EFCCL Women's Ministries Blog tag:www.efccl.org,2008-04-10:/womensblog//1 2008-09-18T16:43:53Z News, stories, and resources from EFCCL Women's Ministries. Movable Type Open Source 4.1 Apples of Gold tag:www.efccl.org,2008:/womensblog//1.115 2008-09-17T16:20:55Z 2008-09-18T16:43:53Z Alvira C. Women's Ministries is offering a unique opportunity for older women to mentor younger women.  Apples of Gold restores joy and fulfillment to women frustrated with their marriages and chidren by presenting a positive message about motherhood; providing women with encouragement and support to make positive changes; motivating women to become better wives and mothers; equipping women with relational and practical skill they need; building community along with women in similar life circumstances.

We are looking for six women who will spend eight weeks working with six mentors learning and experiencing the Titus 2 principle of teaching the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self -controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.  We are waiting for God to send the women He wants to be mentors and mentorees.  Email us (see the contact page for the address), leave a comment, or call us at the church office (815-459-1095).  We still have a few openings.  We would love to hear from you!

]]> Women's ABF: Ruth tag:www.efccl.org,2008:/womensblog//1.103 2008-09-02T16:40:33Z 2008-09-02T16:42:56Z If you're interested in joining a Sunday morning Adult Bible Fellowship (ABF) class, now's the perfect time to try one out! The Women of Influence ABF meets on Sunday mornings at 10:45 a.m. in Room 235, and Alvira Colbert is... Rachel S. If you're interested in joining a Sunday morning Adult Bible Fellowship (ABF) class, now's the perfect time to try one out! The Women of Influence ABF meets on Sunday mornings at 10:45 a.m. in Room 235, and Alvira Colbert is currently leading a study based in Ruth. The Message of Redemption and Revival in the book of Ruth is a video-based Bible study featuring the teaching ministry of Nancy Leigh DeMoss. The videos, along with the companion workbook, will help you discover purpose in every gain and in every loss. Come by for a cup of coffee, some great fellowship, and a wonderful time of spiritual enrichment.

]]> 2008 Fall Bible Studies tag:www.efccl.org,2008:/womensblog//1.102 2008-09-02T16:17:02Z 2008-09-02T16:30:14Z Fall is just around the corner, which means we're about to launch several new Bible studies this month. To register, click here to download a printable brochure with the full schedule and details about each class. You may either mail... Rachel S. Fall is just around the corner, which means we're about to launch several new Bible studies this month. To register, click here to download a printable brochure with the full schedule and details about each class. You may either mail this to the church or drop it off during the week. We will also have sign-up sheets in the Welcome Center on Sunday, September 7 and Sunday, September 14. If you're new to the area or new to our church, please feel free to stop in for a week to see what you think of the study before signing up. Visitors are always welcome, so invite a friend and see what God has in store for you this year!

]]> Website: Scrapbook.com tag:www.efccl.org,2008:/womensblog//1.101 2008-09-02T15:58:58Z 2008-09-02T16:07:17Z Link: www.scrapbook.com Scrapbook.com is a family owned business located in Mesa, AZ; a creative oasis in the center of a sun-scorched desert.It all began in 2001 during the downward spiral of the first internet craze. Jill Davis had raised her... Rachel S. Website PreviewLink: www.scrapbook.com

Scrapbook.com is a family owned business located in Mesa, AZ; a creative oasis in the center of a sun-scorched desert.

It all began in 2001 during the downward spiral of the first internet craze. Jill Davis had raised her children and decided to spend her new-found free-time to do something big. She had been scrapbooking for over 25 years and loved it and the meaning and joy it gave her life. She decided to share her scrapbooking passion with others...and maybe turn it into a business. And so, with no outside capital and no loans, she jumped in feet first and started Scrapbook.com out of her home office, pulling 12-18 hour days, six days a week.

What a business it has become. Scrapbook.com grew into a thriving, profitable family business in the wake of the dotcom crash. It now employs Jill's three sons (a former Goldman Sachs analyst, a professional singer, and a current college student) and 22 others. The company is one of the largest and fastest growing scrapbooking sites online and touches lives throughout the world. Jill's story is one of passion, optimism and perseverance.

