It's the last Day of the Year

On this last day of 2010 I am grateful for 10 things:

• that our theme in fall was "Embracing our Brokenness"
• that Karen shared Atsu's story on Sept. 23
• that you heard some of my story on Oct. 28
• that we viewed Gianna Jensen's story together
• that Kelsey shared her story on November 25
• that Sally shared her story
• that Stephanie shared Nathaniel's story
• that Karen shared her story on December 16
• that Lindsay shared her story
• that Victoria shared the rest of the story

Tomorrow I'll tell you about 10 things I am hopeful for:

December e-News

♥♥♥ OUR HEARTBEAT ♥♥♥

Count down to Christmas - my iPod application says there's 17 Days until Christmas. Are you wishing your calendar was fuller? or less full? Which ever your wish - remember there are those who wish the opposite.

This E-News contains important information for before and after Christmas -

Before Christmas these are important items -

* Finish strong for the last 2010 small group event tomorrow - Dec. 9
* Celebrate Together - Dec. 16 - A hot brunch is catered by AmyNicoleCatering (Amy has been teaching the cooking/nutrition group) - includes special music by a visiting group of "small singers", more stories, free-cycling boutique, and an opportunity to build more connections
* Help us with our attendance guess by responding if you're coming and how many little treasures will accompany you!

After Christmas these are important items -

* January 13, 2011 - 9:15-noon All leaders, volunteers and children's servers are invited to meet in the chapel for training and preparation for a Fresh Start
* January 20, 2011 - Fresh Start Brunch - Bring friends, meet the next group of facilitators... and more.

For more info regarding: Recipe Book Project, Children's Ministry, Your suggestions, Your Bright Spots, Your Class choices for next term... Make it easy to stay connected by bookmarking our blog...

http://woh-women-of-heart.blogspot.com

Verna Ratzlaff (Your volunteer leader)
Women of Heart Connecting | Transforming | Mobilizing A company of women doing life together, pursuing personal wholeness and influencing others for Jesus Christ.

November e-News

♥♥♥ OUR HEARTBEAT ♥♥♥

This afternoon I am most grateful for the lacy shadows the bright sun is creating with the trees in the park just outside my studio window and two sleeping grandbabies in their room. This weekend with pre-schoolers keeps me in touch with the daily events of half the women who come to Women of Heart.

Your team of leaders met last Tuesday and your team of facilitators met last Thursday. We did a combination of fine tuning for the rest of this term and planning for next term and dreaming for next year.

Fine-tuning this term... Fall 2010

• watch for a change in the place you pick up your hot beverages
• take care to not take restricted items into the secure children's area
• older kids are welcome to join in some fun this coming Thursday,

November 11 which is Remembrance Day and a PD day for most

schools - They'll be in the Extreme Zone - sign in as usual.
• four more class events - please enjoy gathering to visit with friends from

other groups after as we have the chapel booked until noon each

Thursday
• two more all group events - Nov. 25 we'll hear from 6-8 who

volunteered to share their stories of brokenness and hope - Dec. 16 our Christmas brunch will be catered by AmyNicoleCatering. Amy is the facilitator of the cooking/nutrition class...watch for more details coming

• Frozen Blessings cook off - November 13 RSVP to Donna Black at 403- 613-6061 and Fundraiser cookbook - contact Mandee Davidson at mandeedavidson@shaw.ca

• we'll be compiling and posting your suggestions from the pink cards and invite you to participate in an online survey in the next few weeks.

Planning for next term... Winter/Spring 2011

• 14 consecutive weeks beginning January 20 until April 21, 2011
• class choices should be available on the website by January 13, 2011
• Brunches Jan. 20 and April 21 All-group times Feb. 24 and March 24.

• participation fee for adult participants will increase to $30 (Thank you for sharing in the expenses associated with what we do. We hope to include everyone who wants to come)

• school-age children will be included for teachers' convention and spring break

• Team of Leaders meetings will be January 13 and April 28

Dreaming for next year... Fall/Winter/Spring 2011-2012

• changing from 28 weeks in two terms to doing 30 weeks in three terms as follows - Fall - 12, Winter - 12, Spring - 6

• possibility of having two-term classes starting in Fall and in Winter
• theme relating to Kindness

Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God.
Philippians 1:3

My favourite part of Women of Heart is coming each Thursday morning and seeing your patience and kindness toward each other, spending time with the gals in my class and hoping that all find the joy of giving and receiving the blessings of God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit as we journey together.

