Monday, January 30, 2012 WOW-Zine

Happy Monday! For some of you, it's kids off to school as usual. For those who attend Gaston schools, your kids have a couple days off, which means you have an extra opportunity to spend quality time with those kiddos. For those of us who don't have children, it may just be a typical Monday morning of work and regularly scheduled programing. And for at least a couple of you (whom I imagine won't take time to read this blog this week),  you're "busy" relaxing on the sands of Hawaii. Wherever you are and whatever you're doing today, I pray you are aligning yourself with God's purpose for your life and that you are aware of His presence. That's one way to make it a good Monday, no matter what your life is looking like.

If you didn't see me at church yesterday, it's because I wasn't there to be seen! John and I got to celebrate a first-ever occurrence in our lives--the dedication of a great grandchild! Our two-month-old little Madison was dedicated to the Lord by our granddaughter Cassie. It was such a joy to be a part of standing behind Cassie as she promised to raise Madison in God's ways. 

THIS WEEK'S ACTIVITIES:

Monday and Wednesday at 4:15 PM--Zumba
Tuesday and Thursday at 5 PM--Zumba

Wednesday at 6:30 PM--Common Grounds
Ladies, a lot of you have been missing since we started up again after the Christmas break. I need to see your smiling faces this Wednesday evening! You know what a good time you have. Just make yourself get back in the habit of coming. After all, it's only twice a month that you have this opportunity to hang out with good friends and study God's word together. Oh, and did I mention the food?? This week we'll delve into The Woman at the Well in John 4: 1-47. This is a lady with a past and a present that is filled with sin, yet her future completely changes when she meets Jesus. It's a story that gives hope to all of us. 

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Wapato's Valentine's Dinner and Dance on Saturday, February 11th.
This delightful evening is something you absolutely don't want to miss. If you don't have a date, that's fine--just come stag. (Or would that be doe?) Everyone is encouraged to come share a special time together over good food, fun giveaways, and romantic music. Tickets are $10 a person, and childcare is provided at the low cost of $2 per child. What a deal! See Becky or any other of the youth workers to get your tickets. 

The Art of Marriage, presented by FamilyLife Today, Friday and Saturday March 16th and 17th at Wapato Valley Church.
Yes, you read that right. We get to have this wonderful event at our very own church! One of the most important things we can do as a church is to encourage our people to have strong marriages. Sometimes that's our personal goal, but we're not sure how to make it happen. Or perhaps we've just given up. The opportunity to have this video series at our church just popped up last week, and we've decided to take advantage of it. Details will be worked out soon, but for now you need to put it on your calendar. Make this a priority and anticipate the changes that you'll experience. (Note: This is the same Saturday that Selah is held on, which I've been advertising for the past few weeks. But I believe this marriage-building opportunity is of even more importance, so I'm encouraging all of us to be a part of this activity instead. It can be a weekend to remember!)

FURTHER OUT UPCOMING EVENTS:

Our Retreat

  By now, you should all know that our SeaSide Escape retreat is coming up April 13-15th at our beautiful beach house in Lincoln City. (The VRBO # is 309670--check out its fantasticnis!) (Yes, it's a new word, but one the world has been waiting for!) Cost is only $80, which includes two night's lodging and dinner on Friday and Saturday as well as breakfast on Saturday and Sunday. Just a reminder that registration will open on March 1st for women who regularly attend Wapato. Two weeks later we will expand registration for those who attend one of our Bible studies, and then if we still have room after that, we'll open it up for you to bring other friends. We are limited to a total of 40 women, and all ladies will be staying at the house and not going to motels. So be planning ahead, as you must pay in full to hold your spot. Through the story of Sarah and Hagar from Genesis, we will discover how God is active in our own lives. At each session we'll use an item you'd find at the beach to make this connection. It's a different style of retreat than what we've done in the past, and your Women's Ministry Team is looking forward to what God is going to do while we're there. 

Our Second Annual FemininiTEA-- Saturday, May 5th.  

Yes, I know that's waaaaay out in the future, but the future will be coming at us with the speed of sound, you know. Time to put this on your calendar and look forward to a special time with you friends and your daughters. (Hopefully some of them are one and the same!) We had a fantastic time together last year, and I can almost guarantee it will be even better this year. I know some of your kids will be involved with sports at that time, but you can still miss one game and come for some special female bonding time, okay?

