"WINNING WOMEN" EZINE
an electronic newsletter for Women Who Minister to Women
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Vol. 2 Num 3, Fall, 2001 |
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2. How to Organize A TWO- Day Event or Retreat 4. Book Notes: 5. Bulletin Board: How can I get the older ladies to join hands with the younger ladies? |
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Dear Friends,
We have a great issue ahead, but first.
What a fall we have had filled with terror, tragedy, and war. But God is still in control and He has put us in this place for such a time as this.
As I have spoken around the country since 9/11, I have heard much laughter and I have seen much fear. I have held weeping women in my arms until my hair was wet with tears. I have also seen the Lord move as never before to bring women encouragement and deeper intimacy with Him. I am humbled to have been a part of such an outpouring of love and joy.
To all my praying friends, THANK YOU so much for accepting my urgent prayer requests.
To those who prayed for Bill Fay and the Share Jesus Without Fear Seminar in Randolph, New Jersey, know that due to the efforts of winning woman, Jennifer Phillips, it made national news. See: http://www.newsmax.com/showinside.shtml?a=2001/10/17/233557
And note, I will continue to call on you for prayer in these difficult days but I pledge to be as responsible as possible. For though we are at war, we need not fear. God IS in control.
As for YOU personally -- I am praying that God will empower you to be His woman and that He will equip and anoint you for such a time as this.
Love you,
Linda Evans Shepherd
P.S. More NEWS
WINNING WOMEN CONFERENCE: Mark your calendars and put on your cowgirl hat. We are tentatively planning our next Winning Women’s Conference June 7&8 in Austin, Texas. This conference is to bring encouragement and leadership helps to women who minister to women. More Soon.
NEXT WRITE AWAY WEEKEND: January 2002. If you are dreaming of writing a nonfiction book, mark your calendar for January 11- 13th for a get away writing weekend in the mountains of Colorado. For more information, go to: https://righttotheheart.com/women/writeaway.htm
GIFT SHOP:
We are excited about our new Winning Women Gift Shop.
Go to: https://righttotheheart.com/cgi-bin/store?store=rtthbooks
CHICKEN SOUP FOR
THE CHRISTIAN WOMAN’S SOUL: Winning woman and dear friend Leann Theiman,
is the new editor of Chicken Soup for the Christian Woman’s Soul. Congratulations
are due! Leann’s Chicken Soup for the Nurse’s Soul is on the New York Times
Best Seller’s List! For more information on Christian Woman’s Soul,
click here:
https://righttotheheart.com/women/w2w_ezine_0111xx.htm#chickensoup
Or email: christianwoman@chickensoupforthesoul.com.
Are you an advanced author AND speaker? Perhaps you would like to join your sisters for fellowship, prayer, and our own conference. To view an application for ADVANCED WRITERS AND SPEAKERS ASSOCIATION, go to: https://righttotheheart.com/awsawomen/awsaapplication.htm
NEED A SPEAKER? Visit http://sheppro.com/speaking.htm
In our last issue we talked about organizing a ONE-day event. In this issue we will address the TWO-day event.
I have GREAT news, according to Speak Up, a Christian Speaker’s Bureau, bookings for Christian women events are up! Since 9/11, women are more interested in the things of God than ever before.
Still, why should you consider hosting a two-day event?
"Aha!" you say, "fun, but a lot of work!"
True, but DON’T TRY TO DO IT ALL YOURSELF! Committees are essential! You will need a:
You may also want a:
Where should you host your two-day event?
Some churches host these events right in their own facility. That works well if you are on a tight budget, plus it makes food preparation a cinch. Though you might want to consider having the event catered.
If you want to open your event to the community, consider hosting it at a local high school, catering facility, or hotel conference room.
This event should start Friday night, and then reconvene Saturday morning. Your program should run through lunch and into the early afternoon. I recommend ending no later than 2:00 p.m.
Some groups enjoy getting OUT OF TOWN for a two-day event! This can be a lot of fun and the women will be far enough away from home to really relax. Don’t go TOO far out of town though, unless you have a church bus or van to help with the commute. Though some groups won’t mind driving an hour or two if the event takes place in a popular resort destination.
Hotels in nearby towns, conference and retreat centers, sports camps, and church camps work very well. Plus, you don’t have to dismiss early Friday evening, and can continue your fun late into the night.
Now about the schedule:
FRIDAY NIGHT
If you are IN TOWN:
Dinner is optional. Your program should include worship, announcements and door prizes (for added fun), as well as your speaker’s program.
