Fall 2011
from the
A Publication of NEWIM, Network of Evangelical Women in Ministry
“...to strengthen women who minister to women…”
2012 NEWIM Conference “A Heart Awakened” SERVING NEWIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Jackie Rettberg BOARD CHAIR Carolyn Shea
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Maureen Moore RECORDING SECRETARY Jill Austin BOARD MEMBERS Shirley Barber Luann Budd Cheri Dale Kim Lomakin Rhoda Stanley PRESIDENT EMERITUS Ginger Bertoni
Since NEWIM began in Southern California 22 years ago, we have been privileged to have Anne Graham Lotz as our keynote speaker at many of our conferences. God has used Anne to inspire, encourage and challenge us through her messages and her example. Thirteen years ago, we were blessed to have Anne in Fresno for NEWIM’s Chosen Women stadium event, as well as for an event the day before to launch the San Joaquin Valley Chapter of NEWIM. Once again, Anne has graciously accepted our invitation, and will be returning to Fresno on Saturday, February 18, 2012. Anne’s heart for the Lord, and her passion to see the church (us!) walking in the fullness of His will comes through in a powerful way whenever she speaks. This is a day you won’t want to miss! We invite you to join us for our 2012 NEWIM conference, "A Heart Awakened" and encourage you to share this invitation with others. The conference will be held at Peoples Church, 7172 N. Cedar Ave., Fresno. Friday evening is especially planned with you in mind. There will be an encouraging and connecting time for women in ministry, with dinner and special speakers. Anne will be speaking in several sessions on Saturday. Lunch will be provided. Brochures will be available in November, so let us know if you would like some to share with your group. Special pricing on nearby hotel accommodations will also be available. Registration information will be posted at newim.org. Please prayerfully consider making this conference a priority. We believe the Lord has called and gifted Anne with vital messages for our times, and it is a privilege to have this opportunity to hear what God has put on her heart. Our prayer and belief is that this will not be just another conference, but that the Lord has a plan and message for each person who attends. Hope to see you there!
NEWIM Bridge Day NEWIM members and friends gathered once again at the Newport Harbor Yacht Club in Newport Beach Sept. 29th to play bridge and support the NEWIM Scholarship Fund. This fund makes it possible for NEWIM to offer partial and full scholarships to women ministry leaders here in the US, and in Cape Town, South Africa, who could not otherwise attend our conferences, and Prayer and Reflection retreats. Following are some sample comments from women who have received scholarships; “I am so grateful to NEWIM for providing the Springs Retreats. God met me there and gave me a pattern for starting a new Bible Study for my neighbors.” “I arrived at the Springs Retreat tired and discouraged and I left strengthened and inspired!" “During the Springs Retreat God encouraged me to reflect on my relationship with Him and helped me to see how I can better meet the needs of the women I serve.” And from Cape Town, South Africa: “Our July Retreat was a huge success! Seventy-two women came for the weekend and found an absolute Oasis of God’s love.” We want to thank those of you who supported NEWIM by attending Bridge Day. We are grateful for those who made generous donations so we could award such wonderful prizes! Ten prizes were awarded; walking away with third place: Patty Anderson; second place: Judy Harrington; and first place: Allan Trane. Congratulations to all the winners! The day was a wonderful combination of fun, competition and caring!
Have You Been to Our Website? Our website has been designed to be a valuable resource for you. Visit us today to see what’s available to help you grow in grace and knowledge of God, serve Him in your ministry and network with other women working toward the same goals. What we offer: monthly Food For the Soul articles, monthly words of biblical wisdom from our Director and other authors, ministry highlights from our members, an events calendar and Creative Seminars for your church or group. For members, listen to audio presentations from NEWIM conferences and access our online member directory. Members: your user name is FirstLast, no space; your password is “changeme” no space. Friends: click register and fill in all fields (please use your name, FirstLast, no spaces, as your user name). For help logging in, email info@newim.org. Page 2
Appreciation Luncheon for NEWIM Staff and Volunteers In June, Jackie Rettberg, Executive Director of NEWIM, held an appreciation luncheon for staff, leaders and other volunteers who contribute to the ministry of NEWIM. The women broke the ice by trying to find their look-a-like in the group, with a prize going to the two who most resembled each other. Jackie welcomed the group and talked about the purpose of NEWIM. She thanked everyone for their support during the year and then asked the blessing on lunch, which was provided by Karen Root. The delicious meal was topped off by gourmet cupcakes provided by Gayle Rettberg. After lunch, the women were treated to an amazing mini concert by two gifted performers, David Lomakin, husband of board member Kim Lomakin, and singer Daniel McGrew. “Attending the NEWIM luncheon in June was a joy. It was Look-a-like winners Marilyn Kane and Sharyn Evans so fun to get together with wonderful women I know and also to meet some for the first time. Serving with women who have such spiritual depth and passion for the Lord is extraordinary.” —Kim Johnson
Look-a-likes Sunny Schrimsher and Kim Johnson
Become a Member or Renew Your Membership... ...online and save a stamp! Just go to www.newim.org and click the online store link. Choose your membership level and receive real benefits, including an online member roster, audio presentations and selected event discounts. Join today and we’ll post your ministry report in our Member Corner (all members are welcome to contribute). Your fee is tax deductible.