Jill said, "Preserving memories is no small matter. I was driven to create an online resource that would serve scrapbookers worldwide. You can understand this feat even better when you know that I flunked my college computer class a few years earlier. Through sheer determination, exhaustion and overcoming a lot of frustration I have realized my dream."

Our mission is to guide people through the memory preservation process and to keep them motivated to document life through:
  • Providing the products they need at the right price
  • Supporting them through education
  • Inspiring them through creative outlets such as galleries, forums and blogs
  • Giving them a home on the web where they can connect with Scrapbookers worldwide

(Taken from the About page.)

This website was recommended by one of our MOPS moms. If you like this site or know of any others to share, please leave a comment!

]]> About Us tag:www.efccl.org,2008:/womensblog//1.95 2008-08-15T18:19:08Z 2008-08-15T19:18:26Z Our desire in Women's Ministries is to create a spiritual environment where you can grow in your relationship with God and other women. We want for you to be included, to be accepted, to be protected (this is a safe... Rachel S. Our desire in Women's Ministries is to create a spiritual environment where you can grow in your relationship with God and other women. We want for you to be included, to be accepted, to be protected (this is a safe place), to be encouraged by God's Word and God's family, and to be instructed in wise living. You do not have to be a member of our church to participate. Come and join us! We'd love to get to know you.

Adult Bible Fellowship: Join us Sunday mornings at 10:45 a.m. in Room 235 for our Women of Influence ABF. Women of all ages are welcome to attend. Come by for a cup of coffee, some great fellowship, and a wonderful time of spiritual enrichment.

Book and Bible Studies: We offer a wide variety of studies for the women in our church and community. In the Fall and Spring sessions, we have classes available on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings, as well as Tuesday evenings. Most of these groups meet on a weekly basis, but a few meet every other week. God has blessed us with wonderful leaders, all of whom are eager to provide a godly environment for learning and fellowship, so prayerfully consider joining us in a Bible study this year. Stop by the Information Center to pick up a brochure with a detailed schedule and an outline of current courses.

MOPS: This unique program is for mothers of preschoolers (infant through kindergarten), designed to fulfill the need for friendship, creativity, and spiritual growth. Its format includes food, fellowship, small group discussion, creative activities, and teaching from a biblical perspective on topics relating to womanhood, marriage, parenting, and family relationships. The MOPPETS and AWANA programs for the children offer quality childcare with a spiritual emphasis, using stories, games, and songs. This group meets on Thursday mornings from 9 to 11 a.m. during the Fall and Spring.

Missions & More: This is the "hands-on" team in Women's Ministries. On the first Thursday of every month, we offer the opportunity for women to use their creative talents to help others. The ladies in this group gather to organize donated goods, roll bandages, make layettes, and work on various projects that will benefit our EFCA missionaries.

Apples of Gold: We are excited to offer this one-of-a-kind, intergenerational group mentoring opportunity. The program is centered around the principles found in Titus 2:3-5 and consists of six weeks of three-hour sessions. The first hour is a cooking class, which provides practical skills for women of any age. The second hour is focused on the lessons from Titus 2, including kindness, submission, purity, and hospitality. The third hour is a time of fellowship — a valuable opportunity for the mentors and the mentees to encourage and equip one another as women of God.

Special Events: Each year, we offer special events specifically designed to minister to women in our church and our community. Our annual retreat includes powerful lessons from guest speakers as well as a time of intimate fellowship and worship. The annual Spring Tea is always a great mix of fun and fellowship, too. Please contact us for more details about these events or to find out how you can help plan them.

