Nov 23 - E-News

♥♥♥    OUR HEARTBEAT    ♥♥♥

What clear, cold days usher in our winter season. The warmth of friendship and connection each Thursday morning is amazing for me to experience. I have seen many twinkling Christmas lights in my neighborhood recently which also warms my heart. I am so thankful for the gift of pleasure whenever I see businesses and homes that have taken time to "shine and twinkle" for me. Regardless of their intention, my heart is always drawn in praise and worship of Jesus, the Light of the World.
Preparing for the next few weeks...

1. There is a need for volunteers in childcare servers for tomorrow and the next weeks. Thank you to all who have engaged the step of obtaining the security clearance requirements. Terra has let us know that mom's may serve in the same group as their child before their documentation is completed. The rest of us need it complete. It is our desire to receive all the children who come. To love them and care for them while they have a break from their routines.
2. Please ask your facilitator for the feedback form if you didn't get it last week. Your comments are valued and help with future planning. Carrie at our reception table will collect them.
3. Karla will be posting the digital Business/Services Directory soon - your facilitator will have the half-sheet form in the communication folder tomorrow if you need it. This is our respectful way of encouraging those with home-based businesses as well as your expectation that your information will not be used inappropriately by those with services to offer.
4. Please let your facilitator know that you are planning to be at our Wrap It Up event on Dec. 8 and if you will be inviting friends. We are serving a hot dish at this brunch and want to offer plenty.

Praying during the next few weeks...

1. Pray for courage for each of us to reach out to those with needs this Christmas. If you need more to do this season, pray the you will notice the right things to give yourself to. If you need less to do this season, pray that you will have the skill to find the still place of rest and refreshment.
2. Pray for our volunteers for good health and energy to serve faithfully each week. 
3. Pray for those who are searching for God this season because of some loss, disappointment or challenge they are facing.

Projects to consider this season...

1. Carry an extra pair of mitts, a hat or a scarf so you're ready to share with someone in need.
2. Pick up a few $5 or $10 Subway or Tim's cards for sharing spontaneously.
3. Write back and share with us when you notice and share in a new way.

 See you tomorrow! I love Women of Heart!
Verna Ratzlaff (Your volunteer leader)
Women of Heart
Connecting | Transforming | Mobilizing
Doing life together, pursuing wholeness and using our influence for Jesus Christ.
Core values: faith, family, fun, growth, inclusive, integrity, rest, stewardship

Jeannette Toews

1. How long have you been attending Women of Heart and where are you volunteering at Women of Heart? How did you decide to volunteer?

This is my second year attending WOH and I am assisting “behind the scenes,” at the present this includes assisting at the check-in kiosk and helping clean up the chapel after the morning fellowship is over. I was blessed by the volunteer leaders last year and wondered if there was anything I could help with in this important ministry to women. Verna approached me to officially include me in the “Behind the scenes” team.

I have been attending WOH since the February of 2010 and presently I am volunteering

2. Why is Women of Heart important to you?

It’s been very helpful to form new friendships – and each week I’m getting to know more friends.

3. How haev you felt "A Touch of Kindness" at Women of Heart?

I’m amazed and blessed by the many women (and the odd man) that is willing to volunteer their time and talents to lead and teach the classes. There are so many choices of classes and I feel enriched by the relationships formed with my classmates.

Karen Ternes

1. How long have you been attending Women of Heart and where are you volunteering at Women of Heart? How did you decide to volunteer?

I have been attending WOH for 8 or 9 years I can't remember. I just wanted to get involved with WOH because it has been such a blessing to me.

2. Why is Women of Heart important to you?

I have really enjoyed the ladies I have met, the fellowship and wisdom they have shared with me it has helped me with my walk with the Lord.

3. How have you felt "A Touch with Kindness" at Women of Heart?

One time when our family was going through a difficult time we were blessed by the WOH freezer ministry. It was such a help for me and took a lot of pressure off of me as I didn't have to worry about supper when there was so much else going on.

Verna Ratzlaff

1. How long have you been attending Women of Heart and where are you volunteering at Women of Heart? How did you decide to volunteer?

I have been attending WofH since Sept. 2004. I was invited to share my passion for scrap booking as an assistant facilitator. A few years later, I was invited to consider being part of the Team of Leaders. My experience leading other things resulted in a strong desire to learn how to be a supportive team player. I never expected to be the Community Leader for WofH, but that is my role at the present. It is exciting for me to have an inside track on God’s Work in the hearts of many women I know because they come or came to WofH.

