Tuesday, June 28, 2016 WOW-Zine

Good morning, ladies. I know many of you are busy working with VBS this week--thank you for wanting to invest in our children that way!

Since we got rained out last Thursday, how about we try Thatcher Park in Forest Grove again as a get-together event on Thursday, July 7th? (Thanks to Debbie H. for hosting at her house last week on the spur-of-the-moment!) Bring your kids and your own snacks, and meet at 9:30. (Remember, we're not meeting this week due to VBS.)

I will be gone on vacation July 5th through the 19th, so don't expect to see any WOW-Zines during that time. I will still be able to keep in contact via Facebook, so look for me on our secret page there. (If you're not a "member" of that page and would like to be, just ask me to add you.) 

Since I'll still be gone on Thursday, the 14th, would someone like to volunteer to come up with a get-together for that week? It doesn't even have to occur on a Thursday--just whatever day you would like.

Thanks to all of you who signed up right away to provide meals for the Hartmann family after Heidi's successful brain surgery yesterday. All the slots are full, which is wonderful. If they need more help after these two weeks, I'll send out another opportunity!

Since it's nearly July, I figured I'd better include the Scripture Writing Plan for those of you who are still doing it, as I am. The month of July is focused on patience and perseverance. Not that any of us would benefit from reading and writing verses that have to do with that!!
https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B_FwK3u-_PH1a0lhNjBHU0FhQ1U&usp=drive_web


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

Tuesday, June 21, 2016 WOW-Zine

Ladies, this will be super, super short as it is late at night and I've been without internet all day, up until now. Not sure how long it will last, so will just hit the high points.

~This Thursday we will meet at Thatcher Park in Forest Grove at 9:30 a.m. We'll let the kids play while we visit and pray for each other. You may want to bring a lawn chair, as well as snacks and drinks for your family. 

~ Next week (Monday through Thursday) is VBS, so we will have no special activity during that week.

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

Tuesday, June 14, 2016 WOW-Zine

What's up with this weather, ladies?! Hot one day, cold the next, sunny one moment, and pouring rain a few seconds later. I find myself wearing my bikini under my parka so I can be prepared for whatever's next! (Just kidding--I have neither of those items!)

Which brings me to our Deck Party/Hot Tub Party/Cellulite Party/Party Party scheduled for tomorrow night, 6:30, my house. I just checked the weather report and it's supposed to be rainy with possible thunder showers tomorrow afternoon and early evening. So I'm thinking we may not want to be outside. But we definitely still want to get together! So still plan on coming, but we'll just just stay inside where it's warm and dry and we can enjoy each others company. I'm including an attachment at the end of the WOW-Zine with directions to my house for those of you who haven't been here before. Bring a snack to share and plan to meet some new ladies. If 6:30 makes it too rushed for you, just show up when you're able. 

Next week we'll gather on Thursday morning (June 23rd) at Thatcher Park in Forest Grove--9:30 AM. Of course, feel free to bring kiddos to that! (Also snacks, drinks, etc. for them and yourself.) According to my handy dandy weather app, it's supposed to be sunny and 82 degrees that day. 

Thanks to those of you who have sent me your responses to the WOW Questionnaire. It's not too late to get that information in to me. If you've lost your copy, let me know and I'll resend it to you.

I think you all know I'm a big fan of For The Joy of It. They have a radio program every week on KDPQ that I think you'd really enjoy. I listened to the latest podcast this morning, and it was great. Joy, Laurie, and Julie are just like the women on the TV show The View, with a lot of EXCEPTIONS--they are all Christians, they talk about things that matter, and they don't talk over each other. If you'd like to hear them address the myth of perfectionism, take a listen to this:
http://joyofit.libsyn.com/for-the-joy-of-it-radio-freedom-rains-on-the-parade-of-being-a-perfectionist


They also had a guest blogger share the following:

