garden getaway catalog

w o m e n’s m i n i s t r y r e t r e a t d i r e c t o r ’s k i t & r e s o u r c e s

20142015

g a r d e n - t h e m e d r e t r e a t

any location • any season

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We l c o m e t o Garden Getaway

Joani is the Chief Creative officer at Group. she has the exciting job of leading all the innovators at Group in creating life-changing resources for churches all over the world. she thinks she has the best job here…i don’t have the heart to tell her that i actually have the best job! (shhh…)

and i’m the “Champion” for women’s ministry at Group. doesn’t that sound fun?! i get to spend a lot of time talking to women like you, and then i get to develop new ideas (like retreat kits) that help advance women’s ministries around the world. (Now don’t you agree that sounds like the best job? Me too!)

Come on—let me tell you more about our retreats…

This is Joani, and I’m Amy.

Before you dig into the information about Garden Getaway, we wanted to share a little bit about what makes Group retreat kits so special. But first, here’s a little about us…

We release a new theme wi th new content ever y year!

3O r d e r t O d a y ! 8 0 0 .4 4 7.10 7 0 g r o u p . c o m / w o m e n s r e t r e a t s

s a y h e l l o t o t h e modern women‘s retreat.

Ready to jump into Garden Getaway?

What makes a Group retreat kit so special? every kit we develop is designed to help women build relationships by sharing their own stories and experiences with each other, allowing friendships to form and grow naturally. No speaker is needed with a Group retreat! With the focus on sharing and small groups, we promise it’s unlike any women’s retreat you’ve done before. Plus, women don’t just hear a lesson or Bible story; they engage in a variety of activities, Bible study, worship, christian service, and more—together.

What is a retreat kit?it’s everything you need to plan and lead a women’s retreat wherever you like, in one simple kit! We provide the guides, supply lists, Bible content, music, activities, and more. You just choose your time and location, plan it all out, and have a blast! the kit makes planning stress-free!

Did you know? Research shows that those who have friends at church are more likely to be involved, to grow in their faith, and to stay connected. Plus, having friends is good for your health. After all, God designed us to be social—we need friends!

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Looking inside each session…

A t i m e t o walk with God a n d f e e l r e f r e s h e d.

session 1during this session women experience a time of worship, participate in a fun icebreaker to help them get to know each other better, and begin focusing on ecclesiastes 3 and the “seasons” of life that God has them in. We explore the reality that throughout the many seasons in our lives, God is in control.

session 2Women start with a time of singing and then move into a discussion of what beauty is and how God makes everything—including us—beautiful in his time. the Bible shows us that God lets us see a part of his plan, but he is the Master Gardener who is making our lives beautiful according to his design.

do you long for a time of relaxation spent with friends? A time to get away from the busyness of life and just walk with God? it’s time for a lovely, green, and vibrant Garden Getaway. the Garden Getaway retreat director’s kit is here to help you plan and host a top-notch, garden-themed retreat, focused on building friendships and studying God’s amazing Word.

“ Le t me hear of your unfai l ing l ove each morn ing , fo r I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give mysel f to you.”

—Psalm 143:8


session 3the title of our retreat says that Garden Getaway is a place where women walk with God—and in this session they literally do just that. Women go on a prayer walk where they talk to God, listen to God, and reflect on God’s Word. this experience works no matter what your retreat location is.

session 4 one way we walk with God is by walking alongside others and supporting them in times of need. Women take time to pray for someone they know who is in a discouraging or difficult season of life, and then they create a gift that will grow into a flowering plant, which they can deliver to that friend right after the retreat.

session 5 in this session women consider the weeds, disease, and pests that get into the garden of our lives and discover how important it is to keep those out of our lives instead of letting them fester and destroy us. Women also consider the difficult seasons of life that God has allowed, pray for each other, and turn to God for the healing of their hearts.

session 6the retreat wraps up with a celebration of all God is doing in our lives. Women see God’s desire that they find joy in every season of life and focus on being grateful for the gifts God has given them.

