Daughter, Arise, Shine

Women’s Ministry Report

March 11, 2006

Daughter, Arise, Shine

On Saturday March 13, 2006 a special day for the Ladies was held. The theme for the day was Daughter, Arise, Shine and it was a fun filled, jam packed day. We welcomed 28 ladies into our fellowship and enjoyed workshops including manicures, pedicures, make-up, colour/fashion and exercise. Workshop leaders included Mary Millar, Ruth Wicksey, Marion Nieson, Agnes Folmer, Marlene Anderson, Steph Bellamy, Marilynn Goodfellow and Linda Wyonch. Music Ministry was provided by Jan Wilkinson and Nancy Watson and the sweet presence of God descended on the group.

Speakers for the day included Lt. Mary Millar and Paula Heatherington from the Vision Bookstore in town. Paula spoke about the beginnings of a book club which we are very excited about starting. Mary talked about the importance of circles of caring and compassion, support and accountability. We are so excited about what God is doing.

We also had a special speaker from the Women’s House of Bruce County speaking to us about the issues of abuse and lack of self-esteem amongst the women. The day included an exhortation to “Arise and Shine” in the Lord, as well as poems of encouragement and for meditation purposes at home. The ladies left the day with harm hugs, blessing bags and a free book.

The day included an awesome lunch provided by Edna Ellis and Arlene Ruttan. As well we were blessed with coffee, fruit and muffins in the morning. The day was sponsored with gifts that were donated to be given out by Wiarton Flowers, Bluebird Flowers and Solways. Also we were given a gift certificate from Marigold’s Spa. We thank the sponsors so much. The ladies whose names were drawn were blessed by your generosity.

The day truly surpassed our expectations and the ladies were blessed, joyful and full of life as they finished the day.  Thanks be to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Future plans include being in touch with the ladies who signed up and forming circles of support, fellowship and sharing. Depending upon which book the ladies chose to read, the groups will develop their own schedule and type of meeting. i.e. at the coffee shop, at The Salvation Army Center, or in the leaders living room.

We will be discussing three books. “Fueled by Faith”, Jennifer Dean writes on faith and belief and the difference between, then challenges the reader with questions at the end of each chapter. Also there is a 52 week prayer plan listed at the end of the book. The book addressed questions such as How does God speak his promises in the present tense? How does a promise come out of the spiritual realm into the circumstances of earth? What is the source of faith?

“Woman Thou art Loosed”, by TD Jakes is a powerful book dealing with Healing the wounds of the past. This is an awesome book for anyone who has been a battered wife, abused girl and for the insecure woman. This book will help fight back the infections of life. It will break the bands off the neck of every woman who dares to read it.

“Captivating” by John Eldridge and his wife Stasi. It unveils the mystery of a woman’s soul. It’s message is this: Your heart matters more than anything else in all of creation. The desires you had as a little girl and the longings you still feel as a woman – they are telling you of the life God created you to live.

Thanks Linda for your report