Calvary Chapel Reno-Sparks

January-February 2013

Living in Gods Truth and Mercy

John 8:31-32

bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5
fragrant life womens ministry newsletter

Portraits From Sandie

Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed In her book, The Lies That Women Believe Him, If you abide in My word, you are My disci- and the Truth That Sets Them Free: Nancy Lee ples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and DeMoss encourages her readers to reflect on the truth shall make you free. John 8:31-32 Gods truth any time they start to believe a lie. She has compiled a list of life changing truths I wish I could tell you that I have never told a from the word of God to meditate on any time lie, but in reality, that would be a lie. I must have you need to renew your mind or counsel your been quite proficient at it when I was a little girl heart. I have listed a few of my favorites. because I can still hear my mothers voice as she quoted Sir Walter Scott; Oh what a tangled web 1. God is good: Psalm 119:68 You are good, we weave when first we practice to deceive. and do good; Teach me Your statutes. The meaning of this wasnt lost on me, even as a child. I can remember looking intently at the fly tangled in the spider web with no way of escape, thinking that is what is going to happen to me if I continue to lie. 2. God loves me: Romans 8:38-39 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Inside this issue:

Portraits From Sandie Prayer, Poetry & Praise Fruit of Her Hands Titus 2 Joyful Books &Recipe Devotional Expressions of Love Calvary Chapel Info Calendar OUR DESIRES FOR THE WOMENS MINISTRIES ARE:
To encourage deeper relationships and spiritual growth for the women in the body of Christ. To provide a place where women will be encouraged and uplifted to seek Gods best for their lives. To give opportunity to study the Word of God together that women might grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus. To equip women to be lights in their homes, neighborhoods and workplaces reflecting the love of Jesus Christ to all.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Sin is a lot like a spider web. The hold it has on you is undeniable. Weather you told a lie that you have to keeping covering up, or your sin is 3. God has forgiven my sin: Ephesians 1:7 But lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh, or the pride of to each one of us grace was given according to life; you are just like that fly trapped in web a self the measure of Christs gift. -deception. 4. God is enough: Psalm 23:1 A Psalm of DaThat was exactly how I lived before I came to vid. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. know the Lord, entangled in sin. My life was 5. Gods grace is sufficient for me: 2 Corinthians something that looked good on the outside and to 12:9 And He said to me, My grace is sufficient others, was full of promise, but on the inside it for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakwas empty. I was just waiting for the next crisis to ness. Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in come and wondering, How am I going to get out my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest of this one. upon me. I can remember my brother, David, sharing 6. Gods word is all I need: Psalm 19:7 The law with me this exact scripture If you abide in My of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; The word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the know the truth and the truth shall make you simple; free.(John 8:31-32) I needed Jesus so badly to Father open my eyes so that I will not be fill the hole in my heart, and to yank me out of the deceived by Satans lies. Sometimes a course of web of deception I lived in. I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior on May 28, 1980. As a child action seems right when I dont stop to think about your truth or about the consequences of God I am now free from sins bondage. Do I ever sin? Probably, but I am no longer entangled that could result. Teach me to consider my in its web. The Lord has provided a way of escape choices in the light of your word. This is my through His word. Psalm 119:11 says Your word prayer for myself and for all of you. I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin Love, Sandie against You.

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fragrant life womens ministry

Living in Gods Truth and Mercy

Prayer, Poetry and Praise

I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall be continually in my mouth. Psalm 34:1

Blessings
By Laura Story We pray for blessings, we pray for peace Comfort for family, protection while we sleep We pray for healing, for prosperity We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering And all the while, You hear each spoken need Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things 'Cause what if your blessings come through rain drops What if Your healing comes through tears What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise We pray for wisdom, Your voice to hear We cry in anger when we cannot feel You near We doubt your goodness, we doubt your love As if every promise from Your word is not enough And all the while, You hear each desperate plea And long that we'd have faith to believe

'Cause what if your blessings come through rain drops What if Your healing comes through tears What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise When friends betray us When darkness seems to win We know that pain reminds this heart That this is not, This is not our home It's not our home 'Cause what if your blessings come through rain drops What if Your healing comes through tears What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near What if my greatest disappointments or the aching of this life Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can't satisfy What if trials of this life The rain, the storms, the hardest nights Are your mercies in disguise

A CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION was gratefully presented to: The Fruit of Her Hands Ministry on December 17, 2012 On behalf of the American Legion Post 1 (Americas largest military veterans organization)

We want to first praise the Lord for the opportunity to serve the Veterans in our community. We also want to thank all who participated in the making and donating of lap blankets. Please see certificate on back bulletin board in the church lobby. Please watch the bulletin for future dates to participate in the making of more blankets for our Veterans.

