CABLE
summer 2016
the Counselors’ Newsletter
President’s letter Dear GEMS Leaders, Our name means Girls Everywhere Meeting the Savior. The GEMS Executive Board has been reflecting on this statement and how it encapsulates the mission and vision of GEMS. What does girls everywhere mean within the context of the ministry? This question draws me into the book of Ephesians in chapter 6 where Paul is speaking to the church in Ephesus. He is encouraging them to put on the full armor of God. Verse 15 says, with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
photo ©istock
Inside: 2017 board nominees | 3 club news | 5 what's your story?| 7
God has fitted GEMS with the readiness to reach out to girls anywhere with the Gospel. That readiness comes in our vision statement to see girls around the world actively and enthusiastically expressing love for God and others—girls equipped, motivated, and passionately engaged in living out their faith.
Over the past 58 years we have reached tens of thousands of girls with the Gospel— encouraging them in their walk with Christ. Currently we have over 19,000 girls being trained and encouraged in biblical truths. God is using GEMS to stand in readiness to share His beautiful message of salvation with girls anywhere and everywhere we are led. Thank you for being a part of God’s ministry of GEMS Girls’ Clubs. May we all stand ready together for the work He puts before us. Praise be to God for what He is doing through GEMS! In His Service,
Debra Liccar GEMS Executive Board President
GEMS Executive Board Shirley Batts – Portage, Michigan Cheryl Boer – Chandler, Arizona Amy Brooks – Midland Park, New Jersey Linda Hermen – Beecher, Illinois Judy Kapteyn – Sarnia, Ontario Mary Klingenberg – Mount Hope, Ontario Debra Liccar – Crete, Illinois Grace Moes – Mississauga, Ontario Andrea Mulder – Norwich, Ontario Tina Rooks – Grand Rapids, Michigan Lorelle Rozendal– Grand Rapids, Michigan Cindy Visser – Zeeland, Michigan
GEMS Staff Training Manager - Lenae Bulthuis Operations Director - Michele DeHaan Managing Editor - Kelli Gilmore Graphic & Web Designer - Lisa Hunter Customer Relations - Hannah Noorman International Ministries Director - Jill Postma Conference Coordinator - Alecia VanHulzen Publications Director/Senior Editor - Amy White To honor God by being responsible stewards of His creation, Cable is printed on post-consumer recycled paper and uses vegetable-based inks. Canada Post Publication Sales Agreement #41124116, return undeliverable copies to Cable c/o GEMS Girls’ Clubs, PO Box 39, Norwich, ON N0J 1P0
curriculum update GEMS has an abundance of resources for you to use with your girls. No matter the makeup of your club, we have materials that will speak to your small group. And, with comprehensive Counselor Helps accompanying each curriculum, you will be fully prepared to share God’s love every time you meet.
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Jesus Jesus es Cloth by ned g i s e d
P
Last year we redesigned and completely revamped content in two of our Awareness Level (grades 1-3) curriculum. The new editions of God’s Kids and Women of Faith were released last season.
The final two Awareness Level books will be revised in 2017-18 to match this new format.
Paul loved teaching people about Jesus. But he was in
Paul knew following Jesus was the best way to live. He knew his
prison. So when he couldn’t visit his friends, he wrote them
friends in Colosse could learn to love like Jesus. Paul’s letter reminds
letters. One of his letters was to his friends in a city called
us that we can love like Jesus, too!
Colosse.
Based on Colossians 3:1-17 {1}
a story about
This year we are excited to add Clothes Designed by Jesus to the list. This new edition of an old favorite still includes all of the helpful background information, additional activity ideas, openers, prayer prompts, and stories for you to read to girls in the Counselor Helps. But we added a Quick Start opening activity option that involves little to no prep time or supplies, as well as lots of Next Level options for girls who are ready to go deeper. The girls Activity Book now has three sections for each lesson. This flow helps girls understand the concepts cognitively before moving the ideas to their hearts and responding with their hands. Girls also will receive a mini storybook for each lesson with an age-appropriate retelling of the story they can punch out, color, and take home.
