Start a Praise and Coffee by Praise and Coffee

is to move beyond one sided womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ministry gatherings and get

across the table from one another

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Introduction I’ve spent the last couple decades and some change in women’s ministry. Pastor’s wife, women’s director and all around church gal, I’ve been there and done it all. From standing in front of a packed room of sleep deprived sugar buzzed women to scrubbing the toilets because the cleaning crew forgot about our life-changing event. I’m a women’s ministry veteran. But Praise and Coffee is different, it is less like ministry and more like…life. Praise and Coffee is about connecting, encouraging & inspiring women. It is not about preaching, teaching & leading women. This ministry is focused on sharing life with girlfriends. Praise and Coffee is about sitting down at a table with a few women and learning that we’re not the only one who is struggling with being a wife or mom or single gal. It’s about the honest journey of faith and relationships with God and those around us. I am not looking to create a mega ministry through Praise and Coffee Nights, but would love to create a movement! Women all over the world gathering together over a cup of coffee and having conversations that matter. Praise and Coffee Nights help us to connect, encourage and inspire one another. If you gather together in His name, He will come. It’s as simple as looking into the eyes of another woman and asking, “What’s happening in your life these days?” As you will see, we are not a regimented ministry. No educational requirements, no degrees or Bible school diplomas necessary. You don’t have to know how to pray or have chapters of scripture memorized, you just have to be a woman with a life, and I think that qualifies every one of us. We are a ministry of real women with real lives connecting, encouraging and inspiring one another along the journey wherever and whenever we can…many of us with a cup of coffee in hand as we do, but that’s not required either. Much love, Sue Cramer 2

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(L-R) Sue Cramer {PraiseAndCoffee.com} Founder Ronel Sidney {ChosenForMore.com} National Director Denise Dykstra {DeniseDykstra.com} Magazine co-Editor

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Praise and Coffee Groups meet around the world!

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

Last night I felt refreshed and

renewed as I walked out... Thankful to be first in the presence of my Father, but also in knowing that He had sent me to a place where I could grow through studying with women from different backgrounds and different lives. Each with a great story to tell.... I am truly blessed to be able to be part of this!!

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Across the Nation and World! For where 2 or 3 gather together because they are mine, I am there among them. Matthew 18:20

Buffalo, Minnesota

Plainwell, MI (the original!)

Ephrata, PA

Reno, NV Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Henderson, NV Butler, PA

Connecticut

Prescott, AZ

San Diego, CA Anthem, AZ

Lynden, WA

New Hampshire

We want pictures of your events!! Email them to us or post them into the albums on the Praise and Coffee page on Facebook!

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What Women Are Saying...

“For me Praise and Coffee has been a way to make those deeper connections outside the four walls of church and to have more intimate community!”

“Praise and Coffee has helped in giving me the confidence I need to step out in more of a leadership role of our Women's ministry at church. I am now facilitating 3 Bible studies and I am on a team of 6 ladies working on "waking up" the women's ministry at my church.”

Fear Almost Kept Her Away... I am not out going. I get really nervous when meeting new people or going new places. Really, really n.e.r.v.o.u.s. The fun thing about God is that He helps us push beyond that bubble, that place where we're so comfortable; even when we think it'd be better to avoid what makes us uncomfortable. If we let Him, He will grab our hand and lead us to do new things. Since moving an hour away from EVERYONE I knew, He has led me outside my bubble of comfort. Do I like to talk to people? Yep. Do I look forward to developing good relationships with strangers? Not really. You see, as I was growing up, I was awkward and unpopular. I wasn't girly, my eyes were too big for my face, my hair went wherever it felt like going, and I hated girls in friendships. Petty, catty, mean, etc... That's the way I defined most girls. 6

Fast forward many years and add a relationship with Christ that has helped me see Truth in how great fellowship with great ladies can be. And you find me going to places where I don’t expect to know A SINGLE SOUL. Last night, I nearly backed out of an amazing time. I was invited by a new friend to attend Praise and Coffee. I almost backed out. I almost e-mailed her to beg to be her shadow for the whole night. God said no to both. So I went. Alone. But, not alone. He was there. I went to a Praise and Coffee Night. At it, we met Maranda from WOTV and heard a bit of her journey. Wow, what a woman being used by God in a time where family units are being challenged. I had a great time. I can't wait until next time. I really believe this movement for women is headed to do BIG things. I am excited to be a part of it! I wouldn't have known that if I had hid inside, afraid to step out of my fear and love of comfort, to meet some great women doing great things for the Kingdom of God. So, I encourage you, step out! Even if you’re trembling. Ask God to find your hand, to give you peace, and to walk you through it. He will.

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“One word that comes to mind is...freedom.

“I

The freedom to be myself, the freedom to celebrate my Lord, freedom to lift one another up in prayer, the freedom for future friendships to blossom, the freedom to really, really study God's Word, the freedom to be open minded for discussions, and the fact that coffee is my favorite beverage I feel right at "home"“ sense the Greater Youngstown group is

different than most groups. The connections have been instant because the hunger for something, anything that is positive and simple to pull off is a breath of fresh air. The ladies are actually coming 30+ minutes be-fore meetings start. We have no agenda. We simply ask they bring a light refreshment, the hostess for each meeting provides the coffee. We average 20 members. Youngstown has been ranked one if not the highest rate of poverty city in the US. There are literally families and attitudes waiting for the steel mills to re-open. The biggest industry here is GM, and the layoffs have been hard for this area for years. These ladies long for something different and better. I think these meetings give them something to look forward to. They have no problem meeting new people and starting conversations. They feel safe. My heart for Greater Youngstown Praise and Coffee is to create an environment of fellowship that creates positive talk that will change Youngstown for the better one cup of coffee at a time.”

