Singers of New Possibilities: Study notes for 10/26 lesson

Singers of New Possibilities:

Hannah (1 Sam. 2: 1-10)
Mary (Luke 1:46-55)
Miriam (Exodus 15) esp vs. 20-21
Deborah (Judges 5)

Common themes:

God is in control- God’s Providence
God’s victory over chaos
God’s reversals of grace
God’s transforming power on behalf of the powerless

For consideration and discussion:
What are modern day oppressors of women?

Save the date!

Soulful Study of Women’s Health meets on Sunday nights at 5:00 p.m. This fall we are talking about faith and families.

Last week, while discussing the story of Hannah’s Hope from I Samuel 1, we all became of aware of areas of barrenness in our selves. Thank you to the women who shared their personal stories and testimony to God’s sustaining power and purpose in their lives. This week, October 26, we will focus on songs of Hannah (1 Sam. 2: 1-10), Mary (Luke 1:46-55), Miriam (Exodus 15), and Deborah (Judges 5). We will be looking at the common theme in these songs in the context of a panel discussion. These women knew how to approach God and intercede for their families. We will learn from them. Hope you can come and join us.

"We Haven't Been Together for A While Brunch"

Fifty women gathered for a delicious brunch and time of fellowship. Mary Clark, RCA Women's Coordinator spoke to us regarding the ministries of "Sister Share". The mission effort of "Sister Share" is changing the lives of women around the world. At our brunch we raised money for 13 sewing machines for women in India. A sewing machine will enable a woman to support her family and extended family. Thanks to Shelia Miner, who coordinated the brunch.

Happenings with Soulful Study

What does it mean to be a very wise woman? In the early culture of the Israelites? And today? Working from the story of Abigail, found in 1 Samuel 25, we gained insight into the life of a very resourceful woman. Abigail’s story is one of courage and action. She is another woman that was prepared to hear from God and save the lives of her family and community. In the language of Judges 5, she was very Awake.

October 19th , we looked at the life of Hannah. Hannah was a woman of faith and she touched God with her prayers. Her family was forever changed and so was the life of Israel. Hannah’s story is found in 1 Samuel 1 and 2.

After Soulful Study, we have been walking together around the church property. It is great exercise and fellowship as we talk about our lives and commit them to God.

“Give It Away Days” picked up steam for the weekend too. The barn was full of blessings that were given away to families in need.

Sister Share Program

Beechwood Reformed Church in Holland, Michigan, hosted coordinator of RCA women’s ministries Mary Clark for a meeting on the Sister Share program. Sister Share, an initiative of RCA women’s ministries, seeks to connect women to each other and to global mission by raising the visibility of specific projects that serve women and children. “As we brainstormed, the women talked about a number of issues, including the generational differences in women’s preferences and the role of RCA women in local and global missions,” said the Rev. Dawn Vagle, Beechwood pastor for wholeness ministry. (Article from The Church Herald, November 2008).

Welcome October Soulful Study!!!

This week's Soulful Study (Sunday, beginning @ 6 PM, Oct. 5th) lesson will be from 1 Kings 17: 7-24, about Elijah and the widow of Zarephath. What a great story of faith and trust. We'll also have a nutritional tidbit on food allergies. A woman will be sharing about a child who came back from a terrible sickness. We'll continue to look at our family roots too. 6 PM begins with the prayer walk; last week we discussed Deborah and how we can remain to be conscious and to be "awake". Let's "WAKE UP AS DEBORAH!"

The "We Haven't Been Together For A While" brunch will be at 10am, Saturday Oct. 4th, in the atrium at the church. It's a free brunch and our special guest will be RCA Women's Ministry Director, Mary Clark, presenting "Sister Share". Come expecting encouragement on how we can change and inspire the lives of women.