CABLE
SPRING 2015
the Counselors’ Newsletter
Director’s letter
Inside: Choose Truth with the 2015/16 theme | 3 How meeting faceto-face can make a difference | 4 The esther school update | 6
How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good news, the good news of peace and salvation, the news that the God of Israel reigns (Isaiah 52:7, NLT)!
So I am encouraging each and every one of you—be yourself and Bring the Message in ways that come from the authentic, genuineness that God put in you!
When I think about our theme, Bring the Message, this passage inspires me because I know God loves it when we share Him with everyone, everywhere. Isn’t it fun to bring Him joy every day?
Just look at all the ways He expressed Himself through the inspired Word, creation, Jesus, prophets and disciples, and in amazing miracles. Take to heart that you were made in His image and then look at how creatively He Brings the Message to us!
But maybe the theme sparks a different reaction in your heart. Does it make you uncomfortable because it stretches you out of your comfort zone? Does it confuse you because you don’t know where to begin? Or does it make you feel shy or intimidated because you don’t think of yourself as a great orator or street evangelist? The cool thing is God made us all unique. We can Bring the Message in exactly the way He designed us to. All we have to do is be willing, look for ways to be used, and share our faith with others in our own special way. I hope being a leader in GEMS has opened your eyes to see all the talents you bring to the ministry and lives of girls.
As winter changes to spring, I hope this fills you with renewed inspiration to be a GEMS girl no matter your age! Live out your faith radically, Bring the Message uniquely, and share in the joy of God’s deep love! In His service,
Kristine Palosaari GEMS Executive Director
GEMS Executive Board Shirley Batts – Portage, Michigan Cheryl Boer – Gilbert, Arizona Linda Hermen – Beecher, Illinois Judy Kapteyn – Sarnia, Ontario Mary Klingenberg – Mount Hope, Ontario Debra Liccar – Crete, Illinois Andrea Mulder– Norwich, Ontario Amy VandenBerg – Grand Rapids, Michigan Mary Jo Vis – Riverside, California 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 Executive Director - Kristine Palosaari International Ministries Director - Jill Postma Conference Coordinator - Alecia VanHulzen 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 N0J1P0
2 | Cable
Save a tree! 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.
President’s Letter Dear Sisters,
As we think about spring, we think about new life, trees budding, and flowers blooming. In our clubs we also see new life. Some girls have met Jesus for the first time. Others are beginning to understand what it means that He lives in us and is with us no matter where we are. For some girls, GEMS is the bright spot of their week. They feel loved, accepted. In the club I am a part of, the sixth and seventh grade girls are studying the book of Esther. When the lesson was introduced the first night of GEMS last fall, none of the five girls had ever heard of Esther. In January we had an opportunity to do manicures. At the beginning of the session they were asked to review what they had been learning. We were delighted to hear them talk about the story in detail and connect the relationship between inner and outer beauty. You are making a difference whether your girls verbalize it or not. As I think back on my life as a young girl, I did not have the courage to tell my counselors that they were having a positive impact on me. At the time, I just knew it was
a fun place and I liked being there. It made a lasting impression on me. So, thank you. Thank you for making it a priority to make a difference in the lives of young girls. Thank you for praying, for preparing your lesson, for thinking of meaningful crafts, for creating a safe and welcoming environment. Continue to pray—for your girls, for their families, for the upcoming Leadership Conference in July, for the GEMS ministry as a whole. As the season comes to a close, be encouraged to stay strong. Stay faithful in prayer, comforted by hope, and supported by the knowledge that our strength is in Jesus. Serving Him with you,
Mary Jo Vis Executive Board President So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up (Galatians 6:9 NLT).
2015/16 theme— Choose Truth Have you ever gazed at the stacks and stacks of books in a library? There are endless titles on all kinds of topics. As our reading lists grow longer, there is one Book that should continue to top them all— the Bible. The Bible is like no other book. Its stories tell us about our loving God and contain messages that will guide us through all of the joys and troubles we experience. Every page shines God’s light on our lives. Your Word is a lamp for [our] feet, and a light on [our] path (Psalm 119:105). And, when we let God’s light guide our lives, we discover our place in His story. When we choose God’s Truth to guide us, we study the Word, we let it wash over us, we live it, and we pass on the love and guidance to the world!
