WOMEN’S MINISTRIES

…Growing Towards Biblical Womanhood

“O taste and see that the LORD is good; how blessed is the woman who takes refuge in Him.” –Psalm 34:8

The purpose of Women’s Ministries is to glorify God by reaching women and…

•    leading them to know God in a personal and vibrant way;
•    equipping them to become more like Christ;
•    challenging them to pattern their lives according to God’s Word;
•    encouraging them to develop deep friendships and accountability;
•    providing them opportunities to serve others;
•    and in everything…reflecting the beauty of the Lord Jesus Christ



Some of the many opportunities offered by Women’s Ministries:

UPCOMING WOMEN’S EVENTS

BREAKAWAY FOR RENEWAL 2008
“LISTEN TO THE MUSIC”
SEPTEMBER 19TH-21ST, 2008 – Renaissance Orlando Resort at Sea World
It’s everywhere.  It inspires.  It speaks things that words cannot.  The music of our lives frames our memories and celebrates our experiences.  It makes us joyful and fills the deepest well of our emotions.  As it flows over us, we want to smile and dance and clap and sing.

It is God’s creation and gift to us.  In the Psalms we are adored, encouraged and comforted.  The God of eternity sings to our hearts and dances over our spirits.

Are you listening?  Break away from the roar of the world and let’s get together for some soul music!

Keynote Speaker, Lisa Harper has been lauded as a master storyteller who’s writing and speaking overflows with colorful pop culture references that bridge the gap between the Bible era and modern-day life.  Her style combines sound biblical exposition with easy-to-relate-to stories and comedic wit that is quite simply one of a kind.  Max Lucado calls Lisa one of the “best Bible tour guides around” and Priscilla Evans Shirer adds, “If anyone can help us to hear, understand and receive the truth of Scripture it is Lisa Harper.  Her God-given ability to not merely teach the Word but package it in a way that stirs the heart and calls to action is incomparable.”  Lisa has been the director of Focus on the Family’s national women’s ministry for six years and recently completed a Masters of Theological Studies from Covenant Theological Seminary.  You can find more information by visiting Lisa’s website at www.lisaharper.net.

Worship Leader, Al Denson has 15 years as a major label recording artist and six hit albums to his credit, who’s free with a joke—usually at his own expense—has always been serious and intent about the words and music he writes and performs.  His mission is to ‘always live the words he writes in everyday life through the actions he takes and words he speaks.’  Al’s desire is to usher people into the presence of God and he has an unsurpassed compassion and unique ability to spread the life changing message of Christ through his words and music.  He lives in Colleyville, Texas with wife, Tracie, and their two sons.

Schedule:
Registration begins at 3:00 pm, Friday, September 19, 2008.  The first session begins Friday evening at 7:30 pm and concludes at noon on Sunday.

Conference Fee:
The conference fee covers lodging, lunch and dinner on Saturday, tuition and conference materials.  Dinner on Friday evening and breakfast on Saturday and Sunday are on your own.  Hotel parking is $6 per day.

Lodging:
We will stay at the beautiful Renaissance Orlando Resort at Sea World.  All participants are encouraged to stay at the resort to maximize their retreat experience.  A reduced fee is not available for those who choose to stay elsewhere.

Renaissance Orlando Resort at Sea World
6677 Sea Harbor Drive
Orlando, FL 32821
(407) 351-5555





YOU & YOUR GIRL CONFERENCE WITH VICKI COURTNEY
OCTOBER 24TH-25th, 2008 – First Orlando’s Worship Center
Come join us for this mother/daughter event that will give you spiritual encouragement and practical tools to help navigate you and your daughter through this generation.  Vicki Courtney is an author, speaker and founder of Virtuous Reality Ministries, which reaches more than 150,000 girls and mothers a year, through books, speaking engagements and blogs www.virtuousreality.com (for teen girls) and www.virtuealert.com (for moms).  In addition to Vicki’s message, you will hear from Jackie Kendall, Sissy Goff, Melissa Trevathan and worship leaders Lindsey Kane and Bethany Dillon.
Moms save $15 by registering by Aug. 24th!
Tickets are $60 for moms, $45 for first daughter and $20 for each additional daughter
(*childcare not provided)
Register online at www.lifeway.com/events or by calling (800) 254-2022

WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDIES

MONDAYS - STARTING SEPTEMBER 8, 2008
*childcare is available for Monday morning studies by calling Women’s Ministries at (407) 514-4432 or by registering at www.firstorlando.com under Communities-Women

CAN WE TALK? (Priscilla Shirer)
Teacher:        Jennifer Adamson & Carroll Dyer
Offered:        Mondays at 9:15 am
No. of Weeks:    7 Weeks
Session time:    2 hours
Room:        WC-132/134
God really wants to talk with you.  Why do we go to such great lengths to talk to people but neglect God?  Priscilla Shirer shows you how your time in God’s Word can be a two-way conversation with the Father.  Scripture is alive and it is the chief means of communication we have with Him.  Priscilla will mentor you in this study, as you develop your own conversations with God through Scripture.  Workbooks are available in the bookstore.


