Sharing Blessings

All across the state of Tennessee, local women's groups have been reaching out to their community.  One of these is Sunbright.  Local leader, Linda Ritchie, shared this picture of the "Bags of Christmas Blessings" they prepared to share with residents of the local Life Care Health Facility.

Way to go, Ladies of Sunbright.  What a blessing (both to you and Life Care)!

Pastor's Wives/Female Pastor's Getaway

This past week-end was full of fellowship, fun, sharing, and & surprises.  It was wonderful to share with several of the great ladies of Tennessee.  Since leaving, some have decided to arrange their own "small groups" to meet on a regular basis for support and encouragement.  Here is a picture of a few of those who attended. 

We extend special thanks to all who attended and to Presiding Bishop E.C. McKinley for his support and encouragement.

Sunbright Christmas Activities

We are praising God for his mercy and marvelous grace.   The ladies at Sunbright
are busy gathering personal care items for the residents of the 120 bed rehab
facility in our county.   We will gather to make bags the second week in December
placing in the Christmas cards our children have hand made and signed. 

This year God has overwhelmed us with His mercy and the abundance of the items
gathered apart from salvation God has given no greater blessing than that of
belonging to a church family.   Hallelujah! God is up to something in Sunbright.

Linda Ritchie, Women of Grace Leader

Christmas Memories

We received these ideas that have been used by former "Women of Grace" Leader, Michelle Brooks-Young at the Lebanon church:

One year, we had a winter wonderland theme in the fellowship hall, complete with luminaries outside & leading up the hallway to the “wonderland”.  The decorations were all white & red with lights dripping from the ceiling & large white tree’s in front of red backdrops. The ladies said it made them feel so special. 

One of the fondest memories, we exchanged ornaments & had each lady to write their name at the top of a paper & pass that around, each person wrote down something special, encouraging or memorable about the lady on the sheet. Some ladies still have those papers!!

We have also played the Dirty Santa game with a $10.00 wrapped gift, we met either at a restaurant with a private room or at someone’s home.

Remembering Everyone at Christmas

Leader, Heather Swaw, shared special upcoming plans at Crab Orchard:

On Tuesday December 15 we will be having a Christmas Luncheon for the Widows of the church. They will be served a Christmas meal, play games and receive a gift from the church.

A Treat for Tennessee Pastor's Wives & Female Pastors

One week from today (December 2nd) we will gather in  Pigeon Forge at the River Lodge of Hidden Mountain Resort for the annual "Pastor's Wives/Female Pastor's Getaway".  This is a unique event organized by the Women of Grace Advisory Council in appreciation for the dedication and commitment of those women who serve so faithfully in our state.

It is an intimate, relaxing week-end of sharing and fellowship.  No other event compares to it.

Please join us in prayer for those attending.  Ask you pastor's wife or female pastor if they plan to attend.  All have been invited.  If they have not registered, a word of encouragement from you might be all that is needed.

There is still room for a few more.

Sharing Christmas Plans

We are excited to hear the upcoming plans for women at Tennessee churches:

Pine Grove (Crossville)  will be baking cookies. The Ladies will then go in small groups to visit our shut ins/nursing home members and a local mission.  Leader, Dell Lawson

The Women's Ministry group from Gallatin will be having our annual Christmas Luncheon December 10th at noon at the Grand Inheritance Mansion. We give all year so the women only have to pay half the cost and Women's Ministry takes care of the rest. We have a great time of good food and fellowship and enjoy playing games.  Leader, Shirley Lawrence