Download a PDF of this overview at group.com/GardenGetaway.

The f lexible schedule and format works for your needs.All six sessions can be done in a single day, a one-night getaway, or a ful l weekend with two nights. The Director Guide gives you schedules for al l three opt ions.

It‘s simple t o g e t s t a r t e d !

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Garden Getaway is available for Fall 2014 and Spring 2015 retreats.

even f i r s t - t ime re t rea t p lanners can achieve high-quali ty resul ts!the Garden Getaway retreat director’s kit provides everything you need to plan and lead a wonderful retreat for women in your church and community. the easy-to-use detailed guides help you achieve top-notch results—even if you’re a first-time planner!

inside the kit you’ll find:

• director resources

• leader resources

• samples of the participant essentials, tote bag, music cd, and pen


Let’s take a look inside the kit!

You get your retreat theme, Bible content, worship, and, of course, fun—all in one nifty package. Just add some supplies and women, and you’ve got a wonderful retreat experience. Plus…

the kit leads you step by step in planning, recruiting, training, promoting, and leading your retreat.

no speaker is needed. Anyone comfortable in front of a group can be a session leader. the leader guides make it super simple and stress-free!

it works in any venue—someone’s home, your church, a hotel, a retreat center, or a resort—anywhere!

it’s flexible, which makes it ideal for a variety of uses, such as:

Retreat Planner!

t h e k i t i s l i k e h a v i n g y o u r o w n p e r s o n a l r e t r e a t p l a n n e r i n a b o x …

• one-day women’s events

• overnight retreats

• two-day retreats

• leadership team-building

• outreach events for women in your community

• girls-only youth events

• any event where women (and teen girls) of any age want to come together to explore God’s Word

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Garden Getaway d i r e c t o r ’s k i t — j u s t p i c k i t u p a n d g e t s t a r t e d !


Here’s what’s inside:Garden Getaway Director GuideAll the planning is done for you! All the details are there, including a countdown that tells you what to do and when, materials lists, and even what volunteers you need to recruit.

Garden Getaway Training & Promo DVDYou get complete training for your volunteers plus professionally-produced retreat commercials and a valuable visual preview of the entire retreat experience.

Graphics & Other Goodies CDHere are ready-to-use retreat- themed clip art, registration tools, publicity items, and reproducible resources for promotion and follow-up. Also includes instrumental tracks for the Garden Getaway worship music and additional instrumental background music to use during your retreat. (compatible with both Mac and Pc.)

Garden Getaway worship Leader Guideone is included in the kit. You get session-by-session, easy-to-follow directions for leading worship at Garden Getaway.

6 session Leader GuidesWith one for each session, these complete step-by-step guides for leading each of the six sessions include supply lists, too!

Also included! A sample of each of the per-guest essentials, plus the tote bag, music cd, and pen. Items marked with * are essential for each woman to have for the full retreat experience. Order one for every guest.

Participant Guide* scripture Pendant*Blessings keeper*Music of Garden Getaway cdtote BagPen

(turn to pages 10 -13 for information and pricing)

all this in one easy-to-use kit!

Bonus!in each participant guide, we’ve included a sample chapter of an awesome, new Bible study—this Means Love. this study, focused on serving others, is perfect for follow-up after your retreat! (turn to page 22 for more info.)

$79.99

9 7 8 - 1 - 4 7 0 7 - 0 8 6 2 - 7

cANAdA $91. 9 9

only


Garden Getaway Participant Guidethis participant guide is each woman’s personal guidebook for the retreat. inside are all the Bible passages used during the retreat, plus discussion guides, self-directed experiences, song lyrics, and more. it’s essential!

Canada $5.99 978-1-4707-0864-1$4.99

Bundle to save on these essentials! (See page 15.)

orde r e a c h o f t h e s e e s s e n t i a l s f o r eve r y woman.

essential!order 1 for every guest.

to make your retreat go off without a hitch, you’ll want to be sure every woman has the essentials. these ensure your guests will be able to follow along during every session. Be sure to order one for every guest!