We Want to See You In Harrisburg! Come one, come all! Come be equipped, come experience community, come share ideas, and come discover new ways to use your unique gifts. This, and so much more, awaits you at the GEMS Leadership Conference. Each summer, women from all over North America leave Conference feeling refreshed, prepared, and encouraged. We gather together to be reminded that we’re not in this alone and that, when we partner with God, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of the girls in our clubs! So join us! July 9-12 the GEMS Leadership Conference will take place at Messiah College in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Register today for these special features: Women’s Night of Worship. A special night to focus on and praise our Creator. But it doesn’t stop there. Worship sessions are woven throughout the entire Conference experience.
Annual Theme. Learn everything there is to know about teaching and encouraging your girls through the Annual Theme. We’ll draw out what it means to Choose Truth and show you how to get your girls excited about God’s Word. Community. This weekend is about coming together with other women to share, connect, grow, and build relationships. This is your time to find out what’s working for other clubs, brainstorm with fellow counselors, and have lots of fun! Pre-Conference Tours. Experience beautiful central Pennsylvania before the Conference fun begins. From historic Gettysburg to a chocolate-lovers paradise, our tour options are sure to catch your eye!
Workshops. Customize your Conference experience with an array of breakout workshops. Your options range from life enrichment to learning how to mentor well—and everything in between!
GEMS FOR GENERATIONS Why did you become a GEMS leader? Was it to mentor young girls, fill volunteer positions, or to be part of something bigger? For Jacki Baker, a counselor from Westend Christian Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, it was accepting a call into a new leadership position at her church. But she soon realized it was much more than that.
Spring 2015 | 3
“I started [leading] GEMS when my daughter was in the third or fourth grade,” Jacki said. “She’s now in her mid 30s and involved with GEMS as a craft leader. Her daughters also attend GEMS.” For Jacki, GEMS is generational.
“I think GEMS is so One important in our young generation girls lives because we are commends your able to plant the seed,” works to another; Jacki said. After years they tell of your of service, Jacki began mighty acts to evaluate her place in (Psalm 145:4). GEMS and she considered passing the baton on to someone new. But after hearing a sermon For Jacki, GEMS is teaching with her on how important it is to get God’s Word daughter, sharing God’s Word with her out, her view changed. “All I kept thinking granddaughters, and mentoring each was how our little girls need to hear how girl in her club like they are one of her much God loves them and how important own. Because of God’s faithfulness and they are to Him,” Jacki said. “How could I women like you who take the call, GEMS stop letting the girls know how precious is generational. Let’s keep planting they are to Him? I still feel the calling to let those seeds. our girls know!”
GEMS LEADERSHIP TRAINING
The Face-to-Face difference GEMS LEADERSHIP TRAINING SPRING SEMINAR
Emails, text messages, phone calls—there are lots of ways to communicate today. And most of our communication is about convenience! So why is it important for GEMS counselors to make time to be together?
Having a “ball” at an area GEMS Rally
Leneé Grebow is part of the GEMS Leadership Team. GEMS divides North America into multiple areas and designates two leaders in each area. As part of this team, Leneé supports GEMS counselors in her area, plans area-wide events, and offers training. And for her, the immediate answer to that question is easy: because that’s how her GEMS Club and the clubs in her area have always done it! But, as she processed further, she realized it was more than that. “Before our last GEMS Rally planning meeting,” Leneé said, “I told a counselor, ‘We probably could have planned this entire event through email. Our area counselors are all pretty good at putting their part together and following through.’ Nevertheless, we met face-toface that evening.”
“I guess that’s why we meet together. There is something to be said about real face-to-face community.”
4 | Cable
When the meeting began, each Club Coordinator took her place. “Ladies came in, sharing what was going on in their clubs and personal lives. We started with Scripture reading and prayer and then began to brainstorm ideas for our next GEMS Rally,” Leneé explained. “Counselors bounced ideas back and forth, often building off each other. We soon had a theme for the day, names for praise and worship leaders, activities to develop
the theme, food ideas, and the women were excited to see how God would work through the plans. Responsibilities were delegated between clubs. We ended with a prayer of thanks for the time we had together and for God’s goodness as we see it reflected in GEMS.” It seemed like an average gathering for their area. But as one Club Coordinator left the meeting, she expressed how encouraged she felt. And as Leneé turned out the lights she replied, “I guess that’s why we meet together. There is something to be said about real face-to-face community.”
What about your area or your club? Do you value face-to-face conversations and gatherings? Leneé and her area continue to see the blessings it brings and encourage other counselors to try it. “We have real, genuine friendships that have developed in our team of ladies,” Leneé said. “We have a spiritual bonding through prayer and devotions. We care and pray for things going on in our personal lives. Planning an event is not just a task to be done on our computer, it is an opportunity to learn from each other and see what God will do. Thanks be to God for blessing us with community!”
