I'm sorry this is coming to you so late in the day, ladies, but my day has been very full and this is the first time I've had to chat with you. I started it out as usual with getting up at 5 AM to work out at Curves, and then home for just 40 minutes. My dad turned 88 yesterday, so I celebrated by picking him up in McMinnville around 8 and taking him to a lake outside Pacific City for a day of fishing. I'm so thankful to still have my vibrant dad in my life--a man whose heart belongs to God, my mom, and all of their kids and the rest of the generations.
There is a bit of a change happening in Women's Ministry, in that Common Grounds, the Thursday night study, is no longer meeting. The few of us who were there last week came to the consensus that meeting in the evening is no longer filling a need. Most of those who have attended are working women, and I certainly understand that by the time you get to the end of the week, going out for a meeting, as much as you enjoy it, is a difficult thing to make happen. So we are concentrating our efforts on our Thursday morning time together at The Perk. I realize that doesn't work for everyone, but it does for the vast majority. Many deep, ongoing friendships have been developed over the years at Common Grounds, and I hope that you keep those going.
The Perk will meet this Thursday at 9:30 for our final "official" study before summer. It's traditional for us to end the year with a brunch-ish thing, so if you'd like to bring something to share with others, please do. Next week our Surprise Summer Schedule kicks off with a get together at my house on Wednesday at 6:30 PM. I plan on having the hot tub available if you'd like to use it, so bring your suit and towel if you'd like to take advantage of that. We'll just sit out on the deck and have a casual time of visiting and praying for each other. All women are invited. Please bring a dessert or snack to share.
Thanks to those of you who have taken the time to fill out the WOW Questionnaire that I talked about in the WOW-Zine last week. There are a lot of you who haven't yet done so, and I'd really appreciate hearing from you by June 14th, which is just a week away. Your input is important. I will include the form as an attachment at the end of this. You can either print it off and hand it to me, or just answer it on line. Thanks for taking advantage of this opportunity.
Until next time,
Sherrie Ashcraft, Women's Ministry Director
sherrieashcraft@gmail.com 971-285-6699
Tuesday, June 7, 2016
Tuesday, May 31, 2016
Tuesday, May 31, 2016 WOW-Zine
It's Tuesday, so most of you know by now that it's not just the day after Monday, but also the day you hear something from me! I thank you for your patience as I've been sick much of the past three weeks. I've finally graduated from my death bed, to my sick bed, and by yesterday--my flower bed! It felt so good to finally have enough energy to get outside and work. Thank you for your prayers. And for Tami filling in for me at the last minute Thursday morning last week. I promise I'll be with you this week!
This week both our studies (The Perk and Common Grounds) will be meeting per usual. Since I wasn't there last week, I have no idea if someone volunteered to bring treats Thursday morning or not. If you did, please bring them! We will continue with our video series on Living Life Together this week and next, and then be through for weekly studies for the duration of the summer. But we'll have special things going on nearly every week, not necessarily on Thursdays.
For example, on Wednesday, June 15th, 6:30 at my house, we'll have a get together for any women who are able to come. The hot tub will be open if you'd like to enjoy that. We'll hang out on the deck and either soak or just sit around and visit. Bring a snack to share, and I'll bring a devotional. This is for women only, and open to anyone, even if you don't usually get a chance to participate in one of our studies.
During the following week, on Thursday, June 23rd, we'll meet (with kiddos) at Thatcher Park in Forest Grove around 9:30. Bring snacks and drinks for you and your kids. Again, anyone can show up for this, as is true with all our events! So as you can see, the events will be varied throughout the summer, which means it will be especially important for you to pay close attention to the announcements, Wapato Weekly, and WOW-Zine each week. I think we'll have a great summer together!
The last week of June, the 27th through 30th, is VBS at the church each morning. Tami is doing a great job of heading that event, so please be sure to talk to her if you can assist. This is always a special time for the kids who attend, as well as for those who work with them. We will not be doing anything as a group during that week.