THE TRUTH PROJECT
Teacher:        Tricia Whitaker
Offered:        Mondays at 9:15 am
No. of Weeks:    12 Weeks
Session time:    90 minutes
Room:        WC-139
In a recent study, the Barna Research Group revealed a stunning statistic that only 9% of professing Christians have a biblical worldview.  Because of this, many of today’s professing believers live similar lives to that of non-believers.  This study by Focus on the Family invites you to participate in God’s continued calling of ordinary people to make an eternal difference in our world.  Books are available in the bookstore.


TUESDAYS - STARTING AUGUST 26, 2008

GOSPEL OF JOHN-Part I (a Precept Inductive Study)
Teacher:        Jeannie Boyer
Offered:        Tuesdays at 9:15 am
No. of Weeks:    12 Weeks
Session time:    2 hours
Room:        AP-2
How well do you know the Son of God?  Are you convinced that what He said about Himself is true?  From beginning to end, John reveals Jesus as the Son of God.  From chapters 1-11, learn to walk with Jesus as the Light of the World and your relationship with Him will become more intimate.  Workbooks are available in the bookstore.
*The Gospel of John will be taught in its entirety in 3 sessions:  Fall (Part I-A), Winter (Part I-B) and Spring (Part II).  New students are always welcome, but we encourage students to attend the Fall session in order to get the most out of the study.


SEEKING HIM
Teacher:        Sharon Hodges
Offered:        Tuesdays at 9:15 am
No. of Weeks:    12 Weeks
Session time:    2 hours
Room:        WC-139
Revival is just an emotional touch ... but a complete transformation! It can happen ... in your heart ... in your home ... in your church ... in your world. Get ready to experience the freedom and joy of an honest and humble heart, true repentance, God's amazing grace, genuine holiness, a clear conscience, radical forgiveness, sexual purity, and walking in the Spirit. God says that if you seek Him you will find Him. What are you waiting for?  Workbooks are available in the bookstore.


WEDNESDAYS - STARTING AUGUST 27, 2008

CAN WE TALK? (Priscilla Shirer)
Teacher:        TBA
Offered:        Wednesdays at 6:00 pm
No. of Weeks:    7 Weeks
Session time:    2 hours
Room:        E2-214
God really wants to talk with you.  Why do we go to such great lengths to talk to people but neglect God?  Priscilla Shirer shows you how your time in God’s Word can be a two-way conversation with the Father.  Scripture is alive and it is the chief means of communication we have with Him.  Priscilla will mentor you in this study, as you develop your own conversations with God through Scripture.  Workbooks are available in the bookstore.


CREATIVE CORRECTION (Lisa Whelchel)
Teacher:        Holly Smith
Offered:        Wednesdays at 6:00 pm
No. of Weeks:    7 Weeks
Session time:    2 hours
Room:        E2-338
A positive, practical, and biblical approach to build character in children, correct behavioral issues, and teach moral values that will last a lifetime!  You will find this study to be a great encouragement for understanding your children’s needs, for feeling refreshed and equipped, and for finding hope in the rewarding task of rearing healthy, happy children.  Lisa’s ideas are fresh, but based on the timeless truths of God’s Word.  Workbooks are available in the bookstore.


GOSPEL OF JOHN-Part I-A (a Precept Inductive Study)
Teacher:        Jeannie Boyer
Offered:        Wednesdays at 6:00 pm
No. of Weeks:    12 Weeks
Session time:    2 hours
Room:        E2-211
How well do you know the Son of God?  Are you convinced that what He said about Himself is true?  From beginning to end, John reveals Jesus as the Son of God.  From chapters 1-11, learn to walk with Jesus as the Light of the World and your relationship with Him will become more intimate.  Workbooks are available in the bookstore.
*The Gospel of John will be taught in its entirety in 3 sessions:  Fall (Part I-A), Winter (Part I-B) and Spring (Part II).  New students are always welcome, but we encourage students to attend the Fall session in order to get the most out of the study.


MASTERLIFE FOR WOMEN-Part III & IV
Teacher:        Dawn Pici
Offered:        Wednesdays at 6:00 pm
No. of Weeks:    13 Weeks
Session time:    2 hours
Room:        E2-231
Part III - The focus of this study is overcoming the enemy by learning how to rely on God’s Word and stand victoriously.  As you begin demolishing your personal spiritual strongholds to “take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ,” you will learn to believe God for all He wants to do through you. (7 weeks)
Part IV - You will join God’s mission of making disciples by identifying your stage in growth and your role in ministry.  Discover your spiritual gifts and determine a ministry to which God is leading you. (6 weeks)
*You will get the greatest benefit if you have taken Part I or Part II prior to this study.


PRAYER JOURNEYS FOR WOMEN
Teacher:        Ann Combs
Offered:        Wednesdays at 6:00 pm
No. of Weeks:    6 Weeks
Session time:    90 minutes
Room:        E2-230
Do you ever think, “God answers more prayers for other people than He does for me?”  If you were to reflect on the past, you would see God’s answers were there.  Journaling your prayer journey is a great way to see how God really does answer your prayers!  Join us for a special time of reflection and journey as we take a look at how active our God is in our prayer life today and in the days ahead.  Prayer Journey journals are available at the first session or in the bookstore.


