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Psalm 133:1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for sisters to dwell together in unity!

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Psalm 133:1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for sisters to

dwell together in unity!

T a b l e o f C o n t e n t s

Weekend At A Glance 3

Women’s Day Song Lyrics 4-9

Book Discussion Information 10

Morning Devotion Information 11

Devotion & Journal Pages 12-23

Daniel Fasting Information 24-25

Prayer Partner Information 26

Retreat/White Oak Information 27-31

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Women’s Weekend

At A Glance

Dates July 11-13, 2008

Women’s Day Services July 13, 2008 10:00 a.m.

Assessment Requested $100.00

Women’s Day Speaker TBA

Women’s Day Choir Rehearsals TBA

Women’s Day Choir Director Tracy Gregg

Colors White with Spring Accessories

Theme Psalm 133:1

Collective Morning Devotions Monday 7/7-11/2008 @ 6:00 a.m.

Devotion Conference Telephone (712) 432-1620 /Access 323027#

Retreat Location White Oak Conference Center

Cost of Retreat $155.00

Retreat Deposit Due ($30.00) April 20, 2008

Retreat Balance Due June 8, 2008

Women’s Day Song Lyrics

Strong Tower (Written by Derrick L. Brown) (Recorded by Derrick L. Brown & Weapons of Righteousness) Lead: The name of the Lord is a Strong Tower The righteous run in and we are safe The name of the Lord is a Strong Tower I can run in and I am safe. (Repeat) Choir Oh the righteous run in and we are safe Safe from all destruction by a way of escape The righteous run in and, and we are safe The hand of the Lord is my escape. Proverbs 18:10

The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.

Lead: The name of the Lord is a Strong Tower The righteous run in and we are safe The name of the Lord is a Strong Tower I can run in and I am safe. Choir Oh the righteous run in and we are safe Safe from all destruction by a way of escape The righteous run in and, and we are safe The hand of the Lord of is my escape. (Repeat) Soprano: I’m gonna run, I’m gonna run in Jesus Alto: I’m gonna run; I’m gonna run in Jesus Tenor: Run; Run in Jesus All: I’m gonna run, I’m gonna run in Jesus. (repeat 4x) Lead: I’ve been through the storm and rain You know I promised the Lord I won’t complain, I’m gonna run. All: I’m gonna run, I’m gonna run in Jesus. (repeat) Lead: I believe I’ll testify and let you know what the end is gonna be. All: I’m gonna run, I’m gonna run in Jesus. (repeat)

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Women’s Day Song Lyrics

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Call On The Lord (written by Kirk Franklin) (recorded by Kirk Franklin & The Family) Chorus: Sopranos: When you’re weary and discouraged and you’re feeling down and low, Altos: when your friends forsake you and you have no place to go, Tenors: when the burdens seem to hard for you to try and bear, All: Just call on the Lord and He will be right there, just call on the Lord and He will be right there. Verse: There have been times I’ve felt so all alone, feeling like all my hope was gone; I’d lay awake in my at night, I’d be wondering, wondering, wondering if everything would be alright. Then the Master of the sea, came down from heaven and He rescued me; just call, call on the Lord and He will be right there. Vamp 1: Call on Him, call on the Lord. Call on Him, call on the Lord. Vamp 2: Call Him, call Him, call Him, call Him, call Him, call Him, call Him, call Him. Ending: Just call on the Lord and He will be right there.

Psalm 18:6 In my distress I called to the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry

came before him, into his ears.

Just call on the Lord and He will be right there.

