Daniel Fast - Day 7

The Daniel Fast

Day 7

So, I have a confession.

Last night I had to take Lydia to urgent care for a possible infection. Of course we were there longer than expected. So when we left, needing to run through Walgreens to fill a prescription, Lydia reminded me of how hungry she was. I took her to the McDonalds drive through. The menu was full of my carnal desires! LOL! But, I restrained myself. I ordered a side salad with no cheese and a Vinegar and Oil dressing. I got my salad and poured on the dressing. When I took the first bite I felt terrible. The dressing had parmesan cheese in it. I blew my fast.

God whispered encouragement to me as I quickly confessed:

“God, I am so sorry, I should have read the label, forgive me for blowing the fast. Help me to quickly get back on my fast and not entertain the idea of how good it tasted!”

His reply: “Ah, Cheryl, remember that I look at the heart! Your heart had no intention to break your fast. I forgive you and still receive your sacrifice”

Whatever the struggle may be for you; food, time, or both – you can know that God stands ready to forgive and lead you on to success! Don’t let an ‘oops!’ become a ‘forget it!’

Daniel Fast - Day 6

The Daniel Fast

Day 6

Here comes the weekend! Are you ready? You know, it will be a bit tougher. Schedules change, expectation of family changes. Make a plan on how you will maintain your success when everyone else wants something different.

For me, it’s the kids. They want snacks, or maybe pop and pizza for dinner. They want my favorite foods. Now, do I make them suffer with me or do I suffer for them? A Challenging statement. Suffering with me would be to not give them pizza because I have determined I don’t have the ability to say ‘no’ to myself. Suffering for them is to allow them to enjoy their pizza while I fix a vegetarian wrap for dinner.

I chose to suffer for them. In a way it brought me back to how much Jesus Christ has suffered for us. He allowed us to stay on this earth, enjoying the pleasures (the righteously good and the sinful) so that He could come and suffer. He suffered just coming to earth as He abstained from His own glory. The glory he reigned with in heaven!

Kinda puts a piece of pizza in perspective!

Hang tough this weekend and plan for success in your commitment to God!

Daniel Fast - Day 5

The Daniel Fast

Day 5

Well, I don’t know about you but I am being richly nourished by God. Some things that I have prayed for this past year have been answered in the last 5 days.

One prayer was that my humble husband would find opportunity and step out in confidence in promotion at work. My husband has had 2 opportunities this week to sit down with his immediate boss and also the CEO of the company!

Another prayer that was answered was when I asked God to show me the roots of my struggle with weight and anger. God has done some deep work in me. I am walking in more and more freedom every day!

What about you? Have you seen answers to prayer offered up some time ago? Share with us and encourage all of us on along the way!

Daniel Fast - Day 4

The Daniel Fast

Day 4

I watched my son doing his chores tonight. He has a habit of holding on to a toy in one hand while doing work with the other. I know I have told him before that he needs to let go of the toy so he has both hands to work with. Without both hands to work:

He spends a longer amount of time working

His work is messier

His sloppy work can cause other problems – like breaking a dish ;)

You see, his attention is divided. He hasn’t committed his whole self to get the job done.

I keep reminding myself of that same lesson during this fast. I’m putting both hands in, committing all my attention to the devotion of seeking God. In order to do that I am postponing some things I enjoy; reading a fiction book before bed, watching a movie with my husband. I am not abstaining from these things but I am putting them in the right priority.

Don’t get me wrong. Watching movies and reading fictional books are not bad things. But for these 21 days, I need to let them be further down my list and put both hands into my disciplines.

Just like my son, there is a time when I can play more, as he also should have time to play. And when we play I want us to play with both hands!

Right now, I have work to get done!

“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” 1 Corinthians 10:31

Daniel Fast - Day 3

The Daniel Fast

Day 3

Are you gaining momentum? My headaches from caffeine withdrawal have ceased. I can feel my energy being very constant throughout the day. But I have to be honest, I was a bit grumbly about not eating what I wanted. Yes, sometime today I thought; “Does it really matter what I eat and why would God really need me to not eat certain foods?” Yes, there was a bit of sas in that attitude! Wow, I am a bit gutsy to cop an attitude with God! I am glad he is my father and understands me 

Why is the food so important? Because; I had become spoiled.