Pianist David Lomakin and singer Daniel McGrew
Join us on YouTube and Facebook! Meet the NEWIM team on YouTube. We’re posting videos to help you get to know us. Subscribe and meet everyone! We’re also on Facebook. We’d love to have you join us there so we can keep in touch. Page 3
Creative Seminars For Your Church or Group
Creative Seminars can help your small church or group put on the perfect event!
NEWIM’s Creative Seminars ministry has provided eight seminars for churches and groups since its inception a year ago. It is designed for churches with limited resources and any group needing an affordable speaker. With an amazing number of seasoned NEWIM leaders, we have an extensive list of topics from which to choose. Are you planning a Saturday morning mini-retreat? Do you need a presenter for an evening event? How about a meeting just for your leadership team? Or would you love to have a one-on-one consultation with an experienced woman in ministry? The possibilities are unlimited. The topics are divided into categories: • Relationships • Personal Growth • Biblical Studies • Leadership Training • One-on-one Women’s Ministry Consulting The best aspect of this ministry is that all the presenters have partnered with NEWIM to invest their time as a gift. Thus, your cost is nominal—a small administration fee and presenter travel expenses. It’s an incredible resource available at your fingertips. It’s easy to schedule a seminar. Visit our website at www.newim.org, choose a category and click on a speaker. You’ll see a list of her topics. Click the link to fill in and send the scheduling form, then pay through PayPal or send a check. If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact the program administrator, Sherylynne Carriveau at sherylynne@lbac.org. She’ll be happy to help you create the perfect seminar!
Online Hotline Do you wish you could talk to someone about ministry issues? Would you like someone to be available when you need help? Help is available through the following NEWIM leaders whenever you need it: Shannon Reese: sreese@calvarylife.org Luann Budd: luann.budd@sjsu.edu Monica Brislawn: monicabrislawn@gmail.com Susan Booker: sobooker52@yahoo.com Betsy Stowe: stowefam@sbcglobal.ne Beverly Amsbary Davenport: hwdbev@orionbroadband.net Jackie Rettberg: oasis631@cox.net Go to newim.org and click Online Hotline for their areas of expertise. We’re here to help! Page 4
Spotlight on Creative Seminar Presenters Monica Brislawn Knowing that God has every believer on a lifelong adventure, Monica enjoys opening the Scriptures with women to help them discover God’s great love and His purposes for them in His world. She has taught seminars and Bible studies, served as the Director of Women’s ministries and held various church finance positions. Prior to entering full-time ministry, Monica practiced as a public accountant with a financial services firm. Monica’s seminars: Delighting in the Scriptures: Learning to Enjoy All of God’s Word Do you often return to the same familiar Bible passages wishing you had a little more courage to explore the Scriptures you don’t know so well? If we were to admit it, there really are some Scriptures that seem so hard to understand we avoid them altogether. In this seminar, we will talk about our approach to the Scriptures, how to interact with a passage and try some simple methods to help you explore your Bible. The aim is to build your confidence so you really can enjoy all of God’s Word! Come, Lord Jesus! Joining the Conversation of the Revelation Have you tried to understand The Revelation and found it to be difficult? The Revelation can be a little intimidating! In this seminar, we will do some “crosstraining” in the Old and New Testaments to help us navigate through the Revelation. We will consider the role of a prophet, Old Testament symbolism and the reign and return of Christ. With these lessons in mind, we can then navigate through three interpretations held by the Church: Revelation is fulfilled prophecy; it is prophecy for the future; or it isn’t meant to be a prophecy at all! No matter what view you embrace, as we take a look into all three, we will enjoy spiritual truths helpful for the Church in the 21st century. Request Monica for a Creative Seminar at www.newim.org. The cost is only $35. Contact Sherylynne at sherylynne@lbac.org for more information.
