Facilitator's Workshop

What: A great time to fellowship, connect with PWOC’s teaching team, sharpen your leadership skills, and explore the possibility of being a co-facilitator or facilitator with PWOC.

When – Saturday, 8 January

Where – Renee B’s (email for house number)

Time – 0900 – 1130

Light breakfast will be served

If you are currently facilitating or co-facilitating a PWOC Bible study, attendance is STRONGLY encouraged. If you are willing to co-facilitate or sub as needed in a PWOC Bible study this semester, attendance is greatly encouraged. We’d love to have you join us if the idea of facilitating a Bible Study “someday” intrigues you.

We will not be able to provide child care/ministry. PLEASE RSVP to De’Etta by 4 January to insure enough breakfast and handouts!

Sweet Night

PWOC is excited to be planning a Sweet Night for the wives of our deployed service members.

When: Friday, February 11th, 7-8:30pm

Where: Chapel

Mark your calendars now for an evening of desserts, drinks, friendship and fellowship as we laugh along with Christian comedian and Army wife Carol Summar Simpson. This is a FREE event and all wives of deployed service members are welcome. Children's ministry will be available but space is limited.

RSVP by February 9th to Susane.

Updates

The blog has been updated! Check the "Current Bible Studies" page for information on upcoming Winter Studies. The new Bible studies will begin January 3rd, less than a week away!

What a great way to kick of the New Year!

Where's Home?

Submitted By De’Etta Goecker, Asia Region President

This simple question raises a dilemma for many third culture kids and military spouses, me included. “Where IS home?”

How do I answer?

If the person seems like one with whom I’d like to strike up a conversation, or one that is honestly interested, I often say, “Africa or The Philippines”. If the person seems to be simply fulfilling social obligations, I’ll say, “Oregon,” and let it drop. If they seem interested after that, I’ll say, “My parents were missionaries, and we spent furloughs in OR.” If they are STILL interested, we go on to discuss Africa, Philippines, boarding school, Montana, Texas, Alaska, Japan…. Since home is where the heart is, many in my family respond to the question with one word, “Alaska”.

The reality for many of us in the midst of an OConus assignment is we will not “be home for Christmas.” We have parents, spouses, and/or children who we may not see during these Holy Days. I’ve been musing.

As Christians we know that, “This world is not our home”. I eagerly anticipate the time when farewells will cease and we’ll endlessly worship Jesus together, face to face. But for this season….separations from dear ones hurt.

“Home is where the heart is”. Hmmm… If this is true, and I begin to think it is, then it is possible for home to be a spot I’ve never seen. It’s possible home is in Spokane, WA…Eugene, OR…Crescent City, CA….Anchorage, AK….San Angelo, TX…Mangagoy; PI….Liberia, W Africa and Kabul, Afghanistan. The ultimate home being heaven….

It seems to me that no matter where I travel…or where pieces of my heart land with loved ones…if home IS where the heart is… regardless of physical location…I am always HOME for the Holy Days.

And so this season, I’ll be contentedly home in OR, home in TX, home in CA, and home in Japan, while dreaming of great reunions to come when we’ll all be truly HOME together – forever.

I count it a joy to be “home” with so many of you in Asia. Please know I’m praying for you as you enter this season of celebrating our Lord’s birth in a country that may not always feel like “home” to you. I pray for a new awareness of all God’s heavenly gift means to us, and for you to bring a touch of “home” to all you interact with this season. Remember, I’m only a Skype away if you would like to talk this season.

Prayer Coordinator

We would like to announce that Erika will be the new Prayer Coordinator for Misawa PWOC. The purpose of the Prayer Coordinator is to partner with us as we pray for the needs of our members and community. If you have prayer requests that you would like to share with her directly, you can email her at Misawa_PWOC_prayer@yahoo.com. She will treat all prayer requests in a confidential manner.

White Chocolate Covered Peppermint Cookies

These cookies, with their white chocolate shell and bright red peppermint sprinkles, make for a very festive holiday platter. They are crispy and delicious, reminiscent of Girl Scout Thin Mints. Makes 4 dozen cookies.

Ingredients

1 c. all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling cookies

1/2 c. unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

5 tbsp butter, softened

3/4 c. sugar

1 large egg, plus 1 egg yolk

3/4 tsp mint extract

4 candy canes, crushed

2 (12 oz) bags white chocolate chips

4 tbsp shortening

Directions

1. Sift flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt together. Cream butter and sugar, then gradually beat in egg and yolk. Mix in mint extract. Slowly add flour mixture, and beat until incorporated. Shape dough into 2 disks, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate until firm (at least 1 hour, up to two days).

2. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Dough can be difficult to work with, but will be easier to roll out if the surface and rolling pin are cold. If you have a mat or large cutting board you want to use, put it and the rolling pin in the freezer for 10 minutes prior to rolling out the cookies. It can also be helpful to roll the dough between two sheets of wax paper. Roll out one disk of dough at a time, on a lightly floured surface to 1/8-inch thickness. If you find that the dough is sticky by the time it's rolled out, chill it for a few minutes in the freezer before cutting out the cookies.

3. Line cookie sheets with wax paper. Cut cookies using a 2-inch cookie cutter and place on cookie sheet, 1/2 inch apart. Bake 11-12 minutes. Transfer cookies and wax paper to wire racks to let cool. Roll and cut dough scraps once.

4. Sift crushed candy to separate larger pieces from dust, keeping both. Melt chocolate and shortening in a heatproof bowl placed over a pot of gently boiling water. Stir chocolate occasionally. Be sure that bowl is not actually touching the water. When chocolate is almost completely melted, remove from heat. (If left on heat, chocolate will burn and develop a paste-like consistency.) Stir until smooth.

5. Using tongs or forks, dunk cookies in chocolate, let excess chocolate drip off, and place on wax paper to cool. Before chocolate sets up, sprinkle some of the cookies with peppermint pieces and the rest with peppermint dust. Refrigerate until set.

Ladies Christmas Tea

What: Ladies Christmas Tea

When: Saturday, December 4^th, 10am-noon

Where: Susane’s home

Information: Contact Susane (misawapwocprez@yahoo.com) for more information

December Nursing Home Visits

Join PWOC this month for two nursing home visits. The first visit is Friday the 17th to celebrate birthdays. Then, on Tuesday, the 21st for a special Christmas visit. We are surprising the whole nursing home with hand tied fleece blankets that say, "God Loves Me!" for all the residents and staff. We will sing Carols and bring Christmas cookies. Both visits will begin at the BX parking lot near main gate at 3:30.

Contact Twyla if you are interested in donating cookies for the Christmas visit.

misawa_outreach@yahoo.com

Bible Study Info

Ladies~

Many of you have been wondering what's next for the PWOC bible studies... During the interim between our fall studies and winter studies we are going to have three independent whole group sessions. These will be held at the same time as our normally scheduled studies (6:30pm on Mondays and 9am on Tuesdays). The topics are as follows:

November 29th and 30th - "Biblical Hospitality" - Mary

December 6th and 7th - "Lasting Love and the Excellent Wife: Putting God First in Your Marriage" - Susane

December 13th and 14th - "Delightful Intimacy: Living the Divine Romance" - De'Etta

We will break for the weeks of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years. That means no PWOC on November 22nd/23rd, December 20th/21st or December 27th/28th. These sessions are independent so if you miss one, you can still jump in at anytime, so please feel free to make as many of them as possible. The speakers will be Wonderful!

The winter sessions will start the week of January 4th.
As for a sneak peak at our winter sessions....
The Inheritance-Beth Moore
A study from the word
Crazy Love-Francis Chan
Every Woman's Marriage-Shannon Ethridge

Intimacy on the Run

By: De'Etta Goecker

The greatest command is to love God wholeheartedly. Intimacy with God is my life’s priority, before serving His bride. The Gospels inform us the second commandment is “like the first,” – “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” This is where acts of service, leadership and volunteering in PWOCI enter into my relationship with Christ. Service and love of others flow from intimacy with Christ. This command is important, it is “like the first,” but it is clearly SECOND.

It is vital that I keep first things first. I am not primarily “Asia Region’s President.” I am foremost a lover of God. The “secret place,” the “garden tryst,” the “tent of meeting,” must be central in my life. I cannot create intimacy on the run. Yes, I can worship while I drive or workout at the gym…but if the totality of my intimacy with God is “on the run,” intimacy will wither. My relationship with Jesus will lack depth.

I once found myself in a season where I consistently treated my garden tryst with Jesus as a visit to the gas station. I filled up when the gauge was on empty. Not because I loved being at the gas station, but so I could get to what I really loved – the adventure of a road trip. I found myself, coming to Him in prayer and worship, to be filled up so I could pursue my first love, the adventure of serving the bride.

