1

WOMEN’S MINISTRIES UNLIMITED

NEWS!

Ocala First Assembly of God

1827 NE 14th Street Ocala, FL 34470

352-351-1827

www.ocalafirst.org staff@ocalafirst.org

January/February 2018

2018

TRUSTING GOD IN UNCHARTED WATERS

2

Let’s Talk!

by Eva Morales

“Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have laid hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead …” Philippians 3:13 2018 … A new year, a fresh start, much to be thankful for when we take our eyes off ourselves and circumstances and focus on God. We are all “walking wounded;” none of us “has arrived.” At times we hang onto old hurts, anger, sadness and bitterness allowing them to rob us of the joy and peace that God gives us. Ecclesiastes reminds us that “… to everything there is a season …” The choice is ours as to whether we will remain bound in the past or turn it over to the Lord. He can and will restore what the“ locust has stolen” and bring health and healing to our minds, bodies and spirits if we put our trust in Him. “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” 2018 can be a wonderful new chapter in our lives if we step out of the way. I’m excited to see what God has ahead for us this year. What about you? God has given us special talents and gifts … let’s not keep them “in storage/hidden” any longer. It’s time to “dust them off” and put them to use. “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They will mount up on wings like eagles …” Isaiah 40:31 I thank God for each one of you and love you. I am honored and blessed to have the privilege of working with each of you and walking through 2018 together.

May “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26

God bless you!

Eva Morales Women’s Ministries Coordinator

I’d like to invite you join us! Take a look at the list below of the various groups offered by our Women’s Ministries and find one that you would like to participate in. We have something for everyone. Please get involved … in so doing, you will be blessing many, as well as yourself. If you have questions, you can reach me by email at: evafaog@gmail.com or via church office 352-351-1827

WM Ministry Groups Bible Studies: Wednesdays, 7 pm, Choir Rm. - Shari Sherman Card Ministry: Clara Paige Circle of Love: Rina Rivera - Meals as needed for sick/Memorial Services FB Prayer Page: Liaison: Shari Sherman FOCUS (Craft Group): Fridays, 9:15 am - Inez Walker/LeJean Christopher Hospitality: Tina Miller Newsletter: Terry Schmidt PACE: Kathie Allen (Birthday cupcakes, etc.) Prayer Chain: Gayle Watson, (Coordinator) Prayer Ministry: Tuesdays, 10 am, Choir Rm. Lorraine Wyrostek Please note: Upcoming events, Bible Studies, retreats etc. are announced via newsletter, church slides, WM Table in lobby, bulletin and our “Ocala First Assembly Women’s Ministries” Facebook page (“LIKE” our page” so you can receive updates).

3

from the editor...

“On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” Mark 4:35 NKJV We’re all familiar with the Gospel account. Having finished a time of teaching and healing of the multitudes, Jesus tells His disciples to set sail for the other side of the lake. They set sail, but their trip across is interrupted by a storm... “And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” Mark 4:37-40 NKJV It must have been quite a storm to have caused these professional fishermen to fear for their lives, but Jesus questions their fearful response as faithless. Suffice it to say, if Jesus tells us to set sail and He’s in the boat, it isn’t sinking. With Jesus, nothing is done without purpose and no experience is ever wasted. He is ever leading, ever teaching faith that can be used for the kingdom. The disciples needed to go through the storm to outfit them for whenever, wherever, and whatsoever. Fast forward to here and now. Has Jesus ever asked you to go with Him to “the other side?” Did you go? It’s been said, “We don’t know what awaits on the other side of ‘Yes,’ nor will we realize how much can be lost on the other side of ‘No.” Our “Yes” may take us to the other side of the street, the town, the world...or just maybe as close as the

