The Women’s Ministries need You! We have several volunteer opportunities if you have been looking for a way to get involved.
Betty Encalade does a wonderful job of keeping our kitchen clean, organized, and ready to use for each congregational event. She needs some additional volunteers to sign-up to help for one month a year. A co-leader to work with her would also be appreciated.
Ladies’ Day for early 2010, and a Spring Retreat are also in the planning stages. If you would like to serve on a committee for either event, please let any of the Women’s Ministry Committee members know.
For these immediate needs or in the future - we can find a spot for you if you would like to serve – on an ongoing project, or a one-time event. Please tell us your interests, or ask where you are needed.
Karan Bridgwater
Virginia Clayton
Karen Collins
LouAnn Jordan
Juli Beth Ledbetter
Teri McCalip
Sue Jones
Marilyn Stinson
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Saturday, August 8, 2009
About The Women of Pleasant Ridge
Being a daughter, wife, mother and friend can be very rewarding, but in today's world, it can also be very challenging. The ladies of Pleasant Ridge have worked together to offer many ministries to provide encouragement, edification, rejuvenation, and fellowship.
As you read our blog and the posted comments, keep in mind the theme of the Women's Ministy - "Ribbons of Faith". A ribbon is defined as "a band of fine fabric used for trimming, tying or finishing." A ribbon is not used for just one reason but for many. We are all "fine fabric" created by God. If it were not for each lady using her unique talents and strengths our ministries could not function correctly and, quite possibly, could not continue. Every ministry ties us together and allows us to thread through each other's lives.
As you read our blog and the posted comments, keep in mind the theme of the Women's Ministy - "Ribbons of Faith". A ribbon is defined as "a band of fine fabric used for trimming, tying or finishing." A ribbon is not used for just one reason but for many. We are all "fine fabric" created by God. If it were not for each lady using her unique talents and strengths our ministries could not function correctly and, quite possibly, could not continue. Every ministry ties us together and allows us to thread through each other's lives.
Ribbons of Faith Blog Purpose
This blog has been created as part of the Women’s Ministry of Pleasant Ridge Church of Christ, in Arlington Texas. Our hope is that it will be used as a communication tool, a source of encouragement, perhaps a place that will make you think, as well as, a place to share ideas, joys and burdens. It is a work in progress and suggestions are welcomed. We hope you will visit often and we pray you are uplifted, informed and blessed by what is contained in our blog. If you’d like to contribute a short thought, favorite scripture or a prayer request please send an email message to our “Web Servant”, Vickie Thompson - vickiegg@sbcglobal.net.
Ribbons and Faith
Almost from the moment a female child is born, ribbons play a significant role in her life. As soon as a few twigs of hair can be gathered together, our mothers carefully place ribbons on top of our head! From that moment on little girls, of all ages, have a fascination with ribbon. From dressing up our pony tails to turning birthday packages from plain to gorgeous, ribbons always add a little flair to our lives. In just a matter of minutes, placing a few pieces of curly ribbon on a table turns it from a boring place for a meal to a celebration waiting to happen! A ribbon is a small touch that can be vivid, elegant, colorful, cheerful or exciting.
I’d like to suggest that faith can be like ribbons in our life – part of us from the time someone begins to teach us about the grace and wonder of God. Faith enhances our life like the ribbon adds flair to our hair. It can take us from timid to bold when necessary. Faith causes us to celebrate joy in our life even during tough times. Faith prompts us to help carry the burden for others who aren’t strong enough to carry the load they might be called to bear. Faith creates a desire in us for being more than ordinary and causes us to strive for the extraordinary. Faith sees us thorough the storms of life and directs us to the sun and the rainbows.
Ribbons add so much to a woman’s life. Faith is so important to a woman’s life. Ribbons of Faith is an incredible combination! I pray that through our women’s ministry your Ribbons of Faith will be strengthened. -Vickie Thompson
I’d like to suggest that faith can be like ribbons in our life – part of us from the time someone begins to teach us about the grace and wonder of God. Faith enhances our life like the ribbon adds flair to our hair. It can take us from timid to bold when necessary. Faith causes us to celebrate joy in our life even during tough times. Faith prompts us to help carry the burden for others who aren’t strong enough to carry the load they might be called to bear. Faith creates a desire in us for being more than ordinary and causes us to strive for the extraordinary. Faith sees us thorough the storms of life and directs us to the sun and the rainbows.
