Peace Lutheran Church Women

August 2010

GREETINGS WOMEN OF PEACE,

“For in hope we were saved.  Now hope that is seen is not hope.  For who hopes for what is seen?  But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.”  Rom 8:24-25

What is hope?  Hope is to wish for something without certainty of the fulfillment.    “I hope I get that new toy” (child); “I hope he’ll ask me to the prom” (teenager); “I hope I get that job/promotion” (adult)…Hope, in the secular world,… desire with no real assurance.

However, spiritual hope is synonymous with salvation and its many blessings.  Hope is dynamic as we read the Scriptures.  Hope gives us joy and peace, protection, strength, courage, boldness, endurance, comfort, and confidence.  Hope depends on knowing the Word of God.  Hope depends on knowing and resting in God’s Grace.  Hope depends on the Spirit-Filled life.

I hope for world peace… I hope for God’s love to shine in the face of adversity… I hope for love, health, and happiness for ALL God’s children.

Love in Christ,

Mary

Who’s Who on the PLCW Caring and Sharing Committee

                                             Arline Kenney

What would you like people to know about your background (birthplace, family, work, spiritual journey, etc):    I was born in Parshall, ND to a Norwegian immigrant Dad and 1st generation Norwegian American Mother.  Dad was transferred to manage a lumber yard in Pelican Rapids, MN when I was two years old and this where I grew up.  Each passing year, I realize how important growing up in a Christian, loving home is.  Sunday School,  LDR [Lutheran Daughters of the Reformation],  Luther League, and choir determined friendships.  Bible Camp enforced my faith that has sustained me these many years.

What do you do on the Caring and Sharing Committee and why is it important to you?    Prayer Partners have been an activity of Peace Lutheran Church ever since I became a member in 1978.  Many friendships have been formed as a result of this ministry of prayer and kinds acts.  This year 31 women are secretly praying for one another.

What is the most valuable lesson you have learned?   I have learned that prayer [your own and those who care about you] will guide you through deep valleys and give you hilltop experiences.

What are your hobbies?  Family and friends are first, volunteer service, genealogy, hardanger embroidery and knitting, and of course the computer.

Where do you like to go on vacation or what do you like to do to relax? Usually vacations involve trips to visit my family.  Time spent with two great grandsons, my three granddaughters, sons and their wives, my 3 brothers and 3 sisters is priceless.

SPIRITUAL GROWTH

Co-Chairs Joan Madenford and Bobbi Meyer

Joint Circles Bible Study was a fun and very inspirational time.  Thirty five women enjoyed a potluck salad and dessert luncheon followed by speaker Ann Delagnes.  Ann spoke of her spiritual journeys and how prayer and faith in God has influenced her life.  What a wonderful afternoon of fellowship!!!!

MISSION OUTREACH NEWS

Co-Chairs Linda Mitchelmore, Lois Studt

A big thank you to everyone who contributed school supplies to Scotten and Hennesey Schools.  They are very grateful for the outpouring of donations and the support we offer each year. 

CIRCLE NEWS

CIRCLE BIBLE STUDY:

     Our Bible study circles are always open to new women who have not been part of a circle or who are circle members and have not attended for a while.  We would like to invite you to share in fellowship and prayer once a month.  God’s word helps us to restore, support, and encourage each other in an atmosphere of caring women. 

   Next month we will start our nine-session study on “The People of God:  Unity in the Midst of Diversity.”  We are honoring the diversity that is already present in the body of Christ.  We are a denomination that has a variety of worship styles, as well as strong feelings of having the word of God at the center of what we do.

  During this nine session study, we will adapt the Rules of Engagement during our Bible Studies.  These rules invite open and honest communication and state:

· I will express myself with civility, courtesy, and respect for every member of this community, especially toward those with whom I disagree – even if I feel disrespected by them.

· I will express my disagreements with other community members’ ideas without insulting, mocking, or slandering them personally.

· I will not exaggerate others’ beliefs nor make unfounded prejudicial assumptions based on labels, categories, or stereotypes.  I will always extend the benefit of the doubt.

· I will participate in community accountability by not talking about other’s responses outside of the group and by listening respectfully to others whose opinions may differ from mine.

· I will speak for myself and let others speak for themselves, listening to them when they do

· We will practice the invitation to speak method of discussion.  Everyone gets invited to speak once before others can speak.

     We would like to invite all the Women of Peace Lutheran Church to join us in a circle of friends.  We study, pray and enjoy getting to know one another.  Please consider joining a circle, we would love to get to know you better.

DATES TO MARK ON YOUR 2010 CALENDAR:

October 17, Sunday               Pie Sale

November 14                         Thankoffering Sunday

November 19-21                    SPS Women’s Retreat - Asilomar

December 4, Saturday          Christmas Party (Mission Outreach)

July 14-17, 2011                     Triennial Gathering – Spokane, WA

There will not be a PLCW Board meeting in August.  The next board meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 7 at 2:00 p.m. in the Cross Room.  All women of Peace are invited to attend.

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“LISTEN!  GOD IS CALLING”

Women’s Retreat

Asilomar Conference Center

November 19-21, 2010

(Registration deadline:  September 11)

Retreat Leader:  Jane Strohl

     Professor at PLTS in Berkeley

Chaplain:  Pastor Lori Eickmann

(Registration forms available on PLCW cabinet)

Triennial Gathering

Spokane, Washington

July 14-17, 2011

Theme: “Renew, Respond, Rejoice!”

Registration opens September 15, 2010 and will be $299 up to and through December 31, 2010.  Please contact a PLCW member if you are interested in attending.