A flash back to scripture, provided by God, helped me put it in perspective. (Exodus 5-15)The Israelites had been slaves in Egypt for 400 years. They were treated with disdain, their babies murdered, their men beaten, and they cried out to God. God sent a deliverer, Moses, who proclaimed God’s release. God ushered in plague after plague until Pharaoh let God’s people go. Then as they left, some of the Egyptians came with them, and those that stayed gave them gold and animals to get them out of their country. They left Egypt as an incredibly wealthy nation. But Pharaoh changed his mind, he pursued them with an army. Then God parted the Red Sea for them to cross into safety and drowned Pharaoh and his army. Now, after all this the Israelites worshipped God and lived happily ever after in the land that God had promised to them. Not really.

They came to the wilderness and began to complain that God had brought them out there to die (Exodus 16.) (Really?, then he went to a lot of trouble to save them, to then kill them) So God sent manna from heaven every morning and quail every night. Guess what, they grumbled. Miraculous provision wasn’t enough.

So why isn’t all the whole grains and fruits and vegetables of every kind and pure water not enough for me? Because I had come to a spoiled place that even the miraculous provision of year round fruits and vegetables was not enough. Like the Israelites that had traveled for 2 months couldn’t remember all the miracles of their release… Like a spoiled child I was throwing a temper tantrum!

Though I am denying myself – it is from what I want – not what I need. In humility I realized that these precious foods and pure water; without disease or illnesses, is a modern day miracle. What I have been given during this fast is truly enough!

I wonder what other areas of my life I am spoiled? What other aspects do I not see God’s miraculous provision for me. What more could I be grateful for?

Tomorrow, I will enter his gates with Thanksgiving and into his courts with praise! (Psalm 100:4)

Daniel Fast - Day 2

The Daniel Fast

Day 2

I don’t think I have ever heard myself say “No” so much. No; Lydia, my 3 year old, did not have a bad day. In fact all the “no’s” I heard were inside my head.

NO, you may not have that cup of coffee

NO, you promised you wouldn’t eat that bread

NO, you must still fix dinner for everyone else and YES it needs to be something they want that you can’t have! Who knew canned chicken could smell so good!

The rhetoric could go on and on! Denying myself is not easy – by any means. I felt like today was just constant self-criticism. And already the thoughts are creeping in “you are never gonna make it 3 weeks”

But, I did it anyway. You know why? Because, I can choose to. I chose that just for today, I will keep my word to God. Just for today I can eat anything I want except for any food with animal products and yeast. Just for today I can have water or water with lemon, or an orange. Just for today.

Just for today I will spend more time in His Word. Ezekiel was a bit depressing so I read the first four Psalms. Psalm 4: 3-8 says this:

But know that God has set apart the godly for himself;

The Lord Hears when I call to him.

Be angry and do not sin;

Ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent.

Offer right sacrifices,

And put your trust in the Lord.

There are many who say “Who will show us some good?

Lift up the light of your face upon us, Oh Lord!”

You have put more joy in my heart

Than they have when their grain and wine abound.

In peace I will both lie down and sleep;

For you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

Pray with me today:

“Lord, thank you that you have set me apart for yourself. Thank you for leading me to this time of denying what I want, my right sacrifice, in order to find you. So Lord, I trust in you to keep me faithful. I trust that all I need is provided for me. I trust that you hear me when I call to you in my times of weakness. And with this you have put more joy in my heart than at the times when I eat all the bread I want, or drink whatever I desire. In peace I will rest my mind, my body and my spirit in the safety of your presence. Amen”

Daniel Fast - Day 1

The Daniel Fast

Day 1

While channel surfing over the holidays I caught the tail end of a program. I didn’t even need to watch the whole thing to catch how grueling this event had been for the participants. I saw it in their faces. Runner after runner crossed the finish line. Some literally crawled over it. Some propelled their wheelchair with one last exhausted push. But, after that last effort, everyone smiled. A smile that held unbelievable satisfaction, pride, and accomplishment.

