Monday, July 22, 2013 WOW-Zine

So did you all survive the busyness of last week? What a full week it was, what with Vacation Bible School Monday through Thursday, and Family Camp up at Big Eddy on Friday through Sunday! Lots of fun to be had by all ages.And the fun isn't over! Amy is putting together a cotton pickin' berry pickin' party this Wednesday. Meet at Heines Blueberry Farm on Vandehey Road (off of Springhill Rd, near Fisher Farms nursery.) Be there with your kiddos at 9 AM to turn your lips blue!

After not meeting last week due to VBS, both women's Bible studies will be meeting this week. Common Grounds will gather Wednesday evening at 6:30, and The Perk gets together on Thursday at 9:30 AM. We are nearly through with our wonderful study through the book of Luke, and will be looking at Luke 23:26--Luke 24:12. I think we've all been amazed at the richness we've discovered as we've taken a closer look at the last few hours before the crucifixion. We will meet again next week for our last session before taking a break until resuming in September. This week ANITA is on for treats for Common Grounds, and for Thursday, NICOLE P. has signed up for snacks. We have no one who has signed up to be the MIC (Mother In Charge) of child care for this Thursday or next. Please let me know if you're willing to serve in that capacity.

Our Darci has to have another surgery this week. Please be praying that the doctor is successful in getting all of the kidney stone out, and that she heals quickly without any complications. A little later she'll have to undergo surgery again to have a stone removed from the other kidney. Women of Wapato are really good about gathering around and helping each other when we have a need. In order to help you help Darci, I've got a meal schedule posted where you can sign up to provide a dinner for this family. Just go to http://www.TakeThemAMeal.com/meals.php?t=BSVC0177 to see where you can plug in. Thanks!

Have you put it on your calendar yet? I'm talking about our Rockin' Good Time at Rockaway Beach on Tuesday, August 20th. This is a chance for you to bring your children or grandchildren and make the beautiful drive over to Rockaway Beach, which is just north of Tillamook. Everyone brings a picnic lunch for their own family and we spend the afternoon yakking up a storm as we watch the kiddos play. It's always a lot of fun, and very relaxing. I'll announce the time as we get closer to the event, but make sure you're planning ahead to attend. And this is certainly something you can invite friends to attend.

Something else to be looking forward to is Women of Faith, coming up the first weekend of October, the 4th and 5th. We were able to pre-buy some tickets at a discounted price when we were there last year. There are 8 of those tickets remaining, and they're on a first-come basis. They cost $81. We get a motel for Friday night, which usually ends up to be about $25 per person. And we stop for a nice dinner (as in, not fast food!) on our way home Saturday. If you're interested in going, let me know. Paying the money will hold your spot!

I think that covers everything I needed to share with you this week. I'll leave you with this thought, from Holley Gerth:

When You Need to Call for Back Up

I pick up my phone in the middle of a wild week and text the lie that my heart is hearing to a friend. Then I simply ask, “What is the truth? I can’t come up with it right now.” She writes back and tells me what I already know deep inside but can’t quite manage to find in the moment. I read her words over and over then get up with new strength to face the day.

Years ago I wouldn’t have sent that text. I would have tried to come up with the truth on my own. I would have given in to shame and guilt. I would have spend the day thinking about how everyone else was my spiritual than I am and how I should try harder. But I’m learning this…

It’s okay to call for back-up.

Most of us know the story of the man lowered down through a roof by his friends so he could be laid at the feet of Jesus and find healing. What I think many of us don’t realize is that there are days when it’s our hearts, not our bodies, that need the same thing. We think if we can just muster up enough “faith” then we should be able to get there ourselves. But that’s not the way it works.

And, friends, when we refuse to let others help us it’s not being spiritual…it’s pride {ouchie}.

We’re made to share life with each other. We’re made to say, “I need you. Please help me.”Those aren’t words of weakness–they’re the strongest words we can say. Because it’s easy to try to figure things out on our own. It’s much harder to say, “Please carry my heart to Jesus today.” But you know what? The man who was healed that day wasn’t the only one who received a blessing. His friends did too because they got to be part of the work God was doing.

When you really need help and you ask for it, you’re not becoming a burden. You’re offering an opportunity for someone to be part of a blessing. Let that sink in and then send a text, make a phone call, share your heart with someone over coffee. Whatever your heart needs today.

It really is okay to call for back-up.

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

Monday, July 15, 2013 WOW-Zine

I'm just stopping by for a minute or two today, ladies. I know many of you are busy working at Vacation Bible School this week, or with other activities with your children.

So I will simply remind you that our usual programming is cancelled for this week, meaning neither Common Grounds nor The Perk will be meeting. Enjoy the week off and come join us NEXT week and the week after as we finish our fantastic study of the book of Luke!

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

Sunday, July 7, 2013

Greetings from Laramie, Wyoming! We'll start our trek home after church today and I'll be back to teach Bible studies this week. We just have a few more weeks before we'll be finished with the book of Luke through Jesus, the One and Only. What a great study it has been! I know things get busy during the summer, but I'd like to encourage you to finish strong and join us for the last few weeks. I spent a lot of time studying the other day and it looks like we'll be completing this study a week earlier than I had first thought, with our final lessons will be on July 31st and August 1st.

Common Grounds (Wednesdays, 6:30 PM) will meet July 10th, 24th, and 31st. We will not meet on July 17th since that is the week of Vacation Bible School.

The Perk (Thursdays, 9:30 AM) will meet July 11th, 25th, and August 1st. We will not meet on July 18th due to VBS. Childcare is provided for little ones at The Perk, and older children can be in another room and bring along things to entertain themselves, while still being supervised. I don't have the list with me of who is on for treats and who is the Mother In Charge for this week, so hopefully you remember who you are!