So, that's the WOW news for this week. Let me leave you with these words of encouragement from Paul in Ephesians 4 in The Message: I want you to get out there and walk--better yet, run--on the road God called you to travel. I don't want any of you sitting around on your hands. I don't want anyone strolling off, down some path that goes nowhere. And mark that you do this with humility and discipline--not in fits and starts, but steadily, pouring yourselves out for each other in acts of love, alert at noticing differences and quick at mending fences. You were all called to travel on the same road and in the same direction, so stay together, both outwardly and inwardly.

Sherrie Ashcraft, Women's Ministry Director

sherrieashcraft@yahoo.com   971-285-6699

 
  

   

 

Monday, January 23, 2012 WOW-Zine

It's another Monday--time to remind you of what's ahead for the Women Of Wapato. Those of you who missed out on our bowling party Saturday should be kicking yourselves! We had so much fun, learned some new dance moves "guaranteed" to bring about a strike, got a little exercise, and ate a wonderful lunch. We'll have to do it again!

This week we've got ZUMBA at 4:15 today and Wednesday, and at 5 PM on Tuesday.  We won't meet on Thursday evening, as I will be gone for the afternoon and not back home in time.


THE THURSDAY PERK will meet this week at 9:30 AM. At Common Grounds last week we had a very interesting discussion about a lady named Herodias, and her daughter Salome, as found in Mark 6:14-29. It's fun to look at these stories with fresh eyes and not through the camera of a Hollywood movie director. 

COMMON GROUNDS meets next Wednesday, February 1, at 6:30. Ladies, you really need to get your game on. The Thursday Perk gals are beating you, attendance-wise. Something happened when we took off several weeks for Christmas break, and some of you have still not recuperated from it! Time to get back into your routine. We'll be studying a familiar story--The Woman at the Well. But as I hope you've seen through all these women we've looked at this year, there are always new things to be gleaned from these stories. So read John 4:1-38 and be ready to dig into the truths God has for you that you can learn from this woman. 

Wapato's Valentine's Dinner and Dance is slated for the evening of Saturday, February 11th. That's just around the corner! Tickets can be purchased from Becky or any other youth worker and cost $10 a person. It's the best deal in town! (And I'm not just talking Gaston, but the surrounding areas!) You'll enjoy a scrumptious dinner, special music and dancing, as well as great conversations around the table. This is always one of the high points of the year, as far as I'm concerned. You can get all dolled up in heels and a fancy dress, or just wear nice slacks and a top--whatever you'd like to do. Childcare is provided for a suggested price of $2 per child, and that includes their dinner over in the annex. All money made from this events goes to help fund youth events. So come out and support it and have a romantic evening in the process!

By now, you should all know that our SeaSide Escape retreat is coming up April 13-15th at our beautiful beach house in Lincoln City. (I posted the VRBO # in last week's WOW-Zine so you could check it out if you've not been there before.) Cost is only $80, which includes two night's lodging and dinner on Friday and Saturday as well as breakfast on Saturday and Sunday. Just a reminder that registration will open on March 1st for women who regularly attend Wapato. Two weeks later we will expand registration for those who attend one of our Bible studies, and then if we still have room after that, we'll open it up for you to bring other friends. We are limited to a total of 40 women, and all ladies will be staying at the house and not going to motels. So be planning ahead, as you must pay in full to hold your spot. Through the story of Sarah and Hagar from Genesis, we will discover how God is active in our own lives. At each session we'll use an item you'd find at the beach to make this connection. It's a different style of retreat than what we've done in the past, and your Women's Ministry Team is looking forward to what God is going to do while we're there. 

We also have another event available to you that is closer to home. In fact it's almost in your own back yard. The annual Selah conference is at George Fox University in Newberg on Saturday, March 17th. If we can get together a group of ten or more ladies, the cost is $33 for the day, including a sack lunch. We've gone for several years in the past and it's always been worthwhile. This year's topic is Getting Unstuck and speakers will address that from many different angles. If you would like to go, please let me know as soon as possible. 