You see, this was no ordinary race, this was the Ironman Triathalon (2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride and a marathon =26.2 miles). And for most the object was not winning – it was finishing.

As the personal interviews rolled at the end, what struck me most was that all the participants talked about how much pain was a part of the race (as this huge smile was plastered to their face.) They talked about the moments when their body was screaming to give up, to give in to the pain – and then they talked about the moment when their mind would determine to keep going.

Why would anyone choose to subject themselves to such intensive training? Why would they train to run a race that would hurt so much? Why would they choose pain over comfort? Because of the prize.

Dear Women of God – whatever you have chosen to give up and add in to your life for this Fast of 21 days will hurt. It will be inconvenient. It will threaten to embarrass you should you fail or quit. But you were not called to this time of discipline for that consequence. You were called to earn the reward. Your reward will be far greater than any physical race. You are exchanging the comforts of this world for the very presence of God. You are inviting into your life the one person who can change your heart, your thoughts, your actions. You are inviting into your life the same power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead.

So run this race expecting greatness. Run with confidence that God will meet you exactly where you are and bring you leaps ahead. Run expecting that things that have bound you will fall away. Run knowing that God has gone before you to prepare the way. Run knowing that we will all finish this race and that together God will move our personal lives and the life of Women Ministries at ACC into a deeper walk of faith.

I am excited! Like a runner at the start line I have been preparing for this journey and now I just want to get going! Somebody start the race!

Run for the Prize!

Ecclesiates 9:11, 1 Corinthians 9:24, 2 Timothy 4:7, Hebrews 12:1

Opportunity from MOPS Next!

Moms Night Out!

Sunday - January 30th 6:00-8:30 PM at Arvada Covenant Church

Our children and the Internet is a growing problem in Colorado.

Featuring Mike Haris

Jefferson County Distric Attorneys Office

on

Internet and Cell Phone Safety for Our Kids

Worried about Myspace.com? How about ANYPLACE Online?

Any site is a concern where personal information is posted. Learn about

“Just 3 Things!”
Mike and Cassandra Harris are Investigators who work on Crimes Against Children

cases with the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office. This husband and wife police

team is dedicated in protecting children. Since 1996, Mike and Cassandra have been

active in their fight against sex offenders who prey on children through the Internet.

They were the first in Colorado and one of the first in the United States to go after sex

offenders on the Internet. Their efforts have resulted in over a 450 sex offenders being

arrested. They have presented over 2000 times throughout the Nation and in Colorado.

They have been featured on Oprah, Dr. Phil, The Today Show, Court TV with

Al Roker, A & E Investigative Reports and ABC Evening News to mention a few.

Take an hour out of your busy schedules to hear how daring these sex offenders have

become with our children right here in Colorado. Learn what we as parents can do

to make our children safer. We teach our children not to talk to strangers. However,

these strangers are now coming into some of our homes via the Internet and/or

through our children’s cell phones. While we will feature a great speaker on a serious subject -

we will also have fun and fellowship along with dessert at end of presentation.

For more information, visit us online at:

http://www.acc-momsnext.org/

or Contact us at:

ACC-MOMSnext

Arvada Covenant Church

5555 Ward Road

Arvada, CO 80002

303-422-1235 ext. 417

Prayer and Fasting

A New Thing in this New Year

Isaiah 43:19 ESV

Behold, I am doing a new thing;

now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?

I will make a way in the wilderness

and rivers in the desert.

God desires to do a new thing in you!  Yes, right now, today, this year He is waiting for the invitation to transform YOU!  At the beginning of every year most of us tend to look for something new.  A new me, a new body, a new job, new life in a marriage, a new school; we are looking for something new. 

I am looking for something new too.  I am seeking out God in my own life and in Women Ministries at ACC.  From January 9-29 I am embarking on a new journey.  I will be partaking in a partial fast (giving up certain foods and drinks from my diet for the purpose of seeking God’s direction.) And, I am encouraging each one of you to join me.  No, I am not asking you to do exactly what I am doing by fasting in the same way. But, I am asking you to consider committing to set aside specific time each day from January 9-29 to seek God in your life and in the life of Women Ministries at ACC. 