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Fruit of Her Hands

What Are The Meal Guidelines? We provide a complete meal and deliver it to the recipient. The meal can be store bought, homemade, frozen or just about anything! The Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show meal does not have to be fancy or gourmet. We hospitality. Romans 12:13 (ESV) attempt to accommodate allergies and food preferences. We strive to work out a schedule What is The Meals Ministry? that benefits the recipient the most while Through a team of volunteers, we provide working with the schedule of the volunteers. meals to church members in times of need. It supports the Body by living out the word of God to glorify Him through serving one another. This How Can I Help? is a great way to meet people in our church as The meals ministry is an excellent way to serve others, share Jesus, and make a difference in well as minister in an effort of service. someones life. The purpose is to help someone in need by providing a ready made meal. In How Does It Work? times of need, it is an incredible blessing to see The meals ministry coordinator is made aware a friendly face and receive a meal. Sign up at of a need, either through a direct request for the Womens Ministry Counter if you would like help by email, phone, or through referral by to be part of the Calvary Chapel Reno-Sparks someone within the church. Volunteers are meals ministry or if you know of or have a need then contacted and asked to provide a meal, for meals. You can also contact Rhonda Lippert either home cooked or purchased, and deliver at (775-740-9524) for more information. it to the recipient. Who Do We Serve? We serve families and individuals in times of need. after the birth of a baby after surgery or hospitalization during times of crisis How Do We Serve? We provide meals for two weeks, every other night. Sometimes we will provide more, sometimes less, it depends on the needs of the family. All meals should be delivered in disposable containers to reduce the impact of washing and returning dishes for the family in need.

Meals Ministry

FRUIT OF HER HANDS MINISTRY Sharing the love of Jesus Christ to others through the joy of homemaking Watch the bulletin for upcoming events and activities

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Living in Gods Truth and Mercy

Titus 2
Teaching Young Minds the Truth of Jesus Christ
Mothers must not ever look at the role of teaching their children about God, His Word and His plan for salvation as someone elses responsibility. From as early as possible, God is to be central in a mothers instruction.

There are so many roads to take when teaching our children about the truth of Jesus Christ and how much Jesus loves us. An entire curriculum of choices lay between the pages of the Bible and choosing what to teach first can often become overwhelming. There is no doubt that teaching, showing, modeling Gods love for our children ought to be the most important lessons taught. When I think back to the first verse my parents taught me and the first verse I taught my own children, the words of John 3:16 are always first to come to mind. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. As parents we can get caught up in the ever changing world of best curriculum to teach. Such as, the public schools typically change curriculum every seven years; introducing new reading, math and science programs. But as parents, we need not get caught up in the things of this world by seeking out new and different ways. The Word of God does not change! As we study Gods Word in our own devotional time, and tuck in our hearts the truth of Gods Word, we will learn to imitate Jesus Christ. Hebrews 4:12 tells us, For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Where To Begin:
Modeling: Model Christian truth by living out Gods Word on a daily basis. Take your children to church, pray with them and read your Bibles together. Show by example. Respond to others through love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and selfcontrol. (Galatians 5:22-23) Stories: Children as well as adults love to hear stories. Jesus taught throughout His ministry by telling stories so people could understand the truth. Sing: It says in Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. Share: Take your children along as you serve in ministry. Show them how to share the love of Jesus through activities you can do together such as home visiting, making a meal for a family in need, or fellowshipping quietly with others during church activities. Pray: Ask the Heavenly Father to guide you through the Holy Spirit in all wisdom and understanding. Proverbs 3:5-6. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. God Bless Your Teaching! Love, Kelly