So, I think that does it for this week. By the way, I'd love to get together with each of you on a one-to-one basis. Interested in going out for coffee? Just give me a call and I'll make it happen. Or you may find me calling you! I'd love to pick your brain about other things you're needing from Women's Ministries. Perhaps a Bible study in addition to those already offered? One that involves homework? Or a time for women to get together specifically to pray for each other? Or ...? Let me know what you're thinkin'. I want to help provide things that will help meet the needs of you women, but I need your help in knowing exactly what that is. Let's talk!

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

Monday, January 16, 2012 WOW-Zine

---

Good morning, ladies! Isn't it nice that the kids have the day off from school and you were able to stay in bed and get a little extra sleep? Although I know some of you had to go to work yourself, so it really hasn't felt like a holiday for you. But hopefully you'll have a chance to chill tonight. (I KNOW you will if you happen to leave a window open in your bedroom!) Zoom down to Zumba this week. Janet leads a group on Monday and Wednesday at 4:15 PM, and I lead on Tuesday and Thursday at 5 PM. I've got some other dance-type exercise CD's that my group may be starting soon, just to change things up a bit.  Common Grounds meets this Wednesday at 6:30 at the church. We've got an interesting story we'll be looking at closely as we delve into a woman named Herodius. You can read about her in Mark 6:14-29. Wait 'til you see what can happen when a party gets out of hand! (Er ... I mean head!) I know none of us would ever be this kind of hostess, but there are still lessons we can learn from this shocking story.  Bowling Party at Four Seasons in Hillsboro this Saturday. We'll meet at the bowling alley at 10:30 and bowl a game or two, then treat ourselves to lunch at their restaurant. Feel free to bring your daughters who are age 12 or older. The cost is $4 per game, and $3.25 for shoes. I need to know how many lanes to reserve, so please let me know you're coming by Wednesday. So far I've had "yes-es" from Tami, her sister-in-law, Ellie, Susan, Heidi H., Janet, and myself. Don't let us have all the fun! In fact, we'll have a lot more fun if you join us! For those of you in the Gaston area, if you'd like to car pool, we'll meet behind the church at 10 AM.  Coming up Saturday, March 17, is Selah at George Fox in Newberg. I'm not talking about the singing group by that name, but of the one-day women's conference that they host every year. This year's theme is Getting Unstuck. The keynote speaker is Elisa Morgan, whom some of you may know from MOPS. The breakout sessions will explore such topics as: ~Getting Unstuck from an Abusive Relationship: Present or Past ~The Kids Are Packed, I'm Stuck Here with This Man ... Who Is He and What in the World Do I do Now? ~Getting Unstuck Spiritually   The conference begins at 9 AM and goes through 4:15. Lunch is included in the price, which is $33/woman if we get a group of ten or more. Otherwise it costs between $38-$48, depending upon the time you register. If anyone is interested in going, please let me know right away. Those of us on the Women's Ministry Team realize this is an additional expense when you're already trying to save up money for our spring retreat. Selah used to be in the fall, which worked out better with our schedule. But this is something right in our back yard, and we want you to know about it. SeaSide Escape is the theme for our Lincoln City retreat April 13th-15th. Cost is $80. We've got that huge, beautiful house that all of us will be staying at again this year. (Why mess with perfection? You can check it out at VRBO #309670) The thought of hanging out with a bunch of women can be intimidating if you've never gone to something like this before, but let me tell you, it can also be life-changing. Plus, our women really care about each other and want everyone included. This is your opportunity to build some life-long friendships, plus get a much needed break from your responsibilities at home. And it's a great chance for father-child bonding time! Registration opens March 1st, and you must be paid in full to be considered registered. So start putting that money aside now. Wapato's not-to-be-missed Valentine's Dinner and Dance is Saturday, Febraury 11th. If you've been before, you know what a fantastic evening that is! If you've never attended, you'll just have to take our word for it and try it for yourself this year. Becky will have more info out about it very soon, so be looking for that. And now I'll leave you with an encouraging word I got on-line the other day. I thought more people than just me may benefit from this gal's insight. You can subscribe to her daily email at Heart to Heart with Holley. When it feels like you might never be done... Hello Friend! We all have our quirks. So in the spirit of confession, here’s one of mine: I’m a bit of a stickler when it comes to getting things done. If I have a to-do left on my list at the end of the day it’s like a pebble in my shoe.  Anyone else ever feel that way? The thing is, it never gets all done. There’s always another dish to wash, another email to answer, another project to wrap up. That used to drive me just about wild. And wear me out. Then one day it seemed God whispered to my heart, “You are never going to be done.” At first I thought it must be the devil. And this southern girl was about to tell him where to go, y’all. But no, the whisper kept coming quietly and gently until I fully recognized the Voice of One Who Loves Me. And he confirmed it with Scripture too: He who began a good work in your will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Two truths stuck in my soul from that one little sentence. First, while I’m good at “carryin’ on” (as we say in the South) that’s not what God means in this verse. He means that he’ll take on the weight, bear the burden, make sure that what needs doin’ will get done. Our part is simply obedience. Also, that good work in our lives is going to keep on keepin’ on until it’s complete in the day of Christ Jesus. In case you didn’t catch it, that’s code for “until heaven.” So as much as I may want to check off everything I possibly can, God is going to have more for me until the day I’m with him forever. Whew. That means I can lay day my completion compulsion and trade it for grace. I don’t know about you, but the new year tends to put my “get it done” self into overdrive. But we don’t have to do it that way this time around. God has it covered, friend. We don’t have to strive. Instead we can LIVE. With joy even.  Woo-hoo! Now that’s reason for some good “carryin’ on”—the kind complete with whoopin’ and hollerin’ and a little jig thrown in just because. What helps you trust God with your to-do list? Do tell. So that's all the news for this week. Hope you can join us at the various activities! Sherrie Ashcraft, Women's Ministry Director sherrieashcraft@yahoo.com   971-285-6699

