Winter 2019 IRONWoman

“AS IRON SHARPENS IRON, SO A WOMAN SHARPENS THE CHARACTER OF HER FRIEND” (Taken from Proverbs 27:17)

IN THIS ISSUE:

• Advent season

• Christmas in St. Louis

• Thank you, Leah Jakes

• Christmas season encouragement

• Hello, Anderson Gibbons

• Meeting some of our new members

• Finding your spiritual gifts

• Children’s advent activity

• Ways to get involved at the Kirk

• Serving at Grace and Peace

Volume 03 ■ Issue 03

IRONWOMAN

A TRIBUTE TO THE WOMEN OF THE KIRK BY: CATHERINE THOMAS

My journey at the Kirk began in second grade when Dr. Benton’s wise southern accent captivated my parents, Mark and Cindy Melvin. They quickly determined that we were officially switching churches, and I am so thankful they made this decision 14 years ago.

Throughout my childhood, the Kirk taught me countless valuable lessons that made me who I am today. Whether I was being encouraged to memorize Bible verses in Sunday School, rehearsing for a Christmas play, or having a blast at Salt and Light camp, I encountered incredible women that wanted to invest in my upbringing and encourage me to follow a sound path. Once I reached high school, as usual, classmates began to go down various paths that were not mapped with peace. I saw drama, hurt feelings, insecurity, and sad endings. The Kirk youth group became a safe haven where all were warmly welcomed. It was a place where I created lasting friendships, received mature advice, and always walked away feeling a little more cheerful. At an age where school made everyone feel like they had to fit in, the women leading the Kirk youth group preached the opposite. They were undeniably themselves, beautiful from the inside out, and confident in who God made them to be. Each of them had the unique aurora marked by a woman who disregards the common path, and instead, boldly dances toward the specific one God has set aside for them. They were fearless, motivating, encouraging, and inspiring.

In this issue of the IRONWoman, we are going to take a closer look at what makes each of us spiritually unique, and reflect on what individualized path God has in store for us in 2020. We will dive into involvement opportunities and have the chance to learn why some of our women love serving in the way that they do. We hope that this issue offers both encouragement and inspiration as we enter the Christmas season and prepare for the New Year.

ADVENT SEASON CHRISTINA HANNAH

The Advent season is a wonderful time to refamiliarize ourselves with the story on which all our hope is founded. We open to Matthew and are eager to hear the story of the shepherds in the field and the angels singing Hosanna in the highest. But before we can get to the baby in the manger, we are stopped by a long list of names. While we are familiar with some of these names, others seem to be a series of unpronounceable syllables; but to the careful reader, some of these names are a bit surprising.

In the Ancient Near East a genealogy was more than a family tree, it was your letter of recommendation.

The more prestigious your lineage, the more doors were open to you. Now, Jesus’s genealogy includes some impressive people — Abraham and Isaac, David and Solomon — but it also includes some people who weren’t typically mentioned in any respectable genealogy: women. And not just any women; these women included in Jesus’s family tree are foreigners, prostitutes, adulteresses, and widows. If this list of names is meant to be an authentication of Jesus’s authority, why include these women? And what does their inclusion tell us about what Jesus came into the world to do?

Tamar’s story, found in Genesis 38, is not one that made it into the Jesus Storybook Bible. Given in marriage to a wicked man who was punished by God, Tamar became one of the most vulnerable people in her culture: a childless widow. Tamar experienced injustice after injustice at the hands of her father-in-law, Judah, and his evil sons, and all that she could see before her was a life of loneliness and poverty, shame and death. Through a series of events (which are well worth the read) Tamar conceives and bears twin sons by her father-in-law— Zerah and Perez, an ancestor of Jesus. In the midst of this broken story, Tamar becomes one of the women responsible for bringing the Savior into the world to redeem all injustice.

Rahab, whose story is found in Joshua 2 and 6, is another character whose presence is somewhat scandalous. A prostitute, a foreigner, counted among God’s enemies. Ruth, too, was a foreigner, a widow, totally vulnerable. Her story makes up the book of Ruth, and includes a portion of the genealogy of her husband, Boaz— the son of Rahab! God sees these women and makes them a part of his family. To both of them he gives sons — sons who represent not only a family, but belonging and a hope for the future as a part of the people of God.