You Don’t Have To Be Perfect For God To Use You By Stephanie Wilson I don’t know about you, but I love having guests in from out of town. I love having people stay with us — love making sure the guest bathroom is in order, love putting freshly washed sheets on a bed I know someone I love is going to sleep in soon. I love having our house filled with people, love getting to share this Nashville life of mine with people who may not have gotten to be a part of it yet. So I was over the moon when I heard my little sister was coming to stay with us for the weekend. And I don’t know how your mind works, but as soon as I heard she was coming, I began to make plans. But not just plans like, “Let’s take her to Pancake Pantry” deciding to brave the lines that are always around the block. Instead I made plans for what this weekend was going to look like relationally — how we’d all be closer by the time she left, how she’d get to know her new brother-in-law better than ever before, and I pictured us setting a good example for her in relationships by showing her what our marriage looks like, up close and in action. I pictured us being at our very best — light, and free, full of joy, and fully in love. And I pictured her going home to my parents with a glowing report and an encouraged heart, knowing what a true, wonderful, Godly marriage can look like. But as you can imagine, that’s not exactly how things went down. It wasn’t anyone’s fault — not hers, not ours — but she just caught us on a bad weekend. I’d been out of town for a week leading up to when she arrived, so Carl and I hadn’t had time to reconnect in what felt like a decade. She was also landing on a particularly busy work week for both of us, and catching us at a time when adulting feels extra hard (tax time is approaching, logistics need to be sorted out, there are a thousand mounds of paperwork we’re supposed to sort through — you know… basic, totally un-fun, stressful adulting.) So while we were thrilled to have her here, we were also totally preoccupied, worried about life and work. We were bickery, short-tempered, and totally on edge — a combination that made me feel like we were setting a poor example instead of a good one. Because in my mind, we have to be at our best in order to make a positive impact. Have you ever found yourself thinking that? We think we have to be on our best behavior, fully rested, fully soaked in God’s word, dressed in our very favorite outfit, in order to be our best. And we have to be at our best if God’s going to use us. That’s how it works, right? But this weekend, I learned that that’s not how it works. And the person who taught me that was my wise, wonderful little sister. On Saturday night, as Carl was out running some late night errands, just trying to get things checked off of his ever-growing list, my sister and I sat snuggled up on the couch as I started to cry. “I wanted to show you how great marriage is,” I told her through sniffles. “I wanted to show you how amazing our life is. I wanted you to think that we have a good life, and a good relationship, that we’re doing well! I wanted to set a good example for you!” And as I cried, my sister leaned over and put her hand on my knee, reminding me yet again that she’s always been the smarter of the two of us — always comforting and counseling her older sister. And with the most comforting look in her eyes, she told me exactly what I didn’t know I needed to hear. She told me that it was okay, that she was happy she got to see another side of us and our lives this weekend. She was happy about it because it’s real, because it’s raw, and it’s normal. She said what I totally didn’t expect for her to say, that we were actually setting an awesome example for her — showing her how to do life with someone when it isn’t perfect, and when it’s actually pretty hard. And then she said something that just unwound my tangled, disappointed insides in a way I never could have imagined. She said, “Steph, you guys are enough. Just as you are, right now, in good moments and in bad ones too, you guys are enough. You’re good enough. You don’t need to try to be anything else.” As those words reached my performing, perfectionistic heart, I couldn’t even find a way to respond, I was just too grateful (and afraid of the sobs that would come out if I opened my mouth too far). The thing is… I think I have this idea in life that I need to be pulled together, and shiny, and perfectly “On” in order to make a difference in the world. I know I don’t have to be perfect, but I feel like I need to be buttoned up, well-spoken, to have my thoughts perfectly articulated in a way that’s funny, insightful, and always thought through. And for the past several weeks, God’s been speaking something entirely different to me about how we make a difference. He’s been saying that just by showing up, and just by being us, and just by letting people see our hearts as we love Him, and our husbands, and our friends, and our family, and our work to the best of our ability — that’s all we need to do. He’s been teaching me that we can make a bigger difference than we can even imagine just by showing up and letting people see us as we are — imperfect and doing the best we can. So while this isn’t at all a lesson I have mastered, I wanted to pass along the little bit I understand to you. You, as you are today, are enough to make a positive difference in the world. It’s not because you have your words perfectly chosen, or your outfit carefully selected. It’s not because you’re “On”, or at your best, or because you and your husband are at your most synchronized and charming. It’s because you’re you. You’re you, God is in you, and when we let people see us as we really are, God’s able to show them what He’s capable of in a heart and a life that’s surrendered to Him. So that’s where I am today — totally imperfect, just trying to figure it out. And apparently — according to my sweet little sister, and according to God — that’s enough. I just thought you might need to hear that today too. Thank You for Sharing Stephanie! Stephanie May Wilson is a blogger, speaker and author who loves God and likes to write stories about friendship, faith, relationships and self-confidence. Stephanie believes stories are the best way to connect with one another and to reach out and say, “me too,” to anyone who could use a friend along the way. To read more of her articles and to get a free copy of her book, The Lipstick Gospel, check out her website! You can also connect with her on Facebook and and follow her Instagram!  Until next time, Sherrie Ashcraft, Women's Ministry Director sherrieashcraft@gmail.com    971-285-6699

Tuesday, June 7, 2016 WOW-Zine

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, 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 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

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