Mary's Thoughts on Events...

Why do we schedule all these events?  

I guess I've been around long enough to recognize a trend in attitudes toward meetings and conferences and seminars.  It's much more difficult to motivate women to take part in church events today than it was ten or fifteen years ago.  Our lives are so busy; we fill every minute with activity and so attending any extra meetings just doesn't fit into our schedules.   I've seen attendance go down in women's events in our church and across the country.  Leaders in other churches tell me they've given up--it's just too hard to get women together.  Even well-known speakers and musicians don't attract the crowds they used to.

Well, I certainly understand busy lives and I know that things change and change can be good.  We don't just keep doing what we've been doing just because it's what we've always done.  It's healthy to continually examine what we do and see if it's time to try other avenues.  But even with all that, there is very good and biblical reasons why we need to make time for these extracurricular events.

Hebrews 10:24 and 25:  And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

I guess the early church had some of the same challenges!  Getting together is one of the basic needs in the body of Christ.  That is the way we "stir up one another to love and good works."  We need time together--time when we share and love and talk and fellowship.  I need other women around me who will encourage me; who will role model for me what it means to love like Jesus loves and to challenge me to do the good works that God put me here to do.  (Ephesians 2:10)  We all do.

The Day is drawing near--we're closer to the Day of rapture than we ever have been, and the closer we draw to it, the more we need each other.  We cannot love or encourage or challenge each other if we live in isolation, and although our electronic means of communicating have their place, they cannot take the place of face-to-face, community events that bring us together.  The writer to the Hebrews says we are not to neglect meeting together.

Lately I've been thinking that maybe we just should forget our get-togethers and take the women's ministry to some other level.  But after meditating again on these two verses, I am convinced that would not be the right thing to do.  We are not to neglect meeting together and we need each other.  

I encourage all of us to re-think this trend.  We want to make effective and needed changes in our ministry, that's for sure, and Simone and I are truly committed to helping the women of our church have a world view and become even more involved in the lives of other women, in our city and across the globe.  But that cannot replace our meeting together.  We need each other.  So, we'll continue to provide those opportunities, and pray that all the women of the church will reconsider their priorities and gather with us, because we need you as much as you 

need to be with us.

Yours, 

Mary Whelchel

Director of Women's Ministry

No Such Thing As a Free Lunch

They say there is no such thing as a free lunch, but for sure there is such a thing as a free breakfast!  It is sponsored by the Sisters in Christ TMC Community and well take place on Sunday, January 29th, at 8:15 in Room 303.  This will replace our normal teaching session for that day.  The purpose for this special breakfast is to have time for more fellowship and to cast a "new and improved" vision for our community of sisters.  Every woman currently a part of our Sisters class is invited, as well as any other women in our congregation who are not currently connected with a TMC Community.

We're going to serve a delicious hot breakfast, and then talk about what we can do to make our class even more effective at teaching the Word, providing a safe and supportive place for women of all ages and stages in life, and reaching out in service projects to the needs of women and children in our city.

You are invited to join us.  If you have any questions, contact Mary Whelchel at mary.whelchel@moodychurch.org.

A New Prayer Life for 2012!

I'm always very excited about a new year. And this year is no different! There is something very refreshing and exhilarating to me about a new start, new beginnings, and new resolutions! I cannot think of a better excuse to sit down and think about the year ahead and set some goals than a new year! 

This year I narrowed all my resolutions into one... A new prayer life. It all started when I began studying the book of Acts by Tim Keller with a small group of girls. I've been floored by the first Christians and their commitment to prayer. Couple the study of Acts with the book the staff of TMC is reading, A Call to Spiritual Reformation by D.A. Carson, and God is getting my attention. Carson does a great job in his book of listing practical reasons of why we do and do not pray. He also takes us through the prayers of Paul and gives some practical examples of how to pray. Keller's commentary on prayer is more about what prayer is and why the early church was so committed to it. 

There is no way I could sum up all that I've been learning through these books and my own prayer journey in this one entry, but I will sum up two of the main points that have convinced me that my ONE goal and focus of 2012 should be on prayer.

Two reasons why we should pray:

Acts 4:23-31 – We meet with God and it changes our perspective.

