Our group set a record this evening!  We assembled 300 pencil pouches in 26.09 minutes!  Three hundred in under 30 minutes!  And this after a quick clinic on How to Read Scripture and fellowship over food.  Our Pray Pack Probe evening was a success.

Donna led a quick clinic on How to Read Scripture with handouts.  A passage of Scripture was read aloud, followed by the questions, Who, Where, When, and Why.  Once those questions were answered, we tried to summarize the passage in one short sentence. We then discussed what this passage revealed about God. Next we discussed what this passage revealed about people. We identified promises contained in the passage as well as warnings.  And finally, we identified what Bible truths were apparent from the passage.  The handouts are sized to be stuck in between Bible pages and referred to as we learn to probe Scripture in a meaningful way that will show us God's truths and His nature. Knowing what's in our Bibles will aid us in living in Christ Jesus.

After prayer, our food offerings were enjoyed along with fellowship and laughter.

Our assembly lines were then manned by all, and the packaging began. Three large tubs at the end of the line were filled with colorful pencil pouches containing, black and blue pens, scissors, pencil sharpeners, pencils, slab and pencil-top erasers, and glue sticks. Each and every shoe box we forward to the Operation Christmas Child will contain one of these pencil pouches, a ruled spiral notebook, and a hygiene packet we assembled in February.  

Present at this meeting were:

An evening of prayer and guided fellowship entitled My Story My Song was led by Donna T.  Three tables were set up and decorated for cozy conversation with tablecloths, doilies, Bibles, hymnals, candles and fresh-cut flowers from Donna's garden.  Wonderful snacks and sweets were provided by some and we're all thankful for those.

As a group, we briefly reviewed Tamar's story from Genesis 38 and concluded with the Biblical truth that God is sovereign, and His Plan will not be thwarted by our actions regardless how explicit, ugly, messy, or hurtful they might be. From the shameful actions of both Judah and Tamar, God brought forth many leaders, including King David and Jesus, the King of Kings!  (See Matthew 1.)

Next, Donna asked some very simple questions for quiet discussion among those seated at each table. These led to conversations we likely would never have in after-church chitchat. We found common ground and learned some interesting things about others. The last question Donna asked was "What song best fits your life?" These were written down and given to Donna to make a WRBC Ladies playlist from.  

The first four questions asked, were:

1. When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?

2. What family members were integral to your Christian faith?

3. What is something you do well?

4. What is bringing you joy in life right now?

After this conversational session, Donna explained how she has learned to pray with her BSF leadership group, and then we also prayed together in one accord.

Attending this month were Debbie P., Vicki B., Savannah and Freya M., Kathy P., Bonnie E., Cathy K., Carol K., Gina M., Joni R., Debbie M., Katie, F. and Donna T.   More photos available in the WRBC Ladies Facebook group.  

On March 30 Tanya Price addressed the meeting about her recent attendance at a women's conference and how she was led to present the the Steps to Effecting Everlasting Change.  She made an example from her own need to trust that she has instilled into her grown children what they need to make it on their own and let go of the responsibilities they now have.  That's a change we all have trouble with, isn't it?  She provided handouts from the masterclass, so each of us, in our own time, can name an area in our own lives where we need to effect lasting change and follow the guides to make the change.  Let's pray for one another about the changes we each may need or want to make and that God will provide whatever else we need to bring that about for the glory of His Kingdom.

Tanya and Katie Fluhr both crocheted curly heart shapes for us to make key chains from.  Tanya Estes brought a box full of "Holy Land" tomato seedlings to give away.  Let's pray our group has an abundance of tomato-y goodness this summer! The food provided was, as always, yummy.  Thank you, Tanya P. for your willingness to lead the group this month and the enthusiastic presentation.  Thanks to Tanya P, and Katie for working together on our craft project, thanks to Tanya E. for the seedlings, and thank you to all who attended and prepared the food.  Growing together with one another is so good!

Attending were Debbie P., Donna T., Terri H., Tanya E., Tanya P., Sheri W. Laura H., Bonnie E., Carol K., Vicki B., Julie W., Betty S., and Paula B.

We met on February 23 to fellowship and assemble hygiene packets for our Operation Christmas Child boxes.  We assembled 250 packets.  These will be included in each and every shoe box we send out in November.  A guest from the Hispanic church attended to learn how we operate our OCC program, as they may be joining us in this world mission.  

The food provided was delicious, as usual.  Thank you to all who attended and prepared the food.  Others attending were Debbie P., Donna T., Terri H., Tanya E., Tanya P., Angela K., Theresa K., Laura H., Kathy P., Marti D., Cathy K., Bonnie E., Carol K., Katie F, Vicki B., and Toni S.