Finally, Bathsheba. We don’t know much about how Bathsheba felt about her relationship with King David. Perhaps their affair was consensual, or perhaps because of David’s position he was able to take advantage of her. But she mourned the death of her murdered husband, and mourned the death of the child she bore her husband’s murderer.

Death and shame could have been the end of Bathsheba’s story, but it didn’t end there. To read more of her story, go to 2 Samuel 11-12 and 1 Kings 1-2. Despite David’s sin, God chose Bathsheba to be the mother of Solomon, and through him — the one who would come to bring an end to all sin.

There are, no doubt, many reasons Matthew chose to include these remarkable women in the genealogy of our Lord. But if we are to read this genealogy as Jesus’s letter of recommendation to us, then hear this sisters: that baby in the manger, who would one day grow into that man on the cross, knows what it is to be human. He knows what it is to suffer injustice, rejection, and to bear the weight of shame, hopelessness, and death. What is more, he came to end it. Whether you are a parent yourself or not, that baby in the manger is the resolution of your broken stories and the answer to your cries for help. He came to bear the weight of guilt and shame and make death come undone. That is what the God did for Tamar, Rahab, Ruth and Bathsheba, and it is what he has done for you.

JEREMIAH 9:6 FOR UNTO US A CHILD IS BORN, UNTO US A SON IS GIVEN; AND THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE UPON HIS SHOULDER. AND HIS NAME WILL BE CALLED WONDERFUL, COUNSELOR, MIGHTY GOD, EVERLASTING FATHER, PRINCE OF PEACE.

O COME LET US

Adore HIM

THANK YOU, LEAH JAKES CARRIE SPENCER

Our beloved Jakes family has departed from St. Louis in order to begin their training in Colorado before becoming missionaries in London, England. Both Leah and Jonathan have served our community here at the Kirk in many capacities for almost a decade! We cannot express our gratitude enough for the ways they have blessed each of us, whether that was by leading worship on Sunday mornings, Jonathan’s time and service on the Session, their discipling of youth and children, or intentionality in their friendships.

Sweet Leah served as the nursery coordinator (among many other things!) for the past few years and could usually be found sitting on the ground with a child in her lap, singing songs with our toddlers in Toddler Worship on Sunday mornings, and working tirelessly to make sure the gospel was being shared with each child, no matter how young, every time they crossed the threshold of the Kirk. The joy with which she spoke to our children about the love of Jesus truly ministered to their hearts and ours, as parents. While we are already missing the Jakes family, it is such an encouragement to remember that they are continuing to live out and share the Gospel. They shared Jesus with each of us in a special way and will now be doing so in a community that the Lord has placed them in strategically.

That community has a need for Jesus, and they will be sharing the love of the Father through the power and strength of His Spirit by loving gently and serving humbly, just as they did here.

JONATH LEAH AND

AN JAKES

JUDE JAKES

Please continue to pray for the Jakes and their children as they transition from mission training to the mission field, finish raising their support, and for the community they are entering into.

JUBILEE JAK

ES

HELLO, ANDERSEN GIBBONS KRISTEN THOMPSON

Tell us a little bit about yourself!

I grew up in Eastern Europe as a missionary kid. In the States, I claim Tennessee, the home of my college, AND where my family is originally from. My husband, Michael, and I met and married in North Carolina. We quickly decided we both wanted to come to St. Louis to study at Covenant Seminary and moved within a year of our marrying. We’ve been in St. Louis since 2016. He is pursuing an MDiv, and I will graduate with my Master’s in Counseling in May. Our first child, Quinlyn, was born this past June. We love a good coffee shop, nights in watching our favorite shows, and trying out new foods.

Are there any ways we as Kirk members can help you/pray for you?

Pray that I won’t lose sight of the reason I do this job!

As every parent knows, you can often lose sight of the big picture when taking care of littles. Things tend to revolve more around wiping noses than teaching Scripture. Our culture seems to forget the significance of these little things, but I hope to encourage my staff (and myself!) to see the great impact for the Kingdom we can have in the little things, too. On a more personal note, pray for me to care for my own baby well as I balance the roles of wife, mother, student, and nursery coordinator.

