Monday, July 26, 2010 WOW-Zine

Look who's visiting us today! It's Tami Engle, all the way from Forest Grove. She stuck around Sunday after the baptism at Ashberry Lane and let me interview her. Luckily, she was wearing casual business attire and I decided to hire her on the spot! Actually, we sat under the shade of the patio umbrella and I asked her a few questions.

Sherrie: How long have you and Tom been married?
Tami: Next Sunday we'll celebrate our twelfth anniversary.
Sherrie: That's wonderful! Has he always been a techie kind of guy?
Tami: Yes. I think he was born with a computer in his hand! We moved here from Spokane about ten years ago so he could get on with Intel.

Sherrie: I know you're a stay-at-home mom of three kids. Have you ever worked outside the home?
Tami: Not really. This has pretty much been my life.
Sherrie:What do you like best about getting to stay home?
Tami: I like getting to catch every big moment in their life. I feel I have greater insights into the kids. And I've noticed the lectures I give to them return to me.
Sherrie: I know what you mean! John used to say that when he'd have to get after our son for something, he'd realize God was saying, "You know, you do the same thing to Me!" What challenges do you face in parenting?
Tami: That of stepping out of the situation and seeing the big picture when I'm in the midst of things with the kids. To be able to grant them their own side and not insist they see everything the way I do.

Sherrie: What are your hobbies?
Tami: I guess children.
Sherrie: No, that doesn't count! What would you do if you had the time and resources?
Tami: I'm a tomboy. I would really like to become a Master Falconer.
Sherrie: Really? That's amazing! Have you started the process at all?
Tami: Well, I met a couple of people who are falconers, but I haven't even read any books about it yet. It's just something that really interests me. As far as other hobbies, I'd have to say archery and camping. I told you I was a tomboy!

Sherrie: How did you come to know the Lord?
Tami: I grew up in a Christian home and we went to church nearly every Sunday. There were so many blessings in my life because of that. And I'd have to say that AWANA played a big part in my spiritual growth. I accepted Christ into my life when I was five, but it was a long journey after that for me to see that I needed Christ and not just a religion.
Sherrie: That's an area that trips up a lot of people. What is the best way you've found for growing in your Christian walk?
Tami: I'd have to say it's reading my Bible. That has revolutionized my life. When I really get the concept that God is living and active, that makes a huge difference. I like things very formulated and logical, and God isn't that way all the time! I'm always discovering more about trusting vs. control.

Sherrie: And now to the deeply personal question--what is your favorite candy?

Let the guessing begin! Leave your guess, along with your name, as a comment. If you're the first person to guess correctly, you'll win that candy. Since no one guessed Chrissy's from last week, I'm now at liberty to announce that it was Red Licorice!

This week's event: A redo of the Forest Grove Farmer's Market. Remember the last time we were going to meet there a few weeks ago? Well, it was so hot no one wanted to attend. So we're trying again this week. Meet at the ice cream shop on the corner of Main and Pacific at 5 PM. We'll browse through the array of fresh bounty as well as listen to our own Nicole Chan perform. Children (and husbands) are invited to join you.

Upcoming events: I need help, ladies! I'm running out of ideas, as well as I will be out of town for a week or two. Would someone like to volunteer to host a game night? Or just a night of getting together to hang out and visit? We've done a lot of things during the day lately, which means the women who work outside the home don't have an opportunity to attend. I'd like to have several "women only" events during August. Please help me out!! Contact me by phone or email at the address below.

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

Monday, July 19, 2010 WOW-Zine

Welcome to another edition of WOW-Zine, the informative weekly newsletter for the Women of Wapato.

Each week I have the privilege of spot-lighting one of our women. (Don't worry, your turn is coming!) Sunday after church I spent time with the beautiful Chrissy Tuning. This is how it went down:

Sherrie: So let's sit down so I can interview you.

Chrissy: Do you know you have white stuff all over your black pants? Here, let me wipe your bottom off.

Sherrie, as I turn my backside toward her: Go for it. I've got Bosom Buddies, but I'm not sure I've ever had a Bottom Buddy before! Oh wait, Kathy Fordcye gave me some suppositories once!!

After I'm finally decent enough to be seen with her in public, Chrissy and I sit down for our visit.

Sherrie: I want to know what is your secret for having such a bubbly, outgoing personality.

Chrissy: I don't really know. I've just always been like this!

Sherrie: So you weren't shy as a kid? I'm real outgoing now, but I used to be very shy.

