There Is a Time and a Season for Everything
This coming New Year’s Eve will be my last day to serve as Hebron’s Women’s Ministry Coordinator. After praying about it for over 1 year, I believe it is time to step out of this position. For everything there is a season, and I am confident that after eleven years, now it’s time for me to move on.
There are so many things I could say as this chapter of my life comes to a close. After some thought, I have settled on sharing a smattering of the Scriptures that have helped fix my eyes on Jesus while serving in this role.
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
“The one who calls you is faithful and He will do it.” 1 Thess. 5:24
“I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings, becoming like him in his death.” Phil. 3:10a
“Love one another.” John 13:34
“Count it all joy when you meet various trials because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” James 1:2
“The Lord takes great delight over you, He rejoices over you with singing, He quiets you with His love.” Zeph. 3:17
“My name is engraved on the palm of God’s hand.” Is. 49:16
“Pray first.” “Pray continually.” “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” 1Timothy 2:1, 1Thess 5:17, James 5:16
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouth, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Eph. 4:29
“In love he adopted us ... Because of his great love for us, God who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in sin, it is by grace you have been saved, thru faith, it is a gift from God – not by works so that no one can boast.” Eph. 1 and 2 (sel.vs.)
“Finally...Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things.” Phil. 4:8
“Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord ...” Eph. 6:7
Since 2005, God has blessed women at Hebron with a Women’s Ministry Leadership Team. The team has changed over time, but He has faithfully provided highly reliable, passionate women to serve. Thank you to Meg Passalinqua, Beth Iammarino, Karen Kear, Ellen Dillard, Jen Stolarz, Jayne Shorthouse, Amy Hehn, Elaine Miller, Jen Balkey, Laura Ivanov, Kristy Tomashewki, Joann Hughes, and Sarah Shorthouse. God has also blessed us with mightily well-equipped women who have served as Grove leaders, retreat team leaders, and leaders of HUPW. There are countless others who have served at the Heart Breakfasts, Peaches and Cream/Summer Sensation, Beyond Opportunities, Mercy Meals, Taste and See, as well as day by day serving and caring for others. It has been a divine privilege to serve with you!
Lastly, at some point along the way I learned two influential ways to approach ministry to women. First, trust God to use you in the life of one person at a time. And every time, pray that you both will see Jesus in every interaction. Second, because we never know what’s going on in a woman’s life, unless she chooses to tell us, love her without conditions. We all need to be loved. We love because God first loved us.
Today is another time to grow. Growth requires change. We never need to be afraid of change for God holds us in the palm of His hand. Therefore, let’s all press on towards the goal: To allow God to use us to show Himself to the world, one woman at time.
I will forever thank Him every time I remember you and the partnership in the Gospel that we have shared from my first day until now. I am confident that He who began a good work in you, and in me, will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. My love I leave with you. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
Ed. Note: Steff wants you to know that she and Craig are not leaving Hebron. Steff will be stepping away from all Women’s Ministry opportunities for one year to allow for a new coordinator to become well established in her leadership role. She will remain a co-leader of the Tuesday night Amazing Ladies Grove. She is looking forward to traveling more with Craig.