Women’s Day Song Lyrics

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Song Title

Recorded By

Women’s Day Song Lyrics

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Song Title

Recorded By

Women’s Day Song Lyrics

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Song Title

Recorded By

Women’s Day Song Lyrics

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Leaning on the Everlasting Arms Words: Elisha Albright Hoffman Music "Showalter," Anthony Johnson Showalter What a fellowship, what a joy divine, Leaning on the everlasting arms; What a blessedness, what a peace is mine, Leaning on the everlasting arms. Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms; Leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms. O how sweet to walk in this pilgrim way, Leaning on the everlasting arms; O how bright the path grows from day to day, Leaning on the everlasting arms. Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms; Leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms. What have I to dread, what have I to fear, Leaning on the everlasting arms; I have blessèd peace with my Lord so near, Leaning on the everlasting arms. Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms; Leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms.

Book Discussion Please purchase and read for group discussion during Retreat

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Cover Girls by T. D. Jakes

lso Available as a Time Warner Audio Book

Renowned pastor Bishop T. D. Jakes knows the struggles of real women, the disappointments that rob us of confidence and hope, and the losses that make us wonder whether it is worth going on. Now the bestselling author of Woman, Thou Art Loosed brings that compassionate insight and deeply felt wisdom to a powerful first novel about four very different women confronting the biggest challenges of their lives....

COVER GIRLS

Michelle, Tonya, Mrs. Judson, and Miz Ida. African-American, white, rich, poor-they seemingly have nothing in common. Yet every day they face the complex realities of twenty-first-century urban life as they try to balance their needs with their belief in God.

Michelle, a driven career woman and survivor of abuse, swears she'll never again be used by people close to her. She's determined to take control and call all the shots-no matter what the cost...

Tonya knows what it's like to have a happy marriage shattered by unimaginable tragedy. She feels her faith is the only thing she can count on until a hard choice forces her to gamble on someone she never thought she could trust...

Mrs. Judson believes her wealth, influence, and successful business can protect her against all harm. Then a family scandal threatens both her hard-earned reputation and the values she's made the center of her world...

Miz Ida has dedicated her life to God and giving others a shoulder to cry on. Soon she'll need all her faith to help herself and these women at last find themselves-and each other.

A novel about coming to terms with the past, discovering who we truly are, and recognizing the unexpected joys, friendships, and small miracles that reveal God's all-encompassing love, this book shows us the many paths that stretch before us at every season of life. Honest, inspiring, and unforgettable, COVER GIRLS proves that T. D. Jakes is not only a gifted preacher, but a born storyteller.

"I am so excited to introduce my sisters to my friends in this novel. It is written in the hope that their stories will be both entertaining and edifying. Sometimes the easiest way to see ourselves is in the lives of others. It is my hope that those who read about the plight and power of these characters will walk away with a deeper understanding of the hidden issues that can trouble all of us. And like the characters in the story, what we can't uncover, we can't heal!"

-Bishop T.D. Jakes

http://www.hachettebookgroupusa.com/books/45/0446529060/index.ht

Morning Devotions

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Each year, the women of Zion Mill Creek have been asked to set aside the same time each morning for prayer and devotions. This year, we will have the opportunity to pray together through a free conferencing service.

Any person interested in participating in group devotions should plan to log on to the conference call at 6:00 each morning. Included in the devotions will be a brief lesson, scripture and prayer. The devotions should begin on time and should take no more than 15 minutes. If you cannot call at 6:00 in the morning, you are encouraged to call later in order to listen to a recording of the day’s devotions.

The conference call isn’t totally free. There isn’t any charges related to the service carrier, however, each caller will be charged standard long distance rates through their telephone service. What this means is, if AT&T normally charges you 5 cents per minute for long distance calls, then you will likely have to pay 75 cents each morning to participate. If, however, you use a service with no rates associated (such as Time Warner digital phone or your cellular phone), then you will not have to pay anything extra to participate. All charges are billed to you by your long distance carrier just like any other long distance call.

It is easy to participate. Just dial the telephone number and enter in the access code when prompted.

EVERYONE is invited and encouraged to participate.

