Here’s an idea you might use for a conference theme.  “Fresh Winds of Change”

West Virginia’s ABW state retreat for women’s ministry leaders used that theme for this weekend’s retreat, with this Scripture:

“Bring me back from gray exile, put a fresh wind in my sails!”                        (Psalm 51:7b The Message)

The decor included huge colorful banners hung from the ceiling and behind the stage, with fans to create a gentle breeze.  They were using my book, Fresh Ideas for Women’s Ministry, to show how to do women’s ministry with an “upward and outward” focus, called LIGHT, so the table decor was all sorts of lanterns and lights. 

Each retreat attendee received a soft, colorful scarf as a gift, and their reteat closing sent all 250 women outside, with the scarfs blowing in the breeze. What a lovely visual–rolling West Virginia hills, blossoming trees and flowers all around, and scarves billowing.

It was such a fun weekend, and a great honor  for me to get to share with all those ladies.  Praying for “fresh winds of change” as they go back to their ministries across that state.

I’m looking forward to leading a conference for West Virginia women’s ministry leaders this weekend. You’re welcome to register if you live in that area! It’s for the American Baptist Churches of that state and guests are welcome.  Last week they had 250 preregistered, so it should be a great group.

The title is “Winds of Change”. Their planning team has done an amazing job, and I can’t wait to see how God uses the conference.  Pray for all those who will lead and attend.

As I’m sorting files and papers from 2009, I’ve found dozens of notes about my new book for Deacon Wives. I received another one online today, and thought you might enjoy reading a few (below).

If you’re a pastor’s wife or deacon’s wife, get a file folder right now, and label it “2010 Love Notes.” Every time you get an encouraging letter or email, put it in that file. Then, when you’re having a bad day or you’re discouraged, glance at that file.  You’ll be amazed at how God can use those to reignite your enthusiasm for loving people and serving Him.

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A few notes  about Deacon Wives (B&H Publishing 2009):

“I am a new Deacons wife and while shopping in LifeWay yesterday the only copy of your book, Deacon Wives jumped up and got my attention. I immediately started reading it in the store. The first thing that caught my attention was “If your husband is not your favorite deacon” made me laugh. Then I read page 4 and almost cried in the store….”

“Our pastor asked the deacon wives to meet at the same time as deacons’ meetings for six sessions, and to use Deacon Wives as a guide. We’re having a blast!”

“I am planning a six-week study of Deacon Wives for our church, and have followed your teaching plan exactly. I am so excited that 100% of our deacon wives are committed to attend!”

“We lost our pastor last year when a gunman entered the church and killed our pastor during the 8:15 a.m. service.  Being a deacon has taken on a whole new meaning since then…I wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your article and your wife’s in the Deacon magazine. It is amazing over the past issues how they have been the right thing at the right time for me and the rest of the deacons at our church.  Thank you.”

From a woman I knew when she was a teen…”As a new deacon’s wife, our pastor and his wife recently gave me your book! It makes me want to be a better woman and a better servant of Christ…”

It’s not too late! If you need a gift for a deacon’s wife, pick up a copy of this book at your local Christian bookstore or order at Amazon.com 

I hope she’ll love it!

LifeWay’s Pastors’ newsletter printed my article today. It’s a really simple idea to help faithful church members intentionally welcome guests to church:

The Three Minute Rule.  Read it here–

http://www.lifeway.com/lwc/article_main_page/0%2C1703%2CA%25253D169430%252526M%25253D200826%2C00.html?rss=20090728

It seemed like they were everywhere!  There were hundreds of Indiana Baptists who attended the Southern Baptist Convention in Louisville. It was like a fun reunion! 

I found six full tables of Ministers Wives at the SBC ministers wives luncheons, plus lots of others at different tables.  It’s always such a celebration time, hearing all our missions reports and exciting challenges and Bible preaching and music, visiting with Christian friends, and missing out on sleep. We enjoyed the 150th anniversary for Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, a tour of Kentucky Baptists’ gorgeous new facility, and more banquets and meetings than I can remember.

I had the privilege of doing my book signing beside Mrs. Joyce (Adrian) Rogers. What a delightful woman of God.  She has a wonderful new book for widows.

  Next year’s SBC is in Orlando. See you there.    

You’re going to LOVE this story. It’s a follow-up on that last post about our daughter and son-in-law moving to Indianapolis. I’m just in awe of how God continues to put this all together. I pasted Autumn’s post on Facebook below. Enjoy!

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You can read most of these by click on them.

Deacon Magazine, Summer 09 issue.

 “The Deacon Wife God Wants You to Be” – an article about the importance of relationships.

Rick Warren’s Ministry Toolbox, May 29 issue

“Ten Small Ways to Enliven Worship”

Let’s Worship magazine, Summer 09 issue.

“Love Your Fellow Staff Member as Yourself” – ten ideas to help you love your co-workers in ministry.

On Mission magazine, Spring issue–national magazine for North American Mission Board.  “Open Wide”

Pastors Today website (LifeWay) – TenTiny Tweaks too Enliven Worship

 Statewide Baptist Papers:

The Indiana Baptist

Southern Baptist Texan

Penn-Jersey Baptist

Hawaii-Pacific Baptist

The Illinois Baptist

Minnesota/Wisconsin Baptist

The Baptist Courier  (South Carolina)

The Iowa Baptist

Western Recorder (Kentucky)

Article titles:

The Worthy Lives of Deacon Wives

Stop, Drop & Pray

Blooming  Blessings

Prayer Walking

If you missed my “occasional” newsletter this month, click below:

May 2009 Update Newsletter

I just found out that I’ll be doing a book signing for my new book, Deacon Wives, at the Southern Baptist Convention in Louisville next month. Hope you’ll stop by and visit!

Monday, June 22nd

1:00-2:00 p.m.

Southern Baptist Convention’s LifeWay Book Store

Kentucky Exposition Center, 937 Phillips Lane, Louisville KY