www.creativeladiesministry.com

[marzipan2003]

Hi everyone!

I was just asked to be a part of the leadership team of a women's ministy that has had its share of problems. Not that there have been any scandals. it's just that those who have been in leadership in the past have had life events occur that prevent them from continuing. Every time we get going...we fizzle out.

We are a church of approximaltey 2500 people. At any given women's event, we have 100 - 150 people. We have the typical events...eat...raffles...speaker...leave. (Yawn) Those who are on the committee (meeting for the first time on Monday night) want to "kick it up a notch"

We have one retreat each year and that is a Whitewater Rafting trip. I went this year...let's just say that it "ain't" my thing, if you know what I mean. Most of the others enjoyed, but it was limited to 35. Yup...only 35 women could go out of the hundreds that attend our church.

I want ideas! I want fun themes. I want practical teachings. Most of our women work outside the home...yet the women's Bible Study is on Thursday at 9am. Who thought of THIS?

Can anyone give me an idea or two to take to the meeting on Monday? (By the way...the Picnic themed event on this board sounds cute)

[marzipan2003]

Something I didn't add...we are a very contemporary church. Not traditional at all!

[bonniebeck@alltel.net]

I am looking for a good program for a mother-daughter banquet that is sure to grab the attention and interest of the younger generation and give them as well as the moms something special for the evening.

Thanks,

Bonnie Beck

[HomeschoolMom]

You mentioned that the ladies Bible study time is on a weekday at 9am yet most of the women are at work at that time of day. Our church used to offer Precepts (Kay Arthur) Bible studies (I say used to because the woman who taught the classes just left the church and we are in the process of getting someone new trained to teach). Anyway, this lady always offered 2 classes. They were held on Tuesdays....... one at 9am for ladies only (child care was also available for this class) and one at 6:30pm (open to men and women).

Our church is also always offering a variety of classes on Wednesday evenings (from 6:15pm to 7:30pm) and several times there have been Beth Moore Bible studies for the ladies.

Something new our church is trying is having a Ladies Night once a month. Each month ladies get together at 6:30pm on a weekday night (it's always on Thursdays, but I personally would like to see it offered on Mondays and Tuesdays now and then for the ladies who have schedule conflicts on Thursdays) at either a restaurant or church. I believe close to 100 ladies initially indicated they were interested in being a part of this, but attendance has been much lower. The first month I believe 10 ladies attended and the second month I believe the number was about 17. Both times were at restaurants so of course you have to take into account that not everyone liked the restaurant selected, the drive might have been too far for some, etc. There has also been the dilemma of finding restaurants that can seat/accomodate such a large group (so far they have gone only to restaurants that have seating that allows the entire group to sit together). This next time it is being held at the church and dinner is being catered by a local restaurant. From what I understand, a lot of ladies have signed up for this one (of course the restaurant that is catering is a fave among lots of the ladies!). Since the next one is being held at the church there will be the opportunity to play games like charades and such.

Some other ideas for get togethers............. what hobbies are prevalent amongst the ladies at your church? Scrapbooking, quilting, cross-stitch, knitting, painting, etc.?

[HomeschoolMom]

I also forgot to add.......... we have an annual women's retreat (it's called a retreat) each year. I think this will only be the 4th year though if I remember correctly. It takes place on a Friday evening and half a day Saturday. We used to meet at the church (for dinner Friday and then a speaker and then for breakfast Sat. morning, a speaker and then lunch). Now it is held at a local hotel that has meeting facilites and many of the women opt to stay at the hotel overnight just as a little *get away*.

[Guest]

Have you read this month's Today's Christian Woman. There is an article about starting a ladies group. One of the ladies from my church and I are going to get started trying to get something together on this. In fact, a Google search for Ladies ministries lead me to this website!

[allen_red]

I just did a fashion show for my WM group. We charged $10.00 admission, and served a lasagne dinner. We had a blast. Email me and I can email you the script. These are not real fashions mind you.....

robin

[Oma]

My Church is kind of in the same boat. I have been praying and I think that God is leading me to at least nudge our women into a women's ministry. We had a "quilt bee" this past month. I taught the women how to make a simple baby quilt (that can be made larger with no difficulty). At that function the ladies asked me to help pull together a retreat for the spring.

SO, I guess that will be our kick off. However, what exactly are you looking to accomplish? Is this strickly for social get togethers or is it for spiritual growth, What "kind" of kick off are you looking for?

It seems that if the last ministry team was a little shakey maybe you want a whole new focus. How is your leadership team set up?

I went to a wonderful Church here in Austin and they had several events during the course of the year. I'd be happy to share ideas but I guess I'm just a little dense today. If you could tell me what you were looking to accomplish with this ministry I might be able to help better.
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ysiHn&l;
Deb

[guest]

I'm just reading through here, wondering if I'll fit in....looks like I will! I just had to pop in here and let you know what we do. I am the director of Women's Minsitries at our church, and have renamed almost the whole thing! I (and my team) have decided to call it "Girlfriends"! What a tone that sets! Fun, freedom, excitement....and friends! We meet once a month for crafts that we "work on at home when we have time"...this, we call Girlfriends. When we go to a concert, shopping or out somewhere, we are "Girlfriends on the Go" ....when we are "playing secret sisters" we are Gal Pals....(we have lapel pins to distinguish the 'players')...I'm still trying to figure out a new twist to "Ladies Bible Study"...which, by the way, we just added in the evenings as well. Funny, the same 17 women have attended the a.m. study for the past 25+ years....women have tried and left, but none stayed. We decided it was time to actually serve those who diligently serve our church...at a time *they* could use!
So far, after 1.5 years, our ladies are loving these changes!--the best part?! we are *not* contemporary! We are pretty conservative. This new name puts a new spin on the same old, and creates excitement. Both the younger women and the 'Seasoned Saints' have enjoyed being a Girlfriend. This has helped to break down some barriers...to recognize the other women in your own church as your girlfriend...it's a comfort to me!
Oh, and 4-6 times a year at our Girlfriends meeting, we have someone from our church demonstrate her craft. Something simple, that I can go out and purchase easy/cheap supplies so we can all try something new. You know, create a new addiction like stamping or scrapbooking....I encourage women to bring a snack to share, provide coffee/tea/punch, and buy *cheap* door prizes. I look for good deals, and have included this into my budget request each year. Again, I'm trying to serve those who serve our church so very much. They appreciate it, and feel refreshed!

[Corri]

I forgot our mentoring program! We call it "Guardian Girlfriends"! An older woman suggested I try and name it in a related way to the ministry...this is what we came up with.
We've actually begun to have fun as women of our church. I think it's refreshing to have a different view sometimes, and to have fun while serving others.
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Because He lives,
so do I--
Corri