The schedule of devotional leaders is as follows:

Day Date Devotional Leader Scriptural Focus Monday July 7, 2008 Stacy Gregg Luke 10:25-37

Tuesday July 8, 2008 Mary Reid Luke 8:5-15

Wednesday July 9, 2008 Shannon Matthews

Thursday July 10, 2008 Mary Reid Philippians 4:1-9

Friday July 11, 2008 Stacy Gregg Ephesians 4 & 5

Conference Call Telephone Number (712) 432-1620 Conference Call Access Code 323027#

Conference Play Back Number (712) 432-1282

Conference Play Back Access Code: 323027# Finally, the devotions following on the next few pages were written to be read one per day as the week progresses. Each lady was asked to write what God told them to write. We hope that you will benefit from each installment.

Prayer & Devotion

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Sunday - July 6, 2008 Make it Better!

Genesis 1: 1-31 & Proverbs 31:12-13 Key Verse Genesis 2:18 And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him. When families have come up during a season of hardships, we have a tendency to try to make things better for the next generation. This has been true from the beginning. Our Father created the heaven and the earth. He created every thing that is within the earth. As He spoke things into existence, He said it was good. In Genesis 2:18 God said it was not good that man should be alone, and He set out to make things better; therefore He created Woman. As a woman of God we are the helper that makes things better. To the wife, do well and work willingly with your husband making your marriage better. To the mother, teach your children the ways of the Lord, as they rise in the morning and sit to eat in the evening teach them about God. It will make life sweeter. To the woman, yes you the woman except your call to make things better. Bring beauty to all ugly situations. Speak peace to the up roar of the lion. Take what little you have place it in the hands of God and produce a lot Take your best and make it better through the word of God. ...And God will say that’s good.

- Elder Mary Reid

Prayer & Devotion

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Journal Entry

Date Sunday July 6, 2008

Daily Focus Make It Better (Genesis 1: 1-3 & Proverbs 31:12-13)

Spoken W/Prayer Partners?

Prayer Request

Revelations/Insight

Prayer & Devotion

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Monday - July 7, 2008 Christian Charity

Luke 10:25-37

I’d picked up my daughter, Zhara, from school one afternoon and decided to run into the grocery store. Tired and hungry, I just wanted to pick up a few items and hurry out and get home. As we were passing the snack aisle, she stopped and said to me,

“Mommy, we need to buy Malachi some potato chips.” To my dismay, she rushed down the aisle and began looking over her choices.

“Malachi eats these” she said, holding up a bag of Bugles. I grew more and more irritated because again, I was hungry, tired, and didn’t really have the extra money to buy a snack for someone else’s child.

“Who is Malachi?” I asked. “And why do we need get snacks for him?” She explained to me that Malachi was a boy in her class. He’d just returned to school after having been in the hospital for over a week. It seems that Malachi has severe food allergies that his parents had been struggling to get under control.

Zhara further explained. “He brings his lunch to school every day; but today, he couldn’t eat a snack because he was allergic to what they served. I felt bad for him.”

That was a bittersweet moment for me. I was ashamed of myself because I’d let my own selfishness get the better of me. I was also touched by my daughter’s concern for this little boy. I realized Zhara was being compassionate for her classmate and I needed to encourage her.

Isn’t this the example that Christ set before us? In the Gospel according to Matthew 22:39, we are assured that we will inherit the eternal life if we love the Lord with all of our hearts, souls, and mind; and if we love our neighbor. Jesus further explained through his story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37) that our neighbor is anyone with whom we come into contact, even if that person is a stranger.

That afternoon, Zhara and I browsed the aisle as she explained to me the things Malachi could eat and the things he liked to eat. Finally, we settled on the individual Pringles cups because it has a harder package. We decided she would carry it in her book bag, so that she could give it to him on the days when he can’t eat the snack provided by the school.

I don’t think that I could ever be any more proud of Zhara than I was on that day. The child, whom God had instructed me to lead, was setting an example for me; but that wasn’t the end of the story. The next day, Zhara came home and told me that she didn’t have to give a snack to Malachi that afternoon.

“Did the school provide a snack he could eat today?” I asked.