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Joyful Books Ministry

When a Woman Lets Go of the Lies
By Cheryl Brodersen

When a Woman Lets Go of the Lies, by Cheryl Brodersen

I highly recommend the book, When a Woman Lets Go of the Lies for young women through adult. The book has thinking/ inspires women to embrace their identity in Christ study questions at the end of each chapter that can make the book a wonderful study for by shedding the lies that have plagued women Mothers and Daughters.

since Eve: "I'm not good enough." "God isn't strong enough." "I'm too flawed to be loved." "God can't use me." Using examples from women today and from the Bible, she helps the modern woman exchange the burden of deception and pretense for the abundance, freedom, and fruitfulness God intended from the very beginning.

Join us on Wednesday mornings for Joyful Books Book Club as we meet from 9:3010:30 in the 3rd and 4th grade classroom. The format of the book club is small group sharing; describing how the Lord has used this book to draw you into a deeper study of what the Bible says in relation to the topic as well as http://joyfullbooks.blogspot.com

Womens Ministry Week Email Updates: If you wish to receive weekly Friday Womens Ministry updates, or a pdf copy of the Womens Ministry Newsletter, send an email requesting to have your name added: gardner.joyfullbooks@gmail.com

Joyful Books Book Club

Wednesdays 9:30 am

Calvary Chapel Reno-Sparks

http://joyfullbooks.blogspot.com
gardner.joyfullbooks@gmail.com
JANUARY 2 9 16 23 30
FEBRUARY CHAPTER

Womens Koinonia
February 16th, 2013 10am12pm

1 2 3 4 5&6
CHAPTER ACTIVITY Ingredients: (gluten, dairy & tree nut free) 8 cups chicken broth 8 oz Asian Rice Noodles 4 oz mushrooms thinly sliced 4 scallions thinly sliced Directions: In a large soup pot, bring the broth, soy sauce, and sesame oil to a boil. Add carrots and noodles, lower the heat to a simmer, and cook until tender, about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in the mushrooms and scallions and cook until the mushrooms are tender, about 5 minutes longer. Serves 6 to 8.

ASIAN NOODLE SOUP

6 13 20 27

7&8 9 & 10 11 & 12

3 tbsp soy sauce (gluten free San J) 1 tsp toasted sesame oil 6 carrots peeled and sliced into thin rounds

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fragrant life womens ministry

Living in Gods Truth and Mercy

Devotional
The Truth Shall Make You Free
by Mary Jane Robinette

Prayer is power; it brings us close to the Lord. Knowing the Lord intimately brings hope and joy into our life. We are now into a New Year with new beginnings. A few people call it a fresh start in life. Promises are being made to change bad habits. Some people are searching for help but are at loss as to how they are going to make this a better year for their families. So many issues distract us, health, selfish wants, attitudes and more. Call out to Jesus in prayer. Seek His help to make these changes in your life. We read in Jeremiah 29:11-13, For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. Their are always times in our lives when we face various kinds of trials. These trials are God testing our faith. It is at these times when it is vital for us to turn our eyes, our hearts to the Lord in prayer. His loving arms are waiting to soothe, nourish and complete us when we abide in Him. Through the Holy Spirit we find our comfort. Jesus is our strength, our hope for what is to come. Put your trust in God and He will do the rest. How many days go by when a bible isnt opened, or a prayer isnt whispered? Jesus instructed us in Matthew 11:28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Feel confident that you do not have to carry your burdens alone. With fervent prayer ask Jesus to be your mediator to the Father. Jesus said, no one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6b We are all born with sinful natures. Before we knew Jesus whatever we did seemed okay. Our thoughts were always, go for it! Once we are saved it is not okay to go for it! We are only lying to ourselves when we make excuses why we dont seek repentance for our sins. When we accepted the work of Jesus Christ on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins we received His benevolent gift of salvation. We know that once we are saved we are forever covered by the blood of Jesus Christ and sealed with the Holy Spirit. We walk in the newness of life as a child of God. The good news is that God no longer allows the enemy to be able to possess us, but He does allow him to test us. This is where we are reminded in the book of Jeremiah to call out in prayer to Jesus in our times of desperation. Jeremiah 33:3 Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know. We must be willing to trust in Gods love and gracious mercy to come to our aide in our times of need. Satan does not want us to pray, or to read His Word. He will do anything to keep us from coming into the presence of God. Let your heart overrule the enemy and feel the power of God. We must confess our sins daily and seek His forgiveness. Our sins wont keep us from salvation; but our sins do displease our Father in Heaven. We must be willing to surrender our life to God in service to do His will be done, not what we want to do, but what God wants us to do. Their is freedom in abiding in Gods truth and mercy. John 8:31-32 reminds us, If you abide in my word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free. When we are born again, our spiritual rebirth, we become disciples of Jesus. This is our spiritual legacy to serve in sharing the message of salvation. What we accumulate by abiding in Gods Word is knowledge If we take time to read Gods Words we will know exactly what He desires and commands from us. Share time with the Lord in prayer every day, not just when there is trouble. Remember the enemy is our distraction to prayer. Dont let him have that time. Prayer should be a dedicated devotional time with Jesus each day. Visit prayer meetings when you feel that tug on your heart. Thats God calling you to come to pray. Only through prayer can we know Gods will for us. This worldly life is temporary and before we know it we will be face to face with Jesus. When the dilemmas of this life hit, know it is the enemy. When we are in Gods Word daily we walk in His path. When we are in Gods Word we know Gods truth, and it sets us free. There is nothing more precious in our life than the freedom of having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. If you havent yet accepted Jesus Christ into your heart seek him now in prayer. John 3:16 tells us, For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. Freedom is having Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. Prayer and staying in the Word is living in Gods truth and mercy.