If you would prefer to receive an electronic copy of Cable, send a note to cable@gemsgc.org to be added to our email list.
Clothes designed by
Paul said that when you love Jesus, He helps you take off things like lying and being mean. He helps you take off unkind attitudes and actions.
Kindness
{6}
aCtivity book book aCtivity
Once you take those things off, you can love like Jesus! He helps you put on things like gentleness and thankfulness. He helps you forgive people and be patient with others.
2 {3}
{4}
But then another very sad thing happened. Naomi’s sons died, too. Naomi decided to go back to her old home. Before she left, she thanked Orpah and Ruth for being kind to her. Naomi told them to go home to be with their families. Orpah did, but Ruth stayed with Naomi.
In addition, MTN, part of the Advanced Level (grades 7-8) curriculum, has been updated. The content has been revised and it has an entirely new look. In this updated edition, girls will still study 24 of God’s names and learn what it means that God is their heavenly Father, compassionate Healer, and devoted Friend. Ruth was very kind to Naomi. She went and picked grain so she and Naomi would have food. While she was working, Ruth met Boaz. Boaz heard how kind Ruth was to Naomi. He offered her water. He kept her safe while she worked, and he gave her extra food to take home. Boaz was kind to Ruth and Naomi.
{5}
{2}
We are excited about these changes and the growing opportunities they bring for your club to continue to reach girls with God’s love. For more information on these updates and the other curriculum options visit gemsgc.org.
2017 GEB nominees The women who serve on the GEMS Executive Board help lead the overall ministry. Each year, counselors elect new members to the GEB who help shape the future of GEMS. There are two openings on the board for 2017. Every club will receive a ballot (mailed to Club Coordinators in August), and should cast a vote for two of the nominees. Please read the following qualifications and, as a club, prayerfully consider your choices. Judy Kapteyn attends First Christian Reformed Church in Sarnia, Ontario. Judy has been involved with GEMS for 11 years. She started as a Club Coordinator and seven years ago her GEMS combined with another local club where she serves as Co-Club Coordinator. She is currently serving her third year on the GEB as secretary. Why would you like to serve on the GEB? I absolutely love GEMS! Being an educator, GEMS has been an ideal place for me to use the gifts God has given me. I enjoy working with girls and I am passionate about the vision and mission of GEMS. Continuing to be part of the GEB would be an incredible opportunity to help further God’s kingdom so girls everywhere can be part of a living, dynamic relationship with their heavenly Father. Linda Hermen attends Momence Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Momence, Illinois. She is serving her third year on the GEB and is currently treasurer and part of the personnel committee. Linda has been involved in GEMS for 35 years as a counselor, Club Coordinator, Local Conference Committee member, area council board member, and on committees hosting area workshops.
Why would you like to serve on the GEB? I love GEMS. It has truly been a gift from God to serve LaGrave’s GEMS, to see many girls grow in Christ, and to have a wonderful, close relationship with my counselors. I have admired and want to thank all the women who have given time on the GEB. I knew that when the Lord said, “Now is the time,” that I would also give back and serve GEMS as it serves in this capacity. I am honored that God wants to use me in this way and I look forward to the opportunity of listening, praying, and doing His work.
Judy Kapteyn
Linda Hermen
Jody VanKoevering attends First Reformed Church in Zeeland, Michigan. She has been involved in GEMS for 14 years as a counselor, Club Coordinator, and a member of the leadership team. Why would you like to serve on the GEB? God has affirmed time and time again that GEMS is a calling He has placed in my life. I love our local club and the opportunity to speak into the lives of girls in our community. Being on the leadership team has given me the opportunity to be more involved in the lives of counselors as well. Getting to know the ladies that make this ministry come to life has been an honor. I love being able to encourage them, pray for them, and support them. I see service on the GEB as a way to use the gifts and experiences God has given me to further support the GEMS ministry through vision, planning, and leadership. If this is God’s plan for my service, I will follow joyfully and work tirelessly, praising Him in all things!