2. Why is Women of Heart important to you?

WofH is where I belong. I am available to connect with women in a small group that meets during the day so WofH is perfect for me. I love that we have the freedom to move among many small groups over the years and develop such a variety of relationships while connecting through the larger group as well. Meeting weekly in terms is also important because in the event I have to miss one or two events, I don’t have to wait many weeks or months to reconnect with you, my very important friends. My natural inquisitiveness means I am interested in things other than my “small” world so it is hugely important that I listen and learn from others each week.

3. How have you felt "A Touch with Kindness" at Women of Heart?

Touches of Kindness arrive every week for me – a word of prayer from a friend, the trust when someone shares a burden or joy, the smiles, small gifts (food especially),humorous emails all brighten my world and prompt me to praise and worship my loving heavenly Father. I am so grateful for every person who participates and I’m surprised at how much I miss the ones who have moved on to other things. I am so grateful for those who stay connected anyway.

Chris Reid

1. How long have you been attending Women of Heart and where are you volunteering at Women of Heart? How did you decide to volunteer?

I started attending WOH in Sept 2005. Currently I volunteer on the leadership team, mainly in a prayer support role. I was on the leadership team for 4 years prior to "taking a break" and am returning with my mission lens on. I've not established too much of a presence in the mission role yet, still re-integrating and adjusting to the team.

2. Why is Women of Heart important to you?

In 2005, Women of Heart made a huge impact in my life, especially with my son. I was a stay-at-home mom at the time and WOH provided my son Grayson and I with a wonderful community of faith believers. WOH also gave me some much needed study time and I was able to grow in my faith significantly. In addition to the class time, I was able to serve in my area of talent and grow immensely by the mentors around me. It's blessed me in so many ways, and I continue to want to freely give what was freely given to me.

3. How have you felt "A Touch with Kindness" at Women of Heart?

Over the years, I've touched base with several women.. many do not attend any longer, many still attend. There have been short conversations, long conversations, prayers, tears and laughter. It is the "authentic" type of kindness of those moments that continue to impact my life when I am outside in the world. I grow as a wife, mother and friend and this ripples into all I do.

Tara Holland

1. How long have you been attending Women of Heart and where are you volunteering at Women of Heart? How did you decide to volunteer?

I have been attending Women of Heart since the Fall of 2006. This year I am involved in 3 different areas. I help prepare the curriculum and crafts for the Children’s Ministry, I am co-leading the Crochet class, and I do up the PowerPoints and look after the sound in the Chapel every week. I decided to help out in these areas since I have some experience with them in other areas of my life.

2. Why is Women of Heart important to you?

Women of Heart is important to me because as a stay-at-home mom it has been my one constant “adult” activity that I have been able to do without major headaches of figuring out separate childcare for my kids. My kids have loved coming and playing every week and have developed better socialization skills because of it, and I have loved coming and having a chance to connect with other women.

3. How have you felt "A Touch with Kindness" at Women of Heart?

I have felt “Touched with Kindness” through Women of Heart because of the relationships I have developed in the various classes I have taken. So many of my teachers and other classmates have shown kindness to me by taking time to get to know me and accept me for who I am. I have been so blessed by this ministry and am happy to be able to serve and contribute so that others may be blessed as well.

Sheri Provost

1. How long have you been attending Women of Heart and where are you volunteering at Women of Heart? How did you decide to volunteer?

My name is Sheri Provost, stay at home mom of two (a boy and agirl). I have been attending WofH for about 6 years, I volunteer in the event area. I started in this area when there was a call for help with a Christmas event a few years ago and it continued from there.

2. Why is Women of Heart important to you?

Women of Heart is important to me because of the opportunities for friends to meet up, catch up and have a rest from outside responsibilities.

3. How have you felt "A Touch with Kindness" at Women of Heart?

A touch of kindness is evident in the personalized invitations.

Abimbola (Bola) Adesanya

1. How long have you been attending Women of Heart and where are you volunteering at Women of Heart? How did you decide to volunteer?

I have been attending Women of Heart since Fall of 2007. I am co-facilitating a class with Sarah Grunau. I started volunteering when I was invited to the Leadership team meetings by Sarah and Beth as an observer. It was cool to learn about the work that goes on behind the scenes in order to have the Women of Heart program activities run so efficiently. Beth handed me the Strength Finder book and I was astounded by my five talent themes. They sort of matched perfectly with my passion and helped me to fully know my strengths. Being encouraged to grow in the areas of my strength has been pivotal to the clarity that I have, of God's purpose for my life.