“No” she told me. It seems another little boy in her class, Christian, had brought a snack for him as well. Once again, I grew emotional with pride.

Look at God.

Additional Scriptural Reading

Matthew 18: The Greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven 1At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" 2He called a little child and had him stand among them. 3And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. -Stacy Gregg

Prayer & Devotion

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Journal Entry

Date Monday July 7, 2008

Daily Focus Christian Charity (Luke 10:25-37)

Spoken W/Prayer Partners?

Prayer Request

Revelations/Insight

Prayer & Devotion

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Tuesday July 12, 2008 Fall In Me

Reading: Luke 8:5- 15 Key Verse: Luke 8:8 And other fell on good ground, and sprang up and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear let him hear. Have you ever wondered how we can profess to be Christians, come to church school, bible study and church service and nothing in our life ever changes? Could it be that the seed fell beside you, upon you, among you and not in you? When a seed falls into the ground it begins to germinate, producing something new. The word of God is a seed, when the seed falls beside you, your neighbor may get it. If the seed falls upon you, it may slide off when you move, causing you to backslide or move in the wrong direction. If the seed fall among you in a world that is filled with deception, fake thrills and frills; it tends to choke out the things of God. Let the word fall in you, and then it can begin to spring up and produce new fruit in you. As you sit where the seed is being sown, let it fall in you. This is the furnishing that stimulates spiritual growth and development. It is not enough for the word to be beside you upon you or among you. It must fall in you. Lord let your word fall in me. - Elder Mary Reid

Prayer & Devotion

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Journal Entry

Date Tuesday – July 8, 2008

Daily Focus Fall In Me (Luke 8:5-15)

Spoken W/Prayer Partners?

Prayer Request

Revelations/Insight

Prayer & Devotion

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Wednesday – July 9, 2008 Listening to God’s Voice

Jeremiah 29:11-14

I was down on my knees praying practically the same prayer that I had been praying for the past two (2) years, “Lord, I’m closer to 40 than 30. I’m single, no children. I’ve tried living the way that I want to live, but I’ve also tried living the way that I believe you want me to live. You said that you will give me my heart’s desire, yet I still don’t have a husband and children. Are you even listening to me? Do you even care what I’m going through? SAY SOMETHING PLEASE!!!!!!” Same prayer, same response…nothing.

I was frustrated with God and convinced that He was not listening to me, so I was not listening to Him…I could not hear Him. He wasn’t speaking to me, so I wasn’t speaking to Him!!! Yeah, I continued to pray, but I wasn’t really saying anything. It was a stand-off…

Meanwhile, my professional life seemed to be going a little better than my personal life. I had entered into a contract with a company (we’ll call them Company X) to do some legal work for them. Although the contract terms between Company X and I seemed to benefit me, over the course of the year that I worked with Company X, certain things happened that made me question whether I should be dealing with them at all. I kept on working with Company X because I was afraid that my business would not do well without the extra income that working with Company X provided. On more than one occasion, I had the nagging feeling that I needed to part ways with Company X, but I stuck with them. Small mishaps occurred here and there, but I believed that I needed the income that they provided, so I ignored the incidents. At some point, I got a stony sense o f foreboding, and I just knew that I needed to leave Company X alone. Finally in December 2007, I sent Company X a letter advising them that pursuant to our contract, I was giving them 90 days notice of my intent to end our contractual relationship. I felt a sense of relief.

Meanwhile, I was at an impasse with God (well, at least in my mind) concerning this marriage thing. He still was not speaking to me about marriage and about how I should handle this long term relationship in which I was involved, so I was very angry and decided that I was not going to speak with Him about much of anything. I was just going through the motions. In 2008 I got a letter from the office that handles attorney misconduct. Apparently, someone had made a complaint against me based upon a matter that I had handled for Company X. I was being grieved for something that Company X had done, but because I was the attorney, I was responsible. I was horrified! I had been practicing law for almost 9 years and had never received a complaint! I gathered myself and responded to the complaint as I was required to do. Of course, by now I was praying in earnest for the Lord to protect me from this mess.

