|
|
 |
|
|
|
GraceTouch
Facilitating global impact
|
| |
Sometimes God takes something away to give us something that is better for us. Are you ready to say with Job, "Blessed be the name of the Lord."
|
|
 |
Living with a New Identity
|
|
|
|
By Ginny Plaster
(Ginny's husband, Dave Plaster, was pastor of the Grace Polaris Church in Columbus, Ohio, and had previously served in several other pastorates and as a professor and President of Academic Affairs at Grace Schools.)
We were at a good spot in life. Dave was enjoying being back in the pastorate, and with all the children out of the house, I was enjoying the freedom to get involved in various ministries at church. But in the fall of 2009, we began to notice a difference in the condition of his skin. There was a lot going on in the church, which is known for its presentation of the Living Christmas Tree in Columbus each December, so he put off a visit to the dermatologist until January. The dermatologist gave him some cream, told him it was nothing life-threatening, and told him to come back in six months. He did refer Dave to a rheumatologist because he was having joint pain. Tests didn't show anything, but he continued to worsen. Several hospitalizations followed, still with no answers. On February 14 the elders were called in to anoint him. By then we knew that he had tunnel vision. (read more)
|
| Prayer Watch |
| | |
Steadfast Work Brings Change
Prayer mingled with love and support helps us "go on" after a crisis to live the new life God has for us. It can strengthen our identity as a woman adorned in Christ with a unique calling of her own to fulfill. What a testimony to God's power at work!
In hard times, God is calling us to deepen our relationship with Him. We need others to come alongside us in prayer. Are you needing prayer? Do you need to come alongside someone who is needing prayer?
"Dear Father, God of comfort and hope, You still create new things! Your new work is enhanced through the prayers and loving deeds of Your people. You will continue Your creative, faithful work to those who lean on You. Thank You for Your plans to involve us in Your creative works for the benefit of those in need and for the displaying of Your glory."
Jim Augspurger, Administrative Pastor at Grace Brethren Church of Columbus, has provided a financial workbook that can help widows to take control of their finances after the loss of a spouse. If you want more information e-mail Sharon MacMillan or call 209 814-8779.
|
| How do we minister to FGBC women? |
| |
|
If you live in Southern California and are interested in knowing what's happening with women's ministries in the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches, and how it can benefit you, you're invited to join our director, Viki Rife, at the Whittier Community Grace Brethren Church, 8109 Greenleaf Ave, Whittier, CA 90602 on Saturday, February 7. Registration opens at 9:30 am with the Rally from 10:00 - 12:00. There will be an opportunity for questions and discussion afterwards.
|
| Stand Firm! |
| |
|
 The next issue of Women's Spectrum will explore what it means to stand firm. We welcome stories from women who have learned about this important aspect of walking with God. The deadline for articles is February 15. Click to find out more.
|
| Looking for a Speaker? |
| |
|
Are you planning a women's retreat or special event? Looking for a speaker? Take a look at our recommended speaker page.
|
| Partner with Women of Grace USA |
| |
|
We are a nonprofit, donor supported organization ministering to the needs of women. Won't you consider partnering with us to encourage and equip women around the globe?
Today is the last day
Celebrate 2015
with us by committing to be one of 20 women who give $15 each month.
|
| Women's Leadership Studies Classes |
| |
|
Women's Leadership Studies classes are designed to help women explore Scriptures in a way that equips them for ministry. Classes in soul care, spiritual formation and women and scripture will be offered in various regions in the next few months.
|
| They're too small to ignore! |
| |
|
Young girls are struggling to figure out who they are in a world inundated with lies from the enemy. SMM, Sisters Mentoring with a Mission, seeks to come alongside women, encouraging them to reach the next generation for Christ. According to Titus 2, it is the responsibility of older women to teach the younger women. Oftentimes we don't think we are the older women indicated in this passage, because we don't feel like we are mature enough to have anything to offer the next generation. However, it is clear that if we are older women of the faith, it is on our shoulders to raise up the next generation! What a wonderful responsibility!
If you care about the future of our younger generation, check out No Small Thing (NST). This bimonthly newsletter for women who work with young girls, or who are thinking of working with them, encourages women with insight from scripture, ideas from others in girls' ministries, and provides resources for common challenges. Sign up today!
|
| Musings for Moms |
| |
|
The Pearl Necklace
by Jen Fretz
The cheerful girl with bouncy golden curls was almost five. Waiting with her mother at the checkout stand, she saw them: a circle of glistening white pearls in a pink foil box. "Oh please, Mommy. Can I have them? Please, mommy, please!"
Quickly the mother checked the back of the little foil box and then looked back into the pleading blue eyes of her little girl's upturned face. "A dollar ninety-five. That's almost $2.00. If you really want them, I'll think of some extra chores for you and in no time you can save enough money to buy them for yourself. Your birthday's only a week away and you might get another crisp dollar bill from Grandma.
As soon as Jenny got home, she emptied her penny bank and counted out 17 pennies. After dinner, she did more than her share of chores. Then she went to the neighbor and asked Mrs. McJames if she could pull dandelions for ten cents. On her birthday, Grandma did give her another new dollar bill and at last she had enough money to buy the necklace.
Jenny loved her pearls. They made her feel dressed up and grown up. She wore them everywhere-Sunday school, kindergarten, even to bed. The only time she took them off was when she went swimming or had a bubble bath. Mother said if they got wet, they might turn her neck green.
Jenny had a very loving daddy and every night when she was ready for bed, he would stop whatever he was doing and come upstairs to read her a story. One night when he finished the story, he asked Jenny, "Do you love me?"
"Oh yes, Daddy. You know that I love you."
"Then give me your pearls."
(read more)
|
| Widow for a Season by Kristine Pappas |
| |
|
by Kristine Pappas (preface from the book)
 Wouldn't it be nice if life came with a manual? As Christians we often ask this question even though we know that it does. The manual I refer to, of course, is the Bible. Sadly, however, we don't spend the necessary time in God's Word for it to help us when serious issues arise. Perhaps in your widowhood you can relate.
When my husband died of panreatic cancer in 1998, leaving me with two teenagers at home, I was desparate. ( more) |
| Mark your calendar |
| |
|
Opportunities coming up:
A number of Women's Leadership Studies classes are being planned in various regions in 2015. Check the dates below:
WLS - Spiritual Formation, January 23-24, Long Beach, CA Registration
WLS - Women and Scripture, March 20-21, Frederick, MD Registration
WLS - Women and Scripture, April 24-25, Cedar Rapids, IA Registration
|
| What's going on? |
| | |
with Women of Grace USA
Check our Facebook page to see some of what God's been doing among women through Women of Grace USA.
|
| Help a friend |
| | |
If you enjoy GraceTouch, why not share it with your friends? It's as easy as clicking Forward email at the bottom of this page, or forwarding it through your email program. And it's free! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