Tina Rooks
Jody VanKoevering
Summer 2016 | 3
Why would you like to serve on the GEB? Girls Everywhere Meeting the Savior—what a challenge God has given GEMS! It has been my privilege to serve on the board and see God’s hand in decisions made and actions taken to meet this challenge. I understand the time and commitment required to be a board member, and I am blessed to be able to make that commitment. God has used GEMS to touch the lives of so many young girls and continues to require us to reach out to future generations. I am so thankful to be a small part of His ministry!
Tina Rooks attends LaGrave Christian Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She has been involved in the GEMS program there for 26 years as a counselor and Club Coordinator. Tina is serving her first year on the GEB.
Get your plan on! The beginning of your GEMS season is just around the corner. It’s time to get out your calendar, meet your counselor team, and start planning! What curriculum do you use? How will you fit everything in? Do you plan additional fun events for your club? If so, when?
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While the answers to these questions will look different for your individual club, it’s often helpful to hear how other counselors navigate this planning time.
"Girls are realizing that you can have fun and love Jesus, while seeing adult women have fun with each other, too!” - Alexandra Brown
For the counselors at Seymour Christian Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, this means passing around a sign-up sheet at their first GEMS counselor meeting for the season.
their kick-off party to fundraisers, a success. “The girls get to see how we all work together as counselors, and everyone—girls and counselors—enjoy the fun!” Alexandra added.
“Our sign-up sheet has a list of all the GEMS events for the year with possible dates and three to four blank lines next to each event,” explained counselor Alexandra Brown. “Every counselor signs up for an event to plan and coordinate. These committees meet as the event date gets closer and we loop everyone else in on the details. We ask for help or assign extra jobs as needed.”
One of the events Seymour GEMS counselors host is a pizza and pajama party for their first through fourth graders. The purpose is to just have fun together! After having a pizza dinner, girls gather for praise and worship and an opening devotional. From there girls from all four grades mix together to rotate between craft, nails, games, and snack stations.
Their club’s work-together attitude helps them make every event, from
Fun events like this often draw more girls from the community to their club, too. “These girls keep bringing more and
more friends from school!” Alexandra said. “We are getting to know girls from the community and their parents are being invited to attend other activities at church—like MOPS, Bible studies, and Sunday services. Girls are realizing that you can have fun and love Jesus, while seeing adult women have fun with each other, too!” With that reality, Seymour counselors are beginning to see the impact it has on how they plan events and get the word out to parents of their GEMS. “In the past we could just assume that parents would know what we did previously and know what to expect,” Alexandra said. “But with more community girls we need to explain in more detail what these events are and get the word out in multiple ways.” For Seymour, this means utilizing a club eNewsletter and Facebook page. Do you have tips for planning your club calendar? What about success stories you’d like to share with other counselors? Email kelli@gemsgc.org.
CONFERENCE
GEMS LEADERSHIP TRAINING
Club Keys for a fun night News GEMS LEADERSHIP TRAINING SPRING SEMINAR
When a previous GEM was asked what one of her favorite things about the fall was, she answered, “Our fun night!” She recalled one particular year visiting her Club Coordinator’s house for a bonfire, s’mores, and outdoor games. She had fun seeing her friends and making new ones while outside the walls of her church. However you choose to ring in your GEMS season, find ways to make everyone feel included with a night of fun! Need some ideas? Here are a few: Club Photo Shoot. As a counselor team, put together a box of props. Think feather boas, sunglasses, silly hats, and beads. Then, hang a sheet on a wall in your club space or between two trees outside. If someone from your church has photography experience, invite him or her to take pictures. Otherwise, a smartphone or point-and-shoot camera controlled by a counselor or CIT will work just fine. When girls arrive, divide them into groups of two or three. When it’s their turn, invite a group into your photo shoot area and let them have fun with the props while you capture their expressions. When the night is
over, print out some of the pictures to hang in your GEMS meeting area.