next church pew, our own kitchen table...or the other side of our bathroom mirror (there are times when you accompany Jesus to rescue someone else, but find out that someone is you…) “Let us cross over to the other side…” Going always requires leaving where we are and trusting Jesus with the whenever, wherever and whatsoever. Therein lies the rub. We might have to leave the past, leave the excuses, leave our comfort zone, or that far too busy schedule that keeps us safely on the shoreline. But is it really safe to stay there if He’s asking you to leave? Someone left the shoreline and went with Jesus to the other side to rescue you...to rescue me. They didn’t say “no” and we are forever grateful. This year’s WM’s theme is, ‘On a Voyage; Trusting God in Unchartered Waters.’ How fitting! A New Year of uncharted waters stretches out before us as individuals, but as a church family as well. As we set sail, who knows what we’ll encounter? Wherever Jesus takes us, of one thing we can be sure; we’ll encounter people experiencing storms. He takes us to the other side of ourselves so we can go to the other side for them...and for one another. Whenever Jesus says, “Come on, let’s go to the other side,” let’s always be ready to set sail. As long as He’s with us, we’ll find some of life’s greatest miracles are waiting on “the other side!”

4

Recaps & Updates THIS MONTH

Our Women’s and Girl's Ministries are teaming up again this year for a little “Cookie Love” to make Valentine's

Day special for the girls at PACE and the women and children at the Domestic Violence Center. A simple gift of cookies reminds these precious women and girls that they are loved and special in the eyes of God. Would you like to be a part of this expression of God’s love? Signup begins this

month! Please stop by the Women's Ministries table in the front lobby to sign up to either bake/buy cookies or donate funds toward the purchase of cookie trays from Publix. WM’s and Girls Ministries will put goody bags and trays of cookies together on Wednesday, February 7th, so we need your cookies to be dropped off at the Women’s Ministries table in the front lobby by Sunday, February 4th and no later than Wednesday, February 7th.

COOKIES/DONATIONS CANNOT BE ACCEPTED AFTER THE 7TH!! Signup will begin Sunday, January 21, at the WM’s table in the front foyer. If you have any questions, contact Kathie Allen at 352-

843-6454.

Dee Collier, Girls Ministry and Kathie Allen, PACE Liaison

Don’t allow your past dictate your future! The season of purpose and wholeness is here. The path of your past was purposefully positioned by God for YOUR GOOD, let it become your platform. In this season,

YOUR BEST DAYS HAVE JUST BEGUN! Saturday, January 27, 2018 9:30-11:30 am Activity Center GUEST SPEAKER: Roslyn Stephens, MS, RN, LMT, Ord-E

Roslyn “Roz” is a Florida native, wife, mother, and grandmother; she is also blessed to call Rose and the late James Cohen her parents. Roz has a passion and calling to minister to women of all backgrounds and began her work in the Florida jail/prison system. She founded Peniel Treatment Center Florida, a counseling and mentoring program for women with substance abuse issues. At present, Roz serves as the director of Women’s Ministry at Ft. Myers Church of God, where her husband pastors.

Women’s Ministries Presents

MIND, BODY AND SPIRIT CONFERENCE

Cookie Love!

5

Recaps & Updates THIS MONTH

LADIES BIBLE STUDY

On Wednesday, January 10th, we will begin the Beth Moore

study JAMES/MERCY TRIUMPHS. See how one glimpse of the resurrected Savior turned an unbeliever, James, Jesus' own

brother, into a disciple. Topics in this study include: joy, hardship, faith, reversal of fortunes for rich and poor, wisdom, gifts from above, single-mindedness, the dangers of the tongue, humility, and prayer. The study runs 8 weeks and participation can vary from just enjoying the video on Wednesday nights or going deeper with a workbook. Workbooks are $16. Sign up at the WM's table in the front foyer.

Beth Moore

AND A DESSERT AUCTION

Sunday, January 21, 2017 6:00 pm in the Activity Center

Get your FAMILY of 4 (biological or friends) to-gether and register at the

table in the front foyer by 1/14/17. All proceeds from this hilarious evening will

help send our girls to Powette in March.

Do people praise your cakes, cookies, pies or brownies? We’d love to

have you donate your specialty for the DESSERT AUCTION

Please sign the paper at the table in the front foyer if you could help us in

this way.

GIRLS MINISTRY

6

Recaps & Updates LOOKING AHEAD

Women’s Ministries Penn Florida Section 4 is hosting a "Potluck" at

Oxford Assembly of God on March 3rd at 11:00 a.m.—3:00 p.m.