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Expressions of Love
The Essence of the Koinonia
by Mary Jane Robinette
The temperature outside was a shivering eighteen degrees. Greeters ushered the ladies inside from the cold where the atmosphere of cheerful wishes of Merry Christmas became the echoing sound of the early morning. Name tags and programs were quickly passed out. The ladies excitedly made their way into the caf where the warmth of rekindling friendships made for welcoming conversations. An eagerness of participation of Sisters -in-Christ echoed the room as Sandie Luitwieler, (Pastor Toms Wife), made the announcement that the 2012 Womens Christmas Koinonia, The First Noel, was about to begin. The tables were decorated with handmade centerpieces crafted by some of our ladies from Calvary Chapel. Eagerness for the door prize names to be drawn brought applause as Sandie called out random names from the tickets we filled out on our arrival. I never did get to see the wonderful gifts received but I am sure they were lovely treasures that the ladies took home with them. There is no need for me to begin to elaborate on the buffet we shared. However I will say the ladies out did themselves in the delicious foods they brought. The sound of enjoyable conversation echoed across the caf. The delights of the morning moved by quickly. Prayer, Praise and Worship followed our fellowship time. Our Worship team played a humbling array of Christmas Carols for the ladies to sing in praise and worship to our King. During this time of prayer my eyes witnessed so many different emotions of love for our Lord. What touched me the most were the tears. Some flowed freely as the music overwhelmed their hearts. Others gently blotted their eyes and kept their heads bowed in their own private adoration to Jesus. Hearts were touched by the glorious phrases reminding us all that the birth of Jesus Christ was the gift of salvation for each one of us who received Jesus into their hearts. I could feel my own heart on fire singing out the words, Hallelujah, Son of God, O Holy Night, Joy to the World the Lord is come; let earth receive her King! Blessings of memory poured into our very core as we renewed our hearts in love for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Kimmie Bowser taught us today. Her Devotional was from Luke 2:7-14 . Kimmie led us through this precious time of the birth of Jesus, verse by verse. She gave us a sincere reminder in verse 7 that Jesus was laid in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn. Make room for Jesus in the room of your heart she said. Kimmie gave us other reminders to boldly profess Jesus as our Lord and Savior. In Mark 8, Jesus asked His disciples, Who do you say that I am? Simon Peter answered and said to Him, You are the Christ. This was the most glorious thing Simon Peter ever said. Jesus is our Saviors name, but Christ is a title ~ in the Hebrew, it was the Messiah, which means the Anointed One. Kimmie gave us the message of salvation today. As we closed in prayer, Kimmie gave anyone who was present and had not yet accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior the invitation to accept Him right then. The 2012 Christmas Koinonia came to a close and I pray that just one soul today became a child of God and new Sister-in-Christ. Romans 1:12 "When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours." NLT Speaking for myself going to the Womens events at our Calvary Chapel Reno/Sparks are precious times I get to spend in fellowship with my Sisters-inChrist. We have so many events throughout our year that are planned and prepared for the participation of all our women. Paul is telling us that we have so much to give to each other in fellowship. We have the love of Jesus Christ to share with each other. Koinonia is fellowship in Jesus Christ. Koinonia is spiritually being one in sharing the message of salvation. As a body of Christ here at Calvary Chapel we women need to come together at all our Womens events in love, in faith, and to encourage one another. We need to remember God commands us to love one another, that is true fellowship. Our time spent together at our Koinonias, Womens Conference, Womens Retreat, Bible Studies are all here for us to keep each other strong in our walks of faith. Our attendance at these functions are necessary as Christian women because we were called to share our faith and love for Jesus Christ. When we communicate our knowledge with others they are encouraged from us. But we likewise are encouraged by their spiritual gifts that they share with us. The joy of the Lord we feel in our hearts should be communal in fellowship with each other. Pastor Chuck Smith relates to Pauls comments, "When the body of Christ comes together, we should be mutually edified. That's true fellowship." Pastor Jon Courson comments, "give and you will get, share and you will receive. Our faith will mutually grow." Ladies, Jesus wants us to come together in fellowship. Remember, He is the honored guest at all our events here at Calvary Chapel Reno/Sparks. Jesus loves you all so much, be one with each other in fellowship in Jesus Christ.