Jesus asks, “Am I your first love or is ministry your first love?”

“Am I your lover or your ministry partner?”

“Forgive me. You are the lover of my soul. You are my heart. Forgive me for the times when I try to exist with intimacy on the run. May I always love You more than Your precious bride.”

I am changed. I set the table with the bread and wine of His presence; I slow down, pull away and make a conscious choice to commune with Him. I settle in for private worship, study and simple silence in His presence… Intimacy is love enjoyed….to BE with Jesus, hear His heart and long for Him. The response of the heart of God is lavishly explosive when I set my heart to love Him above all else.

He invites us to a place of intimacy in the midst of our serving. Will you join Him? My prayer is that each of us pursues HIM above all else. He calls us first and foremost to love Him.

Ladies Lunch

Please join us this Thursday, November 4th, for a PWOC Ladies' Lunch.

We will meet at Viking at 11:00am. You can sign up with Susane at Bible study this week or you can just show up. Hope to see you there!

Directions to Viking:

From main gate - turn left at first light.

Continue straight through Lawson's intersection.

Continue past K's Hair Studio and Toyota Techno shop on left.

Soon afterwards, there will be a restaurant on your right with a black and white cat on the sign. Turn right here. Viking is the green building with a sign that says, "All-you-can-eat yaki niku/ korakuken."

Magnificent Collection

By De’Etta Goecker

Shortly after our arrival in Japan we enjoyed a walk on Momoishi Beach. Beachcombing is a new adventure for our family. I soon possessed quite a collection of beach trash. My 4 year old brought me a beautiful piece of “something.” Its smooth, almost transparent blue-green shine caught my eye. On closer inspection, I realized this treasure was yet another piece of trash. I couldn’t resist; I slipped it into my pocket as I let other pieces of twine, shell, and broken sand dollar fall to the sand.

I later learned Stacia had given me my very first piece of sea glass. Sea glass is trash thrown into the ocean, broken and common. Over time, through the pounding of waves, the trash is transformed. It gains a new shape, is polished, washes back on shore and is searched for, found, and saved by eager collectors. Some pieces are thin, some are a bit rough, some still bear the faint imprint of their original use, some shine and some are cloudy. Transformed trash becomes jewelry, key chains, charms… objects of delight to the Collector, all reflecting the colors of the sea.

Simple sea glass speaks to me. I’ve found Satan is pleased to remind me of my insecurities and failures. God lovingly reminds me where I once saw myself as trash, He sees me as part of a magnificent collection – His church. The world may find little value in me, but the Master Collector seeks me, chooses me, and lovingly delights in me.

Waves of trials and intimacy with Him transform me into something of value and worth, a piece of His magnificent collection. I’ve noted Christian women come in as great a variety as sea glass: some smooth and shiny, some a bit rough and bearing the imprint of the past. As you shine, wherever He has given you influence, may you see the varied collection He delights in and joy in our differences. May you rest in the fact you’ve been lovingly collected by the Collector.

My prayer for Asia Region is we realize anew that while “God doesn’t make trash,” He is certainly in the business of transforming what the world calls useless into objects of beauty, value and delight….His daughters. Will we partner with Him even as that transformation is sometimes messy? Will we love Him wholeheartedly and love others deeply (Mark 12:30-31)? May you rest today in the knowledge that the Master Collector is pleased to have you in His magnificent collection. He finds value, usefulness and delight in you.

Chapel Survey

Grace and peace to all!

The chapel is taking a survey. So far no 0800 service folks have replied and only a few of the 1100 worshippers have responded.

Please click on the link to take the survey:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/JL5QJG3

Please be patient!

The blog is undergoing a little bit of renovation. We are trying to make it more useful and user-friendly. Please be patient with us as we figure it out! :)

MONDAY NIGHT STUDY

Monday, 11 Oct is a holiday. Group consensus is that we did not want to miss a week of study.

 Therefore, we will NOT  meet on 11 Oct....but will meet in the chapel on 12 Oct - Tuesday Night -  from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. 

 I've been told there is also a Catholic Parish Council Meeting and so look for me either in the Conference Room or the Fellowship Hall (room across from the kitchen, go past the ladies restroom to the end of that hall and turn left).

LADIES LUNCH!!!