2. Why is Women of Heart important to you?

Women of Heart is important to me because I love to connect and have real life conversations with other women through Bible studies, Book studies, other activities and general interactions. Through these, my knowledge of God is deeper and I have grown spiritually. God has been watering me in tremendous ways as I have come to realize more than ever before that I am not intended to do life alone, but I am expected to live my life out in community and how together we have been able to achieve unimaginable things to the glory of God. The projects we have done together to reach our marginalized and underprivileged groups have been an inspiration to me. In all God is teaching me to embrace and celebrate the uniqueness of others and to be open to share the gifts God has deposited in me.

3. How have you felt "A Touch with Kindness" at Women of Heart?

I have felt the "touch of kindness" from the women I interact with every week. Within our group, the prayers that are shared mean so much as they touch all our souls and I recognize that the prayers go beyond the ones said in class. We learned recently about "clandestine prayer" - to pray for those who do not know you are praying for them, like yoga class members or people at the grocery store check out line. Since the best gift to give is the gift of prayers, I am blessed to know that other women are praying for me. In my class, one lady touched all of us with kindness by baking a delicious pumpkin pie for us to share. I was blessed by an invitation for lunch for Opportunity International Program.One lady is periodically helping me improve my skills at my newly adopted hobby by freely giving of her time and resources. I enjoyed a two-some hike up Nose Hill Park (first time ever) and enjoyed a bowl of homemade delicious soup with one lady after the hike. The conversations we had were deep and soul-stirring.

Carrie Hofer

1. How long have you been attending Women of Heart and where are you volunteering at Women of Heart? How did you decide to volunteer?

This is my 5th year attending WOH. I am volunteering at the reception table as a greeter as well as doing behind the scenes registration set-up etc. I was asked by Verna two years ago if I would like to volunteer and have been doing so on and off again since.

2. Why is Women of Heart important to you?

WOH is important to me because it gives me a connection with other women who are on the same walk in life as I am.

3. How have you felt "A Touch with Kindness" at Women of Heart?

I think I experience a little "touch of kindness" every Thursday morning, in many different little ways.

Terra McKinnon

1. How long have you been attending Women of Heart and where are you volunteering at Women of Heart? How did you decide to volunteer?

I have been attending Women of Heart for 5-6 years now. I am currently the leader of the Children's Ministry for Women of Heart. I have been volunteering as a sign-in person and childcare worker in the children's ministry for Women of Heart for the past 5 years. I decided to become the leader for the Children's Ministry this year as my children are both in school now and I have been praying about my volunteer capacity since early spring of this year, when I was approached to take over the role. Funny how many whispers I was hearing from God about this role and I finally listened to his calling and I am very pleased that I did.

2. Why is Women of Heart important to you?

Women of Heart is extremely important to me as when I first became a stay at home mom I didn't have much adult contact and very many "close" female friendships. It has helped me come out of my shell a lot more and I have learned so much about myself and my relationship with God and others. And as a bonus I have developed some very close female friendships.

3. How have you felt "A Touch with Kindness" at Women of Heart?

I felt a touch of kindness through Women of Heart when I came to my very first meeting. There were three wonderful women that noticed that I had never been here before and thought that I looked lost and lonely and invited me to join them. After that we became great friends and we have been able to get to know each other even better after taking various classes together.

Roxanne Elenko

1. How long have you been attending "Women of Heart" and where are you volunteering at "Women of Heart"? How did you decide to volunteer?

I have been attending WOH "on and off" since the fall of 2005. The "off" bit was when I had little babies that needed to nap in the morning. I am volunteering as the Facilitator's Leader, as well as learning Verna's role as Team leader though she likes to call me a co-leader.

2. Why is "Women of Heart" important to you?

I believe that it is important for women to connect with other women in a small group setting. I believe that Women of Heart offers women a safe place to connect, to grow spiritually and to empower them to reach out with the love of Jesus to others around them.

3. How have you felt "A Touch with Kindness" at "Women of Heart"?

I have been blessed with meals through frozen blessings when my twins were born. And after my second set of twins were born I also had ladies help clean my house and help take care of the children. I know that people were praying for me and through the support of this community I have come out of the baby stage relatively healthy; physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Lyn Jessee

1. How long have you been attending Women of Heart and where are you volunteering at Women of Heart? How did you decide to volunteer?