Game Night. Gather group games from your counselor team or find some at a local thrift store. Think games like UNO, Old Maid, Go Fish, or Trouble that can be played in a short amount of time. Set up different stations in your meeting space. When girls arrive, invite them to create their own player name—give them a nametag to write it on. Have girls play different games together and rotate after 20 minutes. Assign a counselor to each station to explain game rules. Finish the night off with a round of Mother May I or Red Light, Green Light to get everyone involved. Community Service and Dinner. Talk with leaders in your church or community about needs you can meet. That might be picking up trash in a neighborhood, going doorto-door to collect cans for a food shelter, or hosting a car wash to fundraise for a local missionary. Whatever the need is, plan to tackle it with your club! After your activities, have a picnic dinner together. Keep it simple with sandwiches or salads from your local deli. Ask each counselor to bring a snack and a drink to share.
club coordinator status
Club Coordinators—you are crucial to your club! You are also the bridge between your club and the GEMS Service Center. If someone is taking over for you this fall, let us know! Please send us the updated name and contact information for the new Club Coordinator to ensure she gets all the information she needs for the upcoming season. Also, don’t forget to update your counselor lists as soon as possible! It’s simple—visit gemsgc.org.
Check Your Mailbox!
Club Coordinators: in August you’ll receive a mailing with your dues form (dues must be submitted to the Service Center by November 15 of each year) and a GEB ballot. All votes must be cast by September 30.
Training in Your Area
Every fall GEMS training comes to your area. Local Workshops are a time to come together with other women to share ideas, be inspired, and be prepped for the coming season. Don’t miss out! Check the schedule at gemsgc.org for training near you.
Summer 2016 | 5
Another year, another grade This past spring, 70 children were welcomed at The Esther School for preschool assessment day. We ask for your continued prayers as the selection committee reviews the readiness of each potential student. There are 24 available spots in the next preschool class, and we rejoice that God is writing a beautiful story in the life of every child—those who are ready for preschool and those who need more time. As we accept 24 new students, we need sponsors to come alongside and support these children as they begin their education. Sponsors make this opportunity for a child possible. Please prayerfully consider this chance to make a lasting difference in a child’s life. For more information on sponsoring a student, visit estherschool.org.
missionaries help spread gems clubs The news about GEMS is spreading! In the past year missionaries have started several GEMS Clubs. And continuing conversations are happening with missionaries in Nigeria, Kenya, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. GEMS provides them with the materials for starting a club, and they utilize their network to implement the program. It’s a great partnership!
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Consider telling your church’s missionaries about GEMS. You can encourage them to use GEMS to impact the girls and women in their community. Contact Jill Postma at jill@gemsgc.org for more information and additional resources to share.
esther school spolight Whether a student learns in a multi-million dollar facility in North America or in a small village on the other side of the world, the goal of education is the same. And SHINE brightly and Sparkle Magazine readers want to make sure their friends at The Esther School—a Christian school for orphaned and under-resourced kids in Nyangwena, Zambia—have what they need to get a quality, Christ-centered education. The Esther School began in September of 2012. This mission outreach of GEMS grows each year as we add a grade, and last September we challenged girls to fill the fourth grade by collecting change. With your encouragement they have raised over $20,000! And they aren’t done! We will be collecting change through the end of July.
Next season, readers of SHINE and Sparkle Magazines will get to meet kids from The Esther School in every issue. This monthly student spotlight will help girls learn how their donations continue to make an impact as the school expands in size and influence. We can’t wait to see how girls are inspired to get involved. Thank you for continuing to help girls see the value of reaching beyond themselves and serving others around the world. All change collected, or a check for its value, can be sent to: In US: ES Spotlight 1333 Alger St. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49507
In Canada: ES Spotlight PO Box 39 Norwich, ON N0J 1P0
prep your gems space In a world of HGTV and Pinterest, we’re surrounded by beautiful spaces—or at least lots of good ideas to make our homes, offices, and classrooms that way. The good news is you don’t have to be a professional DIY-er to turn your GEMS space into a beautiful, welcoming environment. Here are some simple tips to make your meeting space a little friendlier: •
Add a Big Rug—Ask someone from your church to donate a used rug or find a carpet remnant on sale at a local furniture store. This will add a cozy place to sit and can really tie a room together.