Calvary Chapel Reno-Sparks January-February 2013

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January 2013
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7,14,21,28 2,9,16,23,30 3,10,17,24,31 6th 13th 2,9,16,23,30 14th

Womens Bible Study Joyful Books 9:30 am Womens Prayer 9 am Missions Prayer 12:30 pm Widows Meeting 8:15 am Evening Prayer 6pm Annual Business Meeting

Calvary Chapel Reno-Sparks 220 Edison Way, Reno, NV 89502 (775)856-1110 FAX (775) 856-2031

Senior Pastor Admin. Pastor Youth Pastor Worship Pastor Secretary

Tom Luitwieler Rob Wolfe Juan Rodriguez Scott Cresta KimBowser

Evangelism Pastor Leonard Sanchez

February 2013
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4,11,18,25 6,13,20,27 7,14,21,28 6,13,20,27 3rd 9th 10th 16th

Womens Bible Study Joyful Books 9:30 am Womens Prayer 9 am Evening Prayer 6pm Missions Prayer 12:30 pm Couples Potluck 6 pm Widows Meeting 8:15 am Womens Koinonia 10am

PRAYER CHAIN ANN-(775)673-1238 EILEEN (775)972-1790 CHURCH OFFICE: (775) 856-1110

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4 11 18 25

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HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED AT CALVARY CHAPEL?

First: Present yourself to God (Romans 12:1) for confirmation that He has planted you in this fellowship. If so, then discover your gifts and Gods calling your life. Second: Study to show yourself approved unto God (2 Timothy 2:15). As you grow in your relationship with God, let Him prepare you for effective service. Third: Be doers of the Word (James 1:22). Commit yourself to the work of Jesus Christ in this fellowship. Get involved as a yielded vessel to Gods guiding anywhere He directs.

Contact the Church Office and Fill Out a Ministry Questionnaire

(775) 856-1110
Helps Ministry: Food Pantry, Meal Ministry Caf 2:42 Womens Greeters Womens Monday Bible Study Womens Conferences, Koinonias & Retreats Womens Wed Evening & Thursday Morning PRAYER Family Worship Night Childrens Ministry, Nursery, Childcare Widows Meeting (Encourage &Prayer) 2nd Sunday of the Month in Caf 2:42 8:15 am Moms In Prayer, Mondays 1pm. This ministry is for moms who want to get together and pray for their children. We meet on a weekly basis in the 3rd/4th grade classroom. Child care will be shared as needed. Call DiAnn at 972-4264. Spirit Led Writing/Recipes for Newsletter. Gardner.joyfullbooks@gmail.com or Kelly Gardner (775)843-0650