Tea, Me & Thee at Manchester

Tomorrow, October 29th, we will celebrate "Tea, Me, & Thee" at Manchester Church of God of Prophecy from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon.  We are anticipating a great time and invite all ladies in the area to join us.  Special thanks to Pastor L.E. Butler for his hospitality and opening the local church to us.

Pastors Wives, do you want to "Get Away?"

We are so excited about the opportunity to minister to pastor's wives and female pastors December 2-4 in the beautiful Smokey Mountains.  A special lodge is reserved and a week-end of fun and refreshing activities is planned in a very relaxed atmosphere of a lodge along the river.  Reservations are being taken on a first-come, first-served basis.  Space is limited.  Ladies, if you have not yet responded, please do so today!

Priceless Ministry

Often people comment ministry is expensive.  Excuses are made for lack of funds.  We say we are small and there is not much we can do.  However, some of the most effective ministry is not expensive at all - at least not in dollars and cents.

This morning on an early television program, several minutes were devoted to Prince William and Lady Catherine visiting a hospital where young children are battling cancer.  It was intriguing to watch them both forget who they were, stop, and focus on each child.  They spoke to them individually and listened as the children spoke.  They listened.  That was it.  With hectic schedules and much to be done, they stopped to intently listen to these small humans sharing their respective personal battle with a horrible disease.  What they may not realize is that the "ministered" to these children and their families.  They showed they truly cared because they listened.

Can we not do the same?  We may not have much finances but we do have time.  Yes, we are busy; but are we too busy to listen to the hurting around us?  I hope not.

God is not too busy when we call upon Him.  We should not be too busy to focus on the ones we come in contact with today.

Doing so may cost us something...a few moments of time; however, to those whom we listen to that ministry is priceless!  (And, in return, you will be blessed above measure.)

Tests & Testimony

October is "Breast Cancer Awareness" month.  Pink is visible everywhere.  This morning on a popular morning television program, a highly visible celebrity shared her recent diagnosis and you could see the fear and anxiety in her eyes.

Cancer is real and many women face that disease today.  May we never forget God still heals.  Many can share the powerful testimony of facing the giant and winning!

Last Wednesday evening at the Dyersburg church, over thirty ladies gathered to worship, fellowship and share.  Guests included 3 women from the Lenox church who survived breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and are now cancer free!  Leader, Clarissa Hendricks, shared how powerful their words were with barely any dry eyes in the room.  What a tremendous encouragement their words were of the faithfulness of God.

God took their TEST and made it a TESTIMONY for His glory to share with others!

Let the Older Women Teach the Younger

Women's Ministries is for all ages.  A bond of love and understanding is important.  Ministry includes even basics of life.  The Pine Grove church in Crossville does not want the girls of their congregation to miss a thing.  Even the smallest issues are important so they shared this special evening with us:

"Last night our women of grace met with 9 youth of Pine Grove to teach them to sew on buttons and how to hem. We had a special time with them, they were very sweet and patient in learning." 

(Leader, Dell Lawson)

 

Some perhaps would think this unimportant.  (At least, until they have a button missing!)

Honoring the Women of the Parsonage

October is "Pastoral Appreciation Month".  In Tennessee, we are blessed with some of the finest pastors and companions anywhere in the world!

In appreciation to the women who faithfully serve in the parsonages across the state, the women's ministries department in Tennessee is hosting a "Pastor's Wives/Female Pastors Getaway" December 2-4, 2011 in Pigeon Forge.  Letters of invitation have been mailed and reservations will be made upon a first response basis.  Space is limited.  A 14 bedroom lodge has been secured and we anticipate a wonderful time. 

Pictured above are Pastor Charles Thornburg & wife, Missy, and family of Columbia (upper caption)

Pastor Mike Jennette & wife, Rhonda of Empowered Ministries/Dickson (lower caption)

These are just two of the fine couples who serve our state.  Cost for the getaway is minimal, but what a wonderful gesture it would be for local churches to sponsor all expense for their female pastor or pastor's wife.

For additional information, you may contact londajoy@aol.com

Born a Pastor's Daughter

I was born a “Pastor’s Daughter”.  My earliest recollections are those of visiting with my parents observing their considerate pastoral care and ministering to the lost, sick, hurting, and bereaved.  In the early fifties in Chattanooga it was still customary to sit with the family of the deceased at the funeral home during the night prior to the day of the memorial service.  Very often, my mother, the pastor’s wife, would be the member of the pastoral team staying the night! 

I learned early the responsibilities of pastoral families.  You had to be careful what you said, how you dressed, and certainly how you behaved.  I observed my mother deny herself things she would have liked because of appearances.  She gave of herself and her time without complaint or resentment.  She learned sign language to minister to the deaf in our congregation.  She wrote Christmas plays each year to include every member of the youth group possible.  She played piano for the choir.  You get my point.  My mother, the pastor’s wife, gave freely of her best to the people of God because she loved her Heavenly Father.  Many people saw her deeds.  Others never knew of her actions; but God did.  And today, she has attained her reward in Heaven because of her faithfulness to Him and His people.

This month around the world we honor Pastors and their families.  We especially honor the pastor's companion who often serves in the background, giving much more than many recognize.  In some cases, the pastor is a woman whose husband, faithfully serves by her side.  These men are spiritual giants, too often over-looked. 

Yes, I was born a pastor's daughter.  I was not neglected.  I did not sacrifice.  I was blessed to live in the parsonage and observe first-hand what a loving pastor's home was like.  I am grateful for my heritage and very appreciative of the loving congregation who showed their love and appreciation often to our family!

Tea, Me, & Thee in West Tennessee

This Saturday, October 15th, we look forward to being in Jackson & Memphis (Southaven/Crown of Life) for "Tea, Me, & Thee".  All ladies in the area are invited to join us for a delightful time of fellowship, inspiration, and sharing ideas regarding effective ministry to women.

Join us at Jackson (10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon) or 
Southaven (Crown of Life)    5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

(Tea at Lawrence Chapel)

Great Response at Lawrence Chapel

Saturday, October 1st, was a wonderful "Tea, Me, & Thee" at Lawrence Chapel.  Thirty-three joined us for two hours of fellowship, refreshments, inspiration, and sharing ideas regarding women's ministry in our respective areas.  It is always exciting to be around new leaders.  One shared she recently quit her secular job because she she felt overwhelmed and unable to minister as she would like.  "This is the motivation I needed today.  I can't wait to get started!"

Eleven churches were represented.  It was also a treat to have Presbyter Freddie Harding join us.  Special thanks is extended to Pastor Don Gulledge for his hospitality in providing the church fellowship hall.

We look forward to Saturday, October 15th, where we will be at Jackson that morning (10:00 - 12:00 noon) and then at Southaven (Crown of Life) that evening (5:00 - 7:00 p.m.)  If you are near either of these areas, please join us!