Ahhhh...February, the month of LOVE! Just a couple of days before Christmas I was in a store doing some last minute shopping and found to my surprise, that the  "Christmas Items" had been condensed to one aisle.  Three other aisles were already decked out with hearts, cupids, candy and many other items in the bold colors of hot pink and blazing red in anticipation of the next holiday, Valentine's Day.  (Not sure where New Year's fit into the mix?) I could not help but think how I often move right on to the next "big" thing in my life without fully enjoying the moment.  During this month of hearts and flowers, slow down, remember and enjoy that you are a daughter of the King of Love! Savor the romance that He began at Christmas!  And..."This I pray, that your love may abound still more and more..." Philippians 1:9

I hope you "love" this month's edition of Footnotes. It is filled with some awesome and wonderful stories right from the heart of Valley Gals - our Valentine to YOU!

Hugs,

Debi
 

Two days from now my parents will celebrate their 47th wedding anniversary. Forty-seven years ago my father married my mother. After dropping out of school in the 8th grade to help support his family through the depression, then going to serve in the Korean War and returning home to be a bachelor farmer, Dad married my Mom. Their marriage is a true example of two phrases that fascinate me in scripture, different versions depending on your translation, "set his heart" or "determined in his heart" and "with your whole heart." Several of God's commands say do it "...with your whole heart." People in scripture "set their hearts."  Setting in your heart is making a decision ahead of time and with your whole heart, well that's obvious. Back to Dad, he married my Mom in 1946 in a small community in southwest Iowa where everybody  knew everybody. Back then being a single mom was not nearly so prevalent as it is today; my father not only got Mom, he got my brother and I. He determined in his heart this was the thing to do and he gave us his whole heart. He ignored the talk around town and loved us like his own from day one and so did his whole family, I might add. Dad took us in and completely committed himself to loving all of us. Through the smart-aleck talk of young teenagers, broken curfews, ball games and music lessons. He was there. He legally adopted us as soon as he was able. We have his name. We are his children.

Today, Dad continues with his lifelong decision. They are off the farm now, living in town where Dad takes care of my mother who has Alzheimers. I haven't mentioned how he also opened his heart to Mom's whole family and now has three widowed sisters-in-law who he helps with in any way he can. And then there is the 94 year old neighbor man...well you get the idea. When I was younger I didn't understand my Dad's quiet witness of love. He's not a talker. He shows you the love of God by example. I'll never forget the days surrounding their farm sale. Men just kept showing up to help, most were close neighbors but others drove miles to come and help. They told my brother and me countless stories of times my Dad had been there for them and that they were pleased to be able to help him back. He made a difference in their lives because when he was a young man he determined in his heart to give his whole heart to loving God and loving his neighbor like himself." I get it now. It's a matter of the heart.

Jody and husband, Mark, have attended Valley Church for several years and are actively involved in many areas of ministry.  Jody serves in Her Steps Bible Study as a Small Group Leader and gives leadership to One Another, accountability groups for women.  Check out Jody's blog at Treasure to Treasure 

We all have spiritual milestones in our lives.  Some we look back on as a sweet memory, others are milestones that we are thankful to have in the past.  Both kinds are important; both shape our hearts and our lives. 

One of my big milestones is January 6, 2010.  That was the day that God began a great work in my heart and started teaching me again how to trust Him.   That was also the day that I was diagnosed with breast cancer.

My diagnosis was such a shock - I thought I was too young to have cancer, I was in good health, and there was no history of cancer in my immediate family.  Yet, there I was, on the other end of the phone line, as the doctor started explaining upcoming treatment options.

That same day, I sent out an email to some friends and family, sharing the news, and included a set of verses I had been meditating on from Psalm 34:

1  I will extol the LORD at all times; 
       his praise will always be on my lips.
 2 My soul will boast in the LORD; 
       let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
 3 Glorify the LORD with me; 
       let us exalt his name together.
 4 I sought the LORD, and he answered me; 
       he delivered me from all my fears.
 5 Those who look to him are radiant; 
       their faces are never covered with shame.
 6 This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; 
       he saved him out of all his troubles.
 7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, 
       and he delivers them.
 8 Taste and see that the LORD is good; 
       blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.

 In particular, I took verse 8 as a personal challenge.  My heart needed a refuge in the midst of a scary storm, and I desperately needed to taste and see God's goodness for myself.