Come to a Creative Seminar Grace Fellowship Church in Costa Mesa hosted a NEWIM Creative Seminar on October 24. Jackie Rettberg spoke on “How BIG is God’s Love?” based on Ephesians 3:18 and 1 John 3:1-10. Schedule your Creative Seminar today at www.newim.org.
Congratulations to a New Mom! Kim Lomakin, NEWIM board member, gave birth to twin girls October 2, 2011. Congratulations to Kim and her husband David and welcome to Eleanna Rebekah, 5lbs., 5 oz. and Annalise Kadee, 4 lbs., 14 oz. Page 5
The Springs Three Day Prayer and Reflection Retreat The Springs in northern California: St. Anthony’s Retreat Center, Three Rivers March 9-11, 2012 (Friday to Sunday) Cost: $255
The Springs in southern California: Prince of Peace Abbey, Oceanside "How would I
April 18-20, 2012 (Wednesday‒Friday) Cost: $250
describe The Springs
Register online at www.newim.org.
for someone? It is an indescribable walk with the Lord—a pathway to heaven." —Springs North participant
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Make Space for God is Now a Creative Seminar Would you like to attend a retreat but never seem to have the time? Make Space for God is a half-day guided retreat designed just for you! Marty Russell created this retreat for the busy woman who needs to spend time with God, but can’t take a whole weekend out of her schedule. This mini retreat consists of short times of teaching alternated with times of meditation. It will help you re-center your distracted, anxious heart to a place of deeper communion with God. Make Space for God is now a NEWIM Creative Seminar, which means you can have the retreat for your church or group for the low fee of $35. Simply go to www.newim.org, click on creative seminars/personal growth/Marty Russell/scheduling form. Fill in the form and pay through PayPal or with a check. Email Sherylynne at sherylynne@lbac.org with questions or for Marty Russell more information about Creative Seminars.
From the Director Breathe Easy! Do you know the difference between inspiration and expiration? Inspiration means to breathe in and expiration means to breathe out. When we say someone or something has inspired us we are really saying something or someone has breathed into our lives. The Bible tells us all Scripture is God breathed (11Tim. 3:16). When we say the Holy Scriptures are inspired by the Holy Spirit we’re simply saying God breathed into the writers what God would have them say. He inspired them! In the Bible, the Greek and Hebrew words for spirit, even when referring to the Spirit of God, is the same word for biological breathing. You may be familiar with a condition called sleep apnea. This is when a person’s normal breathing pattern is interrupted while they are sleeping and it can be life threatening if not corrected. What happens when we are deprived of air? We turn blue and expire. We breathe out our last breath. Because breath represents fuel that sustains life, any break in the fuel supply means death. As Christians we can suffer from a kind of spiritual sleep apnea. Each Christian as part of Christ’s body needs to breathe in the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. When His inspiration is interrupted it threatens our ability to breathe out the stream of life that comes from God. So what are just a few of the things that can interrupt our spiritual breathing? Lack of forgiveness Anxiety Hate Compulsive busyness Gossip The Lord says: Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God (Ephesians 4:30). Do not put out the Spirit’s fire (1 Thessalonians 5:19). Everything that has breath praise Him (Psalm 150:6). Aspire to inspire before you expire!
How’s your spiritual breathing?
Director of Women’s Ministry Forum Are you a director of women’s ministry? We’d love to see you at the next director of women’s ministry forum at the home of Jackie Rettberg. Please email Jackie at oasis631@cox.net for dates, time and directions. Page 7
Director of Women’s Ministry Forums Newsletter Editor: Tammy Tkach Email: tammy.tkach@gci.org VISIT US ON THE W EB: WWW. NEWIM. ORG
If you are a director of women’s ministry in your church and would like to participate in an exciting and encouraging forum, please contact us at info@newim.org or call 714318-5432.
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From the Heart