Verna (Your volunteer leader)

Women of Heart Connecting | Transforming | Mobilizing A company of women doing life together, pursuing personal wholeness and influencing others for Jesus Christ.

Gianna Jensen - viewed October 28, 2010

http://vimeo.com/5387154

Introducing Charlotte

The Many Facets of Women of Heart

A One Woman Observation:

I have been attending Women of Heart for a couple years now. This term will mark my 5^th in this delightful ministry geared towards the refinement and growth of the women of Centre Street Church and the city of Calgary. I’ve been asked to contemplate and write about the many facets that make up Women of Heart as I see it right now. Obviously I have a very limited view and perhaps a fairly unblemished one as I’m new to the leadership team. I hope to discover what makes this group of women tick, who comes and why, what we learn or want to learn, how our children are involved, and so on and so forth. As I write this I’m sitting across from my 5 month old son Judah, who’s happily playing in his Bumbo seat, and listening to my older two boys racing cars in the playroom. I am truly blessed by God in so many ways. So, let’s begin.

• The Leadership Team – I am slowly getting to know the names and faces of the women making up the leadership team for Women of Heart, and what an amazing group of talented women it is. Their job is truly not an easy one. Between face-to-face meetings, email chats, passing comments on Thursday mornings, and the occasional phone call, these women are extremely busy making Women of Heart run so smoothly, and that’s on top of the husbands, children and/or work commitments each of them have. I know that each of the members of the team have specific responsibilities be it childcare, media, running the morning check-in, organizing snacks, facilitating the group leaders, running large group events, community outreach, and much, much more. This group has recently survived a staggering change of leadership; a change that would have made many other groups crumble. They lost the head of the leadership and of the childcare, but rather than admitting defeat, they have risen to the challenge and continued to make Women of Heart a blessing to so many women.
• The Childcare Team – Previously run by Jayme Gray, this team has recently been taken over by Morgan Milia, and what a great job she’s been doing. Despite the huge responsibility, the childcare during Women of Heart has continued to run almost seamlessly since we started in September, and I know it hasn’t been easy for Morgan. As a change from past Women of Heart, the decision was made this term to pay a weekly love gift of $25 to 15-20 women willing to commit to serve each week with our children. This group of God’s servants consists of individuals for whom the extra money makes a difference as well as people who choose donate the money to another cause for Jesus. Each one serves because they love God and because they love kids, and we’re blessed by them. Morgan’s idea to keep the doors to the childcare rooms closed until volunteers have arrived seem to have helped streamline the dropping off of kids each week. There has also been the suggestion of making it easier for women with multiple kids to drop their children off each week without having to wait in multiple lines. Time will tell how this develops. Ultimately, the goal of the Women of Heart childcare is that no children have to be brought into class with a mom unless she has chosen to bring them.
• Small Groups – This is the place where women connect on a deeper, spiritual and emotional level. At least I see this as the goal of small group time. It’s a place where you can learn about God with and from other like-minded women regardless of what the theme of your individual study is. I have noticed that the trend is to have 8 or more groups to choose from, usually with a capacity of about 12 women, although some groups consistently have more than that because of the large number of women wanting to be in them. I love that these groups vary so much from video led studies (Beth Moore), to studies on the spiritual disciplines (Journaling), to parenting (Revolutionary Parenting class), to relaxing, to helping others (Cooking class and their link to Frozen Blessings), to learning about our world and what we can do to improve it (human trafficking groups last term). I have found that no matter where you are on your spiritual journey and no matter how much time you have or want to spend on your group outside of group time, there is a class for anyone and everyone.
• How we choose the types of small groups – This is something I’ve wondered about but actually don’t have an answer for. How do we choose the small groups, and who comes up with the ideas? How do we choose an overarching theme for Women of Heart each semester, and who would one approach if they were interested in leading a group or seeing a certain topic studied in a group. Where does one go to put in a comment or a suggestion about an aspect of Women of Heart?