Why did you decide to become the Kirk’s nursery coordinator?

When Leah first asked me about my interest in this job, I did not hesitate to pursue it! School has slowed down for me this year, and I had every intention of finding ways to become more involved in life at the Kirk. I was also hoping to find a job that I could bring Quinlyn along to. This position fits both! In God’s goodness, I can also say that it’s a position that fits me well. I desire to see children flourish and grow, never knowing a day apart from the love of God shown through their caretakers. I want parents to be supported and equipped to love and care for their babies with joy.

What benefits do you see from church members helping in the nursery?

As members have the opportunity to serve in the nursery, they can reflect on the church being one body, a family, meant to love and serve one another. God does not let us retreat into isolation as we pursue Him, but instead calls us into community. By spending time with the youngest among us, we have the opportunity to disciple some of the most vulnerable among us. The Kirk has given us such a tangible way of fulfilling our vows made to these children and their families at baptisms.

What have been the best and hardest parts of motherhood thus far?

Best part? Watching her grow and change daily! We’re obsessed with her giggles and talkative noises. It has also been fun to see how Michael and I change as we’ve grown into a family of 3. Hardest part? Postpartum hair loss, baby fingernails, and nursing bras! Just kidding.

As challenging as those things are, the transitions mentally, emotionally, and physically into motherhood have been much more so. There’s so much about the postpartum life that is not talked about nearly enough!

UNVEIL EVERY GIFT CATHERINE THOMAS

In most of Western civilization, the significance and holy anticipation of December 25th initiates a myriad of month-long celebrations and indispensable family traditions. Despite the symbolism behind most all Christmas festivities, believers and non-believers alike are thrilled to participate in festively decking their homes, preparing a plethora of delicious foods, and spending increased time surrounded by those they love deeply. The month is also responsible for increased generosity among all, as Americans collectively embark on a $465 billion-dollar journey to find the perfect gifts for their loved ones.

To make this hypothetical situation more confusing, what if the party was told that the gifts this year are unbelievable? In fact, each gift was custom created and complete delight is ensured for all. The gifts have the ability to alter their perspective on a daily basis, and forever change the way that they understand themselves and those around them. With these gifts, they will accomplish more than they ever deemed possible, their energy will feel unstoppable, their purpose in life unfathomable. After opening these presents, they will not be the same. Would not everyone possess an extreme desire to unveil these gifts?

The process may look slightly different for each individual, but typically Christmas shopping begins with a budget. After writing down all those for whom we wish to allocate resources, we compute our magic spending number per person. We begin our spree very determined, but shortly after, the quest can become frustrating, hectic or perhaps unprogressive.

All too often, this seemingly unlikely and thoroughly confusing scenario is how we treat the priceless spiritual gifts God has given us. Just as we spend time trying to find the perfect gifts for those we love, God uses the Holy Spirit to bless those who love Him with a unique combination of life altering gifts. However, unlike our Christmas shopping endeavors, God doesn’t need to make a budget and allocate limited resources. The gifts don’t come in incorrect sizes, colors, and they are never out of His reach. We don’t outgrow the gifts in six months, and it’s impossible for them to break or go out of style. His resources are unlimited, His foresight all encompassing, and His selection timeless.

This phase of our journey is generally marked with imperfection.

We encounter long lines inside claustrophobic stores and frequently meet the dooming red words “out of stock” on our computer screens. Maybe the retailer does not have the correct size, the right color, or everything is more expensive than we were anticipating. We may second guess ourselves on the way to checkout, wondering if we should have gone with our original inclination 45 minutes prior. Our idealistic vision fizzles, and we must accept that we have done the best we are capable of.

Once we finally have all of the gifts purchased, typically, the feeling of accomplishment kicks our hesitant emotions out the door, and we wrap the gifts. We place them under the tree in final surrender, and thus begins the period of waiting. Those around us are thrilled to know there is a gift selected just for them. Their excitement continues to build: What could be inside the box?!