“We have real, genuine friendships that have developed in our team of ladies.” -Leneé Grebow
Club News NEW Merchandise!
Hungry for service Food brings people together. Meals around the table, large potlucks, and shared snacks at club offer a time for connecting, communicating, and building community. But Karyn Dekker, Club Coordinator at Sunlight Community Church in Port St Lucie, Florida, decided to take a different approach to using food to unite her girls. She gathered her club to experience what it would be like to not have enough to eat.
“It was amazing to see our GEMS carefully select the foods to fill the Grace Packs,” Laura said. “It was organized chaos with lots of joy sprinkled in! These girls were happy as they showed the face of grace!”
“On the night of our event, to help the girls understand what food insecurity may practically look like, CITs and counselors acted out three examples of the face of hunger,” said Awareness Level counselor, Laura Klosterman.
Have you planned a service night based around a need in your community? We’d love to hear your stories! Share them with us by emailing amy@gemsgc.org.
After learning about the need in their community and around the world, the GEMS packed food bags for a local organization founded by Laura called Grace Packs. The items they put together for families included canned pasta, ramen noodles, applesauce, fruit cups, granola bars, and more. Their goal was to fill a gallon-sized Ziploc bag with a weekend’s supply of food.
“These girls were happy as they showed the face of grace!”
Assembled food bag for a local organization, Grace Packs.
GEMS Sunday Most clubs will be hosting GEMS Sunday in late April or early May. This is a great opportunity to keep your congregation or organization informed about what your club has been up to this season. There are lots of ways to use this event to serve your church as well! Visit the GEMS website for more information (gemsgc.org).
Club Coordinator Mailing In late June or early July you will be receiving a package from us! It will include a checklist for the upcoming season, SHINE brightly and Sparkle renewals and invoices, as well as a Supply Catalog and order form. If you are not returning as the Club Coordinator next year, please let us know so we can ensure the correct person receives this information.
Spring 2015 | 5
GEMS from Sunlight Community Church assembling food bags.
The GEMS also participated in writing encouraging notes for each pack. Karyn and Laura agreed it was a great way to expose their girls to the needs in their community and to respond together.
Watch your mailboxes in late summer or early fall for the new GEMS Supply Catalog or view all our new supplies on the website in July! The new Annual Theme materials are sure to catch your eye and we have lots of fun new merchandise including a bookmark, sunglasses, and mini mirror for your girls!
Saying Farewell For the last 20 years Jan Boone has lived and breathed GEMS—first as our Executive Director and most recently as our International Ministries Director. But the time has come for her to say farewell; retiring from GEMS but— we’re certain—not slowing down! “It’s been my privilege to serve with you and you will forever by in my heart,” Jan said. “My prayer is and will always be that God will continue to use the GEMS ministry to make a difference in the lives of many, many women and girls. To God be the glory!”
“It’s been my privilege to serve with you and you will forever be in my heart.” -Jan Boone
A Growing Passion in Cape Town
The Esther School There is a lot to be thankful for at The Esther School! Progress is being made on the Grade 1-3 building and a new playground is in place! To get more detailed updates and to see videos of what’s happening at the school, visit estherschool.org. Want to get more involved? For the 2015/16 school year we are in need of an Operations and Finance Director, a Principal, and elementary teachers. Interested? Check out the website for more detailed job descriptions. And please be in prayer for God to work in the lives of those He has chosen to fill those positions.
6 | Cable
Student Sponsors Needed As The Esther School continues to expand and grow, more student sponsors are needed. If you are interested in helping a student for $50/month ($600 annually), please contact us (es_sponsorship@gemsgc.org). Partner with us to provide a Christcentered education for a child in Zambia!
Worldwide Sisterhood Sister Clubs make the expansion of GEMS around the world possible. When a club in North America becomes involved in this program they actively support the work God is doing through GEMS clubs around the world financially, prayerfully, and joyfully. When you become a Sister Club, you get to see glimpses into the lives of the clubs you are impacting. You will receive a World Tour Packet that features one of these clubs and gives you activities and facts and pictures to share with your club.
In 2012, Laura Spannenberg stumbled upon the GEMS International website. Seven years earlier, God had laid it on her heart to start a girls’ ministry in her community. She didn’t see her discovery of GEMS as happenstance, but as a great blessing. And the rest is history! Laura is now the Club Coordinator at Seaview Baptist Church in Cape Town and her club is continuing to grow. “I work with girls from underprivileged communities,” said Laura “I’ve always wanted a daughter, so it brought me great joy to work with so many girls and to be able to invest in their lives through the Word of God.” Laura has a passion for GEMS and can’t wait to see her club and others around the world expand and continue to help girls everywhere meet the Savior.