• Who can be a leader of a group at WoH – This is another facet of Women of Heart I don’t know much about. I have observed that outwardly, each of the women I’ve known to lead a group has a strong, personal relationship with the Lord, and a passion for the topic and group they are leading. However, as always, “man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” That being said, is there anything in place to screen potential leaders of groups in Women of Heart or do we simply rely on the best tools at our disposal, a discerning spirit and the power of prayer?
• Speakers – I have enjoyed the speakers I have heard at Women of Heart over the past 2 years. Each of them has shared something that has impacted me in some way. In particular I remember the gentleman that spoke last year on human trafficking, opening our eyes to the horrors of our world through videos and stories, and providing us with tangible ways we can help. I also remember when Beth so candidly and openly shared her very personal story about abuse and God’s redemption. I know there were tears shed, and hopefully some healing and freedom in the lives of some of our women, because of Beth’s courage. I see us providing an outlet for more of this through interviews on our blog or speakers from our own little congregation that are willing to let Christ use them to help free others from personal bondage.
• Food – A consistently important aspect of Women of Heart is, of course, food. I love the banquets that bookend the term each semester. Food is such a great way to promote an atmosphere that is open and ready to chat. I know there is so much work that goes into the food each semester from the organizing and planning of these two large banquets to making sure food is available at each large group event and in individual groups during small group times. As silly as it might seem to some, I think this is an important part of Women of Heart, because I know I’m not the only one that skips breakfast in my mad rush to get 3 kids ready and out the door to school and then to church. Knowing there is a light at the end of the tunnel, or food at the end of my journey, is a life saver for me. To whoever coordinates this each week, I am truly thankful. You are my Thursday night in shining armour. Of course one challenge is in making sure there are enough people bringing food each week to sustain the large number of women we have in attendance each week. So far so good.
• Kids curriculum – I know very little about what the kids do in Women of Heart and who makes up the curriculum. From what I’ve observed, the kids at Women of Heart follow a schedule very close, if not identical, to that followed in Sunday school on Saturday nights and Sunday mornings. I think that helps so much for kids as it maintains predictability and routine that is essential for kids. Sunday school is Sunday school whether it’s Thursday mornings or on the weekends. I know from talking with my boys that they love that they have a story and craft time, snacks and time to play with the other kids. They are making friends and know the names of some of the kids in their classes, and that’s such a blessing to me. One of the things I would like to see happen as far as curriculum goes is something that the mom’s of Women of Heart could bring home or access that allowed them a peek at what their kids are learning each week, and what the overarching goal is for the kids in childcare. This might allow them to interact easier and more deliberately with their kids on spiritual matters that relate with what they’re learning each week, on a level that they can understand. For example, if they’re learning about helping others and linking that to stories of people that helped each other in the bible, mom’s would be able to deliberately find opportunities to help others, along with their kids, and talk about it in relation to what they learned and did in Sunday school on Thursdays.
• Diversity of attendees – I didn’t realize until I talked with Verna recently how much diversity we have in our group. I’m not talking about nationalities, although we have diversity in that regard also, rather I’m talking about types of women attending each week. We have:
• The stay-at-home moms with varying ages of kids
• The working moms with small kids at home that work part time or full time
• The working moms that have kids in school and either don’t work on Thursday mornings or have managed to get that time off to attend.
• Single moms
• Grandmothers
• Women without kids who work varying degrees
• Single, separated, widowed or divorced women

