The Ladies' Christmas Party--beautifully decorated by Kathi Banholzer and Becky Cox encouraged a feeling of welcome for each of us. A comradeship of kindred spirits seemed to be the sense of the evening.
Janice led us in prayer, and testimonies from several ladies followed, noting the special blessing that their secret pal had in their life this year. Natalee Wilson gave a thoughtful devotion comparing our gift giving to God's gift giving. (As an aside, she mentioned that at times we're stumped when deciding on a gift to give someone. She wondered how the wise men decided on what gift they would give to Jesus.)
Gertrude Stanley presented our ladies' thank you gift for Becky Cox for her service as coordinator of the Secret Pals. Becky encouraged us to make our secret pals, for the upcoming year, our focus for prayer and for our demonstration of love. After enjoying yummy snacks, the suspense of discovering our secret pals was at hand. We gave our year-long friends our last gift of the year and were surprised to find out their identities. New secret pals were selected, with Becky Cox being the coordinator again for the upcoming year. It would be safe to say, that we all hope the Lord will strengthen the heart-ties that were made this past year and give us a heart for encouraging our newest friend in 2015.
Janice led us in prayer, and testimonies from several ladies followed, noting the special blessing that their secret pal had in their life this year. Natalee Wilson gave a thoughtful devotion comparing our gift giving to God's gift giving. (As an aside, she mentioned that at times we're stumped when deciding on a gift to give someone. She wondered how the wise men decided on what gift they would give to Jesus.)
Gertrude Stanley presented our ladies' thank you gift for Becky Cox for her service as coordinator of the Secret Pals. Becky encouraged us to make our secret pals, for the upcoming year, our focus for prayer and for our demonstration of love. After enjoying yummy snacks, the suspense of discovering our secret pals was at hand. We gave our year-long friends our last gift of the year and were surprised to find out their identities. New secret pals were selected, with Becky Cox being the coordinator again for the upcoming year. It would be safe to say, that we all hope the Lord will strengthen the heart-ties that were made this past year and give us a heart for encouraging our newest friend in 2015.