Maybe during this time you commit to something new that you add into your life: like 10 minutes a day that is solely devoted to prayer: both the praise of who God is and the asking for meeting of certain needs – but also in listening; waiting to hear a response from God (a scripture passage to read, a word in your mind that speaks to your heart, the leading to ‘do’ something.)  Or, maybe God will lead you to also give something up for a time.  If you get stuck in figuring this out please let me know, I will be glad to help you discern what and where God is leading you.

Fasting is a practice that is woven into every profound story in the Bible.  And Fasting is simply a way of stating to God, “I want YOU more than _____”  (fill in the blank of what you are abstaining from.)  I can testify to the power of drawing near to God as he showed me how to Abide in him in 2010.  In my fast in January I am seeking God’s protection and direction for Women Ministries at ACC in the areas of the causes of Human Trafficking and Advocates for Victims of Abuse (coming in May 2011) and for His power in our Spring Retreat.  Personally, I am fasting for growth in my life in the fruit of the spirit of self-control.  Everything that I get frustrated about; money, weight, speaking out of my flesh, arguing with my husband, anger in my parenting, all come from a lack of this fruit in my life.  

It would bring me great joy to journey with you in prayer in January.  I will be journaling some encouragement through this time on our Women Ministries blog.  I hope that you will join me in seeking God first – at the beginning of 2011. 

If God leads you to join with me, in any way in January, please email me (Cheryl@MeakinsSpeak.com)  and let me know so that I can support you through the power of Prayer.  As God promises to reward those who give their tithe of money so do I believe that God will richly reward you for giving a tithe of your time or appetite at the beginning of 2011! 

Advent Brunch 2010

Advent Brunch is always a great way to kick off the holiday season!  It is an event that will touch your heart no matter your age or your spiritual walk.  It's a time to meet new people and catch up with good friends.  Most importantly it is a time to prepare your heart for the Advent Season!

Our beautiful and festive centerpieces:

 We thank you for your generosity in purchasing these ornaments on our centerpieces!  We raised over $400 to support our National Women Ministries.  We are so blessed to be just one group of women across the nation who belong to Women Ministries.  Since their inception, women have raised almost 9 million dollars for causes such as helping educate women in the Congo, advocating for women who have been abused, abolishing human trafficking, and much more.  Your generous donations will allow our National Women Ministries to continue to address the needs of women and children across the globe.

Many men made this day possible by babysitting and serving our tables! Thank you!!  

 Several of our beautifully decorated tables along with just the beginning of the amazing food that was served! We thank all those women who played a role in preparing the food, donating quiches, and hosting a table!

Kinsey and Cheryl (Women Ministry Chairs) share about our upcoming events.  They were excited to share about Spring Retreat!  Stay tuned to the blog for posts about the retreat and see the left side of the blog for more details!  They also shared about Women Ministries heart for those who have been abused or are the victim of human trafficking.  Not the type of conversation you expect to hear at a Christmas Brunch!  Yet, just the type of subject that grabs at our hearts as women and moves us to action.  

 We were so blessed to hear Glory's testimony about surviving abuse and why this is such a topic that is near and dear to her heart.  She is passionate about our upcoming event this May called Advocates for Victims of Abuse (AVA).  AVA will be a three day event where a trained advocate will be traveling to our church. Each day will offer a different extent of training in hopes to reach all levels of interest. This event will focus on educating about abuse, raising awareness on becoming an advocate, and extensive training to raise up and train advocates in our church, and providing awareness to young adults about these important topics and how it relates to dating.

 Glory's powerful testimony:

As many women generously donated food and hosted tables we were able to keep the cost of this event low.  Your ticket cost helped to pay for the event but will also help to fund our AVA event so that people from our church and community will be able to attend that important event for a nominal cost!  Thank you! 

Christy Jantzen blesses us by her singing and her words about Reflecting God's Glory at Christmas:

 We ended our time together by singing Christmas Carols:

 Advent Brunch was a big success due to the many people who donated their time by helping with set up/clean up, serving, babysitting, baking a quiche, hosting a table, decorating, preparing food, giving a testimony, and playing the piano. Thank you to all who generously donated their time, gifts, and money to make this event possible. Finally, Cheryl and Kinsey also want to thank the Women Ministries leadership team for all the time and effort they put into the event! We are so thankful for you!  We were so blessed by everyone's attendance at the event and hope this was a great way to begin the Advent Season!