As Christmas approaches, and the Christmas parties begin, what would happen if one of the hosts and their attendees collectively decided they would not unwrap gifts this year? Although their portion of the $465 billion has already been spent, what if they came to mutual agreement that unwrapping presents is not worth their time? Perhaps they can’t imagine unwrapping anything they would potentially use. Ultimately, this group concludes that they will let the gifts sit in the corner this year, and perhaps next year too. After that, maybe they will forget them altogether, and the gifts will never be unveiled.

Administration The divine enablement to understand what makes an organization function and the special ability to plan and execute procedures that accomplish the goals of the ministry.

1 Corinthians 12:28

When we are uninterested, too busy, or too self-absorbed to have Christ-centered desires, the gifts are left unopened, and the potential for how we could be using them is reduced to nothing. To love God wholeheartedly means we are invigorated to understand and discover our purpose in His kingdom. This continuous quest will lead us through doors capable of revealing the gifts He placed inside of us, and ultimately, He will ensure that they are used toward the incline of His majestic kingdom. It is paramount to have a keen understanding of the gifts God has given each of us, and therefore an understanding of how He will empower us to grow His kingdom.

The illustration below details the various spiritual gifts that God blesses His followers with through the Holy Spirit. This December, let us feel encouraged to unveil the gifts God has given us and delight in them. How thrilling will it be to start off the New Year with a thorough reflection of where we believe God will use us to incline the missions of the Kirk in 2020?

What does God have waiting inside for us to unveil? Where are there opportunities for us to feel energized and full of holy purpose?

Craftsmanship/ Artistry The divine enablement to creatively design and/or construct items to be used for ministry or the divine enablement to communicate God’s truth through a variety of art forms.

Exodus 31: 1-11

Discernment The divine ability to “discern” whether a saying, teaching, doctrine, written word, or event is good or evil; true or false; and if the source, meaning or intentions are of God.

1 John 4:1

Exhortation/Encouragement The divine enablement to present truth so as to strengthen or urge to action those who are discouraged or wavering in their faith.

Hebrews 3:13

The divine enablement to effectively communicate the gospel to unbelievers so they respond in faith and move toward discipleship.

Matthew 28: 16-20

Giving The divine enablement to contribute money and resources to the work of the Lord with cheerfulness and liberality.

2 Corinthians 9: 6-15

Faith

Evangelism

Helps The divine enablement to accomplish practical and necessary tasks which free-up, support, and meet the needs of others. The gift that enables one to work gladly behind the scenes.

Mark 15: 40-41

The divine enablement to act on God’s promises with confidence and unwavering belief in God’s ability to fulfill his purposes.

Mark 5: 25-34

Hospitality The divine enablement to care for people by providing fellowship, food, and shelter.

1 Peter 4: 9-10

Intercession & Prayer

Knowledge

Leadership

The divine enablement to consistently pray on behalf of and for others, seeing frequent and specific results.

The divine enablement to bring truth to the body through Biblical insight.

The divine enablement to cast vision, motivate, and direct people to harmoniously accomplish the purposes of God.

2 Chronicles 1: 7-12

Ephesians 6:18

Hebrews 13:7

Mercy & Compassion

Music

Pastor/ Shepherd

The divine enablement to cheerfully and practically help those who are suffering or are in need by putting compassion into action.

The divine gift that gives the capability to present personal witness and inspiration to others through instrumental music, singing, or dancing.

The divine enablement to nurture, care for, and guide people toward on-going spiritual maturity and becoming like Christ.

Matthew 20: 29-34

Serving/ Service

The divine ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to identify the unmet needs related to God’s work, and to make use of available resources to meet those needs.

Galatians 6: 9-10

Psalm 33: 1-5

Teaching/ Teacher The divine enablement to reveal truth and proclaim it in a timely and relevant manner for understanding, correction, repentance, or edification. There may be immediate or future implications.

Romans 12: 6-8

Acts 20:28

Wisdom

The ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to know the mind of the Holy Spirit to receive insight into how knowledge may best be applied to specific needs arising in the body of Christ.