All women from our section are invited to attend.

Bring your favorite dish to share and a copy of the recipe. Recipes will be compiled into a Section 4 cookbook and sold. Proceeds from the sale of the cookbook will go to Penn FL Section 4 "Touch the World" missions.

CONTACT: Tabitha Lastinger,

Penn FL District 4 Representative at 352-501-0911 for more information/directions to Oxford AG.

WHEN: March 23-24, 2018 WHERE: Calvary Church of Orlando

STRONGER is the conference for women in leader-ship in ministry and the marketplace. This is a place where every female leader can come and attend this two day, workshop intensive conference. There are three general sessions and approximately 20 differ-ent workshops annually designed to empower cur-rent leaders and build up and coming leaders.

REGISTRATION:

Early Registration (Postmarked by February 15) – $60 Early Student Registration (Postmarked by February 15) – $30 General Registration (Postmarked by March 15) – $65 General Student Registration (Postmarked by March 15) – $35 After March 15 Walk-in Registration- $70 After March 15 Walk-in Student Registration- $

STRONGER CONFERENCE A POTLUCK DINNER INVITATION

7

Making Merry!

If you were out and about on December 15th, you may have passed by a church bus resonating with the sound of laughter and Christmas carols. That was the Progressive Dinner in progress. As we travelled from house to house, we enjoyed good company, great food and the warmth and hospitality of our hostesses in each of their beautifully decorated homes. The evening ended on a sweet note with the dessert course and a Christmas ornament exchange.

Many thanks to Tom Barbary, our bus driver, and hostesses Shari Sherman, Joan Fuller and Judy Barbary for teaming up to make our travelling dinner party a festive evening of food... and friends.

Hostesses Shari Sherman, Joan Fuller, Judy Barbary and Bus Driver, Tom Barbary

NATIONAL WOMEN’S MINISTRIES THEME - 2018

National Women’s Ministries announces the theme for 2018 for women in the Assemblies of God as: “On a Voyage.” The theme verse is, “I trust in You, O Lord . . . My times are in Your hands” (Psalm 31:14-15, NIV). The theme Bible study is the book Voyage: Trusting Jesus in Uncharted Waters by Kay Burnett, National Women’s Ministries Director. She says:

“We are called to this voyage and invited to relish every moment of it with the One who spoke the seas into existence and breathed life into our infant lungs. Listen for a moment. Do you hear the sound of His voice singing over you, beckoning you to join Him in the journey? It’s time to put out to sea with your Captain and let the wind of His Spirit fill your sails. Will you trust Him to lead the way? Will you trust Him to navigate safely through the storms? Will you trust Him for the journey? Your voyage awaits . . .”

Women’s Ministries of First Assembly looks forward to a year of excitement and discovery as we trust the Lord to lead us the uncharted waters of 2018. We invite you to journey with us.

Recaps & Updates FYI

8

Keeping Up with the Crafters Keeping Up with the Crafters

by Inez Walker

By now you have probably heard that I am relinquishing my leadership of F.O.C.U.S. I haven’t made this decision because I don’t want to continue, but because I am becoming increasingly unable to keep up with it all. My health, strength and stamina is giving way to naps and comfortable chairs! There’s no doubting my enjoyment of this ministry. The ladies have worked together beautifully these past 12 years and God has rewarded our efforts in fund raising.

We’ve had ladies come and go in this ministry, but have always maintained a basic core group of faithful crafters. We’ve learned from one another, encouraged one another and needless to say, there were many days of fellowship that was just plain fun! We’ve taken “field” trips to Trenton and Mt. Dora, and we’ve gone to lunch at various local restaurants, including treating our ladies each year to a fine restaurant as a “Thank You” for their labor of love and faithfulness. Additionally, it has been our privilege and joy to bring many prayer requests to the Lord, trusting God to meet the various needs. We thank each and every one of you that have supported us over the years with your donations and purchases. I’m thankful too, for my husband Norman, our only male non-member who has been my faithful “side kick” and supporter from the beginning. I could not have succeeded without his help. LeJean Christopher, my assistant, will be heading the group from now on and may God bless her as she takes charge of this wonderful and successful ministry!

