Are you glad to see 2020 come to an end? I’ve heard lots of people say that and I can certainly agree to some extent. Prayers and condolences to any of you who regretfully lost family members or struggled with the sickness or harsh circumstances. Hoping that comfort was found in our Lord. In all circumstances we are to rejoice and give thanks, even when that goes against everything in us. Hopefully though, we can shift our focus and find some beauty in the ash. I hope you can.
So what might the future hold for us in Women’s Ministry in 2021? Well, while there’s still lots of guidelines and regulations to sort through regarding planned gatherings and events, I would like you to be aware of the following upcoming events and activities anyway and we’ll continue to sort the details out as the dates get closer.
According to a study by LifeWay published in November of 2015, “Over 40 percent of women who have had an abortion say they were frequent churchgoers at the time they ended their pregnancies and about a half of them say they kept their abortions hidden from church members.” As Christian women, we may know that Jesus can forgive us, but even knowing Jesus we can still carry the burden of guilt and shame ourselves. Perhaps you are all too familiar with this struggle….I once was. I asked Christ into my heart, yet I was unaware of how to get past the pain and anguish of a messy past. I knew that Jesus loved me, and that God took my sins and put them as far away from himself as the East is from the West, but deep down inside I was at unrest over what I’d done. Yet, how loving our Father is, that through sisters-in-Christ He was able to show me love to help release me from that burden and move into healing. Is this a struggle for you as well? Would you seek the opportunity to let another sister help you through it too? Towards the end of January, a post-abortive healing bible study, “Surrendering The Secret”, will be offered in confidence. If you’re unfamiliar with this study but feel as though God is speaking to you, I’d encourage you to view this trailer: https://youtu.be/QuVt-5kn4yY. Reach out in confidence to myself, Marie Perry at mperry@kassay.com, or to Katie Bailey at secondchron714@verizon.net.
Depending upon how things go, there’s a possibility that we can gather for a bowling night at Berks Lanes. Ironically enough, this was the last group activity our women had together just before Covid restrictions were first put in place! More details will follow, but if you are interested, drop us an email.
I’m hopeful to begin a marriage bible study sometime in March. I was looking forward to leading “Becoming Mrs. Betterhalf” by Holly Furtick, but as it turns out the video portion of the study may not be available. I will be praying as to whether the material (workbook) of the study will suffice without the video. The study is for women only to attend, but there will be homework to help engage our husbands in our study. If the Lord brings any other marriage studies to your mind, please share!
While some things are slowly resembling pre-covid times, we still have a ways to go. And with all the unrest in our country, one of the resolves I can settle into is the hope that God is working. Over the past few months, I’ve been encouraged during a series of live videos of intercessory prayers for our nation. If you feel as though you would like to participate with me, or perhaps feel led to be a part of a “zoom” prayer group for intercessory prayer, I’d be blessed to chat about it with you. Feel free to reach out to me.
Blessings!
Marie ♥