1 Corinthians 2: 6-10

Spiritual Gifts Information Provided with Permission from Dr. Phil Douglass, Covenant Seminary.

WE HAVE ROOM FOR MORE! KAMI BELMONT

TUESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY

CONTACT: ANNA PORTER

WEDNESDAY EVENING BIBLE STUDY

CONTACT: CARYL WILSON

THE PRAYER WARRIORS GOSPEL LED MOMS FRIDAY DATE NIGHTS

Tuesday mornings (9:30 - 11:30 a.m.) This past semester, we have been studying Luke Part 1: A Study of Luke 1-8 by Christine Gordon & Hope Blanton. We have enjoyed having Christine Gordon as our speaker. After we meet together as a large group to hear her speak, we break into small groups to discuss the lesson and pray for one another.

Childcare is available (with registration).

We begin each week by watching a recording of the Tuesday morning lecture, after which we discuss the study questions — keeping us connected to other ladies in the church who are studying the same passage on Tuesday mornings We then share prayer requests and pray for each other on Wednesday night and throughout the week. The Lord knits our hearts together as we gather around his word and share life with each other for several months each year.

CONTACT: ELLEN HENDERSON

If you would like to pray alongside a group at the Kirk, please join us at Noon on the fourth Thursday of every month (except Nov/Dec). Bring your lunch for a time of fellowship followed by prayer for our church and missionaries. We also write cards to the homebound and provide treats to our police officers. If you can’t join us and still want to pray, we can email you the handouts.

CONTACT: SUSAN NEEDLER

You’ve heard the quote, “It takes a village to raise a child,” but as Moms we’ve realized it also takes a village to raise a parent. Come join us as we look to scripture to find encouragement, rest, joy, and help in the wonderful task of parenting.

We meet the first Thursday of every month from 9:15-11:15. Childcare is provided but we do ask for RSVPs. (Please email kayla.hall@thekirk.org to RSVP.) Drop off for childcare is in the nursery hallway, and then we meet at the Kirk Youth House.

SPRING DATES: 2/27, 3/27, 4/21

A healthy marriage requires investing intentional time together. Friday Date Nights are designed to help you do just that. Join us as we meet in the chapel for some brief thoughts on marriage (6-6:30 p.m.) and a chance to win a gift card for dinner! We then provide thought provoking dinner conversation cards and two hours of FREE CHILDCARE (6:30- 8:30 p.m.) Invite your friends and join us for Friday Date Nights!

WOMEN’S DISCIPLESHIP CONTACT: LACY STEGMANN AND KAREN SCHUMACHER ‘Growing Together Women’s Discipleship’ is a beautiful ministry where women meet to deepen their relationship with the Lord and with one another. Through small, intimate relationships, women are known, loved, and encouraged as they walk together through life for a season. Women are grouped in pairs or trios based on availability and preferences, and meet once or twice a month from October through May.

LACY STEGMANN

I have personally benefitted greatly from discipleship relationships. Through them, I have built deep friendships and have been encouraged and reminded to fix my eyes on Jesus. I have also been challenged to put my faith into practice by thinking through the ‘how to’s’ of faithfully, thoughtfully, and strategically running the race the Lord has marked out for me.

BOOK CLUB CONTACT: KAREN SCHUMACHER

The Kirk Book Club meets on the first Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at various homes. It is a group of 16 + women who read books by a variety of Christian, Contemporary and Classic authors. The books are chosen by the group once a year and then we meet to discuss one book each month. An announcement of the location for each meeting and the book to be discussed can be found in the Kirk newsletter before each meeting. All women are invited to join us and can obtain the details by asking to be put on our email list.

PAULA BADGER

As a longtime member of the Kirk Book Club I have enjoyed the fellowship, relationships and the encouragement from our discussions along with expanding my reading selections.

THE STITCHERS: BABY BLANKETS & PRAYER SHAWLS BARBARA FLEMING: CONTACT FOR PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY

The Stitchers is a group of women who enjoy knitting and crocheting baby blankets and prayer shawls to distribute to members of our congregation as a way to display the Kirk’s love and care. We meet the second Thursday of each month at 1:00 to pray, share patterns, fellowship, and create lasting memories. Please join us!

