Ladies, this Sunday it is time to purchase your tickets for our annual Christmas Tea party! My favorite thing about this tea party is it is a chance for Vineyard Women to gather and celebrate the Christmas Season, to put our “holiday preparations” aside and to focus on why we really celebrate Christmas.  Our theme this year is “Let it Snow, Let Him Reign.” Michelle Whittaker will be speaking to us about using our own unique giftings to serve the Lord with our whole heart.

If you don’t know Michelle, I’m providing a link for you to look at her blog and learn a little bit more about her. If you do know her, I bet you know right now that we are in for a Christmas treat.

As I said, tickets will be on sale this Sunday at the Vineyard Church in Boise. You must buy tickets in Heritage Hall on Sunday sale days. We do not have the ability to sell them during the week or through this blog (sorry.)

Looking forward to the event and praying you will find it a blessing to your soul.

-Kate

Our coffee bar will be open during the sale and we will also have a nice variety of lunch items on site. Musicians will be playing Christmas music the day of the sale as well.

Join Us for the Vineyard Boise Women\’s Retreat

Retreat cost is $100 – here is a link to the on-line registration form

Prayer has always been a huge part of my life and it has nothing to do with being spiritual. It has everything to do with being weak, inadequate, feeling lost and ignorant. “Help” was my main prayer vocabulary back when I was young in Christ and it still seems to be a well used word today. As I learned back then to “lose my life” in Christ, maturing a little more each day, I discovered something amazing. God was actually a tender-hearted, merciful, patient, ‘doting over your kid ’kind of Father. Because he is that kind of Father he really, really wants us to get to know Him. I mean really know Him. He already knows us but as you may know, a one-way relationship isn’t very meaningful.
So we have this thing called prayer and it is kind of funny because God already knows what we are going to say before we even pray it. So why does the bible stress that we should “pray without ceasing”? Certainly it is to make our needs known, and certainly we have to humble ourselves to come to God with a respectful heart, but I really think it goes deeper than that. There has to be more in that He already knows what our needs, wants, and struggles are. Have you ever wondered about that? I have found several reasons other than the obvious that just maybe you will find interesting, if not helpful.
1) The Gospel in Matthew says, “Ask and it shall be given; seek and you shall find; knock and the door will be opened unto you”. To me that is a picture of someone diligently pursuing the heart of God and God promising to respond. You ask and He gives (or not), you seek and He helps you find, you knock and he opens a door (or closes one). That is a 2-way communication going on that is very cool. It shows us the give and take relationship God desires with us – just like a friendship. That is why Jesus said in John 15, “I call you not servants, but friends”. And if He calls us friends then I think it is safe to say that part of the purpose of prayer is to build a friendship with our Father, the Creator of the universe. If you think about that a little you might find that fact absolutely amazing. Even absurd. It boggles my mind, yet delights my heart that God wants me to know Him.
2) A second purpose to consider is this: God wants us to be co-laborers with Him in advancing the Kingdom. Prayer and intercession are in fact co-laboring with our Maker. When we grasp that concept we find ourselves on our knees, for we know all too well how inadequate we are for the job. As it says in John 14, “without Him we can do nothing”.
3) I believe anther purpose for prayer has to do with Jesus showing His love in personal, tender ways. Scripture says to cast all your care on Him for He cares for you. When he answers specific requests in specific ways we realize just how personal He is and how he delights in blessing us.

Most people, when asked about their prayer life, reply with a sheepish grin, “it’s not as good as it could be” or “I don’t pray nearly enough”. I have to admit that my own prayer life seems pretty anemic at times. Have you ever wondered what is it about prayer that makes it so difficult”? Why is it that our best intentions, so noble and determined, fizzle so quickly into prayerlessness? If you are anything like me, you understand prayer is important and you begin with great zeal and determination. Then, it quickly turns into a time of daydreaming. An element of self-condemnation creeps in, along with feelings of defeat. Some of us give up after a few tries. There is no question that prayer is a battle.

Why is developing a prayer life so challenging? I believe that one of the answers is found in this scripture; “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” I Peter 5:8 & 9. I believe that prayer is so vital and so foundational in our spiritual life that it is the number one oppositional strategy of the enemy. As a result he will throw any and every obstacle across our path… anything that brings discouragement, defeat, and confusion. If a person doesn’t understand that, their prayer experience will leave them utterly bewildered.

A second reason for prayerlessness has to do with our human nature and our tendency to resist obedience. In Romans (7:21-25) Paul tells us that the things we ought to do, we don’t, and the things we shouldn’t do, we do. Our sinful nature has a strong tendency to want to do things on our own terms and without anyone’s help. Praying has to do with humbling oneself and depending on our Maker. When we pray, there is a dying to self that takes place, a letting go of that “old nature”. That doesn’t always feel very good. However, whenever we take a step to die to self, we come closer to Jesus. The old self dies, but the new inner man comes alive by the Holy Spirit.

So now that we understand a little better why it is difficult to establish a good prayer life; 1) powerful spiritual resistance, and 2) strong fleshly resistance, the question is, how do we overcome it?

I have discovered one of the secrets to a healthy prayer life and I want to share it with you. But first I have to warn you. It is not very pretty and it is not very appealing. Yet, it is what it is. It appears to me that one of the most prevalent ways we overcome prayerlessness is by going through pain, suffering and difficulty with an attitude of being teachable. Usually we don’t have to go looking too hard for difficulty. Alas, that is the tool God often uses to teach us to pray. It is in our pain that we find the motivation to cry out to Him. When we are hurting we will pray daily, hourly, and even minute by minute. Thus we cultivate a “habit of prayer”, a habit of going to the Father with all of our needs. A ‘discipline’ is established that becomes vital to our spiritual life. We are learning to be utterly dependent upon our Creator, which naturally leads to intimacy with Him. It isn’t easy but the rewards are wonderfully rich. So the next time you are going through hardship, remember this; among other things, God is teaching you to pray.