]]> MOPS: Mothers of Preschoolers tag:www.efccl.org,2008:/womensblog//1.94 2008-08-15T14:02:04Z 2008-09-23T16:38:30Z Big news on the MOPS front, ladies! In an effort to better serve the moms of our church and our community, we are moving the bi-weekly MOPS meetings to Thursday mornings from 9 to 11 a.m., beginning September 11. (This... Rachel S. Big news on the MOPS front, ladies! In an effort to better serve the moms of our church and our community, we are moving the bi-weekly MOPS meetings to Thursday mornings from 9 to 11 a.m., beginning September 11. (This is a month earlier than we normally start, so make sure to note this on your calendar!) We will be meeting in the dining room instead of the multi-purpose room in order to create a cozier atmosphere.

MOPPETS, our children's program, will benefit from some changes, as well. Children who are 2 years old (by September 1) will be participating in a new AWANA program called Puggles, and those over three years old will be joining with our AWANA Cubbies. These changes will allow for more structure and variety for the children, providing new and expanded opportunities for fun and learning and fellowship.

The Cubbies will stay in their Paradise Island room until 9:30 a.m., then be relocated with their leader to the multi-purpose room. During this time they will sing, salute the flags, review the weekly memory verse, view a puppet show with Cubbie Bear and his friends, listen to a weekly Bible story, recite memory verses, participate in crafts or relay games, then end with presenting badges and rewards and recognizing birthdays.

Please note: MOPS only meets twice a month but Cubbies are welcome and encouraged to attend weekly.

For more information about MOPS or to register, please click here to download a copy of the MOPS brochure. You can also download and print the AWANA registration form if your children will be eligible for Puggles and/or Cubbies.

Please don't hesitate to call, email, or leave a comment with any questions you may have!

]]> Welcome! tag:www.efccl.org,2008:/womensblog//1.4 2008-08-15T06:31:21Z 2008-08-19T18:50:10Z Thank you for stopping by the blog of EFCCL Women's Ministries! We have so many things to share with the women in our church family and in our community, and we are excited to have the opportunity to do that... Rachel S. Thank you for stopping by the blog of EFCCL Women's Ministries! We have so many things to share with the women in our church family and in our community, and we are excited to have the opportunity to do that here at our new online home.

Please, take a tour of the site! At the top of the page, you will notice six links which will help guide you around the various sections of our blog.

  1. Home: The home page will feature entries, like this one, which will help direct you around the site and point out any new features you might otherwise miss. We know that not everyone is familiar with blogging, so we want to make this experience as easy and comfortable for you as possible.

  2. About: This page is intended to provide a brief overview of all the ministry opportunities we offer. Updates about these programs and events will be posted on the News page throughout the year.

  3. News: Here, we will communicate upcoming events, ministry updates, and any other relevant news. (Upcoming events are also featured to the right side of each page. Clicking the image for an upcoming event will take you directly to the related article to give you the detailed information you need.)

  4. Resources: If you are looking for godly resources for women — music, books, movies, websites, etc. — consider this your one-stop shop. The resources featured here have all been recommended by sisters in Christ; please join the community and give us your feedback and your suggestions.

  5. Stories: This section of the site is still under construction, and we could use your help in getting it underway. If you have an encouraging anecdote from your day-to-day walk with the Lord to share, please let us know. We would also love your personal testimonies, your insight on a passage of Scripture you've been studying, or any morsel of wisdom you have found to be helpful.

  6. Contact: Here, you will find the email address to which you can submit resources, stories, prayer requests, or anything else you would like to communicate to us.

The beauty of a blog is that it is a community tool that is constantly growing. We can all be involved in building each other up and encouraging one another in the Lord. This can be a tremendous resource and tool for our ministry, so please take a minute to get acquainted with the site. If you have the time, comment on an entry or write us an email with your thoughts. We'd love to hear from you!

]]> We Need You! tag:www.efccl.org,2008:/womensblog//1.22 2008-07-24T15:44:29Z 2008-07-23T21:25:53Z This section of the site is still under construction, and we could use your help in getting it underway. If you have an encouraging anecdote from your day-to-day walk with the Lord to share, please let us know. We would... Rachel S. This section of the site is still under construction, and we could use your help in getting it underway. If you have an encouraging anecdote from your day-to-day walk with the Lord to share, please let us know. We would also love your personal testimonies, your insight on a passage of Scripture you've been studying, or any morsel of wisdom you have found to be helpful.