Keeping Connected

Women Ministries has a passion for helping hurting women.  Our cause this year is helping to raise awareness about abuse and to equip people to support those who have been abused.  We are excited to have an opportunity to support a women who is working with those who have been abused.  Irene Houdek is a member of Arvada Covenant Church and is now on staff with Alaska Christian College where she raises her own support.  Many of the women who attend Alaskan Christian College have been abused and by being on staff at the college, Irene is just one of the many people who can touch their lives. One way we can support Irene is by purchasing her note cards.  The cards feature captivating photos from the Alaskan Wilderness. 

 Check Out Irene's Pictures:

They would be a great holiday gift or for your own personal use. The cards are sold in packs of 10 cards for $20. Please let Wendy (place4stuff@yahoo.com) know if you are interested!

Race For Freedom

Last weekend 14 people from our church joined together for the Race for Freedom!  It was a gorgeous fall day at Aurora Reservoir:

 Nearly our entire group of racers:

This race raised over $4500 for the Pearl Alliance.  This organization is partnering with In His Steps International (a Christian organization) to build a safe house in Cambodia. 

Their website (http://pearlalliance.org/2010/07/the-safehouse-project/) describes the project:

There is a DESPERATE need for a safe house within the community of Saang, Cambodia. Sadly it’s NOT only the orphans in this area that are at risk…the very children of the community have no safe place to escape the parents who’d put them in harm’s way. Some are sold to pay off gambling debts. Others are sold to feed addictions. If there is a SAFE place within the village where children are loved, educated and nurtured, it declares that an individual child’s safety is a GOD GIVEN human right! The need was so urgent we’ve agreed to fully fund this project, but we need your help.

In partnership with In His Steps International, Pearl Alliance is constructing a 6 bedroom, 2 bathroom concrete safe house in the Saang province of Cambodia. Once completed, the house will shelter 12 boys and girls at risk of being trafficked. Children who live in the safe house will have access to education at the local government school, mentoring, and job skills training when appropriate. Most importantly, they will be raised in an environment where they are valued and loved.

The construction of the safe house began in May, and the house will be completed by the end of this month, July 31st. The total cost of constructing this safe haven for children is $50,000. So far, Pearl Alliance has received just over $20,000 of the $50,000, so just shy of $30,000 is needed to completely fund this project!!

The race for freedom was able to help fund 1/10 of this project!  It was a great day to be active for a good cause!  Be sure to check out the Pearl Alliance and In His Steps International websites!

http://pearlalliance.org/

http://www.ihsionline.org/blog/category/safehouse



Fall Into Fellowship

We gathered at 3 Sons Restaurant on a cool fall afternoon to share a delicious meal, to meet old friends and make new friends.

Cheryl Meakins spoke to us about how we can reflect God's glory in our lives.

"And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the LORD's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the LORD, who is the Spirit."  2 Cor. 3:18

Kinsey Ringenberg highlighted some upcoming events - ways we can make a difference in the life of a hurting woman - and encouraged us to join small groups and Bible studies to connect with other women and grow in our faith.

Of course we had plenty of time to chat before we left!

45 women were able to join us this day!  Check out our events section and join us in an upcoming event.

Hope to see you soon!

Race for Freedom

As many of you know, we have been focusing on Human Trafficking as the cause for Women Ministries.  Last spring we had the Break the Chains event that raised awareness about Human Trafficking as well as over $1000 for the cause.  At our last Advent Brunch you generously donated over $300 for Human Trafficking.  We would like to continue with raising awareness, funds, and spending time in prayer about this awful crime that goes on across the world through participation in a 5/10 K race.  You can run or walk and bring the entire family (guys welcomed too)!  Watch the promotional DVD and check out more details for the race at http://www.strategicendurance.com/5K_10KRace.html. The women in charge of this race are fellow Christian women fighting for this cause!  What a great way to support them in their efforts!