The Bible passage we'll be looking at this week is Luke 22:47-23:25.

We will try to reschedule a berry pickin' party for later this month, so keep your eye out for that announcement. Looking ahead, we have a Rockaway Beach Day for moms and kids on Tuesday, August 20th. Our new Bible study year will begin in September, and Women of Faith comes to Portland the beginning of October. I have eight tickets available for that. More info to come later.

I've missed you these past couple of weeks and will be glad to get home and be able to see you again! Let me know if you want to get together for coffee and conversation one-on-one, as I always enjoy doing that. See you soon!

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

Sunday, June 23, 2013 WOW-Zine

Good morning, ladies! I’m writing this a day early since I’m leaving town this morning for a couple of weeks. You can still get in touch with me via phone call or e-mail (see contact info at the end of this blog) but I won’t be writing a WOW-Zine for a couple of weeks. So please pay special attention to the information contained here.

Bible studies will meet this week as usual. Barb Wood has stepped up to the plate to lead at Common Grounds on Wednesday night at 6:30. Please bring your own choice of beverage along with you to that, as I didn’t want to stress her out by having her teach AND have to make coffee! Lori is on for snacks that night. On Thursday morning for The Perk, Amy Rusaw will be leading the lesson, Kristen is on for snacks, and Stephanie will be the Mom in Charge of childcare. Thanks to all of you for being willing to serve in these various capacities. This week you’ll be looking at Luke 22:39-46, as well as various other passages.

Remember that neither study meets next week during the Fourth of July week, but I’ll be  back to teach the following week. (July 10th and 11th)

We had a good time at our WOW movie night this past Friday. Hope more of you can join us next time. The special event for July is slated very early in the month. In fact, it’s scheduled for the very first day of the month! We’re planning a Blueberry Pickin’ Party. (provided the berries are actually ripe.) Contact Amy at 503-913-2682 for more information and to check on the status of the berries. Children are encouraged to come with you and help fill your buckets. Have you ever read the children’s story, Blueberries for Sal? I can remember my mom reading it to me when I was a little girl, and I’ve read it to my children and grandchildren, and I’m sure I’ll soon be reading it to my little great-granddaughter! It would be fun if you read that before picking day, though I can almost promise there will be no bears involved with your children!

Have a good couple weeks without me! I’m going to miss you all!!

Sherrie Ashcraft, Women's Ministry Director
sherrieashcraft@gmail.com     971-385-6699

Monday, June 17, 2013 WOW-Zine

Happy first Monday of summer vacation! Did you get to sleep in a bit this morning? I hope your summer is filled with wonderful things, events, and most importantly, people! Mine has certainly started out that way, as I had out-of-state family with us all of last week, and over the weekend our granddaughter and her toddler moved in upstairs! We're so blessed to have Cassie and Madison with us. 

The special event for the month of June is a WOW (Women Of Wapato) Movie Night this Friday, June 21st, at Amy Rusaw's house. What movie are we watching, you ask? We don't know yet. It depends on what you choose when you show up with snacks at 7 PM! This is for women only, but feel free to bring friends with you. Here are the directions to Amy's:
 Take Spring Hill Rd to Fern Hill Road. Turn up Blooming Fern Hill Road, and turn right onto Winters Road. About 1.5 miles up, turn left on Bracken Drive. There is a sign at the roadway that says Fern Hill Estates. Drive 0.7 miles up to the end of the road –Rusaws are at the last house. 

We've got great Bible studies in store for us this week as we continue our study through the book of Luke. We're considering the final hours of Jesus' life, and ladies, there's a wealth of encouragement, warning, and challenge in His last words. At both Common Grounds (Wednesday at 6:30 PM) and The Perk (Thursday at 9:30 AM--child care provided) we'll be looking at Luke 22:14-38. (Yes, it's a bit of an overlap with what we studied last week.) Our studies will continue throughout most of the summer, and it's never too late to join us.Heidi H. is the mother in charge of childcare for The Perk this week, and Karen  has treats. For Wednesday night, Neva will be bringing snacks.  Please remember that neither study will meet the first week of July or the third week of July, due to the holiday on the 4th, and VBS meeting the 15th -18th.

My blog friend, Holley Gerth, recently wrote something l'd like to share with you today:

 hearttoheart@holleygerth.com

What Matters More than Your Mess The sink overflows with dishes. Pans and bowls lay scattered across the kitchen. The counters are covered with smudges of who-knows-what. Years ago, this would have sent me into an immediate cleaning frenzy. But tonight I turn off the light and let it go. I step into the warm summer night for a walk with my husband. I read a book on the couch for a few moments. I talk to someone I love on the phone. When I come back the next morning, the mess is still there. But those moments that really mattered would have been gone forever. And it turns out my worst fears weren’t realized: the health department failed to show up, a reporter neglected to take photos through my windows, and my in-laws didn’t repossess my husband. As I stared at my slightly scandalous kitchen and thought about this I noticed the mug on the top of the dish pile. “Live fully. Love deeply. Laugh loudly.” And I nodded in agreement at those words. I’m a person who craves order. I need simplicity and organization. I believe in keeping the dust bunnies somewhat at bay. But there are times when it matters more to make dinner for your friend who just had a baby and leave the dishes on the counter, actually answer the phone, and watch the fireflies come out with someone you love. Because the dishes will stay but life goes by and you can never get a single day back. So every once in awhile, just turn off the light and ignore what needs to be done. And when you come back to it, let it remind you of what’s most important in your life. Because sometimes a mess just means we’re busy with what really matters. Great thoughts, huh?! So here's to a slightly messy week for each of us! Sherrie Ashcraft, Women's Ministry Director sherrieashcraft@gmail.com    971-285-6699

Tuesday, June 11, 2013 WOW-Zine

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

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