You all know (and maybe love) the game show Let's Make a Deal! Well, I'm inviting you to play Let's Take Them a Meal! Alicia Thomas just had her third baby Saturday night, I believe it was. Some of you may not know her, but one of the things we do for our new moms is to help out with a week of meals. It's just her and her husband and two kids ages 3 and 5, and they have no food allergies. They live in Forest Grove. I know I've been making a lot of meal requests lately, but it just seems to go in cycles like that. (And I know we have more coming up through the summer.) Meals for Alicia's family won't start until Friday night, so you've got time to plan ahead. You don't have to know the person you take food to, nor does it have to be a fancy meal at all. We all know how much it means to have a little extra help at critical times in life. So please click here and see what night you could provide food.
Let's play more Takethemameal!
For those of you who are enjoying the daily discipline of writing out a scripture passage (or want to start now), here is the link for the June print-out. The verses this month have to do with forgiveness.
https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B_FwK3u-_PH1a0lhNjBHU0FhQ1U&usp=drive_web
(Third row over, third row down!)
And now, a very special request from me to each of you. (I told you this was a jam-packed WOW-Zine!) I am including an attachment to a questionnaire that I'd like you to take some time to fill out. The way we, as Women of Wapato, function is getting attention from people involved in larger churches in the Portland area. Those who have been speakers at our retreats have noticed something unique about our group, and they are asking me what it is. I've given them some input, but figured the best thing was to ask you directly! You don't have to answer all the questions, but the more info you give, the more we can help other groups. Please open the attachment now.
Until next time,
Sherrie Ashcraft, Women's Ministry Director
sherrieashcraft@gmail.com 971-285-6699
Tuesday, May 24, 2016
Tuesday, May 24, 2016 WOW-Zine
Good afternoon, ladies! I feel like the last two weeks of my life were completely lost due to illness, so I'm looking forward to seeing you at one of our Bible studies this week. We're going to have a good time as we start a 3-week video series entitled Living Life Together. Each of the sessions will begin with a 20-minute video, then we'll get into discussion about what we've seen. And discussion is one of the things we do best!
Both of our Women's Bible Studies meet on Thursday at the church. The Perk begins at 9:30 in the morning, and we finish at 11. Childcare is provided. So are snacks, and this week Sharon is providing those. (Kristen, I know I skipped you last week since we had to cancel due to my illness, so perhaps you'll want to sign up for next week!) Then at 6:30 in the evening, Common Grounds meets, and we're done by 8. I really hope you can make one of these sessions. (The lesson is the same at both.)
Thursday, June 9th, will be our last Bible study until school starts in the fall. But never fear, that doesn't mean we won't be getting together on a nearly weekly basis. It may not always be on a Thursday.Sometimes it will be in the morning and other times will be an evening get together. It may involve women and kids, or women only. You may want to open your house and invite everyone to bring a potluck and hang out together for lunch or dinner. We may want to rent cabins at Stub Stewart State Park and spend a night away from our families. We may want to go kayaking on the Willamette, or hike trails in the area. A day trip to the beach is a done-deal. We may want to meet for picnics with the kids at various parks. The ideas are almost limitless! More definite plans will be in place by our last meeting on the 9th. We should have a fun summer together!
If you were at Wapato Valley Church on Sunday, you heard the mission team report on their recent trip to King's Kid Orphanage in Mexico. And if you were at our women's retreat in April, you know we collected money to buy a new washing machine for the orphanage. We got a very nice thank you card from Jesse and Jenny Navaro, who head the orphange. The outside of the card says, "Create in me a clean heart, O God," which is absolutely perfect considering we got them a washer! Jenny wrote the following note inside: "Ladies after God's own heart, Thank you for your donation for a washing machine. We really appreciate it. It is such an important tool to have in an orphanage. Your donation came just in time. God bless you for being so sensitive. We love you."
Until next time,
Sherrie Ashcraft, Women's Ministry Director
sherrieashcraft@gmail.com 971-285-6699
Both of our Women's Bible Studies meet on Thursday at the church. The Perk begins at 9:30 in the morning, and we finish at 11. Childcare is provided. So are snacks, and this week Sharon is providing those. (Kristen, I know I skipped you last week since we had to cancel due to my illness, so perhaps you'll want to sign up for next week!) Then at 6:30 in the evening, Common Grounds meets, and we're done by 8. I really hope you can make one of these sessions. (The lesson is the same at both.)