“The second time I attended Praise and Coffee was in Plainwell and as it turned out that was the night that would change my life as I knew it! I met a gal who helped me take my business to the next level but even more meaningful than that was the friends I have met through her. My husband and I were new to the area and without having a J-O-B or kids in school, it was very hard to meet friends. It was even hard to meet new people and make strong connections at church because our congregation is so large. Because God led me to my new friend Kris, I have made so many very close friends as well as reputable business partners. I am forever grateful!!!!”

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“

it’s good to get away from home

for an evening and be in a circle of ladies, feel encouraged, inspired, praying for each other. One more: Being able to open up and speak from my heart, from what I have learned from my past, my mistakes. To be encouraged, inspired, and loved by sisters that I am learning to trust is incredible!!!”

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Q&A

How often should I hold my Praise and Coffee?

That is up to you but it should be consistent.

We suggest one of the three: * once a week

How do I host the group with the books? We recommend using the book as a “springboard” for conversation.

You do not have to follow the book strictly,, just decide ahead of time

how much you are all going to read

* twice a month

and be prepared to talk about it.

* once a month How long should I keep doing my group? We would like you to commit to

holding your group at least 6X. So that would mean your group will

last anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months long. Then feel free to start over with a new group or

keep going with your current one. Is there a cost or membership fee to join Praise and Coffee as a host or a participant?

What if the members of my group don’t keep up with reading the books? Always go back to the heart of these groups: * Connecting women * Encouraging Growth * Inspiring Change Our focus is NOT structure or obedience to a set of rules, it’s a

matter of the heart. Be gracious

and let God lead by what is on the hearts of the ladies there.

No, not at this time. 19

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Cont...

How do I “lead” the groups that

How do I start??

conversation from?

Fill out the form

don’t have a book to springboard We encourage you to use our

esPRESSo curriculum at the end of this magazine. Or, look up arti-

cles that apply to your group topic and discuss them, or go around the table sharing how the past

week or month has been in light of the “flavor” of your group. i.e.: If your group is about blended

and start inviting

girlfriends!

families, talk about what has been the most difficult decision you’ve had to make as a step mom. Be creative! And watch how God

just opens the conversation once you let your own walls down. Do I have to pray out loud to host a group? That is up to you. You can format your groups with or without a

time of public prayer, but we do

encourage everyone in the group to keep one another in their pray-

ers and send emails or texts to let each other know that you are praying for one another. 20

on our website

Do I have to use the books suggested for the “flavor” group I want? No, they are just suggestions. Where do I buy the books?

We have a list of the books on our website with direct links to Amazon. As an Amazon affiliate we would love it if you order them through our website! Click here: Resources

or go to our website PraiseandCoffee.com and find the “Resources” page under “Praise and Coffee groups”

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It’s more than a ministry,

it’s a

* Movement!

* 21

Praise and Coffee Group Guide | www.PraiseAndCoffee.com

Six session springboard for Praise and Coffee groups. Yes, technically it’s a curriculum but we’re calling it a springboard because we don’t want you to feel so attached to a curriculum that you miss the conversations that will happen organically. A new 6 week session comes out in each magazine.

Session One: Love One Another

Session Two: Forgiving One Another

Get things brewing: Do you make a New Year’s resolution or set goals before the New Year begins?

Get things brewing: What is your favorite winter drink?

Steep in God’s word: John 13:34, “A new command I give you; Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” Press it out: -What does loving one another look like in your daily life? -Can you think of a time when someone showed you love despite your words, actions or reactions? -How would you encourage someone struggling to love a difficult family member or spouse?

Steep in God’s word: Ephesians 4:32, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Press it out: -Can you think of a time when forgiving was difficult? -Why is forgiveness so important in relationships? -What advice would you give to someone holding onto bitterness and resentment instead of embracing forgiveness?

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Session Three: Accepting One Another Get things brewing: What is your favorite thing to do when you get time to hang out you’re your girlfriends? Steep in God’s word: Romans 15:7, “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” Press it out: -Why is it so hard to be non-judgmental with the ones closest to us? -How do we accept those who are different than us? -Can you think of a time you felt accept even though you were different? -What advice would you give to someone who is struggling to fit in with a group of friends? Session Four: Bearing with One Another Get things brewing: What is your favorite form of communication (texting, calling, email or facet to face) and what is your least favorite and why? Steep in God’s word: Ephesians 4:32, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Press it out: -Can you think of a time when a friend stood by you and help you endure some struggles or circumstances in life? -How can we stand by and give support to those around us whom are hurting without being taken advantage of your generosity? -What advice would you give to someone who is struggling to be compassionate to others? 23

Session Five: Being Devoted to One Another Get things brewing: What do you do for fun? Steep in God’s word: Romans 12:16, “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.” Press it out: -Can you think of a time you felt like you did not belong? Did you press through the feelings or leave the situation? - Are there certain situations or certain groups of people where you struggle with pride? - How can be devoted to people whom believe different with us without judging them or compromising your beliefs?

Session Six: Honoring One Another Above Ourselves Get things brewing: Describe your favorite place to relax and enjoy some peace and quiet. Steep in God’s word: Romans 12:20, “On the contrary: ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.’” Press it out: -What are some things you can do to put others above yourself? -Are there any community projects you can get involved with in order to help those who are in need?

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We were all created for connection. Have you Praise and Coffeeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d lately?

Photo by KarieMurrayPhotography.com 24

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