Monday, January 9, 2012 WOW-Zine

Good morning, my friends! I always look forward to spending a bit of my Monday morning with you. I hope your first week of the new year went very well and that you're making good progress on goals you've set for yourself. I'm doing well on some, but still struggling with others. Life is certainly a process, isn't it? I think of that famous Philippians 4:13 verse that says, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." We all know that in our head, but sometimes struggle to get it into our heart. What I'm going to do this week is personalize the verse--take out the "all things" and put in what I'm working on. (Healthy food choices.) So my rendition of that verse reads like this: "I can make healthy food choices through Christ who strengthens me." What does your personalized verse look like?

THIS WEEK'S EVENTS:

Monday--Zumba, 4:15

Tuesday--Zumba, 5:00

Wednesday--Zumba, 4:15

Thursday--Zumba, 5:00

Thursday morning, 9:30--The Thursday Perk.

It's time to get back on schedule studying the Bad Girls of the Bible. This week's "lady" is Potiphar's wife. Read her story in Genesis 39 and look forward to a great reminder of the importance of purity in our lives. 

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Wednesday, January 18th--Common Grounds at 6:30.

I know a lot of you forgot about it last week, so put it on your calendar for next week. We'll be jumping over to the New Testament to study Herodias in Mark 6:14-29. You think your family is dysfunctional?? This lady takes the the fun out of dysfunctional!!

BOWLING PARTY--Saturday, January 21st. 

Place: Four Seasons in Hillsboro

Time: 10:30 AM (Meet behind the church at 10 if you'd like to carpool.)

Cost: $4 per game; $3.25 shoe rental

Guest list: You and your daughter (if they're 12 or older)

Fun eats: They have a restaurant where we can enjoy lunch afterward.

Please let me know if you're coming so I'll know how many lanes to reserve.   

WAPATO'S ANNUAL VALENTINE DINNER--Saturday, February 11th.

 More information will be available soon, but add this to your calendar now. It's always a wonderful time of being able to dress up (if you'd like) and have a tasty dinner and great entertainment and dancing. Child care is provided. Tickets will be available soon. 

A SeaSide Escape awaits you April 13th-15th at our wonderful retreat house in Lincoln City. This is the high-point of our year as we women gather for a wonderful weekend away from our daily responsibilities. We've been able to keep the cost down to $80 again this year. I know that can still sound like a lot, but you have time to start putting money aside in your underwear drawer so you don't spend it on lattes or something else! And you also have a chance to get your taxes back before then. Registration will begin on March 1st, and is limited to 40 women. For more details, see last week's WOW-Zine. 