ANN STRIED: CONTACT FOR BABY BLANKET MINISTRY

What a joy it is to meet each month to pray for those who are awaiting the birth or adoption of a sweet baby. To take yarn and needle and create a blanket for each child of God knits us together as a church family. We are grateful for the opportunity to support Thrive with handmade blankets as well!

CHRISTIE CASTAGNO

I love using my talent to knit and crochet blankets as I pray for the baby on the way. Another blessing is the friendships formed by meeting with other “stitchers”.

PATTY ROE

I’m so pleased to be a part of the Stitchers Ministry. I enjoy knowing that whenever a Kirk baby arrives, he or she will receive an afghan that was made with love and prayer by a member of our church.

BETH THOMAS

I think it is special for women to come together and to share what is going on in our lives. For us, we do this wihle knitting and crocheting for new Kirk babies. This gives us something to unite around and I think we all grow through it.

IT’S THE MOST WONDERFUL...

We asked YOU to tell us your favorite holiday traditions in the St. Louis area.

Here are some of your wonderful suggestions (in order by date)!

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

Way of Lights

Friday November 16 - January 1 Focusing on the birth of Jesus, this unique celebration of Christmas features a mile and a half drive with over one million lights and life size biblical statues which take you on a scriptural journey to Bethlehem. They also have a s’mores pit, children’s crafts and more!

Winter Wonderland at Tilles Park

Nov 22, 2019 - Jan 2, 2020 Winter Wonderland is open from 5:30-9:30 p.m.

No pre-registration is required for a family vehicle Cost: $10

Garden Glow at Missouri Botanical Garden

Nov 23, 2019 - Jan 4, 2020 Enjoy s’mores, festive drinks, and great photo opportunities! Garden Glow tickets now include admission to the Gardenland Express Holiday Flower and Train Show.

Elf Escape Room

November 20th - January 30th The Kringle 3000 is on the fritz again so Santa’s toy delivery is at risk! Help Buddy unleash the Christmas spirit to power the sleigh before Christmas Eve passes by!

St. Louis Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” Nov 29 - Dec 1 + Dec 18 - 23

One Special Narrated Oerformance!

Wed. Dec 18 at 11am A shorter Nutcracker ballet designed for young audience members with limited attention spans.

Saint Louis Ballet offers the same great quality dancing but includes narration and a “no-shushing” atmosphere

St. Charles Christmas Traditions

Nov 29 - Dec 24 With a unique blend of history and whimsicle storytelling, visitors will be transported back to an era of yuletide fantasy. Explore the festive entertainment, characters, Christmas music traditions, and the vintage beauty of the St. Charles historic district.

TIME OF THE YEAR! KAMI BELMONT

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

Wild Lights at the St. Louis Zoo

Nov 29 - Dec 30 (Select nights) Admission includes entrance to Wild Lights, the Conservation Carousel and the 4D Theater featuring “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 4D.” U.S. Bank customers can receive a buy one, get one free ticket (limit two free tickets per family, on-site sales only) when they show their U.S. Bank credit or debit card. (Children under age 2 are free.)

Christmas Trees at Ted Drewe’s

Nov 29 - Dec 24 This St. Louis landmark carries Balsam Firs, Fraser Firs, Scotch Pines and White Pines.

They also have pine roping and handmade wreaths with handmade bows. Hot chocolate is also available, along with their famous frozen custard!

Saturday with Santa: Carols in The Garden

Dec 7: 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. @ The Missouri Botanical Garden Access included in General Admission Ticket

Winter Celebration at the Art Museum

December 14th and 15th This family-friendly extravaganza of performances and art activities are inspired by traditions from all around the world. Drop in for performances by community groups, art activities with your little ones, and much more during this special two-day festival.

Kirk Christmas Eve Services

4:00 pm - Family service 9:00 pm - Evening candlelight service

Fete De Glace Ice Carving Competition

Jan 25 - 27, 2020 Watch ice carvers bring their talent to the streets of North Main Street, St. Charles using chainsaws, chisels, knives, hot irons and cold spray. Each carver starts with a single block of ice weighing 260 lbs! Watch them transform the blocks into wondrous sparkling creations.

