NEWSLETTER
SPRING 2016
“In Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in His holy name.” - Psalm 33:21
Welcome to Women In Touch! A women’s ministry of Calvary Baptist Church serving the Lord! Women from Calvary and the surrounding communities, serve the Lord by coming together. They do this by studying God’s word through classes (available on Wednesday mornings and evenings), serving in various capacities, praying for each other, and fellowshipping together. They love God, love people, and live the Lord’s mission.
WIT’s Service Team is comprised of all women of different generations and nations. They are: from left to right sitting, Reba Showers, Veronica Orozco and Donna Oakley. Standing are: Rosie Wilkinson, Peggy Yancy, Lulu Gamboa, Yuri Nakagawa, Wendy Brana, Sharon Longoria, Ashley Denno, Monica Guarneri, Norma Rivas-Stegall, Alise Mason, Janet Aguirre and Annette Rakosky. At this time, the following ladies were unavailable to have pictures taken, they are: Cecille Gatan, Andreè Lopez, Kira Corona, Sue Schmit, Nicci Southwell, Nancy Basaldua, Paula Lindgren, Natasha Freels, Giona Kirby, Virginia Calloway and there’s more to come.
Calvary Baptist Church | 1600 Harvey Drive McAllen, TX 78501 | (956) 686-4364
www.calvarymcallen.org/women | www.facebook.com/CBCWIT
Coordinator’s Column Welcome to 2016! We hope your journey was pleasant and your fond memories are cherished! While you unpack and get settled, allow me to reflect on some precious moments shared by the women of Calvary in 2015. Summer breezed in with a new crew of women for WIT’s 20152016 Service Team. We met for a fun filled Mini Beach Retreat with several activities packed within 24 hours. Now that’s a challenge! A sunset dinner by the bay, a spectacular fireworks show, and sunrise walks on the beach the following day. Goals were set and they were attained. Getting away to South Padre Island provided ladies a time to get acquainted, to relax, to refresh, to be re-energized, to be restored, and to be recharged. We had time to plan WIT’s calendar and to take in four workshop sessions based on Deb Burmas Beautiful Feet. “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” - Romans 10:15. Most importantly, we had fun while seeking and serving Him. To God be the glory! You can only imagine, we came back with fireworks under our feet! We met up with the rest of WIT’s Service Team to plan and prepare for the Breakfast & Blessings and the Cottage Gathering. Women came together to hear the announcements of the Fall Semester Bible Study Classes and upcoming events. Facilitators Ashley Denno and Donna Oakley led the morning classes and Nancy Basaldua led the evening class. Save The Date postcards were mailed to everyone and posters were placed throughout the church buildings. We have had incredible Feature Day Luncheon speakers this year - Donna Oakley, Pastor Chad Mason, Lead Pastor Julio Guarneri, and Sylvia Riddle. Keep a lookout for our spring line-up of speakers and remember, Feature Day Luncheons are scheduled for every first Thursday of the month, from October to May. Reservations are due on Tuesday by 5 p.m. and free childcare is available. The Seasons of Life Women’s Banquet came in Gods perfect timing. “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:” - Ecclesiastes 3:1. With so many prayers, the Lord led us to a beautiful and blessed evening. Women of all ages shared their stories and the women enjoyed a beautiful musical performance. Yours truly, the Mistress of Ceremonies, had the honor to welcome our special guest speakers Mrs. Maria and Miss Elena Bridwell, Miss Andreé Lopez, Mrs. Kira Corona and Mrs. Peggy Yancy. Everyone was treated to a delectable dinner, special seating at uniquely decorated themed tables, and served by CBC men. The CBC pastoral staff was there to lead us in prayers and help with the servers - THANK YOU Pastor Julio, Pastor Rolando and Pastor Paulo for your gracious support. There are so many
individuals in which we are thankful for. Countless prayers and countless hours of preparation went into making the Seasons of Life Women’s Banquet a blessing to all. The moment I heard the following hymn, To The Work! To The Work! We are servants of God. Quickly, described WIT! Ladies of Calvary have such a great desire to serve the Lord and we are blessed to be following the path of our Master. Here’s a sample of the first stanza, To the work! To the work! We are servants of God, Let us follow the path that our Master has trod; With the might of His power our strength to renew, Let us do by His grace what He calls us to do. Praised the Lord for answered prayers! WIT received a call to assist in gathering, pies for the Giving Thanks dinner for the Baptist Student Ministry and International Students of UT RGV, and desserts for CBCs Thanksgiving Dinner and Church in Conference. The Lord placed a special call on our women to help bring smiles to children from Primera Iglesia Bautista in Sullivan City through WIT’s toy drive! This was a blessing to many who love to shop and bring joy to young ones. Thank you, thank you, thank you for your generosity! Meanwhile, the WIT Service Team conducted meetings with a