Virginia Women of the Church of God

"Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ,
unto the glory and praise of God." Philippians 1:11

January 2, 2008
Dear WCG Ladies:

Happy New Year! (I'm already thinking Spring...)

REMEMBER: This year's Regional Prayer Retreats will include a delicious meal, fun, fellowship and an inspirational speaker. Our theme will be "Becoming a Contagious Christian!" You and your ladies are encouraged to participate in any and/or all of these retreats as you are able to attend. Please contact me if you have questions about registrations and costs. Also, circle your calendars for our Prayer Breakfast. Everyone is invited, and there is no charge for this event.

Central Region Roanoke First Church of God
Saturday, Jan 12 @ 6 pm

Eastern Region Ramada Inn 1776/Williamsburg
Saturday, Feb 9 @ 12 noon

WCG Prayer Breakfast Goodview First Church of God
1228 Parish Road (Approximately 13 miles
from Roanoke)
Saturday, March 8th @ 9 a.m.

JUST ANOTHER REMINDER: Our foreign missions project for 2007-2008 will be "Houses of Worship" (church planting in Costa Rica/ Nicaragua). Our goal will be $2,000, and once again you are encouraged to donate tool kits for their use in building these structures to teach and preach the Word of God. Our goal is to supply 300 tool kits for this purpose; and perhaps some of our husbands, sons, and grandsons may want to help us in completing this worthy project.
Each tool kit includes the following:
(1) Tape measure, (6) Pliers,
(2) Screwdrivers, (7) Utility knife,
(3) Wrench, (8) Screws/nails,
(4) Pencil, (9) Sandpaper,
(5) Hammer, (10) Secured in a canvas bag
(decorated by you - optional).

Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you and your WCG unit. You remain in my prayers for a wonderful new year as we work together for the building of God's Kingdom.

All for Jesus,
Geanna Walker
Geanna Walker, President


THOUGHTS WHICH MOTIVATE SERVICE...

Plant Seeds of Friendship and Watch Them Grow
"But [she] that received seed into the good ground is [she] that heareth the Word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth some a hundredfold, some sixty, and some thirty." --Matthew 13:23

"Though I do not believe that a plant will spring up where no seed has been, I have great faith in a SEED. Convince me that you have a seed there, and I am prepared to expect WONDERS."
--Henry David Thoreau

"Happiness held is a seed. Happiness shared is the flower."
--Anonymous

"The World is a Rose; smell it and pass it to your friends."
--Persian Proverb

"It will never rain roses. When we want to have more roses, we must plant more roses."
--George Eliot

"All the flowers of all the tomorrows are in the seeds of today."
--Indian Proverb

"Your mind is a garden; your thoughts are the seeds; the harvest can be either flowers or weeds." [It's up to YOU!]
--Anonymous

"What sunshine is to flowers, smiles are to humanity. They are but trifles to be sure, but scattered along life’s pathway, the good they do is inconceivable."
--Joseph Addison

"Friendship is a sheltering tree."
--Samuel Taylor Coleridge

"Do not protect yourself by a fence, but rather by your friends."
--Czech Proverb

"Friendship is a living thing that lasts only as long as it is nourished with kindness, empathy, and understanding."
--Anonymous

Excerpts from Seeds of Friendship, The Clever Factory, Inc., PO Box 150722, Nashville, TN 37215


WOMEN'S NEWS...

Debbie Brown (State Missions Resource Coordinator) has acknowledged a calling as a hospital chaplain. She is currently working as a chaplain intern at the hospital in Staunton, and she has begun the process of ministerial credentialing through the Virginia Church of God. We praise God for Debbie and her leadership in the State. Let's support her in her new role and calling...

Geanna Walker (State WCG President) has begun a new chapter in her life. She has acknowledged a calling into the ministry - particularly healthcare (and/or prison) chaplaincy. In November 2007, she enrolled in Mid-America Christian University's online studies for specialized Christian Ministries Bachelor in Science Program. Geanna has over 30 years professional training in the medical records field, and she feels that God has opened the door, at this time, to additional opportunities for witness and service. Pray for her as she strives to attain this calling.

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF - GOOD NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION:
"Good nutrition means eating a balanced diet. Poor nutrition is just the opposite, and it can lead to a myriad of health problems. It's important to learn how to eat right, which means including the right amounts of the right kinds of foods.

In theory, nutritious eating isn't that difficult. It comes down to basic you probably already know. Eat a varied diet that includes plenty of 100% whole grain products, vegetables and fruits, and reduce your intake of saturated and trans fats, sugars and salt.

Getting enough water also is important. Drink at least eight 8-oz. Glasses of water daily - more if you exercise frequently or are exposed to extremes of heat and cold. And eat regularly. If you skip breakfast and eat lunch on the run, you will be ravenous in the afternoon. Studies suggest that skipping breakfast can backfire and actually increase eating later in the day, contributing to weight gain. Some experts advise planning healthy snacks like fruit and yogurt throughout the day to stave off the munchies."

Excerpt from Nutrition. Retrieved from http://www.healthywomen.org (January 10, 2008).

Praise Happens When Virginia's Women Pray

Pray for our Eastern Region Convention Planning Committee. They will begin meeting, praying, and planning all the activities and details for our annual Spring Convention. More details upcoming...

Several of our WCG units, throughout the State, have lost local Presidents due to death and/or chronic illnesses. Please be in much prayer for these dear sisters and leaders.

Continue to pray for our sisters, Clarissa Hale and Catherine Myrick.

Hilda Huffer (WCG President Staunton) has lost her dear sister to death over the recent holidays. Please pray for her and her family as they mourn her great loss.

Please pray for Charlina Harden (WCG President Marion) and her family in the passing of her father over the recent holidays. Also pray for Charlina as she continues to overcome physical afflictions with a positive outlook and through the name of Jesus.

Remember our military men and women who continue to serve our country overseas. Herein is a great missions field. Pray that the Lord will protect and guide them – but most of all that they would hear the voice of God, personally, and respond to His call of salvation. Pray for those that minister to them in foreign lands and military bases at home and abroad.

Many of our churches continue to be without pastors. Let's continue to pray for these, as they seek the Lord in trying to find the right "shepherd" for each local flock. May we also pray that God would call other ministers into this field of labor.

(If you or a member of your local WCG unit needs prayer, please us know
by e-mailing your prayer requests to us.)


Dates To Remember

September 22, 2007 Autumn Board Meeting (Charlottesville)
November 10, 2007 Western Regional Prayer Retreat (Glade Spring)
January 12, 2008 Central Regional Prayer Retreat (Roanoke First Church of God)
February 9, 2008 Eastern Regional Prayer Retreat (Williamsburg)
March 8, 2008 WCG Prayer Breakfast (Goodview)
April 25-26, 2008 Spring Convention (Tidewater Area)
August 4-10, 2008 Camp Christi Campmeeting

Circle Your Calendars; See Ya There!