Loop Ice Carnival

Jan 17 - 19, 2020 Residents and businesses in the Delmar Loop celebrate the best of winter each year at the Loop Ice Carnival. There’s a full day of free, family friendly events including ice carving, an ice slide, putt-putt pub crawl, human sled dog races and much more.

LET’S TURN TO HIS WORD CATHERINE THOMAS

Whether you’ve decked the halls too hard, shopped until you dropped, or feel that your home has morphed into a giant land of chaos, you are not alone. Lets’s face it— women encounter an abundance of responsibilities in December, and although we would love to say they aren’t worth our stress, all to often we find them snowballing us into a downfall. The good news is that God’s word has wisdom for making it through all of our December moments and finding deep joy amid them all. Although Satan will try to use our busy schedules to tempt us toward stressed responses, anxiety, and exhaustion, we know that is not what Jesus wants us to experience during the Christmas season. Jesus wants us to live in each moment, filled with the love, joy and peace that He has brought into the world. Turn to these helpful Bible verses as you go through your Christmas journey this year.

WHEN YOU ARE HOSTING THE CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS

1 PETER 4: 8-9

WHEN YOUR DECISIONS CAN’T SEEM TO PLEASE EVERYONE

PROVERBS 3: 5-6

WHEN YOUR EVENTS ARE PILING UP AND YOU FEEL THAT YOU CAN’T BE EVERYWHERE AT ONCE

PHILIPPIANS 4: 6-7

WHEN YOU ARE TRAVELING TO VISIT LOVED ONES

PSALM 121: 7-8

WHEN A FAMILY MEMBER MAKES A HURTFUL COMMENT AT THE GATHERING

GALATIANS 5:22

WHEN YOUR CHILDREN ARE FULL OF ENERGY AND WIRED AT 110%

2 THESSALONIANS 3:13

WHEN CHRISTMAS SHOPPING TRIGGERS FINANCIAL STRESSORS

HEBREWS 13:5

WHEN YOU COMPLETELY BURN THE CHRISTMAS CRUMBLE

LUKE 12:22-23

WHEN YOUR OUTFIT AND HAIR DO IS FEELING OFF IN EVERY WAY POSSIBLE

1 PETER 3: 3-4

WHEN THE CHRISTMAS COOKIES WON’T LEAVE YOU ALONE

1 CORINTHIANS 6: 19-20

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!

Ladies of the Women’s Council had the opportunity to welcome some of our new members in November! Pictured left to right: Jane Li, Sharon Mason, Gail Stivers, Karen Roche, Alicia Harrison, Lara Goeke, Allison Cooper

JANE LI “I work at Edward Jones and love to cook authentic homemade meals!”

SHARON MASON “I am the Mother of Lacy Stegmann!”

ALICIA HARRISON “I have been playing percussion for 23 years!”

GAIL STIVERS “My latest hobby is making homemade greeting cards. If anyone else does this and would like to share ideas, let me know!

LARA GOEKE “There is only one letter difference between me and my two sisters!

(Lara, Tara, and Sara)”

KAREN ROCHE “I play the Kirk organ frequently on Sunday mornings!”

ALLISON COOPER “Because I have two older half siblings, I was raised as the middle of 5 children AND the oldest of 3 children depending on if we were all together!”

STRIVING FOR A FOCUSED FAMILY CHRISTINA HANNAH Dear Kirk Families, If you are looking for a new family tradition to help keep the gospel at the center of your Christmas preparations, consider starting a family Jesse Tree! The link at the bottom of this page, and the details below, provide all of the information you need to get started!

WHY A JESSE TREE? Isaiah 11:1 points forward to the birth of Jesus saying, “[T]here shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit.” The Messiah, for the Israelites, was not merely a Savior, but a historic figure — the fulfillment of their story and the answer to all of God’s promises. He would be a son of Abraham, a prophet like Moses, and a King who sat on David’s throne.

The Jesse Tree tradition helps prepare our hearts in the Advent season by reminding us of the story that Jesus came into and was the fulfillment of.