•
Make Simple Garland—Cut up strips of paper or shred tissue paper to create cute, simple, and affordable
decorations! Hang these around your room or in one special spot. Their addition will bring in a pop of color and style. •
Hang Thrifted Frames—Visit your local thrift store and pick up a few used frames. Paint them or add glitter. Then, frame pictures of your small group or your favorite Bible verses or quotes.
•
Incorporate a Chalk Board—If your room doesn’t have one already, create your own with an old frame and some chalk paint. Use it to write small group rules or prayer requests. This is also a great place to share words of encouragement or the Bible verse from this week’s lesson.
What's
your story?
Last July, Karen Kroes, a counselor at Bethel Christian Reformed Church in Acton, Ontario, had the privilege of attending the GEMS Leadership Conference. While there, Karen recalls talking a lot about having a story and thinking about what her story was. At the time her story seemed fairly insignificant. She had lived in a Christian circle her whole life—what did she have to share? But the following month, Karen’s daughter, Nadine, was diagnosed with a brain tumor. And after a quick process of surgery and radiation, followed by ongoing chemotherapy, Karen knew her time at Conference was preparing her for this time in her story.
Tips for success Whether this is your first year as a GEMS counselor or your thirtieth, there is always something new to learn. That’s why collaborating with other counselors is one of your greatest assets! We asked Pat Groen, a counselor from Prinsburg First Christian Reformed Church in Prinsburg, Minnesota what her top eight tips were for GEMS counselors, and here’s what she shared:
4. Take prayer requests. Ask girls what you can be praying for while you are apart. Then follow up at your next meeting. This will hopefully help them understand how much you care for them.
1. Set rules for your small group. Let your girls help decide what will be acceptable and not acceptable so they take ownership.
6. Greet each girl enthusiastically. Let them know you are glad they showed up!
2. Always pray together. Prayer is often quickly tacked onto the beginning of a lesson or the end of a meeting, but be intentional about helping girls remember Who they are talking to when they pray.
7. Participate with the girls during praise and worship and other activities rather than stand at the back of the room watching.
And through it all, Karen has remained part of her GEMS Club—going weekly with her three daughters when she isn’t in the hospital for treatment with Nadine. “I feel that this time has been a great witness to all the girls [in our GEMS Club]—little and big—that God will never leave us or forsake us. He is our forever God.”
8. Share you! Share something you’re good at or enjoy doing with the girls. Turn it into a badge experience if you can. What practices do you find work in your club? Share them by emailing kelli@gemsgc.org. And don’t miss your Local Workshop where you can share more ideas with women in your area! Karen Kroes and her daughter, Nadine
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3. Start preparing lessons early. Read them through a week ahead of time. You might be surprised how much the Holy Spirit teaches you through each lesson. This preparation may help you recall personal experiences you can share with your small group, too.
5. Change up your routine. Pile into the back of your mini-van for your lesson time or sit in a circle on the floor. Make a fort with blankets or sit under the table!
“Our world was turned upside down with Nadine’s diagnosis,” Karen said, “But we never once felt that God was not with us and we always knew He was in control.” And this is her story—one of faithfulness, healing, strength, and letting go of her fears and handing it all over to God. “I am so thankful to have gone to Conference where I had the chance to be filled along with other ladies from my church,” Karen said. “I have made stronger connections with my fellow counselors due to Conference and I have been blessed with more sisters in Christ.”
