Monday, October 17, 2011

It gave me great joy to be with each of you yesterday at the coffee and danish gathering. I know I speak on behalf of the team as well. It is always so good to see your sisters face to face isn't it? Time together is so valuable and we just don't get to sit and visit and pray together as often as we would like. SO, thank you for connecting and making that happen. For those of you who were out of town for fall break, we were jealous but still hoping the "son" was shining bright on you and your sweet families!

Heather, thank you for letting us know about Holly Dillon being in the atrium to pray for any of us in your last prayer blog. Mark your calendars for October 30 and find Holly in the atrium for some personal prayer time. She will be there after the 9:00 service until around 11:45:)

Hopefully you have sent invites to all of your ladies in study regarding CELEBRATION! November 18th -6:30 to 8:30 (read recent blogs for more information if this is the first you are seeing of celebration) we will ALL gather as a large group to celebrate all the Lord has done over the last 13 weeks of study. This will be our culminating event--they will have a chance to learn more about next semester studies with vision casting from Kristen , fellowship, pray, worship and eat. ENCOURAGE each of your ladies to come---it is a part of the commitment and I know the Lord will be glorified as we join and praise Him together. Each group will bring 3 "finger" desserts.

Desert Day is approaching for all of your groups. Remember to use the handout I shared and went over in our summer leadership training. Prepare them the study before desert day so they have an "idea" of what to bring and how to pray and prepare for the time. Let them know it might be uncomfortable and seem long initially. We cannot wait to see what they say afterward:) Our goal is for them to settle in and listen to our father. We want them to have TIME for the spirit to move. Some will have tears, some will radiate with what they heard and others will wrestle with issues etc. IT is ALL great!!!!!! Please do not shorten the time simply because you feel they might feel uneasy. It is okay---we all need more QUIET time with Him. Several of you have shared on the blog already about your personal desert day. Thank you ---share with your ladies--excite them. Praying they will mark their own desert days in on their calendar after this.

I just want to leave you with the words He shared with me this morning. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 reads, But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why for Christ's sake, I delight in weakness, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak then I am strong.

When we are seeking after Him with our whole heart and discerning his voice in all things and fully dependent on Him then we not only feel His power and presence but we channel that on to others ---lots of power in that . SO as you GO and make disciples, shepherding those around you remember in all of our many weaknesses He is strong.

Much love ~
Marcie


Saturday, October 15, 2011

Good morning!

Don't forget~ the team wants to serve you and your family Danishes and Coffee in the morning at church. Please come by before or after you worship for fellowship:) Go into the cafe, pass the coffee bar on the left and then head up the stairs to find us. We want to see you THERE!

Have a blessed day,
Marcie

Friday, October 14, 2011

ACTS

Good Afternoon, Ladies! I wanted to give you a little prayer exercise for you to try with your ladies. I did this at a Bible Study once and it was very powerful and not too intimidating.

You use the ACTS format. The leader will begin with Adoration by saying," God you are so..." then the ladies can do popcorn style prayer with one or two words of what God is to them. For example, "God you are so amazing." Then you will move on to Confession. This time the leader can say something like, "God, I am so..." Then once again popcorn style prayer of one or two words of confession. For example, "God, I am so impatient." Then you will repeat this pattern with Thankful and Supplication. It was a very powerful and moving time of prayer, much more so than I thought would be. If you choose to do this exercise try to take your time and not rush through the different sections. I hope this helps you all have something practical that you can do with your ladies.

On another note, Holly Dillion will be available to pray with you ladies on October 30 after the 9:00 service until probably around 11:45. So, if you have any prayer needs please feel free to come meet with Holly. She will be in the cafe area and would love to pray for you all! Of course, you can always call or email us with prayer needs!

Have a super weekend!!