Chrissy: No, I've always been loud and outspoken, even as a child. In fact, I used to get in trouble a lot at school because other kids would come and tell me bad things that were happening, and I'd be the one who would be the spokesman and go tell. Then the kids who were doing the wrong things would get mad at me, even though all I'd done was report the facts!div>

Sherrie: Life can be tough, can't it? Tell me what your life is like now.

Chrissy: I've got three boys and a hot-bodied husband! I've been a Mary Kay representative for ten years.

Sherrie: What are your hobbies?

Chrissy: I guess I don't really have a lot. I love to get pedicures and do Mary Kay parties. Plus I love to talk with my girlfriends.

Sherrie: Is there anything you're passionate about?

Chrissy: I'm passionate about passion!!

Sherrie: And that's one of the things I love about you!

Sherrie: So tell me how you developed a relationship with Christ.

Chrissy: I used to go to church with my grandparents. It was really after high school that I decided to live for the Lord. But you know, I've never really heard Him speak to me.

Sherrie: That's okay. Not everyone does.

Chrissy: But so many people say they do. I'm almost embarassed to say I'm a Christian that doesn't hear God speak to me.

Sherrie: I think that's an important thing to bring up in this interview, Chrissy. God doesn't work the same way in each person's life. And I sure don't think there are many of us that hear the audible voice of God. How do you know how to make decisions in your life"

Chrissy: I check things out in the Bible. If it says don't do it, then I don't. I'm a pretty black and white person.

Sherrie: So in reality, that's the way you hear God's voice--through the Bible. There's certainly nothing wrong with that!

Sherrie: So how do you see your life twenty years from now?

Chrissy: I'll be driving a pink Mary Kay cadilac! And Bobby and I will be at the beach, with grandkids surrounding us. Grandgirls. I need some girls in my life!

Sherrie: And now to the question everyone's been waiting for ... what is your favorite kind of candy?

Chrissy: Everyone already knows it's Reese's.

Sherrie: So once again, we'll go with your second favorite. It's time for your weekly guess, ladies!

I hope you've enjoyed getting to know Chrissy a bit more. If you haven't met her yet, be sure to do so, as you'll have a wonderful new friend. Chrissy serves at church by being the Meal coordinator as well as teaching in Children's Church. Blessings on you and your family, Chrissy, and be sure to invite me to visit you on your private beach in twenty years. That hunky husband of yours can push my wheelchair across the sand!

THIS WEEK'S EVENT:

We'll rock at 5Rock Ranch beginning at noon on Wednesday. Bring your kids and a sack lunch and just hang out at the creek all afternoon. Low-key and informal, but fun! See you there.

NEXT WEEK: A re-do of the Forest Grove Farmer's Market. It was so hot when we last scheduled this that people weren't interested in being out in the heat. Let's hope for more moderate weather next Wednesday, July 28th. Our own Nicole Chan will be singing there. I'll find out what time and make sure we meet during a time we can support her with our presence. Stay tuned for further information!

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

Monday, July 12, 2010 WOW-Zine

WOW'S Woman of the Week is none other than Nathalie Middleton!
You've seen Nathalie and her warm smile gracing our church for a number of years, but now it's time to get to know her a little better. She and I sat down after church Sunday to visit.

Sherrie: First things first, Nathalie ... what's your favorite candy bar?
Nathalie: Everyone already knows my favorite is Reeces!
Sherrie: Okay, then we'll go with your second favorite. (She tells me, but it's up to you to figure it out and leave your guess in the comment section of this blog. The first person to guess correctly, before next Monday's blog is posted, will win Nathalie's favorite candy!)

Sherrie: I know you're from Alabama. How did a nice southern girl like you end up in Oregon?
Nathalie: Intel brought us here 9-1/2 years ago. Actually, I was escaping the South and running from the "oops" of my past.
Sherrie: I like the way you put that!
Nathalie: Tony and I got an apartment in Beaverton and lived there for a little over a year before buying our house in Forest Grove and getting married.

Sherrie: So if you lived in Forest Grove, how did you end up attending Wapato Valley Church in Gaston?
Nathalie: Kathy Daugherty was (and still is) my next door neighbor. She and Tami Engel invited me to Wapato.