Wow! What an amazing group of women. What I would like to see happen at Women of Heart, perhaps through our large group events, is a way to connect each of these groups of women. I know a lady who doesn’t want to come to Women of Heart because she hasn’t been able to have kids and feels like she’s the only one there that doesn’t have children to talk about. She’s not. There’s something freeing about knowing that you’re not alone, and in a group as large as Women of Heart, it’s easy to feel that way. The moms are easy to spot because they come dragging kids in tow. So how could we connect everyone else in a way that isn’t pushy or embarrassing, but allows new and more diverse friendships to be cultivated?

• Why we come (with or without kids) – What is the drawing card of Women of Heart? I’ll start by sharing my own reasons for being there each week. My husband and I moved to Calgary in July 2008 3 months after our second son was born. Just before leaving Edmonton I had gotten involved with the women’s program at the church we were attending there thanks to the gentle prodding and repeated invites of a good friend. I loved it, and when we moved and started attending Centre Street I immediately inquired about a similar group. Enter Women of Heart. For me Thursday mornings are a consistent outing in my week; something I look forward to almost as soon as I leave the building. I don’t have any family in Calgary, and knowing I have a place to be once a week where I get a break from my kids, time spent in the word with other women of faith, a place to share Godly insight, and a safe place for my kids to learn and grow and interact with other children, makes life just a little bit easier. And I don’t think I’m alone in this.
• We come because we feel Women of Heart is a safe haven and a place to go each week regardless of how busy or boring said week is.
• We come because our kids like it. They like the outing, the learning, and the friendships they make.
• We come because we have a desire to interact with other women regardless of race, age, gender, kids or no kids, careers or not.
• We come because we want to grow in our relationship with Christ and we want the help of other women to do that. We cherish the insight of those more mature than us and the energy of those younger and the camaraderie of those going through the same things we are.
• We come to know that we’re not alone in what we’re going through.
• We come for friendship and fellowship.
• We come to learn, be that how to be a better person, parent, spouse, Christian.
• We come for a break.
• Who comes to WofH on Thursday mornings and why not go on Monday nights? – Obviously the mom’s come because there is childcare provided. As for the rest of them, perhaps they have Thursday mornings free and want to fill it with something purposeful. Perhaps they enjoy that Thursday mornings has diversity and the added excitement of the children. Perhaps the topic they want to discuss is only offered on Thursday mornings. I can only guess at the answer to this question, and while doing so pray thanking God for each women He brings through the doors each week because each one is truly where she is supposed to be!

October E-Newsletter

♥♥♥ OUR HEARTBEAT ♥♥♥

Blessings and Thanksgiving fill our hearts this Canadian Thanksgiving weekend...
This e-news contains some interesting statistics, some clarifying information and some upcoming projects and events. Our prayer is that you feel welcome, connected, accepted and appreciated whether you are new or returning to spend Thursday mornings together with Women of Heart.

Interesting Stats - Over 230 people are registered - 100+ preschoolers and 130+ adults!! We have 11 of the 15 Consistent Children's Volunteers we desire. Help us find more - it's a treasure hunt because the ones we know are truly jewels in our treasure chest of resources.

Clarifying Information - based on questions some have asked.

1. Serving in childrens ministries with your class
You will not be asked unless you marked the Children's Ministry Team on your registration form or tell your facilitator. There were a variety of interpretations of "Children's Ministry Team #_____". Thank you for checking with your small group facilitator on this. You will have the opportunity to sign up for a serving date (or more by your choice).

2. Paying instead of serving
At the present we offer children's ministry FREELY. We receive income from participation fees and donations to cover expenses. We all benefit from the relationships we enjoy during our 1.5 hour time together each week. You may make a donation for the Children's Ministry Team on Thursday mornings. Information is available at the reception table in the chapel lobby. (Ask Bola or Carolyn).

3.Qualification requirements for serving in Children's Ministry
Most participants want to take a turn serving - To become qualified simply requires filling out some paperwork and receiving some very helpful information on the church's Child Protection Policy (CPP) and the Emergency Evacuation Plan. If you were qualified last year, you may serve again and then sign up for the training at your earliest convenience. (Thursdays - Oct. 14 at 11:15 a.m. and Jan. TBA at 9:30 a.m.) If you are new to CSC you need to do both steps prior to serving. Lots of training times are offered. Sign up sheets are available each week.

4. Our Dream for All-Group Events
Actually this dream encompasses all of our events... we anticipate the day when the babies/children who are in the chapel or class with us are there because a mother has chosen to keep her child for the morning. As we explore patience, longsuffering and brokenness, we appreciate your kindness and grace as we were under-resourced for the number of children who came the first two weeks of our term. Thank you.

Upcoming projects and events

Frozen Blessings

• Cook off Saturdays for Oct 23 & Nov 13, 2010 at the West Campus. All interested please contact Donna Black at 403-613-6061 or Mandee Davidson at 403-210-2339. RSVP's required.
• Cookbook Project - bring your favorite recipes for inclusion by Oct. 28. - Forms are available from your facilitator. Project coordinator - Mandee Davidson at 403-210-2339
• Help fill our freezer - and empty it. There are containers, recipes and packing instructions for items you may want to add to the freezer available at the reception table in the chapel lobby. If you know someone in need, please connect with Donna Black at 403-613-6061 to arrange for a delivery.

Business and Services Directory
Do you have a home based business or service? We would like to promote this through a printed and online directory. Individuals benefit by accessing the information to your products and services. Forms will be available at our next All-Group event on October 28, 2010. (This opportunity is limited to current Women of Heart attendees and their spouses.) The directory will be available in November.

