by Jen Balkey
Happy fall y’all!! I pray this season finds you looking to God to wonder at His amazing glory all around. Does the transition to dormancy in winter have to be as magnificent as the beautiful fall colors we are beginning to see? God not only cares about the beauty in his creation but also the beauty in you as His beloved daughters! I have already heard so many correlations in the sermons looking at Nehemiah. He was a man that wanted his faith to mean something. He was thankful to God for all he had, and his gratitude was not just thanks to God but giving himself to God to be used to serve those around him.
Women’s Ministry at Hebron is all about wanting women to be ANCHORED in their faith—filled with the Spirit and truth—which will be exemplified through their REACHING OUT to the world around them. This world does not have to be across the ocean or country—it can and I hope it will be here in our midst. Let’s come alongside our sisters in Christ to encourage one another, guide one another towards the truth in all we do, build God’s kingdom here. Jerusalem was a city that had been overtaken and defeated. Are we women that have been overtaken by the distractions of the world or defeated by the trials and circumstances of life? “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering [stand firm in your FAITH], for he who promised is faithful! And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:23-24, emphasis mine.
Ladies - IF your faith is real… IF you believe in our God like you say you do… THEN what?!?! Is there fruit in your life as a result of this? Are you sold out for HIM and doing the work HE has called you to?? The end of verse 24 above, “and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” is referring to His return. Do you care and love the world around you enough to help complete the work Jesus was sent to do? That all will be reconciled to HIM. If our life is comfortable or in complete chaos - is that the focus of your life or will you take up the yoke you have been offered through Jesus and do his eternal work??
This summer we began IF:Table. This is an opportunity to encourage and fellowship with each other. Help one another consider what it is we have been given, and how we can encourage and draw others near to HIM. Women can sign up to host a table. IF you can make a simple meal and have a place where 6 people can sit together for 2 hours to reflect on the 4 questions provided, THEN sign up to be a host!! If you like to cook, but don’t have a place to host let me know (Jen Balkey) or talk to a friend that might have the space but doesn’t enjoy cooking and you can host together. I am confident it will be an enjoyable and uplifting experience!! How this works…
A woman tells me when (date/time) she would like to host an IF:Table and then I announce it in the bulletin and put it on Sign-up Genius. If you would like to attend a table, call the number of the person hosting (found in the bulletin) or go to the Sign-up Genius link on hebronchurch.org/adults/women.
Another opportunity I hope all women will consider joining us for is: Taste & See—Fall Gathering on Monday, October 29th from 6:30-8:30 pm in Fellowship Hall. Please register if you are able to join us! Also, if you would like to serve (not required but we appreciate all who are willing to use the gifts they have been given), there are opportunities to sign up to bring an appetizer or dessert, help with greeting, kitchen, set-up, and clean-up. You can sign up by calling the church office (412-371-2307), calling or texting Karen Painter (412-720-9372), or going to the Sign-up Genius link on hebrononline.org/adults/women. Can’t wait to see you all there. I trust God is going to be present and glorified!! “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