I have been attending Women of Heart since Sept 2006, six years. For the first five years, I volunteered as a coffee barista, setting up the coffee, tea, and food with Tannis. I have also helped with set up and take down of the chapel events. This fall semester I am at the check-in Kiosk and will soon be trained for the reception table. Volunteering is part of who I am, it was the natural thing to do.

2. Why is Women of Heart important to you?

Women of Heart is tremendously important to me. I have made many friends and enjoyed many stimulating classes and classmates. It has given me many opportunities for growth. I cannot imagine not coming to Women of heart; it is like my YMCA membership- I cannot imagine not having it.

3. How have you felt "A Touch with Kindness" at Women of Heart?

I feel a Touch with Kindness constantly. Beth invited me to Women of Heart in 2006, several months after I moved to Calgary. I did not know anyone, other than Beth and I am so glad I had the courage to come by myself. My heart thanks Beth all the time. And now I am getting to know that awesome lady-Verna! How blessed I am.

Oct. E-News Parts One and Two combined...

♥♥♥    OUR HEARTBEAT    ♥♥♥

"In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Jesus Christ." I Peter 5:10a


Part One: Oct. 26 - Tomorrow at Women of Heart, you will have the opportunity to:
I wish I had sent this sooner...

• FreeCycle - bring one, two or more treasures you no longer use to place in our Boutique in the chapel - choose from the treasures others bring and enjoy. (Left over items will be taken to the Walk-In Closet or La Boutique 4SingleMoms)
• Bring wrapped treats (no nuts) for CSC Family Fest this Friday - a fun evening for children and their parent(s) with activities and games and a sweet treat for each child who attends - they are preparing for 800
• Bring an offering for our Children's Ministry Team (gifts over $30.00 are receiptable - envelopes will be available for your use)
• Give information regarding your home based business and/or services to be published in our Business and Service Directory. This service is designed for you to access and support some very talented people in our group who may have just the thing you need.
• Listen and be inspired as Janet, Judy, Sue and Val talk to us about some important stuff.
• We hope you feel loved and refreshed when you spend time with us and free to choose which opportunities you participate in.

9:15 a.m. - coffee/tea/snacks will be served in the chapel.

11:00 a.m. - pick up children from the Children's Ministry Area - stay and chat a while longer.

Part Two: Oct. 31 
Last Thursday, I was so inspired by the stories shared by Janet, Judy, Sue and Val. In fact, I was so captivated listening to them, I became unaware of how others were responding. There were 85 of us gathered to listen and learn plus 17 serving the 60 children in our secure children's area. It was a "Wow" morning for me.

Some of the tidbits overheard that morning have motivated me to send this second part to our October E-News.

Connecting through email and internet...

• This and other emails from the team are generated through a system that allows us to personalize the note by using a data field that includes your name. We like that.
•  It is also the reason that some of these emails get stuck in your junk/spam filters. We don't like that.
•  It is also the reason that stuff sent by 2 in the afternoon, didn't arrive until 9 in the evening for some. (also, I was away the previous weekend and in meetings on Tuesday)
• For the latest info check out our blog at www.woh-women-of-heart.blogspot.com

Children's Ministry at WofH...

• It is an important value to make it easy for anyone to be part of our group by offering free childcare, it is also true that if everyone serves once, no one has to serve twice.
• We are so grateful for the generous offering received (almost $1200).
• For those who asked, future offerings can be made at our Reception table on Thursday mornings. Envelopes are available there.
• For those who asked, the requirement for CPP and EEP training before serving with the children is temporarily lifted until it can be easily acquired through an internet link.
• All of our consistent children's servers have this child protection and emergency evacuation training and will help you know what to do.

Future Events...

• For the next five weeks, we will meet in our small groups at 9:15, move to our CoffeeBreak at 10:45, receive announcements at 10:55 and enjoy connecting in our big group as we are able.
• This week our Children's Team includes participants from the Take Your Best Shot (photography) Class.
• Our snacks this week will come from the Revolutionary Parenting Class.
• December 8 will be our Wrap It Up event when we meet again for the entire morning as a big group... watch for upcoming details.

If you arrive at Women of Heart on Thursday morning with a heavy heart, let us lift you up. Your presence and effort in coming is an encouragement and blessing to others. I am so grateful for you.

Verna Ratzlaff (Your volunteer leader)
Women of Heart
Connecting | Transforming | Mobilizing
Doing life together, pursuing wholeness and using our influence for Jesus Christ.

Core values: faith, family, fun, growth, integrity, rest, stewardship