Thursday, June 9th, will be our last Bible study until school starts in the fall. But never fear, that doesn't mean we won't be getting together on a nearly weekly basis. It may not always be on a Thursday.Sometimes it will be in the morning and other times will be an evening get together. It may involve women and kids, or women only. You may want to open your house and invite everyone to bring a potluck and hang out together for lunch or dinner. We may want to rent cabins at Stub Stewart State Park and spend a night away from our families. We may want to go kayaking on the Willamette, or hike trails in the area. A day trip to the beach is a done-deal. We may want to meet for picnics with the kids at various parks. The ideas are almost limitless! More definite plans will be in place by our last meeting on the 9th. We should have a fun summer together!
If you were at Wapato Valley Church on Sunday, you heard the mission team report on their recent trip to King's Kid Orphanage in Mexico. And if you were at our women's retreat in April, you know we collected money to buy a new washing machine for the orphanage. We got a very nice thank you card from Jesse and Jenny Navaro, who head the orphange. The outside of the card says, "Create in me a clean heart, O God," which is absolutely perfect considering we got them a washer! Jenny wrote the following note inside: "Ladies after God's own heart, Thank you for your donation for a washing machine. We really appreciate it. It is such an important tool to have in an orphanage. Your donation came just in time. God bless you for being so sensitive. We love you."
Until next time,
Sherrie Ashcraft, Women's Ministry Director
sherrieashcraft@gmail.com 971-285-6699
Tuesday, May 10, 2016
Tuesday, May 10, 2016 WOW-Zine
It's Tuesday, and you all know what that means! Yep, it means yesterday was Monday! Oh no, it actually means that if it's Tuesday, it's a WOW-Zine day.
This is going to be super short, as I don't have a lot to share today. Several of us enjoyed attending the For the Joy of It event in Tualitin Saturday morning. It was great to see two of our recent retreat speakers there (Laurie and Joy.)
This Thursday we will finish the book of Colossians at both women's Bible studies! I know, it's hard to believe. What a rich book it has ended up being. The Perk meets Thursday at 9:30 AM, and Jaimie will be providing a snack for our time together. Common Grounds will meet Thursday evening at 6:30. Even if you've not attended any of the studies throughout the year, you're invited to join us this week. Next week we'll begin a 4-part video and discussion study. When that is completed, we'll segue into our summer schedule, which will be a lot of fun.
Until next time,
Sherrie Ashcraft, Women's Ministry Director
sherrieashcraft@gmail.com 971-285-6699
This is going to be super short, as I don't have a lot to share today. Several of us enjoyed attending the For the Joy of It event in Tualitin Saturday morning. It was great to see two of our recent retreat speakers there (Laurie and Joy.)
This Thursday we will finish the book of Colossians at both women's Bible studies! I know, it's hard to believe. What a rich book it has ended up being. The Perk meets Thursday at 9:30 AM, and Jaimie will be providing a snack for our time together. Common Grounds will meet Thursday evening at 6:30. Even if you've not attended any of the studies throughout the year, you're invited to join us this week. Next week we'll begin a 4-part video and discussion study. When that is completed, we'll segue into our summer schedule, which will be a lot of fun.
Until next time,
Sherrie Ashcraft, Women's Ministry Director
sherrieashcraft@gmail.com 971-285-6699
Tuesday, May 3, 2016
Tuesday, May 3, 2016 WOW-Zine
Good morning, ladies! I'm sorry to read on our secret Women of Wapato page on Facebook that so many of you are sick, or your kiddos are. What's up with that?? Many of us are praying for God's healing blessings on you and yours. (And remember, if you're on Facebook and would like to be part of the connections that happen through our page, just ask me to add you!)
Both The Perk (Thursday morning from 9:30-11) and Common Grounds (Thursday evening from 6:30-8) will be meeting this week. I realize there's a National Day of Prayer gathering Thursday evening also, but I'm still planning on having Bible study. And guess what? We're actually nearing the end of Colossians! I plan on finishing it up next week. (I know you don't believe me, but it's the truth!!) I have a four-part video series that I'd like to finish the year with, and then we'll get into our summer schedule. More about that next week. (Aimee is providing snacks for The Perk this week. The ladies of Common Grounds are dieting!)