Garden Getaway scripture Pendantduring session 6, each woman will receive this special gift during a meaningful personal experience. this beautiful pendant is a turquoise cord and a dragonfly charm, a perfect reminder of their garden experience. the charm is made of zinc alloy with a bronze finish and is embossed with “Walk with God” on one side. Nickel and cadmium free. Made in china.

Garden Getaway Blessings keeperthis fun leaf-shaped carabiner comes with 10 flower shapes made of cardstock. the Blessings keeper will be used throughout the retreat as women write prayer requests, thoughts, and encouragement on each of the flowers. Women will cherish this long after the retreat is over!

Canada $6.99 978-1-4707-0865-8$5.99

Canada $6.99 978-1-4707-1087-3$5.99

Pendant back



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Music of Garden Getaway cdthis beautiful worship album contains a mix of familiar contemporary songs and classic hymns. With both upbeat and reflective music and custom-recorded female vocals, it’s the perfect companion to the Garden Getaway retreat. use these affordably priced cds as gifts for each of your guests, or have a stack available for purchase during your retreat. We promise that your guests will want one!

songs include:Fairest Lord Jesusi come to the Garden AloneYou Alone Are WorthyWhat Wondrous Love is this10,000 reasonsBeautiful thingsdesert songYou Are Good(Go online to hear samples.)

Canada $9.49 978-1-4707-0861-0

$7.99

Make your gues ts fee l pampered and loved.

these great gift items will make your guests feel even more special and will be wonderful mementos to help them remember their retreat experience for years to come.

See page 14 to save on these terrific extras!

terrific extra!


Garden Getaway tote Bagthis exclusive tote is perfect for carrying a Bible, water bottle, and all the Garden Getaway goodies. Made of bright green felt with flower cutouts and the Garden Getaway logo, it’s so adorable, every woman will want one! Plus, women can use it over and over again as a purse, lunch sack, and more. Give them as gifts, use them as gift bags, or sell them at your retreat. size: 11 in. x 7.5 in.

Garden Getaway Pen (package of 8)this custom Garden Getaway ballpoint pen is great for women to use during the retreat as they journal and take notes. Fuchsia colored with a rubberized grip.

Canada $8.49 978-1-4707-0867-2$6.99

Canada $9.49 978-1-4707-1130-6$7.99

pkg. of 8

terrific extra!

terrific extra!

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Garden Getaway extra Value Packto really treat and pamper your guests, get each woman an extra Value Pack, which includes all the essentials plus the terrific extras. You save the most when you bundle all these items together.

• Participant Guide• scripture Pendant• Blessings keeper• tote Bag (11 in. x 7.5 in.)• Music of Garden Getaway cd• Pen

Save money b y b u n d l i n g t h e i t e m s y o u n e e d !

Canada $28.99 | 978-1-4707-0869-6

$24.99only

these bundles are designed to save you money—and delight your guests. Buy just the essentials

for each woman with the essentials Value Pack, or go all out and get each woman an extra

Value Pack which includes the terrific extras. You can’t lose…you save either way!

25%save nearly


Garden Getaway essentials Value PackGet all the essentials at one great price. these items are used during the retreat, so they are essential for each woman to have for the complete retreat experience.

• Participant Guide• scripture Pendant• Blessings keeper

Canada $16.49 978-1-4707-0868-9

$13.99

15% save more than

Garden Getaway add i t i o na l i t em s ma ke y o u r r e t r e a t c omp l e t e !

Garden Getaway cupthis custom-imprinted cup is designed to look like a mason jar and features the Garden Getaway logo. it’s so cute, women will want to use it year-round! Makes a great gift, or have them available for purchase at your retreat! includes green lid and straw. 25 oz. BPA free. Acrylic. Not microwave or dishwasher safe.