Where: Global Kitchen

When:Thursday, Oct. 7th @ 11am

Please sign-up at the bible studies on Mon. or Tues. or email Susane NLT Tues., 5 Oct.  Click here for map or email for directions. 

Children are welcome but we must know how many will join us in order to give Global Kitchen a head count. 

Hope you can join us! If you can't attend luncheons look for upcoming Ladies Nights Out. 

Bi-annual Bible Study Donation

Ladies, we will be collecting a suggested donation of $10 to help cover the cost of Bible Study material twice a year. If you choose to donate, you may do so at the first Monday evening and Tuesday morning Bible study of any month.

If the suggested donation poses a problem for you, please feel free not to donate. .

Join us at the Rally

If you missed the fun this evening, feel free to join us tomorrow for the second half of the Fall Rally.  Breakfast will begin at 0800....the first session will start at 0900. We'd love to have you join us!  Just come on by the chapel.

Salt, Light AND Sea Glass....cute!

You know what they say about women in the bathroom. ::snort:: Good sports in our "ice breaker". 

Three sweet (and slightly cold and wet) winners....

Fall Rally FAQ

Is the Fall Rally Free? YES,  for everyone.

What are the times of the rally? Friday night registration will begin at 6:00....service at 6:30 and be done by 9:00. Saturday breakfast is at 8:00 a.m. . Our day will conclude by 3:00 p.m. 

Can I attend if I don’t attend PWOC? ABSOLUTELY

Can I attend if I don’t attend the base chapel? ABSOLUTELY

What is a “fall rally”?  - Think of it as a mini-retreat: elements of a retreat – without the expense or the overnight stay.  One response on feedback forms last year, is that our women would like more time to get to develop relationships. Similarly, we  heard small groups at the spring retreat were a highlight of our year. The Fall Rally is designed to spiritually challenge, provide opportunity for you to form new friendships or renew old ones after the summer travel season, and provide an easy spot for you to sign up for fall Bible studies etc – if you desire.  There will be speakers, a panel discussion around our theme, an outreach project, small group sessions and plain fun.

I know Renee isn't speaking -who is? De'Etta will speak at one of our sessions, Heike Messer (missionary) will speak at another session, De'Etta will guide us through an interactive session. 

Is this just a ploy to get PWOC volunteers? No. You are welcome to attend even if you do not attend PWOC or do not plan to attend PWOC. The event is sponsored by PWOC. We will provide opportunity for you to sign up for fall studies, we will display outreach opportunities….but our goal is for this event to be a blessing to all who attend – even if you choose not to participate further in PWOC. Obviously, we’d love to have you join us for our Bible studies if you are not already plugged in to a Bible study that is meeting your needs.

Can I bring my baby? Yes.

Will you be providing children's ministry? No.  However, if you need names of youth who are willing to baby-sit, please let us know. Our concern for providing a program for the children was originally space (we weren't in the chapel) and now is the length of the day.

My schedule is up in the air, can I attend if I don't register? Yes. If you think you may attend, it helps us to plan if we include you in our number. Please consider registering with Windy, but by all means, do come if your weekend schedule unexpectedly clears up!

I can't attend the Fall Rally but would like to sign up for Fall Studies, where can I do this? Again, early registration serves to insure we have enough material and assign rooms properly. However, if you haven't been able to sign up at your chapel service and don't attend the Rally, you may sign up at the first study -Monday, 13 Sept @ 6:30 p.m. (Covenant) and Tuesday, 14 September @ 9:20 a.m.  Please contact Sarah with any Bible study related questions. More Bible study info can be found here. 

How can I help with the Fall Rally? We can find a variety of spots for help...would you like to run the audio or slides? Would you like to help set up Friday afternoon? Would you like to serve on the retreat team as we move into planning the spring retreat?  Let De'Etta know where you interest lies and we'll plug you in. 

If you have any other questions, feel free to email De'Etta. 

MOPS KICKOFF

Thursday - 26 August

3:00  - 4:30 p.m. 

New Park across from the Chapel!

Please drop by to play and reconnect.  Registration forms will be available if you haven't completed them.

Late Breaking Fall Rally News

I thought I'd answer a few quick questions about the Fall Rally.

This is shaping up to be a wonderful event.