This prayer is from a group of believers who are praising God after the release of Peter and John from prison. The environment in Jerusalem is hostile and Christians are facing persecution in every direction. Peter and John were sent to prison in the first place b/c both the Pharisees and Sadducess were feeling threatened by the speed of the Gospel in Jerusalem. When released, the believers with Peter and John pray a prayer to God that literally shakes the room (v.31)! And they were all "filled with the Holy Spirit  and spoke the word of God boldly." I'm not sure about you, but I can't recall a time I prayed and had a similar result. Here is Tim Keller's response to why this prayer was so remarkable:

"First, there is a connection of their heart weakness with the attributes of God. There is a great deal of time spent reflecting on and praising God for his greatness and power. They especially concentrate on his “Sovereignty” and control of all things (v.24) In other words, they do not simply ask for boldness (v.29), but they actually heal themselves of their fear by mediating on the attribute of God most antithetical to their fear. It means we are not just to ask God to take away our worry, but we should meditate and “pray in” his wisdom. We should not just ask God for more confidence, but we should “pray in” his grace and love. We should just not ask God for more self-control, but we should “pray in” his holiness. We are to heal hearts by praying his specific attributes into ourselves.

Second, there is a connection of their ministry situation with promises and statements in the Scripture. They go to Psalm 2 and remember David’s words that the world leaders will be hostile to the Messiah. The then think of what Herod and Pilate did and what the disciples themselves are facing now at the hands of civil rulers. But then, in v28, they realize that “they did what your power and will had decided beforehand would happen.” This realization is an enormous source of power. The connection of their current situation with the Bible and with the sovereignty of God shows them that murder of Jesus did not display human power but divine power. Through their process of prayer, they realize that the same court that killed Jesus has now released them, because everything is totally under God’s control. They have nothing to worry about – whether they are killed or protected. Either way, God is going to love and honor and use them, and they are going to triumph with him. You can see as they pray, the boldness and power grow!

Third, therefore, we see that there is no request for protection! They do not ask that their lives and families and wealth be protected. (not that these requests aren’t improper, they just weren’t primary.) They make two requests – they ask for boldness (v.38) to articulate the gospel message and they ask for God to continue to show evidence that their message is his word (v.39) So all they ask is for is to continue their ministry. They ask not for miracles of vengeance on the rulers, but for continued miracles of mercy, people healed and converted."

Acts 13:1-3 – We meet with God and He reveals Himself.

This second reason as to why we should pray didn't catch me at first. I had to read this text several times before I noticed what I see to be a key element in a deep prayer life. Saul (Paul) and Barnabas are with the Antioch Church and praying and fasting...something they do regularly. As a result of this time before God, they hear the Holy Spirit say, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." This calling from the Spirit led to the first missionary journey and marks the beginning of Paul's evangelistic efforts. Again, Keller says it best:

"Luke indicates that the Antioch church did not come to the concept of strategic missions as a result of their seeking it directly. Verse 2 says, “while they were worshipping the Lord and fasting”. The most natural reading of these words is that they were not in a special season of prayer, not like they were specifically and deliberately planning for missions. Rather they were going about their routine work of worship and seeking God’s presence. Note who was praying -- verse 1 refers to the whole church along with the leaders, so it is possible that this prayer time was not just for the 5 prophet/teachers noted in verse 2.

What do we learn from this? Surely we cannot infer from this that special seasons of prayer or deliberate planning is wrong! Rather, what we learn is that what would seem like “special” prayer for us was clearly “routine” for this church. Periods of intense worship, fasting, and seeking God’s presence were normal for them. And it shows us that this time is the kind of church that God reveals himself to."

So when I see two examples of prayer (and Lord knows there a hundreds more!) in Scripture with such incredible power behind them, it gets my attention. My focus in 2012 is to meet with God for a changed perspective -- a perspective set on His sovereignty and other divine attributes. And to be in a place where He can reveal Himself to me. That's it. And it would be super cool if I did experience a room shaking from time to time!

Praying for you!

Simone

A Precious Christmas

We had a ball at the Women's Ministry, A Precious Christmas, Brunch this past Saturday. And when a say "ball", I mean I bawled at times as well as thoroughly enjoyed myself! The program was packed with celebration of God's redemptive work! We heard from two women who had tough stories to listen to, but the power of God's grace was so clearly evident in their lives, you couldn't help but applaud and cheer in your heart!

The incredibly talented Butler Family led us in worship and even a little entertainment! In case you missed it, I learned that you either have to sing to marry a Butler Boy or you have to, at the very least, act like it!

And our dear Mary reminded us of how our sweet Jesus entered the world through a chain of messy circumstances and events in order to save us and reconcile us back to God. Again, I bawled at the profound truth that our Savior was born in a gross, smelly, and dirty manager -- so that women like you and me could relate to Him. One of the testimonies, Amanda, shared that she escaped a horrific life as a sex slave to a man in Chicago by running away when she had the chance. She had nowhere to go because she has been held hostage by this man (and raped almost every day for over a year), so when she finally did escape, she fled to a park and hid in the bushes overnight. Later in the program, Mary showed a picture of what some believe Jesus' first crib could have looked like (pictured above.) I couldn't help but draw the two stories together -- Amanda slept on the dirty, cold ground when God began to rescue her from her captives and Jesus knew what that felt like from day one when he first slept in a dirty, cold feeding trough. 