Canada $10.49 978-1-4707-0870-2$8.99

seed Paper Butterflies (package of 8)Pre-cut into cute butterfly shapes, this seed paper can be planted in soil and beautiful flowers will grow! this seed paper is used during the service project in session 3. We recommend having 1 to 2 seed paper butterflies per attendee.

Canada $4.99 978-1-4707-1131-3$3.99

pkg. of 8

16

see pen on page 13!

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resource Worksheetuse this worksheet to help you figure out the quantity of resources you’ll need for your retreat.

to order:call 800.447.1070 or go online to group.com/GardenGetaway.(in canada, call 800.403.5598)

Garden Getaway has been created to be used for Fall 2014 and Spring 2015 retreats.

Need extras of the leader materials found in the kit?everything found in the director kit can be purchased separately. if you need extras of any item, contact Group or your favorite christian

resource provider for pricing.

Step 1: order your Garden Getaway retreat Director’s Kit

You just need one! (The kit is available May 1, 2014–April 30, 2015.)

Description ISBN Price In Canada

Garden Getaway Retreat Director’s Kit 978-1-4707-0862-7 $79.99 $91.99

kit includes: director Guide, Graphics & Other Goodies cd, Worship Leader Guide, 6 session leader guides, Training & Promo dVd, and samples of these individual participant items: participant guide, scripture pendant, Blessings keeper, music cd, tote bag, and pen.

Step 2: order your participant essentials and gifts (Participant essentials and gifts are available May 1, 2014–October 31, 2015.)

Description ISBN Price In Canada Quantity Subtotal

save money by ordering one of these value packs for each guest.

Best Value! Garden Getaway Extra Value Pack (includes one of each essential plus the terrific extras) 978-1-4707-0869-6 $24.99 $28.99

Great Value! Garden Getaway Essentials Value Pack (includes one of each essential) 978-1-4707-0868-9 $13.99 $16.49

or order these essential items individually.

Garden Getaway Participant Guide 978-1-4707-0864-1 $4.99 $5.99

Garden Getaway Scripture Pendant 978-1-4707-0865-8 $5.99 $6.99

Garden Getaway Blessings Keeper 978-1-4707-1087-3 $5.99 $6.99

Don’t forget to add these terrific gifts and extras!

Garden Getaway Tote Bag 978-1-4707-0867-2 $6.99 $8.49

Garden Getaway Cup 978-1-4707-0870-2 $8.99 $10.49

Seed Paper Butterflies (package of 8) 978-1-4707-1131-3 $3.99 $4.99

Garden Getaway Pen (package of 8) 978-1-4707-1130-6 $7.99 $9.49

Music of Garden Getaway CD 978-1-4707-0861-0 $7.99 $9.49

Total


women’sr e s o u r c e s

We develop resources that help you build a thriving women’s ministry!

if you love Garden Getaway, you’ll love our other women’s ministry resources too! We have several new resources to help you with…

creating a women’s ministry and making it grow

outreach & events

Bible studies & devotions

and more!

All of our resources help you meet women where they’re at and give them what they truly need and want…

A community where they feel safe—where they belong and feel supported. A place where they can build friendships with each other and with God. An environment where they discover how authentic faith in Jesus connects to a woman’s real life. And, of course, time to have a little fun!

We do more than retreats…

Experience THE Difference you can make with…

friendly and engaging Bible experiences for women.

resources that are easy to prepare and easy to lead.

resources that naturally grow relationships with God and each other.


Group’s “r.e.A.L.” guarantee makes THE difference.

All of Group’s resources—including women’s resources and retreats—teach like Jesus did. every resource starts with scripture and uses creative activities to help women experience God’s Word and apply it to life. so when they experience a lesson, they don’t just hear it—they do it!

Relational. Women join in discussion, sharing from their own lives—making learning more effective and providing ways for christian friendships to grow.

Experiential. Women don’t just listen or read—they actually experience the Bible.

Applicable. Women become doers, as well as hearers, of the Word.

Learner-based. different people learn in different ways, so Group’s resources provide a variety of methods to draw women closer to Jesus.