HOW DOES IT WORK? Each day in December leading up to Christmas, your family hangs an ornament on the tree. Each ornament represents an Old Testament story that points us forward to Jesus. You might choose to read from the Bible or from the related chapter in the Jesus Storybook Bible listed on each ornament. Making this a set aside family time helps to highlight the specialness of this season; you might accompany your Jesse Tree time with hot cocoa, pajamas and cuddles, or a favorite Christmas song sung at the top of your lungs. Allowing children to participate by hanging the ornament and trying to guess what story the ornament represents can be a reminder that this story is their story too.

Printable Jesse Tree ornaments can be found on the link below. Just cut out the circles and glue the circle with the verse and Bible story to the circle with the corresponding picture. Hole punch and attach a string so you can hang it from the tree! You might use your regular Christmas tree or a smaller tree set aside just for Jesse tree ornaments. https://www.faithgateway.com/jesus-storybook-bible-advent-calendar-printable/

SERVING AT GRACE AND PEACE KELLY KENNISON

The Grace and Peace Winter Shelter is a beautiful expression of the Lord’s love through an army of volunteers to women experiencing homelessness in St. Louis. Each night throughout the winter (November through March) women are welcomed in - out of the cold to a nutritious, hearty and hot meal, hot shower, laundry facilities and a warm, safe bed. There are 7 overnight staff members (each working one night of the week) supported by an evening volunteer and an overnight volunteer. The evening meal is lovingly provided each night by different families, small groups and individuals. It takes many hands from many congregations to dependably offer this hospitality.

For two winters, every other Tuesday night, Pam Bussing and I have met up at the shelter to serve.

Pam has been the evening volunteer and I have been the overnight volunteer. What a sweet night to look forward to! We are welcomed in by staff member Terri Hodges. If you don’t know Terri, you can’t possibly know how delightful this is, but I will tell you it is wonderful to work with her! There are tasks to be done before the guests arrive like making coffee, organizing the kitchen to serve dinner, cleaning the showers, and checking the laundry schedule. The ladies arrive from their days— some from a long day at work, others from searching for warm places to be.

Pam orchestrates the laundry and enjoys conversation as they sort and fold. We welcome in and assist our dinner providers (often from the Kirk!) as they serve and clean up after dinner. Many guests settle in to bed right away, some make phone calls or study for school, and some meet in the fellowship hall with social workers to try to unlock the tangle of homelessness. There is often a little time to enjoy just being with Pam while the guests are busy. Once the laundry and cleanup are complete, Pam leaves for home. I set out a simple breakfast for the morning and get ready for bed before lights out at 10.

Every night I have been there has been peaceful. I can’t say that I always sleep well because the noises are unfamiliar to me, but the night has been calm and warm and the ladies have slept safely. And I have never been afraid. The bed I sleep in has been occupied every winter night for over 30 years by volunteers who pray for this place and this work and these precious women. I can feel it. It is humbling to take my turn.

Terri gets up at 4, I think. Really early. As she passes by my bed, she whispers, “Go on back to sleep, Kelly.

I’m going to pray for us.” I feel cared for, watched over and wonderfully sleepy. The lights come on at 5 and we are all out by 6. Terri and I walk out with the last group of ladies to leave, throw the trash from the night into the dumpster and, with a hug, head for our homes. I am back at my house by 6:30.

There has been a decline in the number of people who are volunteering to help with the shelter for the past few years. I know you would want to know this. Please pray for willing hearts and hands to join this effort. All volunteers are needed, but there is a special need for overnight volunteers right now. Contact Melody Perkins at graceandpeace1@sbcglobal.net, if you would like to serve overnight or during the evening hours at the shelter. Jennifer Spohr (jspohr@thhekirk.org) can help you and your family or small group get signed up to provide a meal.

SEE YOU IN 2020!

BEHIND THE SCENES:

CHRISTINA HANNAH

KRISTEN THOMPSON

CATHERINE THOMAS

Want to write for a future issue of IRONwoman?

KAMI BELMONT

@THEKIRKSTLWOMEN

Have photos from a recent Kirk event to share?

Contact us for ways to get involved!

@THEKIRKSTLWOMEN