Our theme is Shine in the Light of His Glory. Renee will speak to us for two sessions. We'll have a special guest speaker who will speak to us about "Shining Across Cultures". We'll have a panel discussion and be able to ask questions about how best to share Jesus with our Japanese friends. We'll work on a fantastic outreach project to bless a local nursing home at Christmas time.

You'll renew old friends after the summer travel season...and make some new friends too.

It's ALL FREE! Advance registration is only so we can have the right amount of food and supplies on hand.

We'll pass out a flier you can share with your friends this Sunday.

YES, you can attend the Fall Rally even if you don't attend the base chapel. We'd love to host you.

If you don't attend chapel and would like to sign up, or if you have any other questions, feel free to email De'Etta.

Misawa MOPS

MOPS KICK OFF

Thursday - 26 August

3:00  - 4:30 p.m. 

New Park across from the Chapel!

Please drop by to play and reconnect.  Registration forms will be available if you haven't completed them.

Facilitator Training ~ August 21st

Do you love to dig into the Word?  Are you eager to share Holy Spirit revealed truths with others? We need you.

Are you uncomfortable preparing and teaching a study, but comfortable leading a discussion of a video study (i.e. Beth Moore, Priscilla Shirer...)? We need you.

Do you feel a tug or interest to some day teach or facilitate a Bible study, but you aren't sure now is the time? We need you too. If you would like to assist and be mentored by an experienced facilitator, be sure to let Sarah know.

Bible Study Care Groups are foundational to PWOC.  We are seeking to have a facilitator/co-facilitator for each of our Fall Studies.

 FACILITATOR TRAINING
~For those who are leading a study in the fall or those who are simply interested in someday leading a study!

21 August ~ 9:00 - 11:30
Chapel 


For more information or to sign up email Sarah. Be sure to check out our upcoming Fall Studies (click colored words).

Swan Park Summer Outing

Our next Chapel Summer outing is this Thursday, 5 August, at 5:00 p.m.  Meet at the chapel parking lot to caravan to Swan Park. Feel free to bring a picnic dinner. The POC for this event is Kristin from MOPS.

VBS Recap

A note from Mary:

Thanks to our dedicated volunteers we were able to reach 265 children this week with the message of God's tremendous love.  Many of the children who came to us (as well as many of you) are new to Misawa this summer.  How wonderful it was to be able to welcome them into our community with an exciting week of activities and learning.This open armed welcome would not have been possible without all of you stepping forward to selflessly serve.

 VBS has grown from 80 children 2 years ago, 160 children last year to 265 Children this year!

 If you really enjoyed your week and would like to consider volunteering for other chapel RE programs please contact either Trish Cronin, the Catholic Religious Education Coordinator (stjudere@gmail.com), or Mary, the Protestant Religious Education Coordinator (misawaprotre@gmail.com).  There are lots of opportunities to serve.  

Don't Miss This!!!!

From Misawa Protestant Women of the Chapel

104 Days until Conference.....

PWOC International Conference is November 11 - 14th in Dallas, TX.  Priscilla Shirer will be our keynote speaker. Kari Jobe will be our lead worshipper. Conference is open to anyone who is seriously interested and who feels they could bring something back to share with the rest of the PWOC ladies. Limited space is available. Some funding and scholarships will be provided. If interested, please contact Susane.

What challenges do you need to overcome to attend? Can we brainstorm? Leave a comment and see if others have a solution to suggest.

  Read more about PWOC International conference here.

Coming Soon...

From Misawa Protestant Women of the Chapel

God Speaks Through Bread

By De'Etta Goecker

I've been praying for a rainy day so I could get some bread baked.

I've prayed all week, "God, give us a small break, so I can bake bread before we run out." The break hasn't come.

This morning I took out our last mini-loaf. It was a hot and humid morning. It was hot after chapel at 0900. It was HOT after Sunday brunch. It was HOT all the way home...until we crossed the Log Cabin Pachinko/Circle K intersection about a mile from our home. In the middle of the intersection there were PUDDLES and LOTS of rain....and it poured out by us. POURED....very cool.

 I did NOT feel like baking bread when God supplied a break in the weather. I had just enough time to take a much needed nap before heading back to chapel to help transform our sanctuary into a Pirate's ship in the ocean. 

 I'd been PRAYING for this all week...."Just a quick break, God, so I can bake before I run out of bread." I couldn't forget, I'd ASKED GOD FOR A BREAK in the weather. Not to take a nap or get a breather from the heat, but to BAKE BREAD.

