From Susan's Desk...
Hi friends.
What a great month of ministry we have had! We are exhausted but in a "wow-wasn't-that-a-sweet-season" kind of way. Most of our ongoing ministries to women are finished for the year, each having enjoyed its own celebration of God's rich blessing and amazing grace. We are blessed with many gifted teachers, leaders, facilitators and mentors and we are so anxious that they know how much they are loved. Will you please take a minute to write a note or make a phone call to express your appreciation for the women who have invested in your life this year?
Our trip to the beach was so much fun...and the general consensus was that the relaxed and easy plan was just what the women needed. We had women from every generation...from grade-schoolers to several senior adults and they really loved being together. The Lord provided an amazing spot for us to gather to eat and just hang out and it was a joy to watch women connect, trade stories, laugh and talk about life. We've included a few pictures here, but we put lots of pictures on our facebook page. We're pretty sure this won't be the last we see of Oak Island!
It will be quiet around here for a while (except for the hammering!). Be assured, however, that we're making plans, recruiting leaders, working through curriculum, and getting our ducks-in-a-row for another year of ministry. We'll keep you posted as plans are finalized and registrations open. Don't forget that Carolyn Carpenter will be teaching on Tuesday nights in June and early July...she's such a gift to our church family. If you are able to attend, you'll be blessed!
That's it. Grateful to be doing life with you.
grace.
susan
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Corie & Pamela Sunset after a really fun day! | Carolyn & Alona Dinner at Fishy-Fishy | Susan & Kali Does it look like they're having fun? |
Corie & Pamela
Carolyn & Alona
Susan & Kali
Summer Bible Study: God's Heart for Gentiles from the Beginning of Scripture
June 7 through July 12 on Tuesday evenings at 7:00 p.m.
God chose a Hebrew named Abraham to be His means of bringing the gospel blessing to all the world, giving the promise that through him 'all peoples' on earth would be blessed. God selected the Jewish nation to be a channel through which all nations might receive blessing. In this study, we will explore Scripture showing that God's plan of salvation addressed all people, all cultures, and languages from the beginning of time.
In this study, we will explore Scripture showing that God’s plan of salvation addressed all people, all cultures, and languages from the beginning of time. We will focus on three examples of God’s grace to Gentiles in the beautiful stories of Rahab, Naaman, and the Widow of Zarephath as seen in narratives from Joshua and 1 and 2 Kings. (Other examples, such as Ruth, will also be discussed.)
Registration is open now!
TRANSFORMED
TRANSFORMED conferences have been held in both Chicago and Los Angeles in the past month. These conferences were oversold, each with substantially more attendees than they expected. The response has been overwhelmingly enthusiastic. We are so looking forward to hosting this event for our region in October, but we have a lot to do! If you are interested in serving on a team to help us facilitate the Transformed conference, please contact Peggy at WomensAdmin@christcovenant.org soon! Registration is open...so save your spot TODAY!!! https://www.egsnetwork.com/events/?eventid=8149BFDC66E4466
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JOHN PIPER'S BIOGRAPHY SERIES Dr. Ross has recommended the "Swans Are Not Silent" series for groups and individuals to read over the summer. Each book includes three short biographies that are related by a theme. There are six books in the series; we'd encourage you to start at the beginning and read all six! https://www.amazon.com/Legacy-Sovereign-Joy-Triumphant-Augustine-ebook/dp/B002EBDPI2?ie=UTF8&keywords=john%20piper%20biography%20series&qid=1462418418&ref_=sr_1_5&sr=8-5 | "BECOMING EVE" "A culture untethered from the protective moorings of biblical truth is subject to drifting into the deep and destructive shoals of unbelief. Given its centrality in both Scripture and life, the issue ... of biblical womanhood in particular should be part of addressing this teaching adrift." (Dr. Michael Milton) This is a good "summer read" and, together with the study guide, lends itself to a lively and engaging small group study. Copies are available in the main office or can be purchased on-line. (also available on Kindle) http://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Eve-Recovering-Design-Womanhood/dp/1519549601/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1462469965&sr=8-1&keywords=becoming+eve | "Hearing Jesus Speak Into Your Sorrow"Nancy Guthrie, our TRANSFORMED speaker, is well acquainted with grief. "In times of deep sorrow and disappointment," she suggests, "everything we believe can be called into question." In this paradigm-shifting book, Nancy gently invites readers to lean in along with her to hear Jesus speak understanding and insight into the lingering questions we all have about the hurts of life—what was God’s involvement in this, and why did he let it happen? Why hasn’t God answered my prayers for a miracle? Can I expect God to protect me? Does God even care? http://www.nancyguthrie.com/hearing-jesus-speak-into-your-sorrow |
JOHN PIPER'S BIOGRAPHY SERIES
"BECOMING EVE"
"Hearing Jesus Speak Into Your Sorrow"
Nancy Guthrie, our TRANSFORMED speaker, is well acquainted with grief. "In times of deep sorrow and disappointment," she suggests, "everything we believe can be called into question." In this paradigm-shifting book, Nancy gently invites readers to lean in along with her to hear Jesus speak understanding and insight into the lingering questions we all have about the hurts of life—what was God’s involvement in this, and why did he let it happen? Why hasn’t God answered my prayers for a miracle? Can I expect God to protect me? Does God even care? http://www.nancyguthrie.com/hearing-jesus-speak-into-your-sorrow
Community Care Contacts
TIDBIT #4: Women's Care Team Mission
Just over 75 women have agreed to assist our WMLT and the Community Pastors as Community Care Contacts. They will attend training this month and over the summer each will have some initial communication with the women under her care. Please pray as our team works to place more than 600 women in Care Contact Groups!
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Mimi BradyMimi is a liaison for the Young Families Community. She is married to "Sweet Lee" and they have two little people, Eli and Nadia. Mimi worked for the BGEA for a number of years before becoming a mom. She is in an Anchor group and has benefitted from the Merea Ministry. We think she is a gifted teacher...so you never know where she might turn up next! | Kari Lapp Kari is the second liaison for Young Families. She and her husband, Dave, have two boys - Jack and Quinn. Kari is proudly Norwegian and her "roots" are in Brooklyn, NY. Her favorite place to vacation is on Long Island where she spends several weeks every summer with all of her extended family. Kari has been an Anchor leader for several years and her event planning/decorating skills have been invaluable to us! | Candi Brastow Candi is a newlywed! She and Tennant have been married not quite two years. Candi is a former Campus Outreach staff member. She's a gifted graphics design artist who is currently building her own business! If you have seen the most recent CO Annual Report, that was Candi's work. She's one of our Young Professionals Liaisons, representing the young married women in that community. She's been involved with the Anchor, Bible studies and Merea. |
Mimi Brady
Mimi is a liaison for the Young Families Community. She is married to "Sweet Lee" and they have two little people, Eli and Nadia. Mimi worked for the BGEA for a number of years before becoming a mom. She is in an Anchor group and has benefitted from the Merea Ministry. We think she is a gifted teacher...so you never know where she might turn up next!
Kari Lapp
Candi Brastow
Women's Ministries Staff
We want to be available to you! For information regarding general women's ministries, see our website. For contact information for your Community Liaison, you can click on the "Leadership Team" link.
Staff: Susan Shepherd & Teresa Caldwell