Calvary Church Annual Report | Page 12

women's ministry staff Donna Ross, Susan Sorensen Transformed by Grace This has been a year of transforming grace in women’s ministry. Our Tuesday morning Gathering Place Study continued to connect women to Jesus and to one another by creating a warm, loving atmosphere for growth in God’s Word, prayer, worship and community. We journeyed through the letters of 1 & 2 Peter in a study titled, “Peter and the Power of a Transformed Life.” The women were transformed by God’s Word, through learning to pray Kingdom prayers and a much greater emphasis on mentoring relationships. GPS Kids grew in God’s Word right along with their moms. The nationwide theme of MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) went right along with the theme of grace here at Calvary … “A Beautiful Mess.” All year, MOPS leaders and mentors shared their stories of God’s grace in the midst of their messes. The testimonies were real and transparent and gave glory to God as they gave witness to being broken, but chosen, and transformed by the grace of God. Working women continued to journey together through the GPS Study on Wednesday nights and our offering of studies on Tuesday nights. The study of God’s Word enabled them to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ and to be equipped to be salt and light in a hurting world. Our big event had a special emphasis on getting to know Lisa Samra and hearing God’s grace in her life. 375 women filled the Gym for dessert and fellowship and then moved into the Chapel for an up-close interview with Lisa. It was a grace-filled evening of connecting and laughter and joy. Apples of Gold flourished as younger women were mentored. The Prayer Shawl ministry grew in numbers and in impact as more and more people were blessed in the midst of difficult situations. TESTIMONY: KAYLA HACKELBERG There is so much I want to say about the way I have been blessed by the Gathering Place Study this past year, but two things stand out the most: the mentoring and godly example of the older women in my small group and the way my children have grown in their faith through GPS Kids. As a mother of four, having a set time each week to be able to dive into the Bible (uninterrupted) with a community of women thirsty for God’s Word has been irreplaceable. As a homeschooling mom, I am so thankful that GPS Kids reinforces what I teach at home. I am eternally grateful for the GPS Kids teachers who are so passionate about sharing God’s love with my little ones through songs, games, crafts and skits. God has blessed our combined efforts and another precious soul was added to his kingdom this year when my son asked Christ to be his Savior! Praise the Lord! 12 | CALVARY CHURCH 2013-2014 ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014 by the numbers 200 women volunteered in women’s ministry 340 women attended the Gathering Place Bible Study 80+ women attended MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) 180+ children heard the Gospel through Moppets on Thursdays and GPS Kids on Tuesday mornings 100+ working women participated in an evening Bible study 100+ women attended a summer Bible study 375 women attended the Girls’ Night with Lisa Samra 50+ women participated and found fellowship in sports programs – volleyball, exercise and golf