I baked...and I pondered how often I pray for God's intervention, and am napping when He provides the answer.....

Wake me up, God....Give me a constant dose of Holy Spirit inspired No Doze.

Ahoy Maties!

Are your children signed up? If not, be sure to register this Sunday at any chapel service. I believe you can also bring your children early Monday a.m. It promises to be a great time. FMI contact Mary through the Chapel at x4630.

Fruity Curry Chicken Salad Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cooked and diced

• 1 stalk celery, diced

• 4 green onions, chopped

• 1 Golden Delicious apple - peeled, cored and diced

• 1/3 cup golden raisins

• 1/3 cup seedless green grapes, halved

• 1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans

• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon curry powder

• 3/4 cup light mayonnaise

Directions

1. In a large bowl combine the chicken, celery, onion, apple, raisins, grapes, pecans, pepper, curry powder and mayonnaise. Mix all together. Serve!

• Make this with some plain or lemon yogurt instead of using Mayonnaise. Or split it (half Mayo/ half yogurt). I add flax seed to everything. Serve on Pita break instead of a thicker bread to make it lower calorie or eat on top of a green salad.

*Sarah made this for our yearly planning meeting and it was GOOD.  Enjoy.

2010/11 Theme - Check this OUT!

If you've not seen this, watch it....and let God speak to you about the mighty work He is going to do in our midst as we focus on this God-inspired theme this year.

Twyla's Retreat Cake Balls

Ingredients

1 (18.25 ounce) package chocolate cake mix
1 (16 ounce) container prepared chocolate frosting
1 (3 ounce) bar chocolate flavored confectioners coating (Chocolate, may take more)

Directions

1.Prepare the cake mix according to package directions using any of the recommended pan sizes. When cake is done, crumble while warm into a large bowl, and stir in the frosting until well blended.

2.Melt chocolate coating in a glass bowl in the microwave, or in a metal bowl over a pan of simmering water, stirring occasionally until smooth.

3.Use a melon baller or small scoop to form balls of the chocolate cake mixture. Dip the balls in chocolate using a toothpick or fork to hold them. Place on waxed paper to set.

Nutritional Information  - 36 servings in recipe
Amount Per Serving Calories: 124; Total Fat: You don't want to know (5.2g); Cholesterol: < 1mg (does this make them heart healthy? ::snort::)


Twyla shares you can mix and match flavors. This works wonderfully with your homemade cake and frosting too.

The possibilities are endless.....

International Conference 2010

PWOC International Conference 2010
November 11 - 14, 2010
Dallas, TX
Registration begins August 2nd
Click here for more info

Please contact Susane to find out about  plans for women of Misawa PWOC to attend.  

Keynote Speaker: Priscilla Shirer

Priscilla Shirer is a BIBLE teacher. Through the expository teaching of the Word of God to women, her desire is to see women not only know the uncompromising truths of Scripture intellectually but experience them practically by the power of the Holy Spirit. Priscilla is a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary with a Master's degree in Biblical Studies. She has been a conference speaker for major corporations, organizations, and Christian audiences across the United States and the world.

Priscilla is married to her best friend, Jerry, and the couple has three sons: Jackson (7 yrs) Jerry Jr. (5 yrs) and Jude (1). They live in Dallas, Texas.

Jerry and Priscilla have founded Going Beyond Ministries (click for info) through which the message of God’s desire for a passionate love relationship with His children is boldly proclaimed. Going Beyond Revivals for women occur across the country several times a year.

Lead Worshiper

Young girls dream about becoming lawyers, fashion designers, nurses or mothers. Kari Jobe knew at 10 that she would be a worship leader. Raised in a Christian home with a father who was a traveling minister, Kari began singing in church when she was 3. She remembers her mother playing worship music in the house while growing up and even recalls the constant tug inside her toward worship. “I remember hearing a worship song that applied perfectly to a family that I knew and I knew that I wanted to write songs like that, for hurting people, songs that someone could speak to the Lord when they can’t find the words.” Read more...

Me? Meek?

By: De'Etta Goecker

Years ago I realized that many of the English words chosen to define Greek and Hebrew words mean something “different” to me than they did to the translators. Therefore, my first interpretation of the passage may well be different than what the Biblical authors were communicating. One such word that was an EYE-OPENER for me was “meek” or “gentle”. For years I beat myself up because my personality did not match my perception of what it meant to be a “meek woman”.

