Women's Ministry

It’s so exciting to see what God is doing in and through our women! In many ways, the Women’s Ministry exists to support what God is already doing in the hearts and lives of the women of our church community.

Our vision as a Women’s Ministry is to create opportunities and structures to equip women to know Jesus, each other, their communities and their lives' callings. Our ministry team is committed to “preparing a way” for women to meet with God and each other. We always seek to encourage a loving and welcoming community, inclusive of every woman no matter her age or stage of life.

The ministry team is led by Liz Milner. Team members include Amy Brierley, Janice Courter, Liz Lawhead, Christina Lim, Yasmin Kohli.

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small prayer groups

At the core of the women’s ministry are small prayer groups. Groups of 2-4 women meet together regularly to share what’s going on in their lives and hearts and to pray together. In many ways, this is where church happens: meaningful friendships are forged and core needs are met. Women find their personal and practical needs are met in this kind of setting. Some of these meetings include song, meditative prayer, dance, bible study, or children’s play dates. Starting up a group is as easy as asking a friend to get together once a week over coffee, to talk, and to pray. Further direction and support can be offered by a team member who oversees these small groups.

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bible studies

One or two bible studies are usually offered per quarter. These are advertised in the church bulletin and are open to any woman wanting to be rooted further in scripture. Currently we have a group studying he book of Hebrews. A variety of materials are used, including Precept and other published books. Discussions in these groups are lively and women find that the Word is relevant and helpful to their lives and their circumstances. Contact Liz Milner for more information.

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theme studies

From time to time, we offer theme studies. These are groups of about 10 women who gather to look at a particular theme, usually for 8-10 weeks. Groups we’ve had recently include a study of friendship, search for significance, emotional and relational dependancy and overeating or food addictions. Since these groups focus on particular topics for a number of weeks, there’s an opportunity to dig deep and make significant progress in important areas. Toward the end of each meeting, the groups usually divide into smaller prayer groups, where women listen to God and pray for each other. Please contact us if you are interested in joining a group or if you have ideas for a group of your own.

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lectio divina

Lectio Divina. What’s that? It is an age-old style of contemplative prayer that focuses on scripture and encourages silent meditation and listening to God. It’s open to all and is an exciting meeting because as we practice Lectio Divina, we begin to realize how much God does want to speak to us and show us His heart.

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leadership development

Leadership development and discipleship is an integral part of the Women’s Ministry. Our goal here is to provide a setting for women to explore their own gifts and passions, and to offer a place to receive support and counseling for women in leadership roles. The focus in this training is often on our own spiritual formation and relationship with Jesus, as this underpins everything we do as people who serve others in a leadership capacity. We have recently developed a curriculum called GROWL (God Raising Our Women Leaders) for this specific purpose.

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mentoring

Mentoring, discipling from one woman to another, is a wonderful way to share the journey of faith we are on. It is our hope and prayer that we can see the women of our church really investing in each other with the aim of taking a few more steps in that journey. Slyvia Blickle is currently working on the formation of a mentoring framework for the women of our church. For further details contact Liz Milner (liz@vcfp.org).

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events

Events like the Annual Weekend Retreat, the Christmas Tea, and the Silent Prayer Retreat are designed to draw women deeper into relationship with God and with each other. We try to make them as welcoming as possible to attend, even for newcomers, non-Christians and introverts! Often women find these events a haven in the midst of the craziness of life, an opportunity to retreat from the front lines, and a place to receive encouragement and direction from God before heading back into the fray.

The Annual Retreat happens early in March and is a time when about 100 women gather together for the weekend—to get to know each other, learn from a speaker, worship, pray and just have fun. It has often been a time when we have experienced God’s presence and power to minister to each other in powerful ways.

The Christmas Tea is Saturday, December 6, 2008. This is an afternoon tea in beautifully decorated surroundings. We have tea and goodies together, and enjoy a program of music, dance, readings and a short message. This is a time when we hope our women will invite friends and neighbors who wouldn’t normally come to church.

Our Half-Day Discovery Retreat is open to all women in the church and those who are not yet involved, to explore questions about God, join in a community of believers, and actively participate in the fellowship and ministry of the the church. The retreat will include sharing a meal, large and small group discussions, time for quiet reflection and music. If you are seeking God's love or desire a closer relationship with God, we encourage you to join us for our annual Half-Day Discovery Retreat. Our half-day retreats for 2008 are Saturday, April 19, and Saturday, October 25.

If you're interested in getting connected, we always need more help! Contact anyone on the ministry team if you are interested.

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intercession

A group of women who are interceding for the ministry and its activities. We have learned over the years the vital part that intercession plays in all we do, and we covet the prayers of these women!

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newsletter

Expressions of Faith newsletter communicates both our news and our stories! If you have newsletter ideas or would like to help put together the newsletter, please contact Liz Milner (liz@vcfp.org).

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new things

We always want to leave room for new things that God is doing! So do let us know what’s on your mind and heart. The ministry of the church is carried out by the members, so we’re excited to hear from you.

For further details contact Liz Milner (liz@vcfp.org).

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