We also heard from the leadership team of Rose of Sharon, our partner ministry from New Life Covenant Church. And because of the unbelievable generosity of TMC women, that team left with enough gifts for the women they serve in west side Chicago to last many months!  And you raised $700 to go toward As Our Own through the Precious To Him fund. We are half way to our goal of $5,000 by September 2012! Thank you to those who participated in this giving!

The emphasis on how we are "Precious to Him" was once again evident in this program. I hope you don't grow tired of hearing it because we are just getting started in unpacking this message! Not only are we precious to God, but hurting and hopeless women throughout Chicago and beyond are precious to Him as well...and they need us. TMC Women's Ministry is committed to serving and supporting these women in whatever ways God leads us. Thank you for jumping on board!

Merry Christmas!
Simone

Do We Need Women's Ministry?

Did that title grab your attention? It caught my attention when I first read it -- I read a blog that I discovered on Facebook called "Why We Don't Need Women's Ministry." Click here to read it yourself.

I've stewed on this article for a few days now and decided to respond. There are some points she makes that I agree with, but there are other things that I think I'll politely disagree with -- or maybe it's that I'm taking a different angle. Since TMC's Women's Ministry is currently promoting our Home Groups (not too late to register!) with an emphasis on "domestic skills", I feel the urge to defend our programs a bit in light of this article. See if you can follow me here...

First off, I'll be the first to admit that I am far from a domestic diva. My role in the Halpin kitchen is comical. My husband does 99% of the grocery shopping and almost as much of the cooking. Every now and then I'll have an urge to bake, but it's mostly to fulfill a chocolate craving. When I provide a baby meal for a family (which is next to never), it's either a gift certificate or take out (what new mom doesn't love Chipotle!) And although I'd love to say I can sew and be like those creative geniuses on Project Runway, I can't. I depend on others to create and design my wardrobe (along with my pillows, curtains, and kids' Halloween costumes!) I don't iron my husbands shirts unless it's an emergency and he's the one who makes the dry cleaning drop offs. Wow, I'm building myself up to be quite the Domestic Queen aren't I?

So when I read an article like this, I would usually gravitate toward her opinion. I am all for a strong woman who has a spirit of independence, can run a business if she chooses to do so, and holds two masters. This same woman could also be a theologian who plunges into the Word of God, correctly interprets Scripture and applies it to her life. But where does domesticity fit into all of this?

Let's take a look at what this article says and then I'd like to respond:

"But I'm here with you tonight because I want what the world cannot give me. We're choking on cutesy things and crafty bits, safe lady topics, and if one more person says that modest is hottest with a straight face, I may throw up. We are hungry for authenticity and vulnerability, not churchified life hacks from lady magazines. Some of us are drowning, suffocating, dying of thirst for want of the cold water of real community. We're trying really hard--after all, we keep showing up to your lady events, and we leave feeling just a bit empty. It's just more of the same every time."

Agreed. BUT, cannot a sophisticated, educated woman also know how to dress well, plan a party, and keep her house clean? Do you think we she just knows how to do all of that? No, not the women I know...and I know lots that fit this bill. They've been taught or it was modeled to them. And in my opinion, that's what a good women's ministry will do -- it will disciple women to bear the image of Christ, to know the Word, and build community among other women. AND, it will create a culture that will help us in areas where we can grow and learn. Discipleship and mentoring can occur in many different environments.

"We're not all mothers, some of us work outside the home, some of us have kids, and others don't or won't or can't. Is womanhood only about wifehood and motherhood? What about those among us that are not wives and mothers? We're not all in the same season of life. We are - or should be - diverse image bearers of a Divine God."

No, of course we're not all mothers of wives. That is one of my favorite things about our Women's Ministry at TMC -- it's one of the few ministries that any woman can be a part of no matter her marital status, the number of kids she has, and what her career path resembles. I tend to think that Women's Ministry is one of the most diverse ministries a church has to offer. However, there can also be value to focusing into one particular "group" in order to teach and encourage for a particular time. When Mary led a book study on Did I Kiss Marriage Good-bye? she had an incredible opportunity to teach and mentor single women in our church, from all different backgrounds and ages.

"We need Jesus. We are seeking deep spirituality. We are seeking fellow travelers. We are hungry for true community, a place to tell our stories and listen to another, to love well. But above all, point me to Jesus--not to the sale at the mall."
 I love this. I agree with it through and through. If a women's ministry isn't pointing women to a deeper relationship with Jesus, then it is useless. But, I'd like to challenge us (or perhaps it is just this particular blogger?) to see that this kind of discipleship can be had over a warm piece of homemade pie, a cutely decorated cup-cake, or even a sewing machine. Just ask my daughter.

