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Inside this issue:

Portraits from Sandie Prayer-Poetry & Praise Joyful Recipes Joyful Books Ministry Apron Strings Titus 2:3-5 1 2 3

Encouraging Others to Place Their Hope in Jesus Christ and Continue in the Faith!
When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord. For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. Acts 11:23-24

Devotional Women in Calvary Chapel Calvary Chapel Information Calendar

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Issue 6 of 2011

November-December

Fragrant Life Ministry

Calvary Chapel Reno/Sparks A Publication Of The Womens Ministry
BY SANDIE LUITWIELER

P OR T R A IT S FR OM S A N DI E

HERE AT CALVARY CHAPEL OUR DESIRES FOR THE WOMENS MINISTRIES ARE:
To encourage deeper relationships and spiritual growth for the women in the body of Christ; To provide a place where women will be encouraged and uplifted to seek Gods best for their lives; To give opportunity to study the Word of God together that women might grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus; and To equip women to be lights in their homes, neighborhoods and workplaces reflecting the love of Jesus Christ to all.

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Issue 6 of 2011

PRAYER~ POETRY ~ PRA ISE

Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. Hebrews 13:15

Thank You Lord

Thank You Lord For Saving My Soul Thank You Lord For Making Me Whole Thank You Lord For Giving To Me Thy Great Salvation So Rich and Free

Womens Christmas Koinonia

Please join us on Saturday, December 17th, 2011
10:00 a.m. For food, fellowship, worship and study!

Jesus Messiah
He became sin Who knew no sin That we might become His Righteousness He humbled himself and carried the cross Love so amazing Love so amazing Jesus Messiah Name above all names Blessed Redeemer Emmanuel The rescue for sinners

The ransom from Heaven Jesus Messiah Lord of all His body the bread His blood the wine Broken and poured out all for love The whole earth trembled And the veil was torn Love so amazing Love so amazing, yeah Jesus Messiah Name above all names Blessed Redeemer Emmanuel The rescue for sinners

The ransom from Heaven Jesus Messiah Lord of all All our hope is in You All our hope is in You All the glory to You, God The light of the world Jesus Messiah Name above all names Blessed Redeemer Emmanuel The rescue for sinners The ransom from Heaven Jesus Messiah Lord of all

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Fragrant Life Ministry

Issue 6 of 2011

JOYFUL RECIPES
YAM TOWN
3 cups mashed sweet potatoes - canned or roasted 2 eggs beaten 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup coconut (May be left out) 1 cup sugar 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 cup milk 1 teaspoon vanilla 1/4 cup melted butter Mix above ingredients together with electric mixer and pour in baking dish.

Topping:
1/4 cup melted butter 1 cup brown sugar 1/3 cup gluten free rice flour (or flour) 1 cup pecans Mix together and crumble over potatoes. (May reduce sugar to 1/2 cup if desired.) Bake 350 degrees for 40 to 60 minutes.

JOYFUL BOOKS MINISTRY

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16

Womens Ministry Book Selection

Dear Sister, Letters of Hope and Encouragement
By Gisela Yohannan Dear Sister, is a devotional book written in a series of letters over seven years. Gisela uses personal stories from her own life and ministry to show how the Lord has been faithful both through the joy and through the suffering. I loved the book Dear Sister! It is a wonderful devotional book and does not need to be read sequentially. What I liked best about Giselas book is that it is easy to read, every devotional refers to scripture that is easy to follow, and each devotional ends with specific prayer requests, especially in the area of missions. If you are looking for a book for a friend or for yourself to begin devotions, I highly recommend the book Dear Sister, Letters of Hope and Encouragement. Through the LORDs mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23

Joyful Books Online: Just a reminder that http://joyfullbooks.blogspot.com online is not just a place to visit for our book club information. You will find: Devotionals, Book Reviews and Summaries, Recipes by the Women of Calvary Chapel Reno-Sparks, Photo's from our Koinonia's and Conferences, and Writing Responses to Devotionals from Women. Women are encouraged to email recipes to be posted on the blog as well as write responses to weekly blog postings. The purpose of Joyful Books is to encourage others in their walk with Jesus Christ and share the message of salvation to all the world. Joyful Books At Calvary Chapel: Our Book Club meets Wednesdays at 9:30 am. In the 3rd and 4th grade classroom. For more information, call Kelly Gardner, 657-6422 or email gardner.joyfullbooks@gmail.com http://joyfullbooks.blogspot.com

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Issue 6 of 2011

~APRON STRINGS~
The older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God many not be blasphemed. Titus 2:3-5

How To Prepare Your Family To Share Jesus Christ By Kelly Gardner

show them how they too can be excited to share Jesus with someone.