Thanksgiving Luncheon and a Christmas Tea. Because they say pictures speak louder than words, we’ve captured some of those precious moments to express our desire to seek and serve the Lord. WIT provides four distinct roles available to all women of Calvary and surrounding communities. Bible Study - “All Scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped of every good work.” - 2 Timothy 3:16-17. Service - “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” - 1 Peter 4:10. Support - “If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!” - Ecclesiastes 4:10. Fellowship - “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another — and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” - Hebrews 10:25 We hope this newsletter will come to you in time for the Spring Semester Kickoff, January 13, 2016! Further information on upcoming spring events, may be found in the What’s To Come column. Feel free to pick up a brochure with more details. I’m excited to have the privilege and honor to be walking side by side with women seeking and serving the Lord. We invite you to come and experience the wonderful journey! Please visit us at www.calvarymcallen.org or www.facebook.com/ cbcwit to stay connected. Respectfully and Rejoicing in the Lord,
Rosie
Rosie Wilkinson
Pastor’s Message COMMUNION “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” (John 13:34) Communion is a word that is frequently used but many times misunderstood. If you do a research for the word communion, almost every link that is returned has a spiritual or religious connotation. Sometimes communion refers to the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, and other times it refers to an organized fellowship of Christian churches. Communion means oneness or commonality. The basis for Christian’s oneness with each other is the oneness we have with God as individuals through Christ. Therefore, when our fellowship with God is strong, our communion with each other will be sweet and solid. However, if we are not in communion with Him, all the rest of our relationships will suffer. The whole idea of fellowship is born out of this concept of being the body of Christ. Then, seeking a rich interaction that comes from communing with God and His followers is a great sign of sharing His love which will make our relationships unforgettable. This is why in WIT (Women in Touch) our goal is to encourage Calvary’s women to seek God and share their lives in community or “communion.” Our vision states, “WIT serves the women of Calvary by encouraging them to live as a community of Christ followers and to invest themselves in Bible Study, in building relationships with one another, and serving others.” As the pastor that oversees this ministry at CBC, I celebrate the different expressions and ways of communion this ministry experienced in 2015 and wait expectantly in the community that will be fostered in the year 2016. As you read this newsletter, you will get a sense of the type of community we already are. Finally, as the Bible says, “we make plans, trusting God to guide our steps” (Proverbs 16:9). Blessings, Rolando D. Aguirre
WIT Service Team Welcome Retreat 2015
BEACH RETREAT WIT’s Service Team embarked a two day fun-filled get away on Friday, July 24th thru Saturday, July 25th. Ladies achieved five main goals. (1) To get away, (2) to relax and refresh, (3) to get to know each other, (4) to plan WIT’s calendar and (5) to become excited and have fun while serving the Lord. Completely packed with worship praise, prayers, workshop sessions, fireworks by the bay, sunset dinner, walks on the beach, continental breakfast, fellowship and beachside lunch. A blessed weekend!
“How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.” - Romans 10:15 NIV
WIT’s Service Team - from left to right, Lulu Gamboa, Reba Showers, Donna Oakley, Rosie Wilkinson, Veronica Orozco, Annette Rakosky, Peggy Yancy and Sharon Longoria.
FALL SEMESTER MEETING
WIT’s Save the Date postcards were labeled, stamped and delivered!
WIT’s Service Team held their first meeting August 19th at the church parlor to start planning and preparing for the fall season. Seen around the table, from left to right: Donna Oakley, Ashley Denno, Sharon Longoria, Annette Rakosky, Nancy Basaldua, Norma Rivas-Stegall, Rosie Wilkinson, Wendy Brana, Yuri Nakagawa, Lulu Gamboa and Alise Mason.
WIT were seen having too much fun while working on a church mail out.
THANKSGIVING LUNCHEON
The month of November brings a sweet aroma. Pumpkin pies, roasted turkey with all the fixings and a special time to bring family and friends together! WIT’s Service Team met Tuesday, November 10th for a Thanksgiving luncheon. Ladies gave thanks to the Lord for the privilege to be serving together. They did managed to conduct some business as usual to get ready for the upcoming activities. Sitting from left to right: Ashley and Iliana Denno, Donna Oakley, Paula Lindgren, Virginia Calloway and Norma Rivas-Stegall. Standing from left to right: Janet Aguirre, Annette Rakosky, Andreè Lopez, Wendy Brana, Alise Mason, Giona Kirby, Veronica Orozco, Nicci Southwell, Yuri Nakagawa, Monica Guarneri and Rosie Wilkinson.
