep you from being exposed to people from differing cultures, tribes, and perspectives. If you don't want to grow, keep looking for friends, churches, associations, blogs, books that just tell you what you like to hear all the time. Make sure you never have conversations with people who disagree with you, radically. Yeah, do that. This is a real growth killer.
3) Never take any risks. If you want to ensure that you are the same exact person you were five years ago, be so conservative in everything you do that you don't take any risks. But here's the thing, if you construct a life with minimal risk, you're essentially editing out the need for faith. I heard this last week from a talk by Bryan Lorits. He essentially said that faith assumes risk. Imagine if Abraham stayed in Ur, because Ur was more secure. Would he have experienced all the richness of God's love? Would he have grown into the mighty man of faith we see in Hebrews 11? No, he wouldn't have. We probably wouldn't have heard of him, would we? Take some risks in life. Put yourself in some situations, relationships, job assignments--that are completely and totally foreign, that will require maximum effort and knee-knocking faith.
4) Keep patting yourself on the back. There is a reason that the Bible says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). You only grow and you only find wisdom for life when you realize that you need to grow and that you need wisdom for life. Lot of young guys do this. They don't read, study, ask questions, because they think they've got it figured out. This was me until I became a father of four and realized I have no clue about life and I need God to pour wisdom into me. I find this dynamic in my role as pastors. The most humble, searching, digging-into-the-Scriptures guys are the ones who have lots of responsibility (family, job, etc). They know they are in need of divine guidance. If you don't want to really grow spiritually, keep thinking you know stuff. Wisdom only comes after you've bowed your knee in humility to the God who knows all things. As long as you think you are the master of your universe and that you don't need any help with anything, you will ensure that you will not grow.
5) Chase trends and dis faithfulness. If you want to have a life of unfruitfulness, keep chasing new trends and paradigms. Keep looking for the easy way out, the shortcut. People who stay the same are people who don't like to work hard at growth, who don't want to put in the blood, sweat, and tears of a life of impact. My generation--we love to talk big about how we are going to change the world--but I wonder if we value faithfulness and steadiness like previous generations. If you want an insignificant life of spurts and starts and stops, keep chasing the next big thing, keep avoiding the hard choices, the sweat, the grind of daily life. Keeping your hand at the wheel, year after year, ensures a life of depth, of weight, of character.
With that, ladies, I leave you for this week!
Sherrie Ashcraft, Women's Ministry Director
sherrieashcraft@yahoo.com 971-285-6699
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