Derinda Wagner
Women's Ministry Director
 

 First Women - August, 2008

As I sit and type our newsletter, I think of “You” our wonderful women of our church family, and the song “God’s Coloring Book” comes to my mind.  This song speaks of the wonders of God and the beautiful colors He created, from the gray in an old man’s hair to the pink in babies cheeks.  I think of each of you and your special gifts and values that you offer to our church family and I am so very thankful to be a part. 

The theme of our Women’s Retreat in April was serving God.  The challenge was to ask yourself,  if you were just comfy and sitting back and enjoying the church service and then going home and leaving it all behind, or are you “doing” what God has called you to do.  Bro Perry preached recently that God doesn’t call qualified people, He qualifies the called.  God only wants you to just take the step of faith and He will give you what you need.  But …. We have to take the first step.

At the retreat we were able to participate in an activity to help each of us learn what our relational style is.  We learned that we have Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water.  We were able to see how we accentuate one another.  The truth we learned is we “need” each other!  But, most importantly, we need God.  God calls each of us to some service.  You may not know or be sure what that calling is, but if you seek God, and step out on faith and dedicate your lives to God, and follow Him, trust me dear friends, He will show you.  Bro. Perry preached also, that you are never too old to serve the Lord.  You are also never too young.   You may think you are too old to learn new ways, or too young and you do not know enough.  Maybe you think you have done your part and it is time to step down.  I challenge you to rethink these thoughts.  Our Vision Team just completed a year of working on the vision for our church, and with so many new families expected to move in this area, we have a challenge ahead of us to establish a Women’s Ministry that will reach women of all ages, all nationalities, and economic status.  I am excited about what God has in store for our church family, and what  our Women’s Ministry can do to participate.  The Women’s Ministry has a survey form out for you to express your ideas.   Please take the time to look over this survey and see how you could possibly participate.

In Him always,  Derinda
 

Bible Study
"Conversation Piece" by Mary Kassian will begin on Tuesday, September 9th at 6:30 PM in Fellowship Hall.  No nursery provided.  Study is open to all ladies and will be facilitated by Lisa Unger.  Workbooks are $13.00 and can be purchased at the study.

Exercise Classes
Every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday nights at 6:00 p.m. See Martha Zills for more information.

Christmas
We will be taking groups of women to the Christmas Concert at First Baptist Houston – “Converge”, with Travis Cottrell, CeCe Winans, and guest speaker, Beth Moore.  Tickets are 15.00 and we need reservations by 9/11/08.  Please call Derinda Wagner 281-369-3270 or call the church office to make your reservations.

Chick Flick Night
Theatre Night Out
Women's Praise Service
Shopping Trip

Time to get out all those pictures and keepsakes you have been treasuring.  We meet in the Family Life Center each 2^nd Friday of the month and Scrap from 7:00 p.m. until 12:00 a.m.  (or earlier if we get tired!)  Bring a snack to share and we usually have a Creative Memories Representative on hand to help.  Lots of fun and fellowship!

     
- Scrap Night will resume in the Fall -


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Secret Sisters ...
We will be drawing names for the next round in August!
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We will continue our work on our Women's Ministry Directory of FBC.  This Directory will be given to each new lady and she will find a picture of each woman and a short bio about her.  This will help new ladies learn everyone's name.  If you have not had your picture taken by Mr. Maloy, please see Derinda Wagner for more details.
 

 Dorcas  – her name means “Gazelle”

 Her Character  – An inhabitant of Joppa, a town on the Mediterranean coast, thirty-five miles northwest of Jerusalem, she belonged to one of the earliest Christian organizations.  She was a disciple known for her practical works of mercy.

 Her sorrow  – to have suffered a grave illness.

 Her joy  – to serve Jesus by serving the poor

 Key Scripture  – Acts 9: 36-43

 Dorcas  is the only woman in scripture to be honored with the designation of disciple.  The presence of women in groups of disciples is implied at times, but Dorcas is the only woman specifically called a disciple.  A disciple is first of all a learner, a pupil.  The disciples of Jesus sat at His feet, and He taught them.  They listened and soaked up the knowledge and wisdom of Christ as  He talked to them and to the crowds that gathered around.  A disciple is also a follower.  The disciples followed Jesus wherever He went.  Following doesn’t mean just being willing to walk along with the Teacher, it means being willing to adopt the views and way of life of the Teacher.  Dorcas was a true disciple who lovingly lived out the commands of Jesus by ministering to the poor around her.  Dorcas knew who she was and whom she followed.  Her devotion is recorded for all the generations to follow with those simple, yet profound words," In Joppa there was a disciple named Dorcas."

1st Women Cookbooks are still available.
They make great gifts!
See Derinda Wagner or send an E-mail to:
F.B.CRsecretary@hotmail.com



  For a sample recipe from the cookbook,
click on image above
 

Journey Magazines – these monthly devotional magazines are designed for women, by women, about women’s needs, and issues.  Each day gives you a scripture and a story to help bring the message to home.  Please look for these magazines on the tables in the Narthex, and Sanctuary.