Sherrie: I know something about you that not everyone knows, and that is that you were in a terrible car accident when you were a teenager and experienced a traumatic brain injury. Can you share about that?
Nathalie: Sure, how much time do you have? I'll give the condensed version. I was sixteen years old when it happened. I actually died and they brought me back to life. I was comatose for 2-1/2 weeks. I spent a total of two months in the hospital and rehab. I never forgot how to talk, but I did have to learn how to walk and swim again. The left side of my body was really hard to use.
Sherrie: How did your friends respond?
Nathalie: Tons of them came to visit while I was at the hospital and in rehab. They were always around.
Sherrie: Did this accident change in life?
Nathalie: Yeah, it slowed me down. I stopped sneaking out of the house at night! Once I was out of rehab my friends didn't seem to want to hang out with a brain injured person any more. I felt like I was an outcast. Only one friend, Erica, stayed by my side. She always has.

Sherrie: What are your hobbies?
Nathalie: It used to be crocheting, but I haven't done that for a long time. I guess now I'd have to say it's doing housework!
Sherrie: Yes, it's pretty hard for the mother of two young children to have extra time for hobbies, isn't it?

Sherrie: How did you come to know the Lord?
Nathalie: I've met Him in different ways different times through the years. I became a Christian after going through a study of the book Classic Christianity with the two women who invited me to church. My favorite verse is Romans 10:15 where the Bible says, "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!"

Sherrie: Your husband is not yet a believer. What kind of challenges does that present for you?
Nathalie: Well, we used to argue a lot about God, but we don't do that any more. But Tony will post comments that are against God on Facebook and I make comments back on Facebook where I try to post truth with grace.

Sherrie: Is there anything else you want people to know about you?
Nathalie: I think my arm is broken. Does it look right to you? I fell on it.
Sherrie: You're right, that arm doesn't match the other one. What are you going to do?
Nathalie: I think I'll go to the doctor Monday!

Candy Contest Update: Last week's interview with Donna Ryan sparked several guesses of what her favorite candy is, but, alas, no one got it right, so no prize will be awarded. (It was Hershey's Dark Chocolate Bar.) By the way, Donna is moving to California this week. Our love and prayers go with you, Donna. You'll be missed!

This Wednesday's Event: A Walk on the Wild Side
Where: Tillamook Forest Center, Highway 6 near milepost 22 on the way to Tillamook.
When: Meet there at noon
What: Bring a picnic lunch. There's a lookout tower to climb, a fascinating movie in theVisitor's Center, a creek, and walking trails that we can explore after lunch.
Who: You, your kids, and your friends. (Feel free to invite enemies too!)

Upcoming Events:
Wednesday, July 21st--Spend the day at 5Rock Ranch. Kids invited.
Wednesday, July 28th--Forest Grove Farmer's Market, featuring music by Nicole Chan. (It was so hot last week that people didn't attend, so we're doing a do-over!)

Next Monday, look forward to what I'm sure will be a scintillating interview with Chrissy Tuning!

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

Monday, July 5, 2010 WOW-Zine

WOW's Woman of the Week is Donna Ryan.

Many of you may not know Donna by name, as she tends to stay in the background and serve quietly. But most of you will recognize her face, seen here with a child she's caring for at VBS. She will be moving out of the area in just a week, so I wanted to be sure you have a chance to get to know her better so you can miss her that much more!

Sherrie: Donna, it's so nice to sit here with you at BJ's over a mocha. We haven't had a chance to do this before. What brought you to Wapato in the first place?

Donna: It was a combination of Amy Rusaw and my daughter, Mattie. Four years ago Mattie was attending VBS at the church in Lauralwood and Amy brought her kids there too. Then Amy invited Mattie to come to Wapato, so that's what we started doing!

Sherrie: So, I've heard a rumor, which you've confirmed, about you moving soon. What's up with that?

Donna: My sister down in southern California has MS and it's getting worse. So I'm moving down there to help take care of her and spend time with my mom.

Sherrie: Your training as a nursing aide should come in handy! Are you going to stay there forever?

Donna: I'm calling it a long-term temporary move! I'd really like to come back here, but I have no idea how soon that would be. I love Missouri too, so, who knows, I may end up there eventually.

Sherrie: How has your life changed since attending Wapato?

Donna: I look forward to going to church. I talk more openly about God, and Mattie and I pray before meals. I'm going to miss being an Awana leader.

Sherrie: I know you're a single mom and there's challenges that go along with that. What do you do to help train Mattie in "the way she should go?"

Donna: I make sure we sit down and eat our meals together, with the television off. We do a lot of talking about things. And we attend church together faithfully. The challenging part is that I feel I have to carry out both the mom and dad role. I'm on duty all the time.

Sherrie: What's your favorite song?

Donna: One called The Christmas Gift, by Grandpa Jones. It always makes me cry!

