Weekly meeting of Mom’s in Touch (a prayer group for local schools and students), monthly Women’s Ministry Meeting held the first Monday of each month at Valley Christian at 6:30 p.m.

Happy New Year to all the women at Valley Christian Church. It has come to our attention that many of you do not know what “ladies fellowship” is at VCC. Come to the next monthly women’s fellowship meeting (6:30 pm on Monday, February 7) and find out. You will get to know some of the women at VCC while we study God’s word, visit, and pray together, and find ways to serve God’s beloved daughters and sons at VCC, in the Valley, and beyond.

On the first Monday of each month all ladies at VCC are invited for a time of informal fellowship, a short devotion led by one of the ladies, and a service-centered activity. For example, in the past we have had devotions on prayer, the tongue, being more intimate with God, and the armor of God in relationships. We have written notes of encouragement, planned meals to take to the sick, and packed college care packages. We have laughed, sung, prayed, studied, and cried together. Come join us next month!

At the January 3rd fellowship meeting we studied Ephesians 6, how the “armor of God” passage is in the context of Paul’s instructions on relationships. We shared our thoughts and insights as to how God wants us to use his armor to fight the evil one who wants to destroy unity. We so often put up our own shields and breastplates, etc. to defend ourselves against criticism or difficult relationships rather than preparing to run by holding up our robes with the belt of truth and being ready with the gospel of peace (etc.). Let’s keep reminding each other to wear the armor of God instead of the armor of humans!

At our January 3rd meeting we also discussed what activities we would like to see occur in 2005. To start with, we are planning an evening “pamper ourselves”night in March, a Mothers’ Day brunch in May, helping with VBS meals in July, a September progressive dinner, a retreat in November, and a Christmas party in December. Many women have chosen to be a “secret sister” to someone during the year (see Jodi Evans for more information), and many women are planning other activities or service opportunities and inviting all who are interested to join them, such as shopping trips to Portland, visiting the Christian Book Distributors warehouse sale, and going to ladies’ brunches and retreats at other churches.

Join us in 2005 at our monthly Monday fellowships. And let’s continue to grow in our walk with God as we reach, teach, serve and send.

Serving Him in 2004,

Marilyn and Joany

Serving Him in 2005

Sue Budroe & Sooz Eland