Have something you'd like to share? Leave a comment on this entry with your story, or check out the contact page to find our email address!

]]> To My Beautiful Christian Sisters tag:www.efccl.org,2008:/womensblog//1.80 2008-07-23T20:42:55Z 2008-07-23T21:21:27Z by Maya Angelou A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ that a man should have to seek Him first to find her. When I say . . . "I am a Christian," I'm not shouting "I'm clean living."... Rachel S. by Maya Angelou

A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ
that a man should have to seek Him first to find her.

When I say . . . "I am a Christian," I'm not shouting "I'm clean living."
I'm whispering, "I was lost; now I'm found and forgiven."

When I say . . . "I am a Christian," I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.

When I say . . . "I am a Christian," I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on.

When I say . . . "I am a Christian," I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.

When I say . . . "I am a Christian," I'm not claiming to be perfect.
My flaws are far too visible, but God believes I am worth it.

When I say . . . "I am a Christian," I still feel the sting of pain.
I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name.

When I say . . . "I am a Christian," I'm not holier than thou.
I'm just a simple sinner, who received God's good grace.

* * * * *

I love this and just wanted to share it with all my Christian sisters!
-Vicki Tumilson-

]]> Serving God in Every Season tag:www.efccl.org,2008:/womensblog//1.21 2008-07-01T15:35:57Z 2008-07-01T14:53:32Z by Vicki Tumilson It was a joy to meet with Myrtle Fourier in October to talk to her about her efforts for White Cross, which is a part of our Women's Ministries. Myrtle makes kimonos and layettes that are sent... Rachel S. by Vicki Tumilson

It was a joy to meet with Myrtle Fourier in October to talk to her about her efforts for White Cross, which is a part of our Women's Ministries. Myrtle makes kimonos and layettes that are sent to Tandala Hospital in the Congo and which are then given to newborn babies. In this part of Africa, the delivering mothers walk to the hospital to have their babies, as they are too poor to obtain transportation. In most cases, these kimonos and layettes are the only thing that these new mothers have to keep their babies warm.

In addition to her White cross efforts, Myrtle also knits baby caps for the March of Dimes! The March of Dimes in turn provides them to various Neonatal Intensive Car Units (NICU) for premature babies right here in our own backyard.

These caps touched my life three years ago when I gave birth to premature twins. They arrived thirteen weeks early. Both Robbie and Tommy were given one of these caps that they wore throughout their stay in the NICU. After the passing of Robbie, I kept his cap to treasure the memory of my precious little boy.

Myrtle started doing knitting in the '60s, making kimonos and layettes for the White Cross; later, she started making greeting card pictures and rolling bandages. When I asked her if she had any idea how many she had made over the years, she stated, "Oh, I have no idea. I've done about 460 this year and 200 caps for the March of Dimes." This is quite an accomplishment for a person of her age with such obstacles as blurred vision! In order to continue doing this, she uses many lights in her sewing room and utilizes her sense of touch. The reason? "I just enjoy doing it. It gives me something to do." Because she is "up there in age," as she describes it, she relies on Diana Maas to purchase the materials and other friends to deliver items to and from the church.

Layette

Regardless of the struggles that may come her way, Myrtle continues to make the kimonos, layettes, and caps for White Cross and March of Dimes. She resides in a retirement home and looks forward to visits from her family and friends. I myself consider her a new-found friend and look forward to the next time I am blessed to talk to her.

Note: This was originally published in the second issue of At the Well, the quarterly EFCCL Women's Ministries newsletter. Please let us know if you'd like to be added to the mailing list!

]]> Support Group: Parents of Adult Children tag:www.efccl.org,2008:/womensblog//1.67 2008-06-24T16:33:00Z 2008-06-25T16:05:36Z The support group for parents of adult children (read more here) begins tomorrow, Thursday, June 26. We will be meeting at 9 a.m. at Pat Kingston's house (in Woodstock). It's not too late to join, so please call us or... Rachel S. The support group for parents of adult children (read more here) begins tomorrow, Thursday, June 26. We will be meeting at 9 a.m. at Pat Kingston's house (in Woodstock). It's not too late to join, so please call us or leave a comment on this entry if you're interested in attending!

