by Norma Gunter
The American Baptist Women’s Ministry Focus circle program for September is See…the Peace of Christ. The scripture is Isaiah 58:12, John 20: 19-23, 26. “The International Day of Peace falls in September; this can serve as inspiration to explore the peace of Christ in our own lives (John) and to see how we are called to be repairers of the breach and restorers of the streets we live in (Isaiah). We might name this month’s ministry experience ‘Seeing beyond Brokenness,’ for it offers activities that will help women and girls to look at peace in new ways and assist them in seeing areas for spiritual and personal growth.”
One way our ladies can see areas of spiritual and personal growth is through our West Virginia Baptist Women’s Ministries Spiritual Growth Retreat September 23-25, 2016 at the Parchment Valley Conference Center. The theme, “Pattern of Living…Following God’s pattern for our lives by living according to His word.” The scripture, Romans 12:2, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Workshops planned are:
- Puerto Rico
- Philippine Mission Trip
- Crafts (bring colorful seamless t-shirt and scissors)
- Leadership Academy
- Pattern of Prayer
- Book Review (purchase book/read and be ready for discussion)
- “Renting Lacy: A Story of America’s Prostituted Children” by Linda Smith
Guest Speaker: Kim Weaver, Executive Director, Weirton Christian Center. Ladies most of you will remember Kim for she has spoken here at Beckley First Baptist and her ministry is supported by our women’s circles with Quarters for Grades, special projects, White Cross supplies, and gift cards.
Ladies you are also invited to sing in the retreat choir. Registration is due by September 2, 2016.
Another Spiritual Renewal event is the 133rd Annual Women’s Day, October 20, 2016 at the West Virginia Baptist Convention at the Gassaway Baptist Church. The theme for the day is, “Lord, Make Me An Instrument Of Thy Peace.” The guest speaker is Vicki Eades. Let’s get together and go for the day like we did last time.