Free-Cycle Boutique
This is a fun way to pass on things you no longer need or use to someone who does and/or receive something you would enjoy or use from another. Please bring "household items" for exchange to our next All-Group event on October 28, 2010. (Left over items will be passed forward to other groups)

4-Single Moms "La Boutique"
Quality used clothing and household items are accepted on the first Thursday of each month to give to the two single moms groups that are associated with CSC.

Next All-Group Event - Thursday, October 28, 2010 - 9:30-11 a.m. in the Chapel
You will want to be there for coffee, snacks, and a time of connecting with friends from other classes. We will continue exploring stories of Brokenness and Hope.

Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Philippians 1:3

Women of Heart
Connecting | Transforming | Mobilizing
A company of women doing life together, pursuing personal wholeness and influencing others for Jesus Christ.

Fall 2010 Class Choices

With school commencement comes a second fresh start opportunity for us. Choices, schedules, changing colors, enjoying the fruit of summer ... It is with pleasure we offer this list of classes and facilitators through Women of Heart at Centre Street Church on Thursday mornings.

Search for Significance - Facilitator - Carolyn Fritzler
Robert McGee's best-selling book has helped millions of readers learn how to be free to enjoy Christ's love while no longer basing their self-worth on their accomplishments or the opinions of others. In fact, Billy Graham said that it was a book that should be read by every Christian. You will:

• Gain new skills for getting off the performance treadmill
• Discover how four false beliefs have negatively impacted your life
• Learn how to overcome obstacles that prevent you from experiencing the truth that your self-worth is found only in the love, acceptance, and forgiveness of Christ

Boundaries - Facilitator - Karen Van Riesen
Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend address specific issues that confront today's Christians including:

• Living a life out of control
• Having people take advantage of us
• Having trouble saying no
• Being disappointed with God because of unanswered prayers
• and Many more vital issues

The Purpose of Christmas - Facilitator - Holly Bruchs
Pastor Rick Warren reminds us of the Reason for the Season and goes back in time to the most wonderful story of all - the birth of the baby Jesus. This gift book enhanced with vivid photos explains how God designed Christmas to meet your three deepest needs and how understanding and receiving God's three Christmas gifts to you will transform your life forever.

Safely Home - Facilitator -
Written by Randy Alcorn, this novel is set in present day China. A soul-stirring story of two college friends who reconnect after 20 years. One is living life apart from God in comfortable corporate America, while the other is living for Christ under intense persecution in China. For readers who also like to learn.

Rug-Hooking - Facilitator - Verna Ratzlaff
Learn a new skill - using a locking hook method to weave recycled sheets into practical works of art. This activity partners with a community living program for individuals with special needs. The kits are prepared by these individuals and the rugs are hooked by volunteers to sell in their store in Waldheim, Saskatchewan. You will have the option to buy the rug you make.

Revolutionary Parenting - Facilitator - Roxanne Elenko
In this new era, how can parents make a lasting impact in the spiritual lives of their children? To find the answer, George Barna researched the lives of thriving adult Christians and discovered the essential steps their parents took to shape their spiritual lives in childhood. He also learned surprising truths about which popular parenting tactics just arent working. Revolutionary Parenting shows parents how to instill in their children a vibrant commitment to Christ.

Living Beyond Yourself - Facilitator - Sue Mitchell
This study by Beth Moore is a powerful resource that will equip you to come to know the freedom of a life filled with peace, joy, gentleness, and other positive characteristics. By encouraging participants to develop and maintain an intimate relationship with the Spirit of God, this study will help you to nurture and cultivate the fruit of the Spirit in your daily life.

Cooking/Nutrition - Facilitator - Donna Black
Meeting in the kitchen at the West Campus, 10 participants will learn and cook under the guidance of Donna's Chef friend, Amy. You will be inspired to face whatever your cooking challenges are by creating nutritious, healthy meals. Have fun and take supper home with you.

Action Group - Stop Human Trafficking - Facilitator - Carmen Wittmeier
details pending

Singing Group - Facilitator -
details pending

Fitness Group - Facilitator -
details pending

The costs for books and supplies will be available by September 16.

Our Heartbeat – July and August - Part Two of Three

Part Two of this Newsletter will focus on the ministry to our preschool children that is integral to Women of Heart. We also invite your response and ideas to help us improve and adapt in this area of our mission.

What was...