We do more than retreats…

NEW!

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Women’s Ministry Leader Ideas to make you and your women’s ministry better!

As a women’s ministry leader, you have events to plan, leaders to train, volunteers to recruit, outreach events to coordinate…the list goes on and on. And with so much to do and so little time—you could use some assistance…and some encouragement!

You’ll find exactly what you need in Women’s Ministry Leader. this bimonthly mini digital magazine is written by women who have worked in ministry.

inside every issue you’ll find…• event ideas

• affirming and encouraging advice from the experts

• tips and tools for ongoing development of your leadership team

• help for finding and keeping excellent volunteers

• ways to reach and serve women of all life stages and circumstances

subscribe today!

support and encouragement just for women’s ministry leaders!Are you passionate about having a thriving women’s ministry? Great—you’re in the right spot! At Group, we realize women’s ministry leaders have a big job and you’re super busy! so we’ve developed two awesome resources that will make your job easier and help you feel supported and encouraged every month.

New ResouRces foR Women’s ministRy

Love having a spring “tea” for your women? We’ve got something

even better to recommend! Lemonade: When Life Gives You

Lemons is a new mini-event kit from Group. With Lemonade,

women will experience a faith-based gathering that’s filled

with zest.

This mini-event lasts about two hours and uses the concept of

“upcycling” to bring home the point that God can make all

things new. Women will enjoy getting to know one another as

they share their life-changing stories and discover how God is

shaping their lives. Use this anytime, anywhere, with anyone!Inside the box you’ll find a short leader guide that walks you

through planning and includes the devotion and activities you’ll

lead during your event. There’s also a CD with publicity items,

name tags, and other reproducible items, as well as a 10-

pack of the Lemonade Memory Booklets. Each woman needs

a memory booklet, and these 10 will get you started—you can order more if your event will include

more women (they’re less than a dollar each!). Find Lemonade at your local Christian bookstore or

online at group.com/women.

Connect with other women just like you—women’s

ministry leaders—and get a day packed with

training! Topics for the day include connecting

with your community (outreach!), connecting with

your leaders, connecting the generations, and

connecting women to God. You’ll network, get new

insights and ideas, and leave refreshed and ready

for ministry. See what cities we’ll be in this spring

at group.com/womens-ministry/leader-training.

Q u o t e f o r t h e D a y

A woman is like a tea bag—you can’t tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water. —Eleanor Roosevelt

Women’s Ministry Training!

Spring Mini-Event Kit.

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Simple Ways to Refresh Your Spirit

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Always giving in ministry can be draining. You need time to recharge

and be refreshed so you don’t run dry. Here are simple ways to do

that—try one today!Go for a walk with God. Get up out of your chair, put on comfy shoes, and go for a walk. Breathe in the fresh air and let go of stress. While you’re walking, think on these words from Psalm 16:8: “I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.” See God with you on this walk, right beside you. Talk to him as he is there with you.

See God. Take five minutes to think about the past 24 hours. What have you seen God do? Where have you seen God active in your own life? It can be something small or something huge. Take the time to acknowledge that God is alive and working in your life—not just in the lives of famous people or well-known pastors or speakers. Find joy and refreshment by seeing that God is active.

Meditate on Psalm 23. Read this chapter of the Bible several times over. Let it soak into your heart. Reflect on what it would mean for you to find rest in God. You might want to read this same passage several times a day for a week or more.

Look to Jesus. Many times in the Bible we see that Jesus took time away. He found a secluded place to pray, to rest, to be away from the demands of others. “Me time” is okay! And remember, it was Jesus who said (in John 16:33), “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” His desire is that we have peace in him. He is more powerful than anything that is depleting us. So find a secluded spot to rest for a while—even half an hour—and ask God to provide peace that will fill your heart.Unplug. This may be easier said than done,

but there’s no doubt that technology can be overwhelming. Can you turn off your

TV, computer, phone, music, and anything else that it commanding your attention even for a few hours today? The verse “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10) is relevant for us today. Be still. Be refreshed.