Sherrie: I've got to say, that's a new one to me. And now, the most anticipated question of all, what is your favorite candy?

Step right up, ladies, and make a comment with your guess. First one to guess it right, wins one!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Wednesday, July 7th--a stroll through the Farmer's Market in Forest Grove. Meet at 4 P.M. outside the ice cream shop on the corner of Main and Pacific. You are invited to bring your children along on this outing. Come prepared to taste the freshness offered in our local produce and other products.

Wednesday, July 14th-- meet at the Tillamook Forest Center on Highway 6 at noon for a picnic and hike. Children are encouraged to join us.

Wednesday, July 21st--spend the day at 5Rock Ranch.

Note from Sherrie: I'll be in Disneyland with Christina and the grandkids before you read this. Should be home on Thursday, July 8th. Feel free to call me while I'm gone if you have any special concerns or prayer needs. I'll miss seeing you gals!

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

Monday, June 28, 2010 WOW-Zine

WOW'S Woman of the Week is none other than Helen LeFebvre.



I've always loved the exotic sound of Helen's last name. It's so different from the mundane "Smith" that was my maiden name! It conjures up visions of adventures in France and people with funny little accents! But it turns out that Helen is as "regular" as the rest of us, and just lives down the road in Carlton. Sit down and have a cup of coffee with us as you get to know Helen a bit better.



Sherrie: Thank you, Helen, for allowing me to interview you this week. I'll try to take it easy on you! How long have you been attending Wapato Valley Church?
Helen: Off and on, for about six or seven years.


Sherrie: What keeps you coming?
Helen: I like Pete's preaching and I like the general atmosphere. I love the music. It's all so different from the churches that I grew up in. There's much more of a feeling of family at Wapato.


Sherrie: Speaking of family, tell me a bit about yours. You and your husband have three kids, don't you?
Helen: Yes, our daughter Nicole is twelve, Ryan is seven, and Kalen is nearly two. She's a very definite two, if you know what I mean! We've been married for sixteen years now.
(An aside from Sherrie--I've heard that Chrissy Jarvis showed up on Helen's honeymoon, but we'll save that story for another time.)


Sherrie: Do you work outside the home?
Helen: Yes, I've worked in the payroll department for the Newberg School District for the past three years. I love the other workers in my office, as a lot of them are Christian women and we're able to support each other when life gets hard. Two years ago I started taking one or two classes a term of college work. I've been able to maintain being on the honor roll!


Sherrie: That's quite an accomplishment, Helen, what with working full time and being a wife and mother. What kind of job do you eventually want to get?
Helen: I'm not quite sure. I'm really interested in going for radiography, but that would mean I'd have to quit my job and go to school full time. We're not sure that's best for the family. Or I might want to go to Linfield and get my degree in Social and Behavioral Science.


Sherrie: Wow, that would be great. Maybe you'd be able to figure me out then! What hobbies do you have?
Helen: I love to read, take walks, be with my family, spend time with girlfriends, go to the beach, do scrapbooking, and cook. I love trying new recipes, or coming up with my own.


Sherrie: Have you always lived in Carlton?
Helen: No, we moved here from Aloha about seven years ago. It's actually pretty interesting, as right around the time we got married we had driven through the Carlton area and fell in love with it. We said we'd like to move there sometime, and about eight years later we did!


Sherrie: So, do you have a Bible verse that is especially meaningful to you?
Helen: I've always liked Phil. 4:6-7. I don't have it memorized in my head, but I have it in my heart. I always seem to have an anxious heart, and these verses help remind me that I don't have to worry.
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."


Sherrie: I think that's a verse we can all relate to needing to have memorized in our heart, Helen. And now, whisper in my ear what your favorite candy is, and the first person to guess it right and post their comment will win some for themselves.
Helen: It would definitely have to be ...


Okay, ladies, now it's your turn to participate. Winners from the past two weeks are Denise and Tami. Let's see if we add someone new this week!

Upcoming Events:

This Wednesday, June 3oth, at 6:30 P.M. is our Rejuvenation Night at Nathalie's. Bring your own little tub if you'd like to soak your feet after a long, weary day. Bring stuff for facials if you need to smooth away stress. And of course some bright polish to your toes and fingernails would just about complete the process! Please bring a snack to share, just because!
Nathalie lives in Forest Grove at 2413 16th Avenue.

Wednesday, July 7th we'll meet at 4 P.M. for an adventure through the Forest Grove Farmer's Market. You are welcome to bring your children with you for this event.