Afterwards, you can dismiss the women or plan for a light dessert.
If you are OUT OF TOWN:
Start with dinner followed by a worship service, announcements, door prizes, and your speaker’s program.
Afterwards, plan a fun event like a campfire, games, crafts, or free time to talk and visit. Plan for yummy snacks like cookies, crackers, and cheese. Remember, anything chocolate is always a hit! Door prizes work well out of town too!
SATURDAY MORNING:
If you are IN TOWN:
When your women arrive, provide something simple like bagels and coffee.
Start your morning session between 9:00 and 9:30 am. Again, start with worship, go to announcements and door prizes, then have the speaker share for up to an hour. Next, consider a coffee break. Then, divide your women into small groups for discussion, Bible study, or workshops. Afterwards it’s time for a bathroom break!
Next is lunch! After lunch, plan for worship then have your speaker address the group. Afterwards, close the program with prayers, door prizes and announcements. End early so your women can jump back into their weekend routine.
If you are OUT OF TOWN:
Provide breakfast. Try to provide some protein along with muffins or other breakfast foods. If eggs are unavailable, offer a jar of peanut butter and/or cheese.
Start your morning session between 9:00 and 9:30 am. Again, start with worship, go to announcements and door prizes, then have the speaker share for up to an hour.
Next, break for a bathroom and coffee break. Then, divide your women into small groups for discussion, Bible study, or workshops.
After the workshops, break for the bathroom, then lunch.
After lunch, call on your speaker for up to an hour. Following that, consider providing free time, especially if you are near a beautiful area for hiking or shopping.
Or, in lieu of free time, plan another workshop. You should follow this with a closing program, including a few words from your speaker—but don’t let her go over 30 minutes. People are often groggy by this time.
This is also a great time to have people share as to what the Lord has done in their lives over the weekend. You may want to hold on to the mike, or set a time limit, as some members of your group may not be able to STOP sharing.
The out of town events can end after lunch if there is a long commute ahead. If not, there consider ending between 3:00 to 5:00 pm. Some groups like to end with one last dinner together.
FOR BOTH LOCATIONS
Remember to bathe the entire event in prayer. Also, let the speaker know if you want the gospel presented. If so, let her know how you want to handle it; an alter call, a show of hands, a card to fill out? (I recommend the latter.)
Pray and see if the Lord is calling you to step out in faith to plan a two-day event. If you need help in finding a speaker, visit http://sheppro.com/speaking.htm
Preparation and Restoration
by Eva Marie Everson
Last month I embarked upon and survived a ten-day speaking/booksigning marathon. I left somewhat in a flurry, having made it back from my "six-day hostage" event in New York City just ten hours before departure. The schedule was so jam-packed and of such high emotional and spiritual intensity (due to our nation's tragedy), I should have--and could --easily have expected to be spiritually whipped upon my return to hearth and home.
But I wasn't. Allow me to explain why.
In 1999, when I began my "speaking career," I learned a most valuable lesson from the administrative women of my very first retreat. Bathe each and every aspect of your speaking ministry--before AND after an appointment--with prayer. Additionally, don't be afraid to let personal prayer warriors know you will be in need of their spears, javelins, and other forms of weaponry.
Our greatest example of this is Christ Himself. How many times do we read that Jesus went off to spend time alone, both before and after intense ministry, to speak to His Heavenly Father? In fact, before His ministry ever began, He spent forty days and nights in the wilderness; spending time earnestly seeking the Face of the One Who had sent Him. Finally, hours before His arrest and crucifixion, He called upon His Father for strength to do what must be done.
Time alone with God--before an event, during the event, immediately before speaking, as soon as you are allowed privacy afterward, and upon returning home--is critical to your spiritual preservation. It is also one of your finest weapons against the enemy, who is watching you like a roaring lion, walking about..."seeking whom he may devour." (1 Peter 5:8)
Pray on! and in doing
so, prepare yourselves for battle and restore yourselves for the King!
Holiday
Hugs
by Jane Jarrell
Harvest House
Around August I think, "Christmas, this year will be a smooth one, a true memory to savor."
I picture a quaint Norman Rockwell figurine of all the family huddled around the holiday table, dressed in seasonal regalia, truly enjoying the moment.
Then I snap out of it.
Holiday happiness takes a positive attitude, planning and work. After all, who do you think gets those groceries for the "big spread"? Who purchases the pinecone and holly berry scented candles? Who makes sure we don't run out of cherry red wrapping paper? Honestly, who can blame the typical family nurturer for breaking out in hives when the Christmas carols start playing? YOU DO!