Here are a few suggestions that might encourage you and your I really enjoy the changing of the seasons, especially when it family to lead others to Christ: comes to fall. Smells of cinnamon and vanilla mixed with apples Be a good friend and listener. and pumpkins fill the air. Leaves fall in twirling dances, scattering themselves in hidden corners of the yard, ready to be Pray for your friends. raked and piled into playful mounds of family entertainment. Pray that the Lord would give you opportunities to witness Every year the home becomes central to cleaning and preparation to others. for what is to come; that is family gatherings during the holiday Read your Bible and Share what you have read so you are season. Inside and out the home is prepared. Yards are mowed prepared. for the final time, hoses are placed in their winter storage, and As a family act-out and share Bible stories so they are everything outside is put in order. The inside of the home is remembered. prepared in much the same way. Many have termed this fancy fall activity as Deep Cleaning! As we think about this concept of Home Preparation and how much time and effort we put into winterizing our home, or preparing our home for holiday family gatherings, have you thought about preparing your family for how to share Jesus Christ with others? The Bible tells us that witnessing is an important part of the Christian life and that every true believer will have the desire to want to share Jesus with someone by telling them what God has done for him or her.

Try not to be a know-it-all (pride)...remember the Holy Spirit lives inside of us and He is our Teacher. It says in John 16:13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. Invite people over for dinner and share stories of how God has worked in your life through joys and trials.

Most of all, you dont have to worry about being perfect, or not having a clean enough home, or exactly the right words to say, for it says in James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him One woman that was really excited to tell others about Jesus, was the woman that Jesus met at the well, in John 4:28-42. This ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. passage is a wonderful passage to share with your family, to

A Good and Perfect Gift, Faith, Expectations, and a Little Girl Named Penny
By Amy Julia Becker Challenging surprises often lead to unexpected joy. Amy Julia opens eyes and softens hearts as she

brings readers into her own story of disappointment turned to blessing. This is a journey of discovering strength through weakness, and the author learns to embrace the face that we are all dependent on God and one another. This encouraging story is about a family whos baby is given the diagnosis unexpectedly upon birth of Down syndrome.

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Issue 6 of 2011

DEVOTIONAL
Be an Encourager
By DiAnn Wolfe

Who in the Bible comes to mind when you mention encourager? Of course, it would be Barnabas. We are introduced to him in the book of Acts. We are told in Acts 4:36 that he sold land and brought the money to the apostles. He was named by the apostles Barnabas which means Son of Encouragement. Oh, how we need encouragers in the body of Christ. I think Barnabass well appointed place in biblical history is to remind us, of just that. His nickname encourager in the Greek, parakletos is the form of the same word referring to the Holy Spirit our comforter or helper. Jesus prayed to the Father, to send. another Helper, that He may abide with you forever-the Spirit of truth. John 14:16. The Holy Spirit is one who is called alongside, as helper, comforter, or encourager or as our English word for encourager adds, to inspire with courage or confidence, stimulate by approval, or support. The implication is that we need help, to press on, to live for Christ and pursue our relationship and calling in the Lord. An encourager is one called to the side of another as a helper, to edify, comfort and exhort, Barnabas was an encourager. In Acts 9 we find Barnabas coming to the aid of Paul. Paul who was Saul at the time, recently converted to Christ had escaped the plot by the Jews in Damascus to kill him. His disciples helped him escape safely, and in verse 26 Saul had come to Jerusalem and tried to join the disciples there, but they were all afraid of him and

did not believe him. Verse 27 says, BUT BARNABAS, came alongside Saul and helped; encouraged him and Paul began his ministry. Barnabas looked beyond the criticalness and fear, instead of seeing what everyone else saw, he saw Gods grace on Pauls life. Understanding the grace of God, God giving us what dont deserve, should lead us to being an encourager like Barnabas rather than a faultfinder, or flaw examiner. One will edify the other because of criticalness cause fear. Later in Acts, chapter 1:22-24, the church in Jerusalem sends out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch and it says when he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord. For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. I am convinced by the word, that the natural outcome of church members full of the Holy Spirit, our helper, comforter and encourager is a church full of helpers, comforters, and encouragers, all working together to build one another up in the body of Christ. Rom 14:19, exhorts us, Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another. A heart that seeks peace and harmony, will seek to build up others. Encouragement does not have to be a reward, it does not have to be earned, but it should come from a sincere heart, full of the Holy Spirit. We see this in these next verses. (continued on page 6)