Ribbons add so much to a woman’s life. Faith is so important to a woman’s life. Ribbons of Faith is an incredible combination! I pray that through our women’s ministry your Ribbons of Faith will be strengthened. -Vickie Thompson
Lessons from Olga
I must confess, I am a Country Western music fan. I love those cheatin', hurtin', heart-breakin' songs. I always thought I preferred songs like "All My Exes Live in Texas", "He Stopped Lovin' Her Today", "I'm A Red-Neck Woman" or "Mommas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys" over anything by Chopin, Rachmoninoff, Lizt, or Scarletti. However, several months ago I had an experience of enlightenment at a recital where Olga Kern performed. Olga Kern won the gold medal at the Van Cliburn contest in 2001 in Fort Worth, Texas.
There was no Country Western music there. This music was written by some of the master composers of this world. I was amazed at Olga's concentration on the music - complicated music! I dare say a bomb could have gone off and she would not have noticed. This music was intricate. I'm not talking honky tonk music with a few chords here. I'm talking extravagant pieces that should have taken at least six hands to accomplish. Olga played those pieces with dedicated focus and the audience was enthralled in her performance. It was awesome!
During the intermission my friend and I went exploring in the lobby of the music hall. There was a board that had pictures of Olga with an interview of her by one of the music professors at TCU. I found Olga's answer to this question fascinating: "While in Fort Worth this week, you'll also teach at the PianoTexas Festival. What is the most important thing you hope to convey to the students?" Her answer was: "It is in our hands, the music of the great composers; we are responsible for how this music sounds. Through us, through the artists, their music is still alive. This is what I always try to give the students - inspiration, and a feeling of big love for what they do." What a responsibility and sense of obligation she feels for the music of the masters.
When I read her answer it reminded me of what I hold in my hands - the music of The Master Creator; His love, grace and mercy. I have a responsibility for how God's message sounds to those in my life. Through the Spirit working in me, His music is alive. I have an obligation to give those around me the inspiration and feeling of BIG LOVE for what God has done for us. I pray that I can be as dedicated to God's message as Olga Kern is to the music of the great composers. -Vickie Thompson
There was no Country Western music there. This music was written by some of the master composers of this world. I was amazed at Olga's concentration on the music - complicated music! I dare say a bomb could have gone off and she would not have noticed. This music was intricate. I'm not talking honky tonk music with a few chords here. I'm talking extravagant pieces that should have taken at least six hands to accomplish. Olga played those pieces with dedicated focus and the audience was enthralled in her performance. It was awesome!
During the intermission my friend and I went exploring in the lobby of the music hall. There was a board that had pictures of Olga with an interview of her by one of the music professors at TCU. I found Olga's answer to this question fascinating: "While in Fort Worth this week, you'll also teach at the PianoTexas Festival. What is the most important thing you hope to convey to the students?" Her answer was: "It is in our hands, the music of the great composers; we are responsible for how this music sounds. Through us, through the artists, their music is still alive. This is what I always try to give the students - inspiration, and a feeling of big love for what they do." What a responsibility and sense of obligation she feels for the music of the masters.
When I read her answer it reminded me of what I hold in my hands - the music of The Master Creator; His love, grace and mercy. I have a responsibility for how God's message sounds to those in my life. Through the Spirit working in me, His music is alive. I have an obligation to give those around me the inspiration and feeling of BIG LOVE for what God has done for us. I pray that I can be as dedicated to God's message as Olga Kern is to the music of the great composers. -Vickie Thompson
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Think On These Things
Paul tell us in Philippians 4:8 to think on these things: what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and wothy of praise. In this area of our blog we want to share scriptures, inspirational thoughts or praises that are special to you - perhaps something that has gotten you through one of the storms of life. Please post a comment that will help us in our positive thinking just as Paul has suggested.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Ministry Spotlight
We have numerous ministries for the women of Pleasant Ridge. Check this spot often to discover where you might best use your talents. The spotlight will shine on a few ministries for a time, then others will be spotlighted. If you have an interest in receiving a Women's Ministry brochure detailing all the ministries and ministry leaders, send a message to vickiegg@sbcglobal.net or leave a comment on our blog (be sure to include your email address).
Kitchen Ministry - The best way to host a fellowhsip is to start with a clean, well-stocked kitchen. This ministry ensures that the kitchen is clean, well organized and convenient for cooking and serving food or refreshements whenever needed by the congregation. It also ensures that the equipment is in good working order and supplies are available as needed. Betty Encalade is the current Kitchen Ministry Leader. If you have a talent for organization and a heart for making sure our kitchen is in tip top shape to serve others, you may want to participate or help lead this ministry. It is a vital ministry of Pleasant Ridge, but also one that is a "behind the scenes" minsitry. If you have a shy quiet nature with a desire to serve, this might be the perfect ministry to particiapte in. Contact Betty Encalade, Virginia Clayton or the church office for more details.