]]> Support Group: Parents of Adult Children tag:www.efccl.org,2008:/womensblog//1.65 2008-06-11T20:02:31Z 2008-06-11T20:05:56Z Parents of adult children face unique challenges, ones they are often not prepared to handle. Setting Boundaries with Your Adult Children is a book which offers hope and healing, as well as six practical steps to dealing with these experiences... Rachel S. Parents of adult children face unique challenges, ones they are often not prepared to handle. Setting Boundaries with Your Adult Children is a book which offers hope and healing, as well as six practical steps to dealing with these experiences and the pain that sometimes accompanies them. If you are interested in a joining a support group (for men and women) that would be working through this book study, please leave a comment on this entry or sign up in the church Welcome Center on Sunday morning!

]]> Women's ABF: Prayer tag:www.efccl.org,2008:/womensblog//1.68 2008-06-10T16:06:07Z 2008-09-02T16:43:29Z If you're interested in joining a Sunday morning Adult Bible Fellowship (ABF) class, now's the perfect time to try one out! The Women of Influence ABF meets on Sunday mornings at 10:45 a.m. in Room 235, and Alvira Colbert is... Rachel S. If you're interested in joining a Sunday morning Adult Bible Fellowship (ABF) class, now's the perfect time to try one out! The Women of Influence ABF meets on Sunday mornings at 10:45 a.m. in Room 235, and Alvira Colbert is currently leading a study called "Lord, Teach Me to Pray." The class is based partially on Andrew Murray's book, With Christ in the School of Prayer. Come by for a cup of coffee, some great fellowship, and a wonderful time of spiritual enrichment.

]]> Summer Bible Study tag:www.efccl.org,2008:/womensblog//1.31 2008-05-16T22:06:36Z 2008-05-17T17:59:57Z Our summer Bible study has just been announced! Join us on Tuesday mornings from 9 to 11 a.m. as we work through Beth Moore's book, Living Beyond Yourself, an in-depth study of Galatians 5 and the fruits of the Spirit.... Rachel S. Our summer Bible study has just been announced! Join us on Tuesday mornings from 9 to 11 a.m. as we work through Beth Moore's book, Living Beyond Yourself, an in-depth study of Galatians 5 and the fruits of the Spirit. The cost is $20, and the class will begin June 10.

View and print the registration form here (opens in a new window). The completed form can be mailed to or brought by the church office.

]]> True Woman '08 tag:www.efccl.org,2008:/womensblog//1.11 2008-05-15T19:50:02Z 2008-08-15T16:19:04Z Update (08.15.08): This event is now sold out! We do not have any available tickets here at EFCCL, but there will be a live video feed of the conference online for those unable to attend in person. Sign up here... Rachel S. Update (08.15.08): This event is now sold out! We do not have any available tickets here at EFCCL, but there will be a live video feed of the conference online for those unable to attend in person. Sign up here to receive email updates from True Woman '08 with more details about how to access this live video feed.

If you are still looking for a ticket, try contacting True Woman '08 directly (online or by phone, 877-966-2608). Another option worth trying is to sign up as a volunteer. This might require missing a few events, so please read the commitment requirements before signing up.

* * * * *

Calling all women! True Woman '08, a national women's conference hosted by Revive Our Hearts, is coming to Chicago on October 9 - 11. This event is for young, old, and those in-between; singles and married; students, career woman, stay-at-home moms; daughters, mothers, grandmothers, and great-grandmothers.

Keith and Kristyn Getty will lead us in worship, and the keynote speakers include Pastor John Piper, Nancy Leigh DeMoss, Mary Kassian, Karen Loritts, Joni Eareckson Tada, and many more!

For more information, please visit the official True Woman '08 website. We plan to gather a group of women from EFCCL to attend this event together, so please let us know if you are interested in joining us!

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