Share YOUR Great Idea!Have a great idea or success story to share? Tell us about it. If we use it in Women’s Ministry Leader, we’ll pay you $25! Send your idea, story, or article to Amy Nappa ([email protected]).

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If you think everyone already knows each other at your church—you’re wrong!

One of the most common comments we hear is that if women have a friend at

church, they’re usually just acquaintances at best. Start every single meeting, study,

or gathering with a fun question to help women make connections and get to know

each other a little better. Here are a few to get you started:• When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? How did those plans turn out?

• What was your favorite band or singer when you were a teenager? Do you still listen to their music?

• What’s the perfect vacation? Have you ever experienced one?

• What was your biggest flop in the kitchen?

• How many times in your life have you moved? Tell about your favorite place you lived.

• What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend?

• What would people be surprised to learn about you?• What’s your favorite thing to read?

T his past winter we had a cold spell. You know, days below zero when you can’t go outside for more than a few seconds. In

the middle of the month when there was a tiny reprieve in the weather, I received an email:There is a free movie at the Old Town Library

tonight at 7 p.m. Who cares if you’ve seen if before—come anyway! There’s free popcorn! Invite friends so you can carpool. —Lynette.I’d been copied on this email with 12 other

women. Lynette wanted us to get together and was planning a random event on the spur of the moment.

While it seemed kind of silly to me, I went anyway—and 40 other women showed up at the library as well. Women from our church came, dragging along their sisters, neighbors, and girlfriends. Everyone else was tired of winter, too. Some of us were able to go out for coffee after the movie—it was a blast! Just one more example of Lynette’s random events.

Usually Lynette tries to give a day or two as notice for one of her last-minute outing ideas. She says she comes upon something she likes and sends out an email. Someone suggested she become an event planner. She responded,

“Certainly not! I really don’t like work!” Yet she’s wonderful at seeing a free event or happening in town and inviting others to join in.Lynette’s email list has turned into random events such as women going to “Messiah” community sings, free days at the zoo, and computer

classes offered through the Salvation Army. There have been art shows and hand bell concerts, garden tours and financial seminars. Science fairs, new book events—and when she found

10 weeks of free keyboard instruction, we took the lessons and we all practiced at church! We’ve toured a new women’s shelter and served dinner at the local facility for homeless people. And the list goes on!

Why does Lynette do this? “I just get tired of doing stuff by myself,” she said. “There are so many good free things to attend. I hate having to choose between going alone or staying home.”The women in our church are glad she feels

this way! We all need a Lynette in our church!

Pamela Gilsenan is a creative spirit who loves really sharp pencils, her big red bike, and rhubarb casserole. She makes her home in Colorado.

Random EVENTS by Pamela Gilsenan

Share your favorite icebreaker questions with the rest of us! Post

them on our Facebook page: Group for Women (you’ll have to

“like” us first though!). facebook.com/GroupWomensMinistry

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Did you love the movie Monsters University? It’s likely you saw it with family or friends, and maybe you even gave it on DVD as a Christmas present last month. We had the chance to get the movie’s director, Dan Scanlon, to answer this question: On a personal level, do you relate more to Mike or Sulley?I feel like I relate more to Mike, certainly in college. I went to an art college, and I thought I was

the greatest drawer in the world because my drawings were on my mom’s refrigerator. But then

I got to art school, and I realized I had such a long way to go because there were so many

people who were so much better than me. College can be really lonely in a kid’s life; I really felt

that pressure and that competition. I feel like I related to Mike a lot in that way.

onstersininistry

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Make It an Event!Here’s a fun idea! Show Monsters University at your church, home, or other location. Moms with kids will certainly want to come—but don’t be surprised if women of all ages show up! Add in a faith conversation at the end with these discussion questions:

•Whendoyoufeelpressuretobebetterthan others?

•HowcanweseeourselvesinthelightofwhoGod created us to be—instead of as women who need to compete with each other?•What’sonethingyoucandotoencouragea student this week?