Dynamic Youth Ministries P.O. Box 39 Norwich, ON N0J 1P0
Thank You A big thank you to all the contributors and participants who made the 2016 GEMS Open possible! With your support, GEMS is able to continue to grow and challenge young girls everywhere to live passionate lives that embody justice, mercy, and humility. Thanks again to these businesses and individuals: Event Sponsors
Myles and Glennys Kuperus Michael & Debra Liccar & Family Eudell & Mary Jo Vis
lunch Sponsors
Cheryl Boer
Richard & Judy Eppinga Larry & Linda Hermen
cart Sponsors
Jeff & Mary Klingenberg Halliard Soap Company Carlson Wagonlit Travel De Jong Enterprises, Inc. Rooks Architecture
hole Sponsors
Wavern & Beverly DeVries Leon & Louise Koops Harry & Henrietta Reinders Cornucopia Family Foundation Kerkstra Precast Meadowvale-Mississauga GEMS Club TreSorelle Farms
Tee Sponsors
David & Shirley Batts Keith & Betty Davis Andy & Kathie Hoekstra Larry & Jeanie Koops
Woody & Mary VandenBosch Advantage Outdoor Services Best Way Disposal Cherry Valley Excavating Cindy’s Hair Care, LLC Fairlife Milk Heasley Seeds L&M Costa, Inc. Rycenga Building Center Sovereign Order of Saint John Steensma Lawn & Power Equipment Stroo Funeral Home, Inc. VanDam & Krusinga Contractors, Inc. Van Den Berge Pest Control, Inc. Witte Travel & Tours Wolverine Lawn Services, Inc.
Golf-At-A-Distance
Lisa Sitser & Charlene Blaawendraat Mike & Lenae Bulthuis Dean Butler Carole DeBoer Karyn Dekker Robyn Kelderman Amy Ledeboer Kristy Van Maanen Lori Meyers Donna Wiersma Tammy Rabb Kim Roose Leneé Struiksma & Teresa Peterson Allison Vander Haar
Loretta VanderStreek Geraldine Vanderveen Sandra Vanderveen Suzanne Van Wieren Debbie Veenstra Josh & Alecia Van Hulzen Brookfield Christian Reformed Church GEMS Area 30 GEMS Area 28 Ornamental Iron of Kalamazoo
Contributors
Dan & Pat Scott David & Linda Fink Kevin & Amy Schaaf Audrey DeLoof Jim & Jane Lise George & Gepke Elzinga Andy & Grace Moes Brian & Kristin Vosteen R&M Construction Visser Farms LLC Bluewater Orthopaedic & Sports Supply J.K. Machining Mall City Containers Mulder’s Landscape Supplies, Inc. Paris Cleaners Van Amerogen & Son, Inc. Wonder Pharmacies Ltd. Gleneagle Golf Club Pilgrim’s Run Golf Club Property Resources, Inc. Mines Golf Course Ironwood Golf Course
Maple Hill Golf Course Winding Creek Golf Club Gracewil Country Club Broadmoor Country Club Boulder Creek Golf Club Grand Buick Celebration Cinema Rivertown All Star Printing Pageworks On The Border Kregel Publishing House Ludwicks Graphics Unlimited Arnie’s Grandville Target Top Distributing Walmart of Portage Calvin College Menard’s Andrea Mulder Cindi Visser Lewis Paper Meijer of Portage Whitecaps Community Foundation Costco of Kalamazoo Richard & Judy Eppinga Kristine Palosaari Colleen Reinders Tina Rooks Lia Leenstra Shirley Batts Robert Flak James Koops Herb Tucker Jeanie Koops
Tammi Rua David Aupperlee Justin Gritter & Edward Jones Grand Beach Sugar Beach Resort Bay Meadows Family Golf Course Ramada Plaza Michigan’s Adventure Baker Publishing Group Abigail Marie Photography Zondervan/Harper Collins Christian Publishing Water & Vine Guest House and Event Space John Ball Zoo Bronson Athletic Center Meiklejohn House Bed & Breakfast UBU Furniture Detroit Red Wings Community Relations Klassic Coconut Maple Reinders Construction Halliard Soap Company Treystar Ryske’s Restaurant Elizabeth Nightingale Kenneth & Ruth Lobbes John Kraay Simon Vreman Caveman Pallets LLC William & Florence Hoving