I prayed for years for “God to infuse me with a meek spirit”. I wasn’t quite sure why God hadn’t chosen to answer that prayer. I knew I was going to get hammered the week that we studied “meekness” in a Precept Sermon on the Mount study.

I was in for a huge surprise.

Gentleness or Meekness is Fruit of the Spirit. Any fruit in my life is produced only as I am in relationship with the Vine (Jesus) and His Holy Spirit. I can’t conjure it up on my own. Explore with me this fruit that the Holy Spirit desires to exhibit in my life.

“Gentleness” – also translated Meek, Mild - Strongs # 4236
*Dr. Spiros Zodhiates – Here are some highlights of this exciting word:

1. Does not denote an OUTWARD expression but an INWARD grace of the soul.

2. Calmness towards God

3. Acceptance of God’s dealings with us, considering them as good in that they enhance the closeness of our relationship with Him.

4. Expressing wrath towards sin

5. In the 3rd Beatitude expresses the blessedness that exists in one’s heart from being actively angry at evil.

6. Meekness is the balance between uncontrolled and unjustified anger and not becoming angry at all no matter what takes place around you.

*Spiros Zodhiates, The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament (Chattanooga, TN, AMG pub. 1992), p 1208.

Check it out! It has very little to do with outward expression. Why do so many authors then focus on the external to validate our “meek spirit”? It’s to be a fruit in all believers’ lives – it’s not a singularly feminine requirement. ::snort:: At it’s root is SURRENDER to God’s dealings…..realizing that even bleak circumstances draw me closer to Him in RELATIONSHIP. It’s an INWARD GRACE. Meekness is a BALANCE between doing nothing and uncontrolled anger and rudeness. In its very make up it involves TAKING A STRONG STAND…..but it involves grace and balance. At times I’ve been guilty of uncontrolled anger characterizing my life. At other times I’ve swung to passivity. Neither is to be our godly stance when confronted with sin or an evil society.

God had worked meekness into my life as I prayed for him to root it out and to grace me with what I considered to be “meek”. Amazing.

As I contemplate a new school year, a new season of ministry, I think of this word again. I want my life to exhibit a meek spirit….a calmness, a surrender, a balance between ignoring sin and killing the sinner…..I want to be filled with His spirit which will lead to a life of meekness.

Here are a few other spots in Scripture where this word is used – with the definition above.

I Cor. 4:21 – Paul asks if he should come with a rod or a spirit of meekness
2 Cor 10:1 – Paul beseeches believers by the meekness of Christ
Gal 5:23 – a fruit of the Spirit
Gal 6:1 – Spirit that restoration with which restoration is to take place
Eph 4:2 - Show love for one another with meekness
Col 3:12 – we are to put on meekness
I Tim 6:11 – flee immorality and follow among other things meekness
2 Tim 2:25 – our teaching is to be in meekness
Titus 3:2 – we are to show meekness to all men

Did You Miss the Fun?

Makes plans to join us for our next visit on 27 August.

For more information contact Twyla at Misawa_outreach@yahoo.com 
Visit Information here
Donation Suggestions here

Towada Horse Park!

Join us for the next of our Summer Chapel Outings on 20 July as we venture to Towada Horse park.

  We will meet at the Chapel parking lot at 10:00 a.m. and caravan together.

Bring along a picnic lunch and some yen for goodies like ice cream, horse rides, and vending machines. Anyone is welcome to participate. If you have any questions, please contact Susane at misawapwocprez@yahoo.com.

Click here for a schedule of future Summer Outings.

Apple Cinnnamon Muffins

Ladies, Sarah's been spoiling us at meetings. You have to try these. Yum.

Ingredients
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 egg
• 1/3 cup milk
• 2 apples - peeled, cored and chopped

• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup butter, cubed
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon


Directions
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease six muffin cups or line with paper muffin liners.

2. Stir together 1 1/2 cup flour, 3/4 cup sugar, salt, baking powder and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Mix in oil, egg and milk. Fold in apples. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups, filling to the top of the cup.

3. In a small bowl, stir together 1/2 cup sugar, 1/3 cup flour, butter and 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon. Mix together with fork and sprinkle over unbaked muffins.