Make It Monstrously Fun! Add to the fun with one or more of these zany ideas:

•Havelimegreen,white,andblacknailpolish on hand along with toothpicks. People can paint their nails green, and then add a white circle and a black dot in the middle of it to make Mike Wazowski finger nails. The toothpicks make it easier to manage the dots.

•Decoratewithgreen,blue,andpurpleballoons, napkins, plates, and other items. Tape some of the colorful plates on the walls to make the room more fun.•Tintcoconutinbrightcolors.Thenprovideunfrosted cupcakes, white frosting, the tinted coconut, and small candies such as Skittles or M&M’s. Kids (and grown-ups!) can decorate monster cupcakes—the tinted coconut will look like fur and the candies can be used to make silly faces.

•Bowlsofpurpleandgreengrapesarehealthier snacks that also follow the color scheme.

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The people of Mongolia know about radical hospitality. Hundreds of miles separate settlements. People open their homes and offer something to eat and drink to weary travelers. Hospitality is a big deal in this vast, sprawling landscape.

My husband, son, and I experienced Mongolia’s warmth and hospitality in some unforgettable ways. Friendly Mongolians welcomed us into their homes: round, felt, collapsible gers made for their nomadic lifestyle. Our hosts filled a communal bowl with fermented mare’s milk and passed it from one person to the next. Imagine putting your lips to the pungent milk—a taste that resembles a concoction of sour milk, warm beer, and pickle juice.

We’ll never forget ceremoniously passing the bowl from one guest to the next. Both my husband and I had read in the travel books:

“Just touch your lips to the bowl; don’t drink the milk.” Unfortunately, we hadn’t instructed our son, Matt, on that little detail. Before we had a chance to signal to Matt, we saw him chugging the milk. Blech! “You’re going to be so, so sick,” we thought. Sure enough, that night Matt was the sickest we’d ever seen him.

We love to share this story when we explain the difference between acceptance and endorsement. Traveling to Mongolia—or any other foreign culture—introduces us to people whose lifestyles, actions, looks, and belief systems are radically different from our own. We can kindly accept those differences (touch our lips to the mare’s milk), but don’t have to endorse them (guzzle it down).

Ac c e p ta n c e

Without A T r a v e l P a r a b l e F r o m M o n g o l i a

E n d or se m e n tby Joani SchultzMe, drinking fermented mare’s milk in Mongolia.

This travel parable is perfect for sharing with your team and discussing.•DoyouagreeordisagreewithJoani’sconclusions? Explain your reasoning.•Whatfearsarebehindacceptingsomeone who you don’t want to endorse?

•WhatexamplesfromtheBibleshowJesusacceptingapersonwithoutendorsing his or her actions?

This is a Ger.

Essentially we are sending the culture this message: Not only do we not endorse your point of view, we also don’t accept you. This lack of acceptance crushes opportunities for spiritual conversations. Acceptance does not mean endorsement. When we confuse the two, we destroy the very space God wants to work in. (Doug Pollock, God Space)

These are things you—the leader—can do. As you lead by example, those who look up to you will follow!

Do…• introduceyourselfoften.Don’t assume that everyone knows who you are. Say, “In case you don’t remember, I’m Jennifer Hanes, one of the leaders in our women’s ministry.” New people have a lot of names to remember—make sure they don’t forget yours!

• connectpersonally. As a leader, making a blanket welcome to all isn’t enough.

• introduce new people to your friends.

• inviteallthewomen in your ministry to brainstorm ways to welcome newcomers and even those who have been around a while but may not feel welcome for whatever reason.

Don’t…• makevisitorsfeelself-consciousby putting them in the spotlight. Asking visitors to stand and be recognized is one of the most awkward things we can do!

• makejudgmentsabout appearance.

• uselanguagethatmakesothersfeellikeoutsiders. Lingo that’s been used in your church or denomination for a long time is known to you, but not to those who are new.

