Oh, what a night!
Were you there??? Oh, how I hope so! Our 2023 Women’s Fall Ministry Launch was truly spectacular! A highlight reel has been playing in my head ever since the last woman left the building. Here is what I keep seeing:
Soooooo Many Happy Women
The full capacity crowd was lit up with smiling faces, laughing, talking, and eagerly taking notes. My phone has been inundated with messages from those there, oohing and ahhing over every aspect of the evening…including even the napkins. Thank you, attendees, for embracing all the things!
The Plethora of Pinwheels
Meg Mathews used her artistic vision to create a playful backdrop of happiness. Her oversized pinwheels there and at the photo booth took the event graphic to a whole new level.
The Fabulous Food
Kamala Gamble of Kam’s Kookery for the win! I am still dreaming about those carnitas and that guac. Kam never disappoints and this night was no exception.
Free Books
The response when we told the crowd that everyone was going home with a free copy of Jen and J. T. English’s new book, You Are A Theologian, was priceless! It was an Oprah moment I will not soon forget.
Jen
From car rides and breakfast conversations, words of encouragement to the Women’s Leadership Team and volunteers, the on-stage interview, and finally to her keynote challenge, Jen was warm, accessible, articulate, and biblically solid. Generous with her time, wisdom, and lived experience, I enjoyed her infinitely more than I had hoped and am immeasurably grateful that she came.
John 15
Jen both challenged and encouraged us with Jesus’ extended teaching from John 15 and of His continued call to abide in Him. Tracing Jesus’ use of the word “abide,” she reminded us that to abide is to remain and dwell with Him even though “we all have something that seems harder than we thought, and is taking longer than we expected.” Jen ended the evening summing up John 15 with an exhortation to learn to abide in Him as He has promised to dwell in us.
Women Signing Up for Bible Study!
“Abide” was not only the theme and teaching topic of the night, we also announced that it is the name of the Fall Women’s Bible study we will be offering on 1, 2, and 3 John. Seeing women rush to the book table to sign up for Bible study was so encouraging!
Now that our incredible Launch evening is behind us, please do “launch” into weekly Bible study with us, as we strive to genuinely Abide with the One who came to dwell with us. We will be offering both a Wednesday evening option starting September 6 and a Thursday morning option starting September 7. These will coincide perfectly with our teaching pastors preaching through those same books - a perfect opportunity to get a better grasp on these short but significant letters filled with reminders of God’s love for us, instructions on how to tell God’s truth from a lie, and encouragement to live out a steadfast faith.
It really was such a great night! To get the details on all we are offering for CRBC women (Single Moms, Table Groups, Spring Retreat and more!), check out councilroadwomen.org and go specifically to the calendar page to register for our Fall Bible studies and Table Groups. Together, let’s be faithful to abide with Him!
Meet the Author!
Bible teacher, author, inspirational speaker, and disciple-maker, Vickey Banks is passionate about helping women connect the dots between God’s Word and their everyday lives. She loves serving as Women’s Ministry Director at Council Road and as a Lifeway Women’s Ministry Trainer, pursuing a Master of Biblical Studies at Moody Theological Seminary, celebrating her people, and getting lost in a good story.