First, I would like to thank Inez Walker for the years that she has invested in our F.O.C.U.S. group. I’m excited for the opportunity to keep the group going. I’m looking forward to what the Lord has in store for us this year. I’m putting some ideas together that will expand our group., like adding an evening group for those ladies who would like to craft, but who work during the day and cannot join us on Fridays. Thank you,

Inez Walker

LeJean Christopher

9

Like birthdays, Valentine's Day celebrations can become boring if after a few years they’re still the “same ol’ same ol’.”If you've grown dissatisfied with the expensive dinners, chocolates, and roses, then quit being so predictable and try something new! How about:

A SECOND FIRST DATE.

Take it back to the beginning by recreating your first date. Same foods, same songs, and describe to each other how wonderful that first kiss felt!

FORMAL DINNER AT HOME

Break out the fine china, formal table cloth, the best silverware, and your favorite crystal, It’s very romantic to “pull out all the stops” eating together... at home. If you’re single - treat yourself. Don’t want to cook? Plenty of restaurants have Take Out.

GO OUT FOR DESSERT AND COFFEE.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

CHANGING IT UP

A great way to enjoy the romance of a Valentine’s Day date out (and indulge a little) without the cost and overindulgence of a big meal.

TOUR YOUR OWN TOWN.

Plan a few “touristy” activities that you have never done. And be sure to take a ton of pictures of the day.

GIVE AN ALTERNATIVE BOUQUET. Roses may be considered the symbol of love, but can become routine. Try a different kind of "bouquet" such as a potted plant, a bonsai or even a Knockout rose bush to plant outdoors for a gift that keeps on giving.

IN HIS PRESENCE...

Spend some quiet moments in the presence of the Lover of your soul, thanking Him for His Word, His great love for you and for blessing you with all of the wonderful people He’s given you to love and be loved by. What better way to spend a day devoted to love!

Love Defined

10

Homespun Artistry

by Joan Fuller

Cookies are always a treat any time of the year, but for Valentine’s Day, it seems that your cookies need a special touch. A basic sugar cookie can be decorated by using a glaze on the top. Adding small wording to make them look like conversation hearts can add just the extra touch. Sugar Cookies 3 cups sifted flour 1 cup sugar 1 teaspoon baking powder 2 eggs ½ teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 sticks (1 cup) butter/margarine 1 teaspoon orange extract 1. Measure flour, baking powder and salt into a sifter. 2. In a medium-sized bowl, cream butter or margarine with sugar until fluffy; beat in eggs, vanilla and orange extracts. 3. Sift dry ingredients into butter mixture, one-half at a time, blending well to make a stiff dough. Cover with plastic wrap and chill several hours or until firm enough to roll. 4. Roll to ¼-inch thick and cut out cookies. Bake at 350 degrees for 12 minutes or until firm. Cool slightly and brush with Almond Sugar Glaze. Cool completely on wire racks.

Cookies

Almond Sugar Glaze for Sugar Cookies or Shortbread 2 cups sifted powdered sugar 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter, softened ½ cup heavy cream ½ teaspoon almond extract (or you can use lemon, or-ange, or vanilla extract) Food coloring, optional 1. In large bowl, combine confectioner’s sugar, butter, cream and extract; beat with a mixer until smooth.

2. Divide glaze among 2 or 3 small bowls and add a few drops of food coloring until the glaze reaches the desired color. Remember, conversation hearts are usually pastel colors. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside at room tem-perature until ready to use.

3. Using a pastry brush, paint warm cookies with glaze. (It will harden as it dries.) Glaze can be made ahead and re-frigerated for up to 3 days; bring it to room temperature before using. Note: To use these cookies as a part of your centerpiece, insert a wooden skewer into the cookie while still warm. Once the cookies have cooled, they can be inserted in Styrofoam, or a vase and arranged with greenery.

I love the idea of using fruit, not only as food, but also to help decorate other food. With a little bit of trimming, you can use a strawberry as a heart decoration for your Valen-tine’s Day dinner.