Hospitalitya R e a l i t y

E asy Tips for M aking

Joani and her husband are doing workshops around the United States to help leaders like you implement the “4 acts of love” they describe in their book. See if one is coming to your area, or join the conversation around this book at group.com/4-acts-of-love.

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that radical hospitality is never judgmental. The Schultz’s say, “Churches are notorious for their lists of do’s and don’ts concerning food, music, dress, looks, jewelry—whatever. All of these rules exclude others and are just one more sign that we’re judgmental and have our priorities wrong. We have a friend whose daughter was reprimanded for showing up at her on-campus Bible study wearing running pants. Really?”

It’s a sad fact that many women inside and outside of the church avoid coming to women’s ministry events because of the judgmental atmosphere. My husband and I have found a new church, but I haven’t gone to any women’s gatherings yet. Will I be welcomed? Is it okay that I wear jeans? Will I be bored listening to a speaker? Will I be able to find the bathroom?

This is a new issue of a new mini-magazine for women’s ministry leaders. I’m new here. You’re new here. We’re all new! How can we be radical in our hospitality to each other? To the women in our churches? To the women in our communities? Let’s bond together and challenge ourselves to be more and more like the most radical guy of all time—Jesus! It’s an adventure to be new—let’s keep that in mind as we journey ahead as women’s ministry leaders!

I’m New Hereby Amy Nappa

A few months ago, my husband and I made the difficult decision to switch churches. We’d been at the same church for more than 20 years. We loved (and still love!) many people there and we had been involved in various types of leadership during those years. But we both began to feel that we needed to make a change, and after lots and lots and lots of prayer, we began visiting other churches in our community.

It’s pretty interesting to be the new person. Even though I’ve been a Christian for more than 40 years and have, as a pastor’s kid, gone to church every Sunday since the day I was born, I still found myself feeling nervous each time we went to a different church. Would I see someone I knew? Would I know the songs? Was I wearing the right clothes? Would I be called out in some way and feel embarrassed? Would I be able to find the bathroom?

Every church has its own personality and does things in unique ways. These things aren’t right or wrong—just different. For example, one place we visited wanted everyone to wait out in the lobby area until a specific time (I think this was so the worship team could practice) and then go in to find seats. We didn’t know about this expectation, so we went in and sat there alone in the sanctuary for about 10 minutes (listening to the worship band on the stage) wondering if we had gotten the time wrong. We felt awkward and out of place. We didn’t know the way they did things there.

But that same church also had a cool breakfast potluck with lots of yummy homemade foods, and we were invited to join in for breakfast and to meet others. And their information about small groups that met during the week included

all the details and info we would need and matched the info on their website, which added pictures of the small group leaders and maps to the locations these groups met. Those things made me feel welcomed.

After years and years of being in the same church, sitting in the same pew (admit it—you sit in the same place every week too!), greeting the same faces, and knowing the culture and personality of my church inside out, it was a real eye-opener to be the new person. It drove home to me how incredibly important hospitality is in the church.

In their book Why Nobody Wants to Go to Church Anymore: And How 4 Acts Will Make Your Church Irresistible, authors Thom and Joani Schultz say the first act of love that makes a church irresistible is radical hospitality. The book goes into great detail sharing what radical hospitality is and is not (I highly recommend you get a copy!), and one part that really stuck out to me is

We have a friend whose daughter was reprimanded for showing up at her on-campus Bible study wearing running pants. Really?

Discuss this with your team, or reflect on it yourself:

• What is the actual experience of a new person in our church or our women’s ministry? (Be honest as you think about this. What is it really like to be in that person’s shoes?)

• What might we be doing that communicates we are judgmental instead of loving?

• What’s one thing we can try at our next Bible study or other gathering that would demonstrate radical hospitality?

“ Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony…And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.”

—Colossians 3:14, 17

Amy Nappa leads the Adult and Church Leadership Team at Group. She’s looking for new things to try in 2014—if you have ideas, connect with her at [email protected].

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