For those of you who like to plan ahead, here is the schedule for our Bible studies for the rest of the year: 

Schedule for Common Grounds: 
January  18th
February 1st, 15th, and 29th
March 14th
April 4th and 18th
May 2nd and 16th

  
Schedule for The Thursday Perk:
January 12th and 26th
February 9th and 23rd                                         
March 8th and 22nd
April 5th and 26th
May 10th and 17th

 

  

   

Monday, January 2, 2012

Happy New Year, Ladies! Are you as ready as I am to get back into the routine? It's always fun to have days off of work, or the kids home on vacation, and have a chance to relax and not be under the demands of the clock and calendar as much as usual, isn't it? But after a week or two don't you long for a more normal rhythm to your life? I know I do, and I don't even have kids at home. (Though you'd never know it by the amount of grandkids who have passed through my door these past couple of weeks.) 


I want to let you know about a good organizational tool I found via Ann Voskamp, the writer of One Thousand Gifts. This lady is an author, a mother of a passel of kids whom she home schools, and she writes a daily blog. If anyone needs to be organized, it's her! She has a free download you can print out for each day and keep track of everything you need to do. Check it out at http://www.aholyexperience.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/dayplanner.pdf

Ann says, "If it matters, you make the time.

If it doesn’t, you make excuses.

Standing in an imperfect place is just the perfect place to begin, and everyday offers the hope of Day 1. His mercies are new every morning and this is a gift.

And then, at the end of the day, be done with the day because you’ve done what you could do. The accomplishment of a day isn’t so much about accomplishing goals but abiding in God, and this is the thing that needs remembering. True, the day may have stumbled and fallen, but in Christ we are the saved.

Tomorrow, it will descend like a fresh dew, a fresh snow, and it will come again —  Fresh grace all over again."

Are you feeling a bit sluggish this week? Have the party foods and family dinners caught up with you? It's time to get that vitality back into your life again, and one of the great ways to do that is through exercise. Therefore, ZUMBA RETURNS THIS WEEK! The Monday/ Wednesday group will continue meeting at 4:15, but there is a time change for the Tuesday/Thursday group. We're going to see how 5 PM works for us. We've had it later in the evening so that working women would have the chance to join us, but no one has! So we're changing it to the 5PM hour and will see how that works. That way you can put a casserole in the oven before you come to work out, and it will be ready for you to eat with your family as soon as you get home at 6. You won't have to leave the house after dinner to come exercise. 

Also resuming this week is Common Grounds at 6:30 Wednesday at the church. Our study of Bad Girls of the Bible continues with the story of Potiphar's Wife. Read Genesis chapter 39 to refresh your memory of the choices this woman made and how it affected the lives of others. The Thursday Perk will meet next week and take a look at the same passage. 

Hey, do you ever feel like you'd just like to knock some things over? If so, (and even if not) join us for a WOW Bowling Party on Saturday, January 21st. Plans will be finalized this week, so be looking for more details next week, but meanwhile put this date on your calendar. We're going to try to do it in the morning, followed by lunch, so you won't have to take the whole day away from your family. This will be an opportunity to "strike" up some new friendships, work on your "spare" tire, and maybe have a "turkey" sandwich! You are welcome to bring daughters twelve years of age and older with you.

Remember what's special about the weekend of April 13-15th? If you said it's my birthday, you'd be wrong. If you said it's the days you'll win the lottery, you're probably wrong. But, if you said, "It's the time of the awesome WOW retreat!" you would be right on!! Those of us on the Women's Ministry Team are planning a special time for all of us. Our theme is A SeaSide Escape, which is perfect since we go to Lincoln City. It looks like we'll be able to hold the cost down to $80 per woman again this year, which is a really good deal. Start putting your money aside now, as your spot isn't reserved until you pay in full. Registration opens March 1st  We have a strict limit of 40 women, and no one will be staying in a motel this year. Registration will be open the first two weeks to those women who regularly attend Wapato Valley Church. March 15th registration will expand to include those of you who come to Common Grounds or The Thursday Perk but attend church elsewhere. The last week of March we will open it up to anyone else. Don't worry if you're in the second group of registrants, as we're sure we'll have room for everyone that wants to go. We just need an orderly plan to make it fair. 