Through prayer, food, kind words, and good deeds, you'll discover how to practice holiday hospitality. Start here to create your own signature style for sharing the Christmas spirit with those you love.
Here are some tips:
Start with your favorite sugar cookie dough and mix in one of the yummy mixes below. (There's even more in the book!)
Half cup cranberries
with half cup chocolate chips
Half cup chopped mint leaves
1/2 cup chopped pistachios
1/4 cup fresh cranberries
1/2 cup candies orange
rinds
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
Time saver -- this works with prepared cookie dough too. Throw the prepared dough in mixer and add your family's favorites.
Packaging tips:
Take a white mailing tube and wrap red electrical type diagonally, two inches
apart for cute peppermint stick look. Stack cookies inside.
To buy book from Amazon,
here's the address...
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0736903399/qid%3D1005272896/sr%3D1-2/ref%3Dsr%5F1%5F14%5F2/104-1848867-5526318
OUR LAST QUESTION:
DONNA asks, "How do I get the older ladies at church to join hands with the younger ladies? How do I get rid of a spirit of hurt and competition between the two groups?"
ANSWERS:
FRAN says: Our Women's Ministry Council has women of varying ages and includes at
least one older woman for planning events.
The younger women hosted one event as an appreciation tea for the older women. After serving the tea and desserts, the younger women told stories of how the older women had blessed them. We also honored the older women with an Easter Bonnet Brunch. What fun! These activities, along with having older and younger prayer partners have helped bridge the generation gap at our church.
GINGER says: I attend a church in Chattanooga, TN. One thing that really helps put the younger and older women together is our special "Senior Luncheon" which we host after church one Sunday afternoon each year. It is served by the single and younger women.
Another suggestion would be to have a "secret" prayer partner between Sunday school classes. Announce in your Senior Women's class that each lady’s name will be drawn and given to a lady in the younger class and vice versa. Post a bulletin board outside each classroom or assign someone to go to each class every Sunday morning and pick up cards/notes/little gifts/prayer requests, etc. and distribute accordingly. Do this for maybe 3 or 4 weeks then hold a luncheon for all the women (have the guys serve you) and as you are matched up w/ your partner you can eat lunch together.
CHRISTI says: PRAY. Then know that it takes YOU to reach out. Younger women, show the older women you desire their wisdom and input. Do not assume they have worn out their usefulness. Ask them to mentor you. Older women, show the younger women that you do not despise them for their youth. Do not condescend. Show that you appreciate their enthusiasm, energy, and fresh ideas. Women in the middle, be willing to bridge the gap. You have something to offer and to learn from both groups. Admit you are no longer in your twenties and there may be some new ways to do things. Also admit that you have not done it all, seen it all -- nor do you know it all!
PENNY says: Sometimes matching up the older women with the younger women as prayer partners does incredible things. My Sunday School class ages range from 24 to 61, so there are plenty of opportunities to open doors for the older women to mentor the younger women and for the younger women to help the older women. The younger women do this by calling the older women during the day to see how they are doing. They also take them out for a cup of coffee or help run errands. If they recognize that they can minister to each other, there is seldom a barrier between them.
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NEXT QUESTION:
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NICOLE asks, "I would love for our women’s ministry to reach out into our community. But how? Any ideas? What’s worked for you?"
This is an open question to this mailing list. Responses may be
sent to WINNING WOMEN at RightToTheHeart@aol.com, include:
Your name and response. Subject line should read: NICOLE'S Question.
I will try to post as many responses as I can in the next newsletter.
PLEASE KEEP RESPONSES BRIEF, UNDER 100 WORDS!
Our nonprofit organization is always looking for fundraising
ideas. In today’s issue, we are opening the doors to our new GIFT
SHOP, just in time for Christmas. Please note that ALL profits will go
back into our nonprofit, Right to the Heart.
New Gift Items available in our Gift Shop:
Our gift shop (including
Linda's books) is at:
https://righttotheheart.com/cgi-bin/store?store=rtthbooks
~~~~~~~~~~~~~MISSION STATEMENT ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Women Who Minister to Women's, Winning Women Ezine is an electronic magazine (e-zine) sponsored by the nonprofit ministry, Right To The Heart (tm). It is designed to mentor, encourage, offer helps, and build community with women who minister to women.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~TO CONTACT US~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Linda Evans Shepherd
Women Who Minister to Women's
WINNING WOMEN
PO Box 6421
Longmont, CO 80501
303 772-2035
You can help support this ministry with a trip to visit our bookstore at
or go to:
https://righttotheheart.com/cgi-bin/store?category=Books&store=rtthbooks&
Also, Linda donates much of the proceeds from her speaking ministry to Right To the Heart. If you want to contact Linda about speaking email her at LSwrites@aol.com
or call at (303) 772-2035
See Linda's speaker web page at:
http://www.sheppro.com/speaking.htm
Others have said about Linda, "I enjoyed your message so much. It spoke right to me. It was as if you were the lady down the street and we have known each other for a long time. Hearts at Home, Bloomington, IL.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~HOW TO SUBSCRIBE~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This WOMEN WHO MINISTER TO WOMEN~Winning Women E-zine is sent only to subscribers.