SHELTER FROM THE STORM
Teacher:        Jeanette Gardenhire
Offered:        Wednesdays at 6:00 pm
No. of Weeks:    13 Weeks
Session time:    2 hours
Room:        Please call Jeanette at (407) 345-1348 for location
Many of us know the pain of a troubled past – especially a past that includes sexual abuse.  Survivors of such abuse need a safe place where healing can take place without pressure.  Facilitated by lay women who are themselves survivors, this class will help you take the first steps toward the healing found only in Jesus Christ.  For more information and registration, call Jeanette Gardenhire at 407-345-1348.  Workbook available in bookstore.


SIGNIFICANT WOMAN
Teacher:        Lisa Thomas
Offered:        Wednesdays at 6:00 pm
No. of Weeks:    10 Weeks
Session time:    2 hours
Room:        E2-228
Don’t miss this opportunity to join other women for this life-coaching discipleship course created by Campus Crusade for Christ.  This new resource is based on six biblical life principles presented in a fun and supportive Life Coaching group setting.  During this study you will learn the answers to your heart questions, uncover your uniqueness in Christ and discover your own personal life mission to help you flourish on your journey of living a life of significance.  

WOMEN’S JAIL MINISTRY

The Women’s Jail Ministry ministers to an often-forgotten group of women.  This group of dedicated women leads weekly Bible studies and worship services with the inmates, and many engage in one-on-one mentoring relationships.  The true heart of this ministry is to love, accept, pray with them, and share the Gospel of Christ.  For more information, please call Women’s Ministries at (407) 514-4432.

G.R.A.C.E. – God Redeems All Crisis Experiences

A troubled past can be very painful, especially when that past includes sexual abuse.  G.R.A.C.E. provides a place where women may gain confidence and start experiencing freedom from the shame and confusion of their past.  Each confidential small group is led by a trained facilitator, who is herself a survivor of sexual abuse, and supported by trained counselors.  Women find strength through God’s Word to begin the healing process.  For more information, please call Barbara Madison at (407) 859-3662.

*New G.R.A.C.E. sponsored study, Shelter from the Storm, will begin in the Fall.

MENTORING

Women helping women – it’s the basis of mentoring.  There are several programs available to meet the needs of women in different stages of their lives.  Our current mentoring programs are:

Apples of Gold

“Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live…to teach what is good.  Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children…so that no one will malign the word of God.” –Titus 2:3-5

Imagine a dozen women of varying ages sitting in a living room, discussing what God’s Word has to say about loving your husband and showing hospitality.  Imagine learning how to prepare a meal that’s company-worthy.  Imagine a 25 year old newlywed making friends with women who’ve been married 25 years.  Apples of Gold is this, and more.

This program is designed specifically for training younger married women in the arts of creating a godly home.  It provides a wonderful opportunity for women of different generations to interact, share, and learn, fulfilling the mandates of Titus 2:3-5 for older women to teach the younger.  During this six-week course, a team of mentors works with a small group of women in a private home.  Each session consists of Bible study which explores the Titus 2 themes.  Next comes learning practical skills of home keeping and hospitality, which includes an opportunity to learn practical cooking skills through demonstration and a shared meal.  Soon after the course concludes, there is a special candlelight dinner for the participants and their spouses.

*New sessions begin in September – Please call Women’s Ministries at (407) 514-4432 for more information.


Mom to Mom

Mom to Mom is a biblical, heart to heart ministry led by godly mentor moms.  It is designed to nurture and encourage younger women in their roles as the godly wives and mothers God has purposed them to be.  Women experience practical teaching of biblical principles for the everyday issues faced by today’s wives and mothers, combined with up-close relationships with older women, and heart to heart encouragement from other moms.  They are refreshed and encouraged in their faith and hope in the powerful God who gave them their children.  Mom to Mom meets every other Wednesday morning January to May and September to December.  Childcare is limited and by registration only by calling Women’s Ministries at (407) 514-4432 or by registering at www.firstorlando.com under Communities-Women.

*New session begins on Wednesday, Sept. 3rd in WC-132/134 at 9:15 am


New Start 4 Single Moms

“Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: caring for single mothers and their children…”  -James 1:27

Let’s face it—few women ever plan on being a single mother.  Women who are parenting alone face unique challenges in all aspects of life.  New Start 4 Single Moms is designed to assist single moms of all ages in better managing some of these challenges.

During the twelve-week program, you are paired with a godly prayer partner and listening friend who will work with you to learn from the past, gain power in the present, and find hope and joy for the future.  Together you will study Scripture, discuss the art of parenting, plan new goals, work through emotions, and more.  Some of the practical application studies and workshops include:

•    Crisis-Proofing your budget
•    Intimacy with God
•    Breaking the cycle of pain for your children
•    Healing of the emotions
•    Goal setting with confidence

A fresh start is waiting for single moms through an understanding of the love, power, and peace of God for you personally.

Please call (407) 514-4328 for more information.