CHRISTMAS TEA MEETING
In midst of the busiest month, WIT’s Service Team made time to meet Thursday, December 17th for a Christmas Tea. They review the plans for upcoming Feature Day luncheon, and for the Spring Semester Bible Studies and activities. Celebrating the true gift of the season, the hope, peace, love and joy that comes from the birth of Christ. Annette Rakosky, Sharon Longoria, Sue Schmit, Wendy Brana, Norma Rivas-Stegall, Lucy Sanchez, Rosie Wilkinson, Yuri Nakagawa, Lulu Gamboa and on behalf of the entire WIT, we wish you a Merry Christmas… everyday!
2015 Fall Semester 2015 FALL SEMESTER BIBLE STUDY CLASSES Facilitator Donna Oakley led a Bible Study class based on “Overwhelmed: Winning the war against worry” by Author Perry Noble and Facilitator Ashley Denno led “Breathe: Making Room for Sabbath” by Author Priscilla Shirer on wednesday mornings at 9:30 a.m. Facilitator Nancy Basaldua led an evening Bible Study class “Brokenness” by Author Nancy Leigh DeMoss at 6:30 p.m.
BREAKFAST AND BLESSINGS WIT hosted the Breakfast & Blessings to kick off the Fall Bible Study classes on Wednesday, September 2nd at 9:30 a.m. Ladies started the morning with a special blend of fellowship and prayer. Everyone enjoyed a continental breakfast compliments of the WIT Service Team.
COTTAGE GATHERING Cottage Gathering 2015! Ladies met for some South Texas hospitality on Thursday, September 3 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Rosie Wilkinson’s residence. Ladies had a beautiful fellowship with new and familiar faces. Andreè Lopez and Beto Barbosa led us onto Praise Worship and Pastor Rolando Aguirre opened in prayer. They had a chance to hear from the Bible Study Facilitators and WIT Coordinator Rosie Wilkinson presented the calendar of events. The delectable hors d’ oeuvres and tea were prepared by WIT’s Service Team.
Seasons of Life Women’s Banquet On the evening of Thursday, October 15th, ladies’s hearts were touched by the speakers and by the women who attended WIT’s Season of Life Banquet.
Feature Days Fall 2015
October 1st - Guest Speaker Donna Oakley presented a heart moving message. Thank you! Your words brought us encouragement and an inspiration to us.
November 5th - Feature Day Speaker Pastor Chad Mason brought a packed presentation. It was full of informative and inspiring ways to continue to be missional driven; by means of relief efforts, infrastructure development, and ways to attain sustainable missions. Thank you, Pastor Chad!
December 3rd - Thank you, Pastor Julio for being our guest speaker at Feature Day Luncheon and for delivering a heartfelt presentation on the subject of The Advent. You aspired us to prepare our hearts for the things that matter the most to God in the reason of Christmas. A season of devotion, to the birth of Christ, and His second coming.
January 7th - Guest Speaker Sylvia Riddle spoke about her search and struggles, and how she was led to read “The Practice of the Presence of God” by Brother Lawrence. She spoke with so much love and reference to the Lord’s word. At the start of her presentation, she had a couple of surprises within the audience. We had so much fun! Thank you!
What’s To Come?
WIT will be hosting a Breakfast & Blessings at 9:30 a.m. and a Cottage Gathering at 6:30 p.m. to kick off the Spring Semester, meeting at the church parlor. All Wednesday classes will start on Wednesday, January 20th, including free childcare. WIT’s Wednesday Bible Study classes and activities will be facilitated by the following ladies: Morning Bible Study classes from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Made to Crave by Lysa Terkeurst led by Lucy Sanchez, Classroom S102 On Prayer by Dr. J. Vernon McGee led by Wendy Brana, Classroom S103 Activities from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m Recicl-Arte with Ivonne Bollain, Classroom S201-202 Monthly Cooking Classes with special guests TBA Evening Bible Study classes from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Our Legacy: The Greatest Gift by Dr. James Dobson led by Veronica Orozco, Classroom 103 Living Beyond Yourself: Exploring The Trust Of The Spirit By Beth Moore led by Anna Mejia, Classroom G105 7:15 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Moms in Prayer led by Elvira Vaughn, Classroom Multi Purpose
Calvary Baptist Church 1600 Harvey Drive McAllen, Texas 78501
Upcoming Feature Day speakers come as far as the Philippines and from across the United States. February’s Speaker Pastor Susan Sosebee March’s Speaker Lea Price April’s Speaker Alma Brana May’s Speaker Jane Roach
Big Hats & High Tea Social - Although hats are optional, they are fun to wear! Who will win the various Hat Awards? We’ll have to wait and see. NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID MCALLEN, TX PERMIT NO. 121