I hope some of you will leave comments on this newly-formatted blog so that I'll know I'm not talking to myself! I pray you all have a wonderful year walking with the Lord. Let me leave you with a New Year benediction written by Roy Lessin, the co-founder of Day Spring. His prayer is:

May the coming year be one of increased riches of grace—hearing His voice more clearly, knowing His heart more deeply, resting in His love more fully, trusting His care more completely, walking His pathway more peacefully, knowing His presence more intimately, blessed by His goodness more abundantly.

And in all things, may you know the shalom peace of God—encouraging you to move forward, empowering you to boldly take each step, greeting you as you turn a new corner, calming your heartbeat as you walk through dark valleys, softening each footstep as you climb rugged mountains, and increasing your courage as you follow your Shepherd wherever He leads.

You crown the year with a bountiful harvest; even the hard pathways overflow with abundance. The grasslands of the wilderness become a lush pasture, and the hillsides blossom with joy. Psalm 65:11-12 NLT

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

Monday, December 12, 2011 WOW-Zine

THIS IS PARTY WEEK, LADIES, so get your party on! You have two festive opportunities to choose from. Or if you really like to have fun upon fun, you can attend both! (That's what I'm doing!)

WEDNESDAY AT 6 PM is our Common Grounds celebration. By now you know the drill-- bring finger food, 4 dozen cookies and an extra tray if you would like to participate in the cookie exchange, and a $5 gift card. We'll have a wonderful evening together.

THURSDAY AT 9:30 AM is The Thursday Perk party time. Your job (should you care to accept it) is to bring 2 dozen cookies (extra tray), and a $5 gift card. Some women signed up to bring brunch items so we can enjoy a lovely breakfast together. My advise? Don't eat before you come! If you didn't sign up to bring food, we already have plenty, so don't worry about it. 

These two events will be the last time we officially get together until after the first of the year. The next Common Grounds is Wednesday, January 4th, and The Thursday Perk will meet the following week on the 12th. Mark your new calendars with those dates.

All these parties should really make us think about Zumba, right? Our Zumba schedule will be a bit different during the Christmas break. ZUMBA WILL MEET AS USUAL THIS WEEK. Next week only the Tuesday and Thursday 6:30 PM classes will meet. We won't meet again until the first week of January.

And now I'll leave you with a little Christmas quiz that you may want to use as a conversation starter around your dinner table this week. See how well you do! 



How well do you know the Christmas story?
Most of us know the general outline because we’ve heard or sung it or watched it being enacted in the Christmas programs that most churches offer during December. We know about the shepherds, the angels, the “Wise Men,” the star, the innkeeper, the long journey of Mary and Joseph, the baby in the manger, and we know about the gold, frankincense and myrrh. But how much of what we know is tradition and how much comes from the Bible?
For the last several years David Langerfeld, associate pastor of Harrisburg Baptist Church in Tupelo, has given a Christmas IQ test to his Sunday School class. I should warn you that this is a tough quiz. When I took it, I missed several questions. Try taking it first without checking the Bible to see how well you know the real Christmas story.
Click here to read the answers (along with a few additional comments from me).
1. Joseph was originally from... (Luke 2:3)
    A. Bethlehem
    B. Nazareth
    C. Hebron
    D. Jerusalem
    E. None of the above

2. What does the Bible say that the innkeeper said to Mary and Joseph? (Luke 2:7)
    A. “There is no room in the inn.”
    B. “I have a stable you can use.”
    C. “Come back later and I should have some vacancies.”
    D. Both A and B
    E. None of the above

3. A manger is a...
    A. Stable for domestic animals
    B. Wooden hay storage bin
    C. Feeding trough
    D. Barn

4. Which animals does the Bible say were present at Jesus’ birth?
    A. Cows, sheep, goats
    B. Cows, donkeys, goats
    C. Sheep and goats only
    D. Miscellaneous barnyard animals
    E. None of the above

5. Who saw the star in the east?
    A. Shepherds
    B. Mary and Joseph
    C. Three kings
    D. Both A and C
    E. None of the above

6. According to the Bible, how did Mary and Joseph get to Bethlehem?
    A. Camel
    B. Donkey
    C. Walked
    D. Joseph walked, Mary rode a donkey
    E. Horse-drawn chariot
    F. Who knows?