It's not too late to get in on a fun event for women that will be happening in Tualatin this coming Saturday, the 7th, at 10:30 AM. Several of us are attending: Jaimie, Sharon and her daughter, Nicole C., and myself. Let me know if you get your ticket and would like to be added to the list. We'll carpool if possible. Here's the info:CLICK For info and tickets
Until next time,
Sherrie Ashcraft, Women's Ministry Director
sherrieashcraft@gmail.com 971-285-6699
Tuesday, April 26, 2016
Tuesday, April 26, 2016 WOW-Zine
Hello to you, this Tuesday afternoon. The morning seems to have gotten away from me, but here I finally am! There's not a lot of information I have to pass on to you this week, so this WOW-Zine will be pretty short.
We finally will resume our usual Bible study schedule with both studies meeting on Thursday. The Perk meets at the church from 9:30 to 11 in the morning, and Common Grounds does the same from 6:30 to 8 in the evening. In all my recent busyness I seem to have been very irresponsible and have misplaced the list for treat signups! So if you signed up for this week, please let me know. The women that meet for Common Grounds have decided not to do snacks, since we meet right after dinner. Our last study for the year (school year, that is) will be on June 9th. But don't worry, we'll have a lot of special things to do throughout the summer so that we can stay connected.
If you are continuing to do the daily scripture writing challenge, you can find the new one for May posted here: http://www.swtblessings.com/2016/04/may-scripture-writing-plan-2016.html#.Vx_QezArK1s The topic is one I know a lot of you can identify with!
Don't forget about the opportunity to gather with other women in the area on Saturday, May 7th for
We finally will resume our usual Bible study schedule with both studies meeting on Thursday. The Perk meets at the church from 9:30 to 11 in the morning, and Common Grounds does the same from 6:30 to 8 in the evening. In all my recent busyness I seem to have been very irresponsible and have misplaced the list for treat signups! So if you signed up for this week, please let me know. The women that meet for Common Grounds have decided not to do snacks, since we meet right after dinner. Our last study for the year (school year, that is) will be on June 9th. But don't worry, we'll have a lot of special things to do throughout the summer so that we can stay connected.
If you are continuing to do the daily scripture writing challenge, you can find the new one for May posted here: http://www.swtblessings.com/2016/04/may-scripture-writing-plan-2016.html#.Vx_QezArK1s The topic is one I know a lot of you can identify with!
Don't forget about the opportunity to gather with other women in the area on Saturday, May 7th for
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Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Tuesday, April 19, 2016 WOW-Zine
Good morning, ladies! Some of you may have noticed that I just now created a secret Facebook page for the Women of Wapato. After the retreat several people had asked that I do so, but I was too busy last week. But the time is now. If you don't want to be part of the group, please feel free to remove your name. I know there are some women I have inadvertently left off the list, so if I somehow skipped over your name and you'd like to be a part of this group, please let me know and I'll add you in. I don't want to leave anyone out that would like to be included, nor do I want anyone to feel they have to be in it if they'd rather not!
I'll write up a description on the page later on, but I'm envisioning this as being a place where we can share our joy and struggles, check in with each other as needed, perhaps even have a bit of accountability. Because it's a secret page, that means only those who have been invited to the page by me will be able to see what's on there. So it should be a pretty secure place to do life together, sisters!
Neither of our Bible studies will meet this week, but we'll get back to our weekly schedule on April 28th. Yay!
I like to share events I hear about that I think some of you may be interested in attending. For example, the evening with author Francine Rivers this Thursday in Vancouver. If anyone is interested in going, let me know and I'll send you an invite via Facebook. Another great time coming in the near future is this:
I'll write up a description on the page later on, but I'm envisioning this as being a place where we can share our joy and struggles, check in with each other as needed, perhaps even have a bit of accountability. Because it's a secret page, that means only those who have been invited to the page by me will be able to see what's on there. So it should be a pretty secure place to do life together, sisters!
Neither of our Bible studies will meet this week, but we'll get back to our weekly schedule on April 28th. Yay!
I like to share events I hear about that I think some of you may be interested in attending. For example, the evening with author Francine Rivers this Thursday in Vancouver. If anyone is interested in going, let me know and I'll send you an invite via Facebook. Another great time coming in the near future is this:
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