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Issue 6 of 2011

DEVOTIONAL ~ PART 2
Acts 12:25 and 15:36-40. On their first missionary journey together, Paul, Barnabas and John Mark, the cousin of Barnabas, have a falling out and at a crucial time in their ministry John Mark returns to Jerusalem. Paul and Barnabas want to visit the mission field again, when Barnabas mentions John Mark, it says a sharp contention developed between them. Paul leaves Barnabas with John Mark to go to Cyprus and instead he take Silas with him, Acts 15:36-41. Could Paul have responded differently? Barnabas chose to continue to support John Mark, regardless of what it cost him. How refreshing! Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus. Phil 2:4, 5. Pride will stand in the way, but humility is at the heart of an encourager. Here are some thoughts to consider:
Exhort one another through scripture; it is our greatest source of encouragement. 2 Tim 3:16 Comfort those who are hurting, weak or sick 1 Thes.5:14 Acknowledge others' abilities and efforts. Eph. 4:29 Avoid subtle criticisms that tear down, give grace instead. James 2:13 Pray for others, and let them know youre praying Col 1:3 Become aware of what encourages you and do those same things for others. Luke 6:31

WOMEN IN CALVARY CHAPEL ~ PART 1

BE A JESUS SERVANT NOT A MANS SERVANT SERVE THE LORD...
death on the cross. Peter tells us when we humble ourselves in service to our Lord, we will be exalted. 1Peter 5:6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time. If I could remove this feeling of joy from my heart, and lay it out before you, so that you could see it, touch By ~ Mary Jane Robinette it, and embrace this powerful love, I would do that for you. However this kind of joy isnt something that we can share with I am so privileged to write to you about servanthood, and to each other. It is a private joy based on our own personal share with you what being a servant of our Lord Jesus Christ means to me. And I hope, that in what I share, I can illuminate a relationship in loving Jesus Christ. Each one of us must glow of service to the Lord in each one of you. I made the choice experience the fulfillment of receiving our own joy from serving to surrender my life to serve my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As the Lord. The more we worship Him, the more we praise Him I continue to grow in service to my Lord, my reward continues to and keep him the center of our life, our joy will overflow. Every day should begin with a new heart attitude of service. grow enormously bright in my heart. It is but a small word that embraces such a huge happiness. Its called joy. It is so easy to Over the years the Lord has called me into ministries to have this wonderful blessing to carry around with you every day. serve Him, and one by one I have said yes. Everything we do in This joy is a light that shines bright from within you. Matthew 5:16 "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your service for our master Jesus Christ must be with a wholly good works and glorify your Father in heaven." When we make surrendered heart. I cant even imagine saying no to my Lord. the choice to surrender and be a servant to Jesus Christ, we have There are times when I might not feel well. There are times when joy complete. This joy brings a happiness to our heart unlike any I just need to meet my husbands requests of me to stay at home with him. We all have appointments that come up, and we have emotion we have ever known before. The only way we can unforeseen circumstances. In these instances it is okay to say no. achieve this joy is to humble ourselves in service to our Lord. It's a balance we need to make in our life. But when we say no Jesus humbled himself to become a servant even to the point of (continued on page 7)

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Issue 6 of 2011

WOMEN IN CALVARY CHAPEL ~ PART 2

just because we dont feel like sharing of our self in service, than we are not being obedient to God. God is never to exhausted or to busy to answer our prayers for help! the ladies rest room and there is water splashed all over the sink, or paper towels on the floor. Stop, and wipe up the water, or pick up the trash. Do it as a ministry to the Lord and His blessings will flow within you. Be a faithful and available There are times when I tell the Lord you have servant when God points to you. No matter how small the act stretched me as far as I can go. Yet he stretches me more, and I of service, God sees it, and to Him, it is huge. When we serve obediently surrender. Jesus was obedient to serve His Fathers self with our time, our energy, thinking only of our needs, our will. He willingly gave His life for our sins. He gave His body wants; our efforts can seem fruitless at times. Paul tells us to as a sacrificial gift by suffering a horrible, torturous death of work for the Lord and our labors will never be in vain. We as whips, thorns and nails, so each one of us could have a choice Christian women should pray and ask God to shape us new to chose to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. How can everyday so that we can better serve Him. Only then will we anyone choose self over serving our Saving Redeemer Jesus experience the joy that comes from being a faithful servant. Christ? Matthew 20:28 Just as the Son of man did not come to Our focus should always be to serve God, knowing that He is be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for stockpiling our rewards to be waiting for us when we go home many. to be with Him in heaven. We may not be able to see Jesus when we serve Him; but God sees our heart and knows our Who would be a better example to servanthood then love whenever we serve Him. 1Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, Jesus? John 13:15 For I have given you an example, that you my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always should do as I have done to you. Now I am not saying we abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is need to go wash each others feet the way Jesus humbled not in vain in the Lord. himself to stoop as a bondservant and wash the feet of the Apostles. But we can serve each other in a loving way, just as The message the Lord speaks is this. To know the joy Jesus loved His Apostles. God commands us to love one of the Lord in our heart is to serve one Master. Whether we another. We should pray daily to be filled with Gods Agape serve the Lord in church ministries, or we serve the Lord in our love. His spiritual love places a reverent energy inside of our daily life, we do not serve in the flesh, but in everything we do, hearts so that we can seek to live our life in a Jesus way. we do it in service to our Master King. We should not look for Service should be a humble act of love. doing it for the honor riches and blessings from those around us that we serve, but we and the glory of God, not to pat our self on the should look to the riches we will gain in heaven. God isnt back. Colossians 3:23-24 And whatever you do, do it heartily, looking for our ability to serve Him, He is looking for our as to the lord and not to men. Knowing that from the Lord you availability. Be obedient. We need to chose to surrender and be will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you - serve the a humble servant for His honor and glory and we will shine Lord Christ. with the joy of the Lord in our heart. Who wouldnt want their service to the Lord to be a sweet-smelling aroma to the altar of We all need a heart attitude to serve as ambassadors to our Father in heaven? Matthew 25:21 His Lord said to him, Jesus Christ. We have a gifted opportunity to share with others well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a the good news of the gospel. We are serving when we speak to few things. I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into our neighbor, our co-worker, even to unsaved family members the joy of your Lord. that their joy is in salvation through the blood of Jesus Christ. Serving the Lord is about the choice we make every day to be obedient and to humble our self to Gods will. God only uses those to serve Him who shines with a heart attitude for living a Jesus life. You can be a stay at home mom, a woman who goes out in the workplace, or retired like I am, we all have a busy schedule based on our lifestyle. We cannot let our priorities in our flesh life interfere with allowing the Holy Spirit to lead us into serving our Master. We should not be making compromises between serving man and serving God. We received gifts from the Holy Spirit, talents that we are to use as a Christian woman so we can bear the image of Jesus Christ to others. You are serving the Lord when you walk into