Over the next weeks and months, as the truth of these verses kept washing over my wounded heart, I began to experience God in a new way.  I had always said that I would trust God through anything, but now it was for real.  I was in the trenches, fighting for my life, and every time I thought that the battle would overwhelm me, I would take refuge in God, and I would see that He is good.

I determined that "His praise would always be on my lips."  Before surgeries, during chemo and radiation, while dealing with side effects - during good days and bad, I wanted to praise Him.  As a result, God opened up opportunities for me to share His love with so many people during those months -after all, nobody argues with a cancer patient!  One time, a nurse told me that she could always tell who the "God-people" were in the cancer ward - we were the only ones who still had anything to smile about.

Cancer increased my prayer life, and the overall amount of time I spent with God.  I had to give myself 35 shots during my treatments.  Given the fact that I nearly passed out getting my H1N1 shot the year before, I guarantee you it was prayer that got me through those shots!  And during the summer, laying on a table getting radiated 5 days a week became a time of solitude with my Savior - times that I truly learned to treasure.

God doesn't promise us good health, plenty of money, or a daisy-filled path through life.  But in the midst of the darkest trial I've ever known, God's love and faithfulness shined through my heart like the brightest lighthouse on the darkest shore, guiding and directing me - and it kept my focus on Him.

A year later, I am completely done with cancer treatments and praising God for being cancer free, but the lessons that God taught me are fresh in my heart.  Here's what I learned:  God wants my heart.  My entire heart - every last bit of it.  And His desire for my heart is not affected by how I feel about life.  Whether life feels good or bad, my heart must be His. And the more I surrender my heart to Him, the more I see His heart and experience His love.

I have spent the last year testing the promises found in Psalms 34:1-8, and I have found them to be absolutely true - that I have my life is proof of God's goodness and grace.  My heart took refuge in him, and what a blessing that has been. 

I don't know where your heart is right now.  Maybe life is feeling pretty good.  Maybe it's been pretty rough.  But I promise you this: His word is truth.  And if your heart takes refuge in Him, you will taste, and you will see, just how good Jesus is.

 Kelli and her husband, Dave, have attend Valley Church since 2006. Kelli has blessed all of us at Valley with her leadership and organizational skills. You can read more about what Kelli has learned from God's goodness at her blog, Taste and See
 

Bonjour!  Love is in the air...and I'm not talking about the smell of croissants baking in the oven wafting buttery whispers throughout your home.  I'm focused on matters of a healthy heart.  A healthy heart must be front of mind these days both physically and spiritually as we dance with the seductions of this world.  Hopefully, you are feeding your heart daily with the word of God.  The Bible is the core of our Christian walk that provides nourishment and life sustaining truth.  Without a daily consumption of biblical scripture, our hearts will have great difficulty staying love focused.  Apart from the saving grace of God, our actions are self referent at best.  That's as tough to stomach as is Pepe Le Pew and his infamous malodorous reputation!  Pepe's worldview may entice with, "My sweet peanut of brittle," but God's word tells us in 1 Timothy 1:5-6 (ESV) that "the aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.  Certain persons, by swerving from these, have wandered away..."  Don't be wooed to wander away, mon amis.  Consume the Word of God every day and allow it to fill every corner of your heart with genuine love.

Our hearts also need healthy physical feeding every day to be c'est bon and there is plenty of food with heart to be found.  Heart healthy ingredients are those that provide high nutritional potency to keep our human heart functioning at its fullest potential.  To get your mind romancing the heart healthy possibilities, think about artichoke heart which has the greatest concentration of meat and depth of flavor, especially when found flirting with lemon butter.  There are celery hearts which comprise the sweeter center stalks that are less fibrous and are lovely in every pot of soup.  Try heart of romaine which is the tender hub of romaine lettuce that makes any salad a sweetheart.  And let us not forget the fanciful heart of palm which is the inner core of palmetto and acai palms.  Heart healthy ingredients packed with stellar nutrients, minerals and fiber include the afore mentioned varieties and many more such as tomatoes, oranges, almonds, olive oil, brown and wild rice, hot tea, onions and garlic, oatmeal, and dark chocolate.  Oui, oui!  So whether we're talking God's word or God's bounty, the bottom line is this:  what you manger, or eat, you'll manage to become.  Ingest the provisions that God designed for nutrition and life-giving sustenance and voilà!  There you will find a gorgeous healthy heart.