Now, with all that said, you can challenge Mary and me to bring deeper, more meaningful teaching and/or programs if you feel like we're not hitting the mark. We'd love to hear from you. And, I'd also like to encourage you to get involved with what we're already doing! Our Home Groups are phenomenal; one-on-one mentoring can make a serious impact on someone's life; the books we read in our book clubs are intentional and challenging; and our luncheons will not waste your time. And our newly launched Precious to Him Project will take you into dark places and difficult ministry for the sake of others. Come on over, ladies!

"We are smart. We are brave. We want to change the world." Change the world for the sake of Christ...

Warmly,
Simone

Rose of Sharon, Part Two

I had a second opportunity to join with some Moody Church women and hit the streets -- the streets of broken, hurting women who are prostituting themselves late at night, right here in Chicago. The Rose of Sharon Ministry, part of New Life Covenant Church, runs this ministry and loves on these women every single Friday night in some rough, dark Chicago neighborhoods. Since this was my second time going out, I was expecting a similar experience to my first. However, I saw more make-up, sequins, and pimps this time around...this night was much different.

 

One of the women from TMC who joined us expressed what this night was like for her:

"[Rose of Sharon] was a blessing. I grew up in South America as a missionary kid, and since living in the US for the last 15 years I have had opportunities to do overseas missions and state-side mission work. I don't know that I have ever truly felt more humbled than by this past Friday night.  

I personally know that it is just by the hand of the Lord and my parents prayers that I am not in the same shoes as the ladies we saw Friday night. It was eye opening to actually see these ladies at work on the streets so close to where I live.  It is just so different than looking at poverty or being overseas where you expect there to be lower living conditions. When I see someone who is poor, I say "What do you need?" and I can tangibly give them more food, or clothes or help them find some where to live. Or I can go overseas and help build a school or translate for medical doctors so that people's needs are met.  These ladies (though there are significant tangible needs) there is such a deeper need of freedom from the bondage that they are in. These ladies need a hug more than a blanket, they need reassurance of the love of Jesus more than a bowl of food. These ladies not only are trying to live, but they are believing that love is not real or that love is sex. I know that they felt a love from us praying with them and hugging them that they probably have trouble understanding...

When we moved to Chicago I knew I wanted to do something ministry wise in the city, because there is so much opportunity here.  When I heard about the Rose of Sharon ministry I knew that is what the Lord had in mind when he laid this burden on my heart. I am so grateful for the opportunity to shed a little light, share a little smile, and give a little glimmer of hope to some of the ladies. Thank you for putting this together.  Thank you for having a burden for the women of this city." 

I'm so grateful for women like this who are taking a step of obedience and putting their faith into action. The women we met this night are just like you and me in so many ways -- they are lost and need to be found. As mentioned above, it is humbling to interact with some of these women because they can be intimating. One women I spoke to was distracted because her "pimp" was sitting in his car watching her speak to us. I could feel his eyes burning a hole in me as he stared us down. Another women ran off when we approached her yelling, "Stay away from me! You're taking away from my money." Two women we met were pregnant. But the facts remain the same -- without someone taking the time to tell her that she is loved, that she is worth more than she's ever been told, that there is a life better than the one she's living, she could be stuck in this world forever.

My takeaways from this night were to pray for these women and to go again. The power of the Holy Spirit must be present in order for chains to be broken and healing to take place. We prayed long and hard all night while out and His presence assured me He was with us. There is no way I could do something like this without the assurance that God is with us. And this is not a one and done experience. This is not something to scratch off your list and say you did. In order for this ministry to be effective, Christians have to make their presence known in these neighborhoods offering hope and place for these women (and the pimps!) to go for rehabilitation and a new life.

Isaiah 61 takes a new meaning to me after meeting these women. My challenge to you is to read through this passage -- first read it remembering who you are and where you've come from. Maybe you'll remember what you've been saved from and will sing praises to God that your ashes have been made into beauty. Then read through it again and think of those who are still captive and brokenhearted. Ask God how He can use you to "proclaim good news" and then act upon it. Or perhaps you're feeling like you're still captive and brokenhearted...if that's the case, a new life and freedom is available to you through Jesus Christ. Pray that a relationship with God can begin today for you.

¹ The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
   because the LORD has anointed me
   to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
   to proclaim freedom for the captives
   and release from darkness for the prisoners,
² to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor
   and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
 ³ and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
   instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
   instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
   instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
   a planting of the LORD
   for the display of his splendor.

Believing God,

Simone