There are other ways to learn to pray without tribulation if we will just make the effort and understand the importance. It has to do with drawing strength from God. There are many days I simply cannot pray. If at first I spend time in worship or read the scriptures, then the Holy Spirit comes and empowers me to pray. I cannot build a prayer life without time in the scriptures and I cannot understand the scriptures if I don’t pray. The scriptures show us what and how to pray; they build our faith and empower us; they help us to get our heart right. We learn how to meditate, pray psalms, stand on truth, and express thanks and praise by simply having time in the scriptures.

The third way I have been helped and strengthened in my prayer life is also the most powerful way—it is this –making time to pray with other believers on a regular basis. I cannot stress this enough; having a ‘prayer partner’ or meeting with a prayer group is the most encouraging and faith building activity I can possibly do. To watch prayers get answered is not the only wonderful result; the rich relationships that build overtime when people pray together is amazing, and the personal growth that occurs is remarkable. We are missing out on so much if we do not have someone to pray with. I encourage you to pray with your friends, family, or small group members often. It will change your life.

A healthy prayer life leads us into an adventure close to our Fathers’ beating heart. We will bear good spiritual fruit… of which there is no greater joy. We will hear His still, small, penetrating, powerful Voice, and then, we are never the same. He has become our most intimate friend, one whom we depend on through all of the storms of life, the one who we will spend eternity with.

Image: graur razvan ionut / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

You must make an appointment in order to receive this service. Call 887-1442 they will begin taking appointments April 25th.

Power of a Praying Wife a 7 week class working through the “same-titled” book by Stormie O’Martian. Worrying about your marriage changes nothing—but praying can change everything! Stormie O’Martian shows you how to pray for every area of your husband’s life—his marriage, work, manhood, mind, choices, walk with God, and future—and to strengthen your life together.Wednesday Mornings 9:30-11:30 beginning April 13th. Childcare is included. Cost $25

Fit Chicks a 6 week kick-start to a healthier you. Fit Chicks is a 90 minute session of encouragement, education, and yes…exercise! Every week you will receive inspiration to make small changes that will have great staying power. This judgment free zone is appropriate for all ability and coordination levels. Come, have fun, get fit. Wednesday morning 9:30-11:00 beginning April 13th. Childcare is included. Cost $20 (for more info click here.)

Titus Connection An opportunity to study God’s word and pray together with other women in all ages and stages. This group meets every Wednesday morning following the traditional school year calendar. Wednesday mornings 9:30-11:00. Childcare is included. Donations gladly accepted.

Stepping Up, by Beth Moore a women’s Bible study of Psalms 120-134. Explore the major feasts of Israel and journey with Beth through this 7-session study. Themes of unity, joy, gratitude, redemption, repentance, the power of blessings, facing ridicule, and more are explored in detail. Modern-day believers in Jesus Christ can learn much from these treasured Psalms in their journey toward greater intimacy with God. Thursday nights begins April 14th 6:30-8:30. Childcare is included. Cost $25

Bible Study Methods 101 While this is not specifically a women’s class, women are invited!! Bible Study
Methods 101 is an 8 week class. The cost is $15.00 ($13.50 for Rick Warren’s Bible Study Methods at the Book Cellar and $1.50 for the Binder Workbook supplied in the class) and begins April 5th. Tuesday evenings 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. no childcare.

Calling all Vineyard Ladies!
It’s time again for the fun and crazy game of Bunco!! This game is quick to learn, and easy to play so bring your friends and join us for a great night of fellowship! It’s going to be held next Saturday, April 2nd from 4-7 PM in the chapel. It’s guaranteed to be a good time! You won’t want to miss it.

Also, right next door in Heritage Hall during Bunco, we’ll be hosting a silent auction. Things being auctioned include Scentsy, a $40 gift certificate to Simply Said Vinyl Designs, a 1 hour photography session from Raft Media, Papa Murphey’s gift certificates, appliance repair package from AllTech Appliance, a painting done by our very own Jessie Nilo, so much more! All proceeds will benefit the women’s ministry, too, which means more fun events for you! So, come check it out! It’ll be worth your time!

RSVP

The event begins at 10:00 am (but come early and get your coffee and a nametag) and will end at 12:00. The cost is $5 and will include lunch. We are planning a spring-time feast this time — so yummy!

You can register on facebook or this Sunday in Heritage Hall. If you require childcare, please register in Heritage Hall on Sunday the 13th or call Kate at the church 377-1477.

facebook rsvp

Here is another event happening the same day! This is going to be a fun one too. It’s called a “Fashion Swap”. Essentially, you come to the drop off and leave items that you are tired of but that are still in excellent condition. You will receive credit and can take the same number of new-to-you items on Saturday after Faith and Fellowship.

Details:

Drop off: Friday March 18 3:00 – 7:00 in the Vine Arts Studio. You can drop off your items (remember they need to be in really nice condition — something you would give a friend — in order to be accepted)

Swap: 12:00 -1:00 pm Saturday March 19 in the Vineyard Boise Chapel. Bring your credit receipt and leave with something new and fun for spring!

What can I bring? Purses, scarves, jewelry, shoes, hats, clothing. Women’s items only.

Drop off is Friday so the volunteers have time to organize and display the items before the actual swap on Saturday after Faith and Fellowship.

You do not have to attend Faith and Fellowship to attend the Fashion Swap (nor do you have to bring items to swap if you are attending Faith and Fellowship). RSVP is not required for the swap, but you do need to check in your items at the Vine Arts studio on Friday evening.

All items remaining at the close of the swap will be donated to City Light.