In the past, we have experienced gifted leaders (Jayme, Jen and others) who recruited and encouraged our consistent, weekly caregivers. We then achieved our adult/child safety ratios by serving together as classes which also meant we didn’t have to miss a class to take our turn. Last year we committed to receive every child who came, and had to conscript last minute “volunteers” when the “serving class” didn’t have enough “qualified” people that week. The qualification process was also challenging.

Adapting to the needs of our Children’s Ministry has been much on our heart this summer. We need 25 CSC qualified adults each week to create the right learning and safe environment for our 90 to 100+ preschoolers in five age groups.

We are pleased to announce a renewed partnering with CSC Children’s Ministry Staff (formerly known as Promiseland Staff). They will manage the requirements and training to serve while we will continue to recruit and supply the caregivers for our children. An orientation Tour will simplify the process for becoming qualified.

The Big Dream and Our Children’s Ministry Team:

The big Dream for this Team would be to have 25-50 individuals who commit to serving consistently for our 14-week term. These individuals would receive their qualifying Orientation Tour at CSC prior to the our Registration Brunch. They would be so enthused that new members would be recruited and trained prior to the next term. The Training Tour includes obtaining or updating the paperwork requirements as well as guidance and inspiration from Pastor Pam Wolfe. These are the documents required:

1. Getting Involved Form,
2. Police Check,
3. Child Intervention Check, and
4. 3 personal references

The Big Questions?

How and Where will we find this team of amazing people?

How can we best adapt and comply with the rules set out in the Child Protection Policy that governs ministry to children?

How will we use the extra class time if we don't have to serve one week as a class?

How will we appreciate and honor these individuals who would give us time to share each other's experience and wisdom?

Possible Solutions:

Doing The Math : we could find a team 25 people to love and be with our little ones every week OR a team of 50 people where 15 serve weekly and 35 serve 4 times during the term. More math - more options, however, a key component includes receiving the Tour in time for our registration day. (We could ask Pastor Pam to schedule a tour on one Thursday morning).

Research of other daytime women’s groups meeting in various churches with onsite childcare revealed that they are often staffed by paid individuals who fulfill the security requirements set out by their associated church. Paying these individuals is frequently the main expense of the group and there are a variety of ways that funds are collected to meet this obligation. Sadly, many groups offered no childcare options giving participants with children the responsibility to make their own arrangements or be excluded from the group.

Should we choose to offer some money in appreciation, we may be giving a blessing as well as receiving one. Having a little extra money may make a difference in a family budget, or fund a school project, or something else of interest to the ones who might like to join our Dream Team.

Women of Heart is characterized by a high family value which makes ministry to moms and their children integral and essential in our community. This is an appeal to adapt to changing times and find a way to live this out in our group.

If you know someone who would love to be on this team... we anticipate hearing from you.

Summer E-News Women of Heart – Part Three of Three

Our Heartbeat – July and August

Thank you for all the responses to Part One and Part Two of Our Heartbeat.

Part Three of this Newsletter will focus on the class choices being presented this fall, a discussion of funds and fees and what to expect this fall.

Class choices…

Inspiring choices to grow in your life mission/calling

informing choices to explore a variety of relevant and current topics

Interesting choices to develop your skills and abilities

These small group options will have some connection to the chosen theme that is rooted in the concepts of patience and longsuffering.

“Embracing Our Brokenness”.

Posted soon (by Sept. 9) on Women of Heart Page at www.cschurch.ca

Finances and Fees…

Two Sources of Funds for Women of Heart:

Center Street Church donations as directed by the Board through the budget process.

Participation fees paid by all attending women except the regular childcare workers.

All women are welcome and invited – A small increase in the fee is being considered. Designated funds are currently available for children’s ministry expenses. Having some paid childcare volunteers could possibly bless those who would be a blessing by serving the children’s care ministry. At the present, we are not considering raising fees for this potential expense.

It has been suggested that we offer a weekly stipend of $20-$30 to 15 caregivers who commit to serving each week. A staff of 3 in each of 5 rooms would create a consistent, safe environment for the children and assist the adults who serve in rotation. This model includes 140 opportunities for rotating volunteers. (10/week for 14 weeks). After personally completing the Child Protection Policy training, it is clear that we need to adapt our model for the childcare rotation for this term. (see below)

As mentioned in Part Two of this newsletter ALL returning participants who are willing to serve or be in rotation in childcare will need to become qualified by receiving a one hour Evacuation Preparedness/Child Protection Plan Training from Pastor Pam Wolfe in addition to having complete and up-to-date documentation. ALL new participants will need the CPP training and docs to be involved in the childcare rotation. (Consistent with requirements for all children’s ministry at CSC)

The first available training is Thursday, Sept. 9 from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the Promiseland entrance in the atrium. Should you choose to attend, you’ll be given a document of definitions to read, a talk by Pastor Pam and you’ll be asked to sign a form indicating you read and heard the message.