4. Bake in preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into center of a muffin comes out clean.

*Replace oil with Applesauce or split it (half apple sauce/half oil) Use whole wheat flour and add some flaxseed. I doubled the recipe when I made it and it made about 2 dozen. Just some ways to make it a little healthier and cut out some calories. I also added the Carmel Dulce De Leche sprinkles from Pampered chef to the top of the muffins and it gave them a crunchy topping!

Upcoming Bible Studies!!!

 Starting the week of 12 September! Monday nights from 6:30 - 8:00 in the Chapel Conference Room. Tuesday mornings from 9:00 - 11:30 in the Chapel Fellowship Hall and Classrooms. Childrens' ministry will be provided on Tuesday mornings.

 You'll have a hard time deciding which study to participate in this fall.

Kay Arthur provides a personal study experience five days a week in this in-depth women's Bible study from LifeWay. Covenant explores God’s initiatives with humanity by studying His covenants throughout history. Kay shows that the idea of covenant — God’s enduring promise — is key to understanding our relationship to God. Kay will guide you in exploring the benefits and responsibilities of covenant, as well as the character of the covenant initiator. Learn the remarkable ways the Old Covenant points to the promises of the New Covenant. This small-group resource is designed for 8 weeks of study.

Jennifer Rothschild's study encourages women to clean out the junk in our minds and replace hidden negative thoughts with positive truths from God's word. Words are powerful. Especially the words we women speak to ourselves. All too often, what we say to ourselves when we lie in bed at night or look in the mirror in the morning is not even close to the words God wants to speak to our souls. According to Rothschild, what we think about often has a ripple effect on nearly every area of our lives. (7 sessions)

Beth Moore’s study of Genesis 12-50, discovers God's pursuit of a relationship with man. Full of twists and turns, ruin and redemption, revelation and mystery this Bible study keeps participants captivated by the God who stars in it! Explore concepts such as blessing, covenant, and promise, and the bearing each has on a New Testament believer’s life today. Group members will also study the Hebrew names of God introduced on the early pages of Scripture. Throughout these 10 weeks of exciting, engaging intrigue, participants will plunge into the heart of Genesis, to God’s remarkable pursuit of relationship, and to the unfolding of His earthly plan: that through one nation—and ultimately, one man—all people on earth will be blessed. Many of the most profound and enduring concepts in the whole counsel of God’s Word are initiated in this marvelous book of beginnings.

Study the letter of Peter to first century Christians verse by verse as we study First Peter, straight from the Bible itself. Take a deep look at what Peter says to the Christians being persecuted in Rome. If you are wondering what God is doing in the world of our day and what is going to happen in the face of all the tensions and pressures and possibilities of uncertainty that await us in the future, this is an excellent letter to read as it is written to Christians under similar circumstances.

Summer Chapel Outings

Want to get off base this summer and explore the local community? Join us for our Summer Chapel Outings. We will meet at the Chapel parking lot and caravan together to the following locations. Bring along a picnic lunch and some yen for goodies like ice cream and vending machines. Anyone is welcome to participate. If you have any questions, please contact the POC for the outing you are interested in.


June 22 Statue of Liberty Park 10:00 am POC: Susane misawapwocprez@yahoo.com

July 10 Shipwreck Beach 10:00 am POC: Mary contact through Chapel at x4630

July 20 Horse Park 10:00 am POC: Susane misawapwocprez@yahoo.com
Aug. 5 (evening) Swan park 5:00 pm POC: Kristin misawamops@gmail.com
Aug. 24 Space & Aviation 10:00 am POC: Kristin misawamops@gmail.com

We hope to see you and your family at these great activities.

Ministry Opprotunity

PWOC is excited to announce our next opportunity to visit a local nursing home! We are going to bring birthday gifts to seven ladies who have their special day in June and to sing them "Happy Birthday". This is a short visit, but one filled with much joy as we show Christ's love to our fellow Japanese. Please consider joining us with your precious children. We will meet in the BX parking lot near the main gate at 3:30 on Friday, June 25th. We will then carpool and caravan out to the nursing home.

For more information contact Twyla at Misawa_outreach@yahoo.com 
Visit Information here
Donation Suggestions here

More Retreat Photos

Lisa's Cafe Group

Thanks, Lisa, for sharing a few of your photos with us. Ladies, enjoy another look back at Sweet Life Cafe. It's our prayer that you are continuing to Savor the Presence of God in your life this summer.

Remember, if you'd like to share your photos email them to De'Etta at dschoosingjoy@gmail.com A disc will be compiled of all photos.