7. How many angels spoke to the shepherds? (Luke 2:10)
    A. One
    B. Three
    C. Multitude
    D. None of the above

8. What did the angels say/sing? (Luke 2:14)
    A. “Glory to God in the highest, etc.”
    B. “Alleluia”
    C. “Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given”
    D. “Joy the world, the Lord is come”
    E. “Glory to the newborn King”

9. What is a heavenly host?
    A. The angel at the gate of heaven
    B. The angel who serves refreshments in heaven
    C. An angel choir
    D. An angel army
    E. None of the above

10. There was snow that first Christmas...
    A. Only in Bethlehem
    B. All over Israel
    C. Nowhere in Israel
    D. Somewhere in Israel

11. What is frankincense?
    A. A precious metal
    B. A precious fabric
    C. A precious perfume
    D. None of the above

12. In Matthew, what does “wise men” or “Magi” refer to?
    A. Men of the educated class
    B. Eastern kings
    C. Men who studied the stars
    D. Sages

13. What is myrrh?
    A. Middle Eastern money
    B. A drink
    C. An easily shaped metal
    D. A spice used for burying people
    E. None of the above

14. How many wise men came to see Jesus?
   A. 3
   B. 6
   C. 9
   D. 12
   E. We don’t know.
15. Where did the wise men find Jesus? (Matthew 2:11)
    A. In a manger
    B. In a stable
    C. In Nazareth
    D. In Saudi Arabia
    E. In a house
    F. None of the above

16. When the wise men found Jesus he was... (Matthew 2:11)
    A. A babe wrapped in swaddling clothes
    B. A young child
    C. A boy in the temple
    D. A grown man

17. The “star in the east” that the wise men followed... (Matthew 2:9)
    A. Stayed in the same place their entire journey
    B. Disappeared and reappeared
    C. Moved ahead of them and stopped over the place where Jesus was
    D. Was just a mirage
    E. None of the above

18. The wise men stopped in Jerusalem... (Matthew 2:2)
    A. To inform Herod about Jesus
    B. To find out where Jesus was
    C. To ask about the star
    D. To buy presents
    E. None of the above

19. Where do we find the Christmas story?
    A. Matthew
    B. Mark
    C. Luke
    D. John
    E. All of the above
    F. Only A and B
    G. Only A and C
    H. Only A, B and C

20. When Joseph found Mary was pregnant, what happened?
    A. They got married
    B. Joseph wanted to break the engagement
    C. Mary left town for three months
    D. A and B
    E. B and C

21. Who told (made) Mary and Joseph go to Bethlehem? (Luke 2:1-5)
    A. The angel chorus
    B. Mary’s mother
    C. Herod
    D. The shepherds
    E. Caesar Augustus
Don’t forget to check the online answer page to see how well you did. Your comments are always welcome. 
You can reach the author at ray@keepbelieving.com. Click here to sign up for the free weekly email sermon.

Monday, December 5, 2011 Wapato Wow-Zine

I'm sitting here listening to Christmas music courtesy of Pandora while writing to you. It's hard to feel Christmas-y when I look out the window and see the sun shining so brightly, but once I step outside and take a deep breath of that chilly air it changes everything. The Christmas tree (artificial this year) is up and decorated and the living room is festooned with box after box of decorations. Getting Christmas "put up" is always a messy proposition for me. Every year I think I'll find an easier way to do it, but so far that hasn't happened. But once everything is in the right place and darkness peers in the windows to see the Christmas lights and glowing candles, it's all worthwhile.

THIS WEEK'S EVENTS:
ZUMBA Monday and Wednesday at 4:15 Pm; Tuesday and Thursday at 6:30 PM

THE THURSDAY PERK at 9:30 AM Thursday at church. We'll have a great discussion about what we can learn from Sapphira, from Acts 5:1-11. 

Christmas is coming to Women of Wapato!  You have two parties to choose from next week--Common Grounds on Wednesday night, and The Thursday Perk on Thursday morning. Both will have a lot of similarities--food, a video devotional, singing, cookie exchange and $5 gift card exchange, plus time spent with good friends. But there are some differences. COMMON GROUNDS will meet at the earlier-than-usual time of 6 PM. That means we get to eat dinner together! So bring some type of finger food to share potluck style. Bring 4 dozen cookies and an extra platter for the cookie exchange.

THE THURSDAY PERK will meet next week at its usual time of 9:30, but in addition to our cookie and gift card exchange we will also share brunch together.(We'll discuss brunch items this week.) You'll also need to bring your gift card, but only 2 dozen cookies and an extra platter. 