Tomato Basil Salad with Heart of Palm

2-3 bunches red leaf lettuce or heart of romaine

4 tomatoes, large dice

2 cans (14 oz) heart of palm, drained and cut into rounds

9 fresh basil leaves, chopped

1 cup (4 oz) Roquefort or Feta cheese, crumbled

   Dressing:

½ cup virgin olive oil

¼ cup balsamic vinegar

1 tbsp Dijon mustard

½ tsp sea salt

½ tsp ground pepper

1 clove garlic

Combine salad ingredients except cheese in a bowl.  Whisk olive oil in a thin stream into remaining dressing ingredients.  Pour over salad, toss and sprinkle with cheese.

Along with her family, Kindra has attended Valley Church for five years.  Kindra feeds others from her heart as well as her hands. 

Imagine a weekend created just for you...with time to laugh, to cry, spend time with friends, be inspired and encouraged, refreshed and renewed.  That's what Women of Faith's Imagine Conference is all about!  Join the women of Valley Church as we explore the promise of Ephesians 3:20-"God can do anything, you know - far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams!" 

Friday, May 13 & Saturday, May 14, 2011

Des Moines, Iowa - Wells Fargo Arena

Featuring speakers Lisa Harper, Luci Swindoll, Kim Cash Tate, and Sheila Walsh

Musical guests Mary Mary and Selah

Drama by Nicole Johnson

and

Special guest Dr. Henry Cloud

Special Valley Church price of $79 includes all sessions as well as a boxed lunch on Friday and Saturday!

Tickets are in limited supply, so call today!!  Contact Gina Kincade at 226-9973 or via e-mail at ginak@valley-church.com. 
 

Click here to purchase tickets online! 
 

Also, let us know if you are interested in hotel accommodations for the weekend!
 

Gina Kincade serves as the Valley Church Group Leader for Women of Faith, contact her if you have any questions.
 

Purposeful Servanthood - Special Needs: Hand in Hand; Central District Conference

Hand in Hand, the Special Needs Ministry at Valley Church continues to grow and expand...God has richly blessed us over the last 4 years!  With this growth comes the opportunity to continue developing new areas within the ministry.  As a result we are looking to hire a permanent Lead Teacher for our Hand in Hand children's classroom.  We are specifically looking for an individual with a background and experience in early childhood and/or special education.  The Lead Teacher position is a paid position for 5 hours/week and includes a couple of Sunday morning hours weekly.

Please contact Gail Oberkircher at gailo@valley-church.com for more information and to obtain a full job description and application.  Thank you for your continued prayers and support as we seek to follow God's guidance and wisdom for this vital ministry.
 

EFCA CENTRAL DISTRICT CONFERENCE begins Sunday evening, Feb. 27th.  We will have need for many volunteers during the conference, Be on the lookout for just how you can serve.

Fashion Envy

"I want to dress like that!" This is a common phrase that runs through my mind and is a thought many women have in common. When it comes to looks and style we are all vulnerable to envy. Scripture says that envy is a work of our flesh (Galatians 5:19-21), but sometimes it seems our fashion envy is involuntary. We see something beautiful and desire it. It is not the appreciation of beauty that is of flesh, but taking it a step further to envy or jealousy. Can we admire something without being jealous?

Envy of the way other women look is one of the reasons women dress immodestly. We all want to be as beautiful as the person walking by us in the mall or even sitting next to us in church. We compare hips, collarbones, eyes, necklaces, purses, skirts, and all other items that go on our bodies. Not always out loud, but definitely in our heads. This can become a tailspin of discontentment with how God has created us and with what he has given us. The temptation is to respond by revealing more skin and/or depending on tangible items to find contentment. This tailspin can also rob us of joy and confidence. We are never satisfied and discouragement increases.

In a room full of women, it is possible everyone could find one body part they would like to exchange with every other woman.  What we need to remember is we are all God's creation. Genesis 1:31 says, "God saw all that He made, and behold, it was very good." I can't help but think of everything God was talking about; for example a skunk. To me a skunk is not that beautiful, mainly because of its smell, but God saw beauty in a skunk and claimed, "it was very good."

There are three steps a woman can take to dissolving fashion envy. 1. Realize you are "very good" -- very beautiful. 2. Admire the beauty in all other women. We have been trained to narrow our focus of beauty to women who could be on a magazine cover, but God's scope of beauty is greater. 3. Stop there. Do not allow your mind go to envy, but stop at admiring God's creation.

