September 2012 · Thing”!based!on!Mary!and!Martha.!!The!speaker!is!Jaqueline!Almeida!of!...
Transcript of September 2012 · Thing”!based!on!Mary!and!Martha.!!The!speaker!is!Jaqueline!Almeida!of!...
newsletter
September 2012
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resourcing women of the cbwc
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“Tend and Befriend” http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2000/05/000522082151.htm
A UCLA study noticed that when men feel stressed, they tend to isolate themselves (the man-‐cave syndrome!) where women are more likely to gather with other women or draw close to their children. As most studies on stress used men as subjects, it was assumed that “fight or flight” were the key responses to stressful situations. It wasn’t until more women were included in studies that “tend and befriend” was recognized as a beneficial coping strategy with actual chemical/biological benefits. When we feel overly busy and pulled in many directions, the idea of attending a retreat or taking time to join a women’s gathering or Bible study at church doesn’t seem that appealing. Yet, when we do take the time to gather and especially to laugh as well as share together, our stress levels decrease and the weekly tasks ahead become much more manageable. Connecting with other women is definitely good for our health and state of “shalom” or wholeness. As loneliness and isolation continue to be issues facing women in North America while we struggle to meet the demands of home, work, community and church, it is important to remember that it may not be so much what we do together when we gather, but the fact that we are together and that can make a difference.
Baptist Women’s World Day of Prayer – November 5
This year’s theme is “In Step with the Spirit through Joy” and the focus will be on the Asian Continental Union. The resources available to plan your day of prayer are excellent and can be found at www.bwawd.org or in the latest issue of Tie Magazine found at www.nabwu.org. You could make a day retreat out of the material or a special gathering for the women of your church. If you cannot gather on Monday, November 5th, then pick another day. It is also good to try to connect with other Baptist churches within and beyond the CBWC to enlarge the circle of support for our global Christian sisters. There are Bible studies, prayer guides and testimonials all easily accessible for the planning of a successful event and your offerings can make a difference in the ministry of women in our Asian continent. Another great way to connect! A Way to Make a Difference R.E.E.D Postcard Campaign Tell your elected officials that you want to see prostitution treated as a form of violence against women. Gather your community group, church circle, book club, class, etc. and fill out the postcards together. It's a great way to learn and take a step towards collective action! To order postcards contact [email protected]. For more information check their website :www.embracedignity.org (Michelle Miller works with R.E.E.D and is part of our CBWC family)
FOCUS is written by Faye Reynolds for Women in Focus of the CBWC. Check out our website at www.womeninfocus.org Director: Faye Reynolds, [email protected] (403) 381-‐2925 President: Sandi Smoker, [email protected] (250) 245-‐5092 Project funds should be sent Attention: Julia Hamilton at the CBWC office. Make cheques payable to CBWC and clearly designate the WIF project intended. CBWC: Suite 1100, 550—11th Ave SW Calgary, AB T2R 1M7 Friendship Outreach Character Unity Service
Productivity verses Relational Wholeness
A recent Barna Group study looked at the general factors that bring women joy and satisfaction, especially in the area of spirituality. In asking about areas of sin and struggle, the traditional “seven deadly sins” of Christianity were not high on women’s radar. Rather than envy, lust or gluttony, women identified disorganization and inefficiency as their greatest personal struggles.
What does this say about our spiritual walk? Is God calling us to be highly effective and efficient in our life with Him? I’m having trouble finding the Bible verse to support this priority or calling! Perhaps one of the reasons that we have trouble taking time away is that it doesn’t seem the best use of time to accomplish great things.
The Barna study also revealed that any disappointment women experience in life is centered on relational failure, not financial, moral or ethical failure. Is there some disconnect between our need for relationships and the belief that we must be productive? Do the two compete and leave us feeling frustrated and torn?
Perhaps this is why Jesus affirmed Mary taking the time to sit at his feet and listen while scolding Martha for running around in her productive, efficient way. Yes, there are things that need to be done, but at what cost when the very Source of peace and joy is present and inviting us to sit at His feet? Retreats may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but if it is just time holding you back, consider if this might not be just what you need.
Regional Retreats for a day or a weekend: BC-‐Yukon Autumn Celebration: Saturday, September 29th at White Rock Baptist Church: 9:30 am – 3:00 pm. Theme: “Packing your Suitcase for Life’s Journey” with speaker Brenda Pue from Arrow Leadership. Brenda uses humour and stories to lead us all into thinking about the things we need to “pack” in order to leave a godly legacy.
Alberta Fall Retreat: October 12 – 14th in Canmore Alberta. “Crowned with Beauty” is the theme and the speaker is Regine King (a very royal name!) who is a survivor of the holocaust in Rwanda. You will find her story incredible and won’t want to miss this beautiful time of worship, sharing and healthy laugher together. Registration limited to 120.
Saskatchewan Connection ’12: October 17 – 19, 2012 at Arlington Beach Camp and Conference Center. The theme this year is “One Good Thing” based on Mary and Martha. The speaker is Jaqueline Almeida of Speaking You Consulting. Jacqueline is all about helping people that are going through difficult or unforeseen circumstances and who recognize their need for healing, and to shift perspectives to begin again. All registration forms and more information are available on our website at www.womeninfocus.org. We also have a new Bible study available, Seven Meditations on Creation for your small group ministries. The material is based on the time we spent together in Canmore and has been adapted for the local church setting. UPDATE on Pingping Ren: Canadian Baptist Women supports one foreign student who shows great potential in mission and ministry in her native country. Pingping from China is going into her third year of studies at Crandall University in Moncton. She had a great summer helping the women of Ontario and Quebec in a variety of programs from VBS to SPARC programs as well as their two week mission venture to Misstissini, Quebec. She has been a great asset to their ministries and now excited to return to her studies. Thank you BCY women for your support on behalf of Women in Focus. Pingping continues to be a blessing to all who meet her.