I'd like to leave you with a good article that found its way into my inbox this morning. 

  RECEIVE - I REPEAT - RECEIVE

by: iBloom Associate, Betsy Ringer Betsy Ringer is our speaking expert and teaches entrepreneurs and women in ministry how to develop a signature talk; she also teaches on and provides products for The Personalities as well as other vital topics. She has recently spread our iBloom touch in the west as she is making San Diego, CA her new home. Last Christmas I experienced my 24th Christmas in Kentucky. That is where we raised our family and developed our Christmas traditions. Joys, heartaches, challenges, and great love filled those years of my life. A year ago, moving to California was not on our radar. And here I am, about to experience my first Christmas in California. I’m looking at an artificial tree we just bought. For 24 years our family went to an Orchard/Winery and rode in a wagon to cut down our own fresh tree – in snow, cold, rain, sunshine. It was our tradition. Now I have a tree with lights already on it. There will only be three of us here this Christmas. In the past I had up to 15 people around for Christmas. This year I am looking at palm trees wrapped in lights and wearing short-sleeved shirts. What is this season for you? Is it carrying on with familiar events and traditions? Are your kids growing up? Is there grief you are facing? Are you just plain tired? This holiday season several friends come to mind. For one friend, this is her last Christmas. She is dying of liver cancer. Another friend is experiencing the season suddenly single after her husband of many years ended the marriage. And another friend is facing the season after bankruptcy. I know you have friends too who are experiencing a very different Christmas this year. Or maybe YOU are experiencing a season that is a little less than jolly. If this is the season you embrace a friend, loved one or stranger to help their holiday be cheerier, may the following words help you.  Or if you are the one who needs the cheer I pray you be encouraged with this simple message. Receive. Receive. Open yourself up to receive God’s grace and abundant love. When we are experiencing pain, grief, illness, change, or disappointment we tend to look back and yearn for what once was. Sometimes fear overcomes us and paralyzes us. And an invisible barrier goes up as our effort to protect ourselves but we are really just keeping out what just might bring us comfort and joy. Receive. Open yourself to receive. Receive God’s blessing – in a different form. Receive His peace and let it wash over you and through you. Receive hope for the bright tomorrow. Receive – notice – take in – the little, everyday gifts of Christmas. Allow yourself to truly experience the simple joys of the season. Let this list remind you to be open to RECEIVE:  A touch from a friend The sun breaking through the clouds A favorite song – hear the words, feel the music inside you A brightly wrapped gift – look at it, listen to the crinkle of the paper, imagine what’s inside God’s words that He is indeed with you; that hope is being born in you today; that He cares about your life eternally An unexpected blessing - a smile, a parking spot up front, a warm day, a card, a new recipe, an invitation Open yourself to receive and also to experience the moments. Let your barrier come down so you can: Taste, really allow yourself to taste, a Christmas cookie Hear the sounds around you – a crackling fire, bells, a piano, and even paper being cut, folded and taped. Watch a beloved movie like White Christmas, or Little Women and take in the scenes with wonder Enjoy a child’s excitement Sense a friend’s smile delivering love to you Look, really look, at the decorations in stores, restaurants, on houses. Receive the delight they convey. And open yourself to RECEIVE the joy of giving. Give to a friend who is grieving. Give to people who are in need. Give a hug to a dear one. Give a word of hope to someone else. And when you do, instead of crossing it off your to-do list, RECEIVE the joy of blessing someone else. The iBloom Team cares and desires to help every woman on the planet experience life to the fullest. We pray for a blessed holiday season for you no matter what stage of life you are in. We pray you will choose to receive the joys that God lays before you. We have written a book out of our own experiences of joy, grief, hardships, blessings, struggles, triumphs, and love. iChoose2 Love My Life helps people make life-giving choices in everyday life to move forward rather than be paralyzed by fear, looking back, or wishful thinking. There are 52 examples of choosing life and coaching steps to help this concept of choosing to be part of your everyday life. What a difference we have found this simple tool to make in the quality of our lives. We are convinced it will help you too!  Bless yourself and/or someone else with this brand new book!! Click here if you’d like more info or to order iChoose2 Love my Life by the iBloom Team.