MISSIONS TO REMEMBER...

Remember, Wycliffe Bible Translators and our Sister Tami Smith, Samaritans Purse, and Gospel For Asia with your prayers and support this year.

Calvary Chapel Reno/Sparks

220 Edison Way, Reno, NV 89502 (775)856-1110 FAX: (775) 856-2031 www.calvarychapelreno.org Senior Pastor Admin. Pastor Youth Pastor Worship Pastor Evangelism Pastor Secretary Tom Luitwieler Rob Wolfe Juan Rodriguez Scott Cresta Leonard Sanchez Kim Bowser 13 20 27 6

November 2011
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3,10,17 6th 12th 13th 2,9,16,23,30 7,14,21,28 24th

Womens Prayer 9 am Missions Prayer Meeting 12:30 pm Singles Potluck 6 pm Widows Meeting 8:15am Joyful Books 9:30 am Womens Monday Bible Study Happy Thanksgiving

How Can I Get Involved in Womens Ministries at Calvary Chapel? First: Present yourself to God (Romans 12:1) for confirmation that He has planted you in this fellowship. If so, then discover your gifts and Gods calling in your life. Second: Study to show yourself approved unto God (2 Timothy 2:15). As you grow in your relationship with God, let Him prepare you for effective service. Third: Be doers of the Word (James 1:22). Commit yourself to the work of Jesus Christ in this fellowship. Get involved as a yielded vessel to Gods guiding anywhere He directs.
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December 2011
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu 1 5 12 19 26 6 13 20 27 7 14 21 28 8 15 22 29 Fri 2 9 16 23 30 Sat 3 10 17 24

1,8,15,22,29 4th 10th 11th 7,14,21,28 17th 5,12,19,26 25th

Womens Prayer 9 am Missions Prayer Meeting 12:30 pm Couples Potluck 6 pm Widows Meeting 8:15am Joyful Books 9:30 am Womens Koinonia 10 am Womens Monday Bible Study Merry Christmas

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PRAYER CHAIN CALL ANN @ 673-1238 OR EILEEN @ 972-1790

W H ER E I S G OD C AL L I N G M E TO S ERV E I N T HE C H UR CH
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT ANY OF THESE MINISTRIES, PLEASE CONTACT THE CHURCH OFFICE AT 856-1110

Helps Ministryfood pantry, meals ministry Caf 2:42 Womens Greeters Womens Monday Bible Study Womens Koinonia, Conferences, and Retreats PACE (Post Abortion Counseling Education) call Virginia Kentch at 287-2264. Womens Prayer GroupThursdays 9 am

Womens Night of Worship

CHILDRENS MINISTRIES, NURSERY & CHILD CARE Widows Meeting (Encourage & Prayer) 2nd Sunday of the month in Caf 242 @ 8:15 am.

Moms In PrayerMondays 1:00 pm. This ministry is for moms who want to get together and pray for their children. We meet on a weekly basis in the 3rd/4th grade classroom. Child care will be shared as needed. Call DiAnn at 972-4264.

Spirit Led Writers for our womens newsletter. Original poetry, recipes, stories, missions, answered prayers; fruit the Lord has grown in you that you would like to share with others! email Kelly Gardner: clay-kelly@charter.net or call 657-6422.