Join our Winning Women Ezine by clicking on the button
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PRIVACY STATEMENT: We will not distribute your address to anyone. PERIOD!
~~~~~~ ABOUT RIGHT TO THE HEART MINISTRIES~~~~~
WINNING WOMEN is a FREE publication brought to you by Right to the Heart (TM) Productions. Right to the Heart is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit ministry which specializes in encouragement through the daily one-minute radio program, hosted by Linda Evans Shepherd, as a nationally syndicated feature. For more information on the radio feature, please visit https://righttotheheart.com
~~~~~~~~~~ABOUT LINDA EVANS SHEPHERD~~~~~~~~~
Linda
is a nationally syndicated radio host of Right to the Heart, a one-minute
feature that tells a story to inspire and encourage. She is described as a
female Paul Harvey with the GOOD NEWS! She has been married over 20 years,
has two children. When her oldest child, Laura, was an infant, she spent ten
months in coma and is now severely disabled, paralyzed, and mute. Linda says,
"Laura is my teacher. She has taught me that despite our circumstances, love
is our reason for being. Though Laura cannot speak words, she speaks the language
of love. That is enough."
In addition, Linda is the author of 11 books including Heart-Stirring Stories of Love, Tea Time Stories for Women, Share Jesus Without Fear (With Bill Fay) and Encouraging Hands/Hearts. Linda also speaks at events throughout the country. If you are interested in seeing her speaking topics, go to righttotheheart.com or email Linda at RightToTheHeart@aol.com
or call (303) 772-2035
Linda's web page:
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~PRAYER REQUESTS~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1. Please pray for the multi-facets of this ministry (administration, finances, radio, conferences, books, events, online loops, and newsletters.)
2. Pray that we will have an impact on women for Christ and that God will complete the work He has called us to do.
3. Pray the radio ministry will have an impact for Christ and lives will be touched and changed.
4. Pray for Linda and her family.
5. Pray for the health care professionals who help care for Linda's invalid daughter.
6. Pray for the people who work for and with this organization.
7. Pray for our nation and pray God will replace EVIL with REVIVAL.
Please email DIHH@aol.com if you would like to join Linda's prayer team.
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COPYRIGHT notice: Submission of an e-mail message affirms that
you are able to and have given Linda Evans Shepherd non-exclusive permission to reprint the content of your message in all forms, electronic or otherwise, in all languages throughout the world.
Copyright 2001, Right To The Heart. Permission must be granted to reprint any item (other than your own posting).
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~INVITE A FRIEND ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Please RECOMMEND Winning Women to others!
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If you are Christian women author who has published at least two books that appear in Amazon.com and you speak across state lines at least three times a year, consider joining AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association). Go to righttotheheart.com and click on author and follow the prompts for an application.
THANK YOU FOR READING TO THE END!
Blessings,
Linda Evans Shepherd
(C) Right to the Heart (tm) Productions 2001
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PRIVACY STATEMENT: We will not distribute your address to anyone. PERIOD!
CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE CHRISTIAN SOUP’S SOUL
This is your chance to share with millions how your faith in Christ has
blessed your life! Chicken Soup for the Christian Woman's Soul is
collecting true stories that will lift-up spirits, nourish souls, and
deepen faiths- - stories that will inspire readers to live a
Christ-centered life by practicing faith, hope, charity, love, and
forgiveness. These stories about what is really important in life will
encourage others to act in accordance with those higher priorities. Please
share your heart-warming, insightful, humorous and powerfully moving
stories (up to 1400 words), clipped articles, and/or quotations before our
December 1, 2001 deadline. Please send your submissions as an e-mail
attachment to: christianwoman@chickensoupforthesoul.com. We recommend that
you use Microsoft Word™ as your word processing application. If email is
not available, submissions can be mailed to P.O. Box 30880 Santa Barbara
CA, 93130.
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TO THE HEART OF WOMEN
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