Thanks again to all of our current participants—you are truly creating blessing upon blessing for clubs around the world. And thank you in advance to those who will decide to serve in this capacity this year. Join our efforts to reach girls everywhere by becoming a Sister Club. For more information, visit gemsgc.org.
Laura is second from the left, back row, holding her baby, Jemimah.
The STORY TO TELL We like to tell stories. We like to share about our days. We like to watch local stories on our nightly news. We read novels and blogs and tweets. Sharing our experiences, knowledge, and feelings helps connect us. But the strongest connection we can make with someone is when we share what we see God doing in our lives. So how will you share that story with others and help your GEMS do the same? Check out what the 2015 summer issue of SHINE brightly has to say and use these tips to weave them into your club conversations. Active for Him, Page 8. Abby is a professional triathlete. What makes her stand out—outside of her intense workouts, impressive race times, and kind spirit—is that she competes as a way to honor God and love others. Direct your girls to the Tri4Him section and talk about ways they can use their talents and abilities to honor God and help others know Him more. Give a few examples from your life to get the conversation started!
TALK TO YOUR GEMS ABOUT HOW HELPING PEOPLE IN NEED CAN POINT OTHERS TO JESUS. Dimes, Dimes, and More Dimes! Page 11. The music program has made a big impact on The Esther School. Students are learning new songs and rhythms and are bringing what they learn back to their families. This is largely possible because of the help of SHINE brightly readers. In September we challenged girls to collect dimes for this very purpose—and we have been blown away! Participating in this challenge and others like it demonstrates their love for Jesus. Talk to your GEMS about how helping people in need can point others to Jesus. And for more information on the Dime Drive, visit gemsgc.org and click on the SHINE brightly Magazine.
Fun All Summer Long
Farmers’ Market Dinner Visit a local farmers’ market with a friend and pick out four ingredients for her and she will do the same for you. With an adult’s help, both make a dish for dinner, using only the ingredients picked and the other general essentials in your kitchen (butter, milk, spices, etc.). What will you cook up? Giant Slip-and-Slide Who needs a waterpark if you have a tarp and some dish soap? Find a grassy spot and lay down your tarp. Cover it with dish soap and run water down it with a bucket or hose! All you need now is your suit and you’re bound to have a good time!
More ideas for incorporating SHINE into club await you each month on the GEMS Leaders’ Blog (gemsgc.org/blog)! Spring 2015 | 7
Share these fun ideas with your girls! For more ideas, check out our fun road trip games on page 22 of the summer issue of SHINE!
DIY-Drive In With the help of an adult, set up your own movie screening in your backyard! Hang a sheet between two trees or project the film on your garage door. Invite your friends, bring out the popcorn and blankets, and you’re in business!
Non-Profit org. US Postage
Dynamic Youth Ministries 1333 Alger St. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49507
Paid
Grand Rapids, MI Permit #931
2015 GEMS Open Your GEMS Club is near and dear to your heart. It’s where you see God moving in the lives of girls. GEMS thrives on that sense of community, and we believe girls and women everywhere should have access to it. Which is why, together, we continue to focus on making our programs, curriculum, and events available to girls everywhere. One way we achieve these goals is through our annual ministry-wide golf outing. The proceeds help underwrite Get Connected! Camp and support the overall ministry—helping us keep curriculum costs down, offering valuable leadership
GEMS experiencing a high ropes course at Get Connected! Camp
training, and continuing to reach out to girls around the world. On Thursday, May 14 we will be holding our 2015 GEMS Open at Quail Ridge Golf Club in Ada, Michigan. If you don’t live in Michigan, this still applies to you! We need sponsorships and donations from across North America for this event to be a success, and we have a golf-at-a-distance option for people who still want to play but can’t make it to Michigan! Will you help us? It’s as simple as telling one business owner or golfer why you love GEMS. Share a personal story or explain what this ministry means to you. Then, direct them to the website (gemsgc.org) to find out how they can get involved in our GEMS Open and continue to advance the work GEMS is doing around the world. Also, extend the invitation to your GEMS’ parents! When they participate, their daughters will receive a free copy of the Micah Road Mysteries: Shadows in Tenebray Forest—GEMS first fulllength book based on the much-loved series from SHINE brightly Magazine!
Thursday, May 14, 2015 Quail Ridge Golf Club Ada, Michigan