Register today for your Essential Training:

joelle.drubber@cschurch.ca

For alternate dates for this training select this link:

http://www.cschurch.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=21&Itemid=62

What to Expect This Fall…

September 9 – Check online

The class choices will be available for preview at this link.

http://www.cschurch.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=69&Itemid=148

Evacuation Preparedness/Child Protection Plan Training – 9:30-10:30 (See a refreshed look in the children’s area and find out where the “little lambs” will be)

Leader Team Meeting: 9:15-11:30 a.m. (in the chapel)

September 16 – 9:30-11:00 Connect and Preview (All Group Event #1)

This “all group” event will be dedicated to getting organized, getting acquainted or re-acquainted and getting prepared by learning what makes our community unique. You will be “in the know” and understand how things “work”. Expect to be wonderfully refreshed with coffee and a light snack.

September 23 – 9:30-11:00 Brunch and Registration (All Group Event #2)

This “all group” event will feature an elegant brunch, meeting and hearing from each teacher/facilitator, and more. Class selection and the collection of participation fees will be separated for efficiency - Cash, Cheques, Debit and Credit will be accepted.

September 30 – 9:30-11:00 First Day of Small Group Events – potential schedule

9:15-9:30 check-in, children go to their groups, you join your group

9:30-10:55 experience your class activity

11-11:15 pick up your children and head for home or enjoy visiting and lunching at the café or in the chapel

Women of Heart’s family value makes ministry to moms and their preschoolers integral and essential to all in our community. One mom expressed how much she appreciates opportunities to be together with her children in church. You will have the opportunity to enjoy an adult environment during 1.5 hour small group and all group events each week and bless the little children and their moms both before and after.

Summer E-News Part One

Our Heartbeat – July and August

Your leadership team has been engaged in a virtual dialogue through July and August… preparing for our fall re-start.

With the changes in the leadership team…
Beth McLean Wiest and Jenn Massig are having babies soon.
Sarah Grunau, Petula Kroeker and Jayme Graye have re-entered the workforce and
Michelle Johnson has moved to BC
… we anticipate discovering the new leaders that will join the leader team and share our servant heartbeat.

Current members of the leadership team are:
Bola Adesanya
Carolyn Fritzler
Donna Black
Roxanne Elenko
Sue Mitchell
Tannis Melville-Oberton
Verna Ratzlaff
Considering the team are:
**Karen Ternes
**Lindsay Howard
**Morgan Milia
CSC Women’s Ministry Staff Liaison
Deborah Carnduff
If you aspire to serve by leading, please contact Tannis at 403.276.6710.
Your suggestions are highly valued. Please take a moment to respond.

Women of Heart
Connecting | Transforming | Mobilizing
A company of women doing life together, pursuing personal wholeness and influencing others for Jesus Christ.

Happy Canada Day from your Women of Heart Servant/Leader Team!

Our "HEARTBEAT" for June has included:

* thinking about our children's ministry co-operative
* booking facility arrangements for fall
* connecting with new potential team participants (leaders and teachers)
* preparing to take a break for the summer...

Why children's ministry is important to Women of Heart...

* our mid-week daytime meeting time makes caring for children imperative to be inclusive of women with preschoolers and to benefit from each other's wisdom and skills
* being in "God's House - a place of worship" is a good thing for children
* Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me..."
* Jesus loves little children

Our big dreams regarding our ministry for children ...

* that our child/adult ratios for safety will be met easily each week
(without conscripting last minute participants)
* that our adult attendants would love being with the children
* that the children will be asking when Women of Heart starts up again
* that the process of qualifying our adult attendants would be embraced
(all the paperwork that is required by CSC and the policy regulators)
* that the security process and check-in would be easy and successfully protective

We invite your thoughts and dreams regarding our children's ministry in response to this email:

Enjoy your summer break and anticipate our E-news for July!

Blessings from your Servant/Leader Team!