Carefully remove the stem from the strawberry and slice the berry in half. Gently cut the stem end a little deeper to make the top of the heart, and trim a little off the bottom to make the heart’s point if needed. You can use these strawberry hearts to just add a special touch to a main course or side dish, or line an entire dessert plate to show your sweetie how much you love them. FRUIT DIP

jar marshmallow crème

teaspoon nutmeg

ounces cream cheese, softened

teaspoon cinnamon DIRECTIONS 1. Beat together 2. Serve with fruit

Fruit

11

God’s Little Blessings

By Colleen Perry

In the middle of the night, deep in gentle, peaceful, sleep, I was awakened with a sudden foreboding and urgency to pray for my son. Although I had been praying constantly for him, this was different- more compelling, more critical. I asked God to protect Ryan and be close to him. I prayed that a heavenly host of angels would make a hedge around my son and grant him clarity of mind. I entreated God to show Himself strong in whatever the situation might be, and grant Ryan His Shalom peace. Although I did not know any specifics, after a time, my spirit was once again settled, and I drifted back to a blissful rest. God had this! My son, Sergeant Ryan Perry was, at that time, serving in Iraq with the United States Army infantry. He had related harrowing stories, and I knew he was often in harm’s way. It wasn’t uncommon for me to not hear from him for several weeks, but this time I was a little more anxious. When the call finally came, Ryan related the particulars of that event. My son was dropped off in a deserted area at night in Iraq, alone, with only his single rifle for protection, to await the arrival of a helicopter transport. For whatever reason, that helicopter was delayed for hours, as the cover of darkness

turned to light. Ryan knew that if the enemy came along, he would be outgunned and outmanned, and would likely be killed. It was during that time when I was urgently awakened to pray for my son. I learned that day that God’s hand stretches farther than a mother’s heart. God had Ryan’s back, and he eventually was picked up unharmed by the helicopter. But the lesson in all of this, for me, has been to listen when the Spirit speaks. Can we find the time and be trusted to entreat God on behalf of a situation or an individual that He puts on our hearts? He is an amazing, loving God, who has our best interest in mind. We don’t get to see the whole picture, but He does. We don’t need specifics, just trust that our faithful God will come through and show Himself Strong, as He does over and over and over again. “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much”. James 5:16

“GOD’S HAND OF PROTECTION”

12

Women’s Ministries Unlimited News!

Women’s Ministries Unlimited News! is a publication of

Women’s Ministries, Ocala First Assembly of God .

OUR MISSION STATEMENT: To inform, encourage, inspire and bless.

WOMEN’S MINISTRIES COORDINATOR: Eva Morales NEWSLETTER EDITOR: Terry Schmidt

FIRST ASSEMBLY OF GOD

1827 NE 14th Street, Ocala FL 34470 (352) 351-1827

All Rights Reserved.

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scriptures are from the King James version of the Bible.

All images, unless otherwise noted, are originals, Microsoft Office, or CCO

Public Domain Free. In the event there is still a problem or error with copyrighted material, the break of the copyright is unintentional and noncommercial and the material will be removed immediately upon

presented proof.

January 2018

February 2018

A great Valentine’s Day gift or cute decoration, combining candy and flowers in a non-traditional way. Place smaller vase inside the larger. Careful-ly pour candy in between, then flowers and wa-ter in the inner vase. Voila! Idea courtesy of: evolutionofstyleblog.com/2012/02/candy-and-flowers-for-valentines-day.html

January 10 - Women’s 8 week Bible Study begins, 7 pm - Choir Room 21 - Girls Ministry Family Feud & Dessert Auction, 6 pm - Choir Room 27 - Mind, Body & Spirit Conference, 9:30 - 11:30 am - Activity Center

February 4 & 7 - Cookie Love cookie deadline 14 - Valentine’s Day 15 - Newsletter Deadline

Looking Ahead… Mark your calendar, ladies, for this fall's women's retreat, Oct 12-14 at the beautiful Lake Yale Retreat Center. Watch the bulletin & future newsletters for more details to come.

Happy 2018!