I read this the other day and appreciated the honesty.

"Have you ever had the desire to be physically attractive? (I will ask that once in a while at churches, but no one ever raises their hand.) This needs to be kept in proper perspective, of course, for the writer of Proverbs did warn, 'Like a gold ring in a pig's snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion.' Beauty of character is a greater good than exterior beauty - but God did create our bodies. So can we get real? God made us with a love of beauty." -John Ortberg 

It is not realistic to expect anyone to completely purge his or her desire to be attractive. However, it is realistic to ask them to see themselves as attractive.

God intends for us to be filled with joy. Psalm after psalm speaks of Joy in the Lord (Psalm 5:11; 35:27; 71:23.) This joy is something worth being envious of. He also tells us to have confidence in Him (Psalm 118:8-9). We should have confidence in how he made us! God created every person uniquely, so why do we expect to fit into the same mold the world has defined as "stylish" or "beautiful"? Every person has their own unique style. Let me encourage you to find the style that best fits you; whether it is classic, trendy, or sporty. Even if it changes every day, you can walk with joy and confidence! 

Annie Stec grew up attending Valley Church.  She and her husband Tony have two children.  Annie frequently shares her musings about God, fashion, and life in general on her blog, http://lovinggodthemost.com/.  

"There is nothing new under the sun" Scripture teaches. And it is no surprise to our God that each generation, each with its own characteristics, complexities, personalities, wisdom and beauty to give can feel like competing cultures.   It is God's perfect design and plan that women are called and equipped to live together as Titus 2 women - women of all ages together, loving, living and leading others to become more like Christ.  But why is this so difficult at times to live out this mandate?

Come to the Central District EFCA RESOUND Women's Ministry luncheon and workshop on Monday, February 28 from Noon to 3:00 pm and together let's explore and celebrate the generations we see reflected in 2011 and leave with fresh insights into ways to engage and equip the next generation for the glory and good of God!  Our speaker is  Natalie Bartelme,  national mobilizer from the Forest Lakes District.

Natalie  has worked and served nationally as a leader with EFCA RESOUND since 2004.  She is a gifted writer, photographer, speaker, and musician.  She and her husband, Bob, serve at Redeemer EFC in Milwaukee, WI where Bob is a pastor and Natalie uses her creative gifts as Women's Ministries Director and worship leader.  They have two teenagers.

The cost is $35.00 with a $10.00 discount if you register before February 11 and a $5.00 discount if you register before February 18.  Register at:  http://www.efcacentral.org.  
 

Mary Lou McDowell joined the EFCA Central District team in June of 2009. She is the RESOUND Director. Mary Lou gives her time helping churches build strong ministries for women. Her experience as an executive in the corporate world is proving to be a great asset as she builds a team of dedicated networkers to bring resources to every region of the district.

by Brooke Foster

Heart disease is still the #1 killer of women, taking the life of 1 in 3 women each year. This means women just like you - mothers, sisters, friends - are dying at the rate of one per minute because they don't know what you know: heart disease kills. Heart disease has already touched you or someone you love, so help us save a woman's life today.

Tell 5 women you want them to live and we can help stop heart disease in our lifetime.

On National Wear Red Day®, February 4, 2011, make it your mission to save lives.

Go Red For Women is more than a message, it's a nationwide movement that celebrates the energy, passion and power we have as women to band together and wipe out our #1 killer. The good news is that heart disease is highly preventable. And, thanks to the participation of millions of people across the country, the color red has become linked with the ability all women have to choose heart health and live stronger, longer lives.

Using the American Heart Association's research and resources, Go Red For Women educates and connects hundreds of thousands of women with knowledge, and offers tools to help women make lifesaving choices - choices to protect their health and take positive action to reduce their risk of heart disease and stroke.

Why Take Action?

    Heart disease is the #1 killer of women age 20 and over, killing approximately one woman every minute.

    More women die of heart disease than the next  four causes of death combined, including all forms of cancer.

     1 in 3 American women die of heart disease, compared to 1 in 30 women that die of breast cancer.

   90% of women have one or more risk factors for developing heart disease.

     80% percent of cardiac events in women may be prevented if they make the right choices for their hearts involving diet, exercise and abstinence from smoking. Research shows that women who Go Red  are more likely to make healthy choices.

How You Can Help

    Represent:

·        Register for the movement at GoRedForWomen.org. Receive a free red dress pin and wear it proudly to show your support.