Race Details

5K Run/Walk and 10K Run

Quincy Reservoir, 5800 South Powhaton Road, Aurora, CO

Saturday, October 30, 2010

10K Run begins @ 9:00 a.m.; 5K Run/Walk begins at @ 9:15 a.m.

Food and awards to follow the race.

5K Registration: $35 by October 22, 2010
10K Registration: $40 by October 22, 2010
No Race Day Registration

This years race will include a "Super Hero" costume theme for those interested. Dress as your favorite "Super Hero" for the cause of stopping human trafficking.

The mission of the 2010 Race for Freedom 5K/10K is to raise awareness of the horrific realities of the human trafficking industry while raising money through race entry fees to be donated to Pearl Alliance, an organization committed to aligning with on site organizations throughout the world that work to combat the trafficking of women and children. Your race entry fee will be donated to Pearl Alliance.

If you are interested contact Carolyn (docholiday4224@yahoo.com) or Kinsey (kringenberg@gmail.com) from our church!  We would like you to register for the race yourself at http://www.strategicendurance.com/5K_10KRace.html. 
Then let us know that you plan to be there by email so we can meet at the starting line (or carpool from ACC) on race day!

We hope to see you there! 

Fall into Fellowship

We are thrilled to be supporting another local business for our Fall into Fellowship! 

Join us at 3 Sons for a great time of food, fellowship, and teaching!

Date: October 10th

Time: 1-3 p.m.

Place: 3 Sons - 64th and Indiana

Cost: $14

Buy Tickets in the Family Life Center between services or in the church office during the week!

Learn how to connect with Women Ministries and Small Groups! This is a great way to meet people and deepen friendships!

See you there!

Fall Retreat at Covenant Heights

Last weekend 14 women from our church had the opportunity to go to Covenant Heights in Estes Park for our Midwest Conference Fall Women's Retreat!  We had a great time of teaching, rest, fun, and fellowship!  Ruth Hill, the national Covenant Women Ministries director was our speaker.  She did an incredible job of teaching us about our identity in Christ.  She taught us that we as women are accepted, precious, loved, and chosen.   Cheryl and Kinsey both did a great job giving their seminars!

Saturday afternoon we had the opportunity for free time.  Some of us napped, hiked and shopped.  Check out these pictures from Lily Lake:

Our wind blown look:

View from Camp:

Group pic:

Our friends from camp:

Several women from our church took a step of faith and came not really knowing anyone.  That is a difficult thing to do!  For example, Glory, a new member at our church, took the weekend away from her husband and three kids to come up to camp.  She felt God's tugging to come and took a step of faith to come to the retreat not knowing any of us. The following is her testimony from the weekend:

I went to the Women’s Ministries retreat a bit scared but with an open heart. I moved to Colorado six months ago. My husband and I have just become members of the church; I had heard about this retreat for a few weeks but was skeptical because I really did not know anyone at the church. My thoughts were – “How am I going to go there without knowing anyone? I’m going to feel left out and all alone." I had asked my husband if he thought it was a good idea and he said for me to go that he would take care of the kids. I really needed some time alone with God and thought this would be good for me. I really needed to know where God was leading me.

During this series of messages God spoke to me in many ways; first by reminding me that “I am accepted” with the first message. I have often felt that I would not be accepted by anyone if they became aware of my past. But I was reassured that I am accepted by God because He called me by name and He has a purpose for my life. The second message reaffirmed my worth because “I am precious” in God’s eyes. I had issues when I looked at myself in the mirror because I often believed the lies of the enemy who constantly told me that I was not worth anything; that I was not beautiful that I was ugly because of the things that had happened in my life, but I learned that in God’s eyes I AM PRECIOUS! Then the following message really hit me when the sermon was titled “I am loved” because I often thought that God could not love me after all the things I had done, but God in his mercy loves me just as I am. My sins have been forgiven just like the woman who washed Jesus’ feet with her tears. I am a new creation of Christ all of my sins have been washed by the blood of the lamb! On the final day I acknowledge that “I am chosen” –I believe God is sending me on a special journey all I have to do is be willing to do His will.