Eternal Threads - Eternal Threads a not-for-profit organization in Abilene offering impoverished women from around the world opportunties to use their skills and initiative to earn a living. Women in countries such as India, Madagascar and Nepal apply their traditional crochet, lace making and silk weaving skills to make totes, jewelry and etc. SIS hosts Eternal Thread's "Gatherings" on a regular basis to offer this merchandise for purchase by the women of Pleasant Ridge. By doing so we help these women to feed their families and educate their daughters.
We have also taken on as a service project to support a survelliance team along the Nepal border. Every year 12,000 Nepali girls are trafficked into Indian brothels. Eternal Threads partners with local Ramesh Sapkota to combat this evil. Our survelliance teams save these girls from certain death and offer a safe place to stay and the opportunity to learn a skill such a sewing. To learn more or to purchase merchandise ladies can visit the Eternal Threads website: http://www.eternalthreads.com/.
Sisters In Scripture (SIS)
The women at Pleasant Ridge have several options for study, prayer, praise and support from other Christian Sisters.
On Tuesday morning and Wednesday evening opportunities are available to discuss family and spiritual issues applicable to their daily lives. On Wednesday evenings one may choose to attend a group for an uplifting devotional and fellowship. Another group of women, from various age groups, come together to study directly from the scriptures and discuss prayer concerns. This small group is conducive to intimacy and often allows the scriptural forum for confession, edification and support. Occasionally a topical study from a published workbook is also offered.
For a list of topics, times and current studies, please call the church office at (817) 478-8245
The GALS
This area of Women's Minitry is designed for the single woman over forty-five years of age. The objective of this ministry is to offer support and encouragement to women in this special group. By filling the need for spiritual, emotional and social growth they will be Glorifying A Loving Savior.
Kitchen Ministry - The best way to host a fellowhsip is to start with a clean, well-stocked kitchen. This ministry ensures that the kitchen is clean, well organized and convenient for cooking and serving food or refreshements whenever needed by the congregation. It also ensures that the equipment is in good working order and supplies are available as needed. Betty Encalade is the current Kitchen Ministry Leader. If you have a talent for organization and a heart for making sure our kitchen is in tip top shape to serve others, you may want to participate or help lead this ministry. It is a vital ministry of Pleasant Ridge, but also one that is a "behind the scenes" minsitry. If you have a shy quiet nature with a desire to serve, this might be the perfect ministry to particiapte in. Contact Betty Encalade, Virginia Clayton or the church office for more details.
Eternal Threads - Eternal Threads a not-for-profit organization in Abilene offering impoverished women from around the world opportunties to use their skills and initiative to earn a living. Women in countries such as India, Madagascar and Nepal apply their traditional crochet, lace making and silk weaving skills to make totes, jewelry and etc. SIS hosts Eternal Thread's "Gatherings" on a regular basis to offer this merchandise for purchase by the women of Pleasant Ridge. By doing so we help these women to feed their families and educate their daughters.
We have also taken on as a service project to support a survelliance team along the Nepal border. Every year 12,000 Nepali girls are trafficked into Indian brothels. Eternal Threads partners with local Ramesh Sapkota to combat this evil. Our survelliance teams save these girls from certain death and offer a safe place to stay and the opportunity to learn a skill such a sewing. To learn more or to purchase merchandise ladies can visit the Eternal Threads website: http://www.eternalthreads.com/.
Sisters In Scripture (SIS)
The women at Pleasant Ridge have several options for study, prayer, praise and support from other Christian Sisters.
On Tuesday morning and Wednesday evening opportunities are available to discuss family and spiritual issues applicable to their daily lives. On Wednesday evenings one may choose to attend a group for an uplifting devotional and fellowship. Another group of women, from various age groups, come together to study directly from the scriptures and discuss prayer concerns. This small group is conducive to intimacy and often allows the scriptural forum for confession, edification and support. Occasionally a topical study from a published workbook is also offered.
For a list of topics, times and current studies, please call the church office at (817) 478-8245
The GALS
This area of Women's Minitry is designed for the single woman over forty-five years of age. The objective of this ministry is to offer support and encouragement to women in this special group. By filling the need for spiritual, emotional and social growth they will be Glorifying A Loving Savior.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
News
- We want to know what is going on in the lives of the women at Pleasant Ridge. If something special happens in your life, please let us know. If there is a burden we can help carry for you, we want to help. This blog is designed as another way to communicate, we ask that you help us by sending your news, concerns, or ideas to sueleejones@yahoo.com .
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