·        Share your experience at GoRedForWomen.org or visit us on Facebook to share your healthy choices and connect with women who are speaking up for women's heart health nationwide.

  Volunteer

·        Take action. Contact your local American Heart Association office to see how you can get involved with Go Red For Women. Visit GoRedForWomen.org to find your local affiliate office.

     Give

·        Make a difference. Donations that fund lifesaving research and educational programs are needed so that our daughters, sisters and mothers have a chance to fight this silent killer.

·        Make It Your Mission to fight heart disease in women through donations to the American Heart Association's Go Red For Women cause.

   Change

·        Make lifestyle choices to reduce your risk for heart disease. Take the Go Red Heart CheckUp to find out your risk.

     Be a BetterU.

·        Go Red BetterU is the free, 12-week online makeover that can change your life.

·        Choose to be a BetterU at GoRedForWomen.org.

    Advocate

·        Learn CPR. Because 80% of cardiac arrests happen at home, the life you save with CPR is most likely to be a loved one.

     Spread the word.

·        Join the American Heart Association's You're the Cure grassroots network

Have you ever asked your server at a restaurant if you could pray for him or her?  If not, I recommend giving it a try.  The first few times my husband Roger and I asked I was pretty scared not knowing how people would react.  The responses have varied from an embarrassed "No thanks" to "Yes, my two infant children just died and I just don't know how to go on."  Servers are surprised and tell us that no one has ever asked them this question before. More often than not, servers will ask us to pray for a friend or family member.  We have prayed for people going through divorce, financial difficulties, death of a loved one, career changes, going back to school, starting or looking for new jobs and health issues. We have had servers cry with us and give us hugs before we leave the restaurant. We never know what response we will get when we ask the question, but we always feel privileged when given the opportunity to pray for another. Praying for a server is one small way that we can share our love of God with others.  There are many people in this world that have no one to pray for them and this may be the only prayer that they ever receive.  I was once told that everyone carries a burden.  That means everyone needs prayer.  If you go out to eat once a month you have twelve opportunities to pray for someone.  So please give this a try.  Let your server know that you are going to pray for your meal and ask them if there is anything you could pray for them. That simple little question just might change their life.  I know it will change yours.

A little over two years ago, my husband and I found out we were having our first baby. We were both elated as we stood in the living room thinking, "What do we do now?" Well, being the health-minded person my husband is, we immediately drove to the closest pharmacy for my first bottle of prenatal vitamins. As the months churned, our excitement and anxiety grew, as did my belly.  On July 22, 2009, God blessed us with a baby boy, and I knew in an instant that what mattered in my heart was changed forever.

It was like heaven on earth to hold and kiss baby Tyler.  Every time he moved, I jumped to make sure he was okay. Every time he merely whimpered, someone was checking the monitor. We could not have been happier.

Now that Tyler is 18 months old, life is a new story every day and we've learned...a LOT!  We've learned toilets are a prime storage area for toothbrushes, hotel swimming pools open at 7:00 AM, and diapers come in more varieties than do nail polishes. One of the biggest lessons, however, is learning that we cannot...and should not...undertake the entire parenting task alone. Yes, we are his mommy and daddy, but we need advice, encouragement and support. That is why I am forever thankful for Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS).

MOPS has given me the opportunity to engage with other moms in the same chapter of life...mothering the precious children that throw spaghetti on the wall and color everything but the piece of paper in front of them.  Every first and third Friday, I look forward to conversing with other moms, having devotional time and learning from new and interesting speakers. We have fellowship and sincere friendships that get us through some very frustrating and difficult times in our parenting years.

This spring is no different.  This Friday, February 4, we will focus on the importance of adult conversation, while our children participate in a Valentine's Day craft.  Then, February 18 we have a chip board letter craft.  We are not all work and no play! On Tuesday, February 22, we have a mom's night out at Blue Moon where we'll participate in their trivia game. March kicks off with a presentation from Dr. Amy McEntaffer who will discuss women's health issues on Friday, March 4. Due to spring break, we do not meet the third Friday of March, but we resume the fun on April 1 with author Kimberly Stuart as our guest speaker.

The fellow mothers of MOPS and I share a strong connection in what matters to our hearts.  We hold an unbreakable affinity for our children and strong desire to be Christian role models in our family. MOPS is one way to help us achieve this desire of our hearts, and it is a quite enjoyable way if I might say so myself.