I recently learned that Women’s Ministries will be working with abused women. The program is called Advocacy for Victims of Abuse (AVA). Having been through this situation I would like to become an advocate. This is something that is close to my heart.

I have to say that the women at this retreat made me feel more than welcome. At every meal someone would ask me to come join them because they wanted to get to know me. My God is a wonderful God! I felt right at home with my sisters in Christ.

Thanks for sharing, Glory!  We hope that her testimony will encourage everyone to think about coming to retreat!  This fall retreat was one of the best retreats up at Covenant Heights! Join us next year!

Ice Cream Social

We started out the 2010-2011 year for Covenant Women with an informative Ice Cream Social!  We appreciated the group of women who came to hear more information! 

I love our decorations for this!  They match our design for the year!

We had the opportunity to hear from our sewing circle!  What a great experience to hear from women who take time to sew layettes, quilts, and robes as well as roll bandages.  They send the fruits of their labor all over the world!  Thank you for the update, ladies!!  Be sure to see the tab on the left hand side for more info about the sewing circle!

We are off to a great start and are excited about where God is leading our ministry!!

Fall Retreat

Fall Retreat

Our Fall Retreat will be held at Estes Park on September 17-19th!

The Theme is GRACEBOOK - What's your Profile?

We are Precious, We are Forgiven, and We are Chosen - Presented by Ruth Hill

A native of Bellingham,Washington, Ruth Hill attended Seattle Pacific University and graduated in 1972 with degrees in psychology and education. She continued her studies in education at the University of Washington. In 1972 she and her husband, Brad Hill, were called by the Covenant to serve as missionaries to Congo (then Zaire). During nineteen years of service there, she taught high school, trained couples for pastoral ministry and was very active in women's ministries. In 1991, the Hills moved back to Bellingham to serve Bellingham Evangelical Covenant Church for the next eight years. Ruth Hill has served on mission boards at the conference and denominational level. In September 1999 she was called to serve as Executive Minister of Women Ministries for the Evangelical Covenant Church.

Cheryl Meakins and Kinsey Ringenberg from our church will be giving the breakout sessions.

Guard Your Heart - Presented by Cheryl Meakins

Cheryl has been a Christian for over 20 years. God has been her healer. Through growing up in an abusive home to a struggle with depression in college and even a marriage on the edge of divorce, God has shown himself to her as “Abba.” His pursuit of her life has been her joy. Her career paths have varied from stay at home mom to Occupational Therapist and is now venturing into Christian writing and speaking. She is currently the Women Ministries Chair at Arvada Covenant Church; the heart of her calling. Visit her blog: http://www.meakinsspeak.wordpress.com/.

Weighty Issues – A Christian Perspective on Obesity and Eating Disorders From a Medical Point of View presented by Kinsey Ringenberg

Risky Business – A Christian Perspective on Teenage Sexuality From a Medical Point of View presented by Kinsey Ringenberg

Kinsey Ringenberg became a Christian at a young age. As a teen she had several medical conditions, including anorexia nervosa, which were the basis for her decision to make the medical field her mission field. Kinsey obtained her B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies at CSU before she completed her Masters of Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Shortly after graduation in 2008 she joined Indian Crest Pediatrics in Westminster. Kinsey believes that God has called her to this field so she can encourage others in making good life decisions by basing her advice on Biblical principals. Kinsey is married to Luke and they attend Arvada Covenant Church where she is the Vice Chair of Women Ministries.


Come join us for an amazing weekend in the mountains, fellowship, and teaching! There will be time to hike, enjoy Estes, have alone time away from the business of this world, and deepen friendships! Please check out the following website for all the details:
http://www.covenantheights.org/Events/Womens_Retreat.html.
See you in Estes!

Breakfast Club

The Breakfast Club is starting again on September 11th!! Come for food and fellowship. Contact Joan Hitt for more details at Koolwater101@aol.com.

Leadership Retreat

We had a great group of gals up in the mountains to plan a new year of ministry and we are excited about all that is coming! Look on the left side of the page with information about our first event, the Ice Cream Social.

Carolyn, Sherry, Kinsey, Brenda, Julie, Kathy, Cheryl, Barb:

See you at the Ice Cream Social!