July 14th we plan on taking a hike, and on the 21st we'll spend the day at 5Rock. More details to follow.

And while you're here, make sure to look at the pictures from our Movie Night. These gals really know how to party!! (In the post right before this one.)

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

Father of the Bride Movie Night, June 23, 2010

Monday, June 21, 2010 WOW-Zine

WOW's Woman of the Week--Karen Fordyce!

Have you ever met someone for the first time and instantly knew you would be great friends? That's the way it was with me when I first met Karen seven or eight years ago. There's just something about her warm, smiling face that makes one feel accepted.

She and her husband, Greg, are elders at Wapato and have four grown children. I had a chance Sunday after church to visit with Karen and ask her a few questions. Please eavesdrop on our conversation.



Sherrie: How did you know Greg was the one for you?
Karen: He winked at me! Truly, that was it. He'd been camping with my brother and they unloaded stuff at my folks' house. I was drying dishes and Greg came in the split-level foyer wearing bib overalls and a hat. He got ready to leave, said, "See you later," and winked, and that was it! I just knew!

Sherrie: How did you manage to raise four kids when your husband travels so much. (Greg is an airline pilot.)
Karen: The Lord gets the credit. There were so many times when I didn't know what to do. You have to remember this was before cell phones. I couldn't just call him up and ask for his advice about an issue with one of the kids. I was literally on my own. But I prayed, and every time God would give me an idea or solution on how to handle the situation. Sometimes my heart wasn't right. I would get frustrated with the kids, which would lead to anger. But I would pray and God would give me the right attitude.

Sherrie: What's your biggest challenge at this stage of life when you're basically an empty-nester?
Karen: I would have to say it is balancing relationships. The kids, though grown, are still an important part of my life. We all have scattered schedules and it's hard to find time to be together. That's one of the nice things about sharing a multigenerational house, is that so many of us are so close. Greg and I make an effort to carve out time as a couple. It may be an evening out, or just staying for a date at home. If we don't make time for each other we lose our connection and things don't go right.

Sherrie: You're so right about that, Karen. Are there other things you do to make your marriage work? How long have you been married?
Karen: We'll have been married 33 years in August. I've mentioned the date nights we have. With Greg's schedule of being gone several days a week, I really try to rearrange my schedule for Greg the first night he's home. We like to work on things together--that shoulder-to-shoulder time. When he's leaving for a trip, he always texts me "I love you." And we try to connect every day while he's away. It's a lot easier now with cell phones, texting, and e-mail. When he's home we have a devotional time together in the morning, and every night we pray together in bed. And we love to eat chocolate and drink tea together!

Sherrie: Karen, it sounds like you've got the kind of marriage many women would love to have. No wonder you smile so much and have this glow about you! Do you have a scripture verse that means something special to you?
Karen: I guess it would be Joshua 1:9 where it says, "Be strong and of good courage. Do not be afraid, or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." I've never thought of myself as a courageous person. I tend to hesitate. But when I'm living in the Word and am reminded that He is fighting for me on all side and I don't have to be afraid of anything, that gives me a sense of relief and freedom.

Sherrie: Thank you so much, Karen, for taking time to visit with me even though you're not feeling well today. Now, I have one last question for you. What's your favorite kind of candy?

Karen gave me her answer, but I'm good at keep secrets! Leave a comment guessing what it is, and you'll get one if you're the first person with the correct answer. (And Denise, I still need to give you the Reese's Peanut Butter Cups that you won by answering the question correctly about Amy last week!)

Next Event:

The honor of your presence is requested

for Movie Night at Ashberry Lane

Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010

at seven o'clock in the evening

Please wear something having to do with weddings.

Our hearts will twitterpate as we watch

Father of the Bride

Reception to follow

Call Sherrie at 971-285-6699 for directions

Upcoming Events:

June 30th--Rejuvenation Party at Nathalie's, 7 P.M.

Bring your own tub! Stop by the Dollar Store and pick up items to use

for a foot soak, facial, manicure, etc., as well as a snack. Look forward

to a time of relaxation and conversation. (Women only.)

July 7th--Forest Grove Farmer's Market 4 P.M. (You may bring your family.)

Pictures from past activities:

First we warmed up on June 9th, having a great time in the hot tub. The following week we froze to death at a picnic in McMinnville. But we still had fun!

(I'm not sure what's going on, as when I put the pictures in they show up side by side on the page, but in a line when I look at preview. Sorry, but I'm doing the best I can!)