Meaghan Slama and her husband Tim have attended Valley Church for 3 years.  She became the mother of a preschooler 18 months ago when her son Tyler was born.  Meaghan is a member of the Valley Church MOPS Steering Team. For more information about MOPS, please contact Valley Church at 226-9973. 

Did you know we have our very own superhero (or is it heroine?) at Valley Church?  The woman we know as Kim Welge-the mild-mannered, laundry-taming, car-pooling mom of three and Bible study leader extraordinaire-spends her spare time writing under the pen name Kimberly Stuart.  This week marks the release of her fifth novel, Operation Bonnet.  Kim and I spent a few minutes talking about this latest book and just what inspires her to write these hysterically funny (and very real) characters.

Gina:  Kim, tell us about your new book, Operation Bonnet.

Kim:  Operation Bonnet is the story of twenty-year-old Nellie Monroe, a girl who has a perfect college GPA, a job that's beneath her, and a restless brilliance that makes her a bit of an odd duck. Her heart's desire is to be a private investigator, and her big break comes when she meets Amos Shetler, a refugee from the local Amish community who's carrying a torch for the girl he left behind. So Nellie straps on her bonnet and goes undercover to get the dish.

   Operation Bonnet is not your grandmother's Amish fiction, if you know what I'm saying. You've got the Amish, the quirky protagonist, a quiet romance, and the grief of watching a beloved grandmother slip away...I hope readers come to love these characters as much as I did.

Gina:  Your heroine, Nellie Monroe, enters a world drastically different than the one most of us live in.  What kind of research did you do to discover more about the Amish way of life?

Kim:  I read and read and then read some more. I think by the end of my research, my husband, Marc, was worried I'd make him give up his Honda in exchange for a buggy. I am not an Amish scholar, but there are some very articulate folks who are, and I relied heavily on their expertise. I utilized mostly books on Amish history and culture, interviews of scholars, some linguistic research, and limited online research. I tried to present the Amish in a fair manner, remembering always that they are flawed and human, just like the rest of us. 

Gina:  When you are developing plotlines and characters for a new novel, do you seek inspiration in the people and situations closest to you or does it come mostly from an active imagination?

Kim:  Now, you know I can't answer that question, Gina. No one at Valley will talk to me anymore. What if they end up as a character in a book?  I would say I absolutely glean from personal experience but I do not base characters on people I know. I want to have friends at my funeral. 

Gina:  What advice would you give to women who are interested in writing, either as a hobby or a career?

Kim:  First, I'd say not to quit your day job. Publishing is a volatile and fickle business so proceed with caution. I'd say to focus intently on developing your craft as a writer, seeking always to hone your skills as an effective communicator and not worrying about agents and contracts until you feel you've stretched your craft as far as you can. And most importantly, I'd say to pray like a freak. The God who crafted you knows your wiring, knows your heart, and knows how to make even the craziest dream come true. 

Please join Kimberly Stuart as she celebrates the launch of her latest book,  

Operation Bonnet

Monday, February 7, 2011 from 6:30 to 8:00 pm

at the Downtown Des Moines library

Kimberly Stuart is the author of Operation Bonnet, Stretch Marks, and Act Two (David C. Cook), as well as the Heidi Elliott Books (NavPress). She writes comedic fiction from the home she shares with a ridiculously patient husband and three wild offspring.  She and Marc have been attending Valley Church since moving to Des Moines in 2005.

Women's Ministry and the Valley Quilt group need YOUR help to make Comfort Quilts.

These quilts are given to women of Valley who are going through a serious illness or difficult time. You do NOT need to know how to quilt or even sew to come and give us a hand.  We need people to pray over, cut, iron and pin fabric.  The Valley Quilters would love to have your heart, your hands and your help in this Purposeful Servanthood opportunity to bless women in our church.  Join the quilters on Thursday, February 10, from 9:30am -3:00pm.  We will be meeting at Valley Church in East Central Station.

 If you are planning on attending, please RSVP to Laurie Hews at lahews@gmail.com.
 

More than 40 million Americans move each year, and studies show it can be one of the most exciting yet stressful times of our lives as women. If you have recently moved to the Des Moines area and find yourself longing to connect with other women, then "Unpacked" is just for you. Valley Church Women's Ministry invites you to an afternoon of connection, conversation and coffee.

To find out about the next

Unpacked Event on Sunday, April 3, 2011

2:30-4:30pm

Call us at:

226-9973