A week passed and I received a response from the disciplinary counsel. The complaint was unfounded (no attorney misconduct)! I was overjoyed, but not for the reason that you would think. Yes, God had saved me from this disaster, but most importantly, in the midst of all this drama I realized that God had ALWAYS been speaking to me!!!!! He just wasn’t saying what I wanted to hear. Ok, here it is… I was seeking God for answers about my relationship and marriage; but God, always knowing what I need and what is best for me, was speaking to me about something that I really needed to hear!

All those “small mishaps” and “nagging feelings” that I had while working with Company X… that was God speaking to me! That “stony feeling of foreboding“ was God telling me, “Shannon, get out of Dodge NOW!!!!” Finally, that complaint to the grievance committee was God’s way of reminding me that He is still God! I can stomp around and have temper tantrums about what I don’t have, but at the end of the day, I have to recognize and be thankful for what I do have.

God wasn’t saying what I wanted to hear, He wouldn’t speak on what I thought I needed to hear about, but He said what I needed to hear and He spoke on what He knew I needed to hear about. The Lesson: God is ALWAYS working on and looking out for your good! More than likely he is speaking to you about something…the question is, are you listening?

-Shannon Matthews

Prayer & Devotion

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Journal Entry

Date Wednesday – July 9, 2008

Daily Focus Listening to God’s Voice (Jeremiah 29:11-14)

Spoken W/Prayer Partners?

Prayer Request

Revelations/Insight

Prayer & Devotion

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Thursday – July 10, 2008 Lord Help My Mind!

Reading Philippians 4:1-9

Key Verse Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. As sistas in Christ we must hook together like the box cars of a train as we travel in the divine plans of God. The condition of our mind is very important on this journey. A train has an engine full of power that pulls the body of the train from one destination to the other. Our mind is like the train’s engine. It is full of power and it pulls our body from one place to the other but it must be in good condition to produce a good journey. When the mind is not working in a Godly capacity the work of God begins to slowly shut down. When the engine of our mind is clogged with bad reports on our sistas giving inventory on her unjust behavior, lack of virtue and or dishonorable practices, we need to cry out Lord help my mind! These reports may even be true, but these very thoughts hinder kingdom’s work. We don’t want Zion’s train to derail because of our stinking thinking. Finally, my sista the things that are true, honest, holy, acceptable, well spoken of, and commendable let your mind think on these things and it will keep our engine working good as we labor in the gospel. - Elder Mary Reid

Prayer & Devotion

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Journal Entry

Date Thursday – July 10, 2008

Daily Focus Lord, Help My Mind! (Philippians 4:1-9)

Spoken W/Prayer Partners?

Prayer Request

Revelations/Insight

Prayer & Devotion

22

Friday - July 11, 2008 Christian Unity

Ephesians Chapter 4-5 A young man fell into a deep pit. At once, he tried to rescue himself from the pit, scratching and clawing at the sides. Deciding that his attempts to get out of the pit alone were futile, he began to call for help from the people passing by. The first person to respond was a Police Officer. “Could you please get me out?” the young man asked the officer. The officer peered into the hole and answered. “I’m sorry, I am on my way to another call, I don’t have time to help you right now.” The young man waited, calling again when he saw a Fireman passing by. This time, the Fireman agreed to help him, but told him that he had to go get equipment. Again the young man waited; but he soon realized that he needed to reach out for more help. Soon, he saw a group of Ministers walking by. The young man grew excited because he knew these men would help him. He called and called, but the group ignored his pleas. Feeling helpless, the young man prayed that God would hear his cries and send him some relief. Then he waited. Finally, he looked up and spied and old man peeking over the hole into the pit. “Are you trapped? Do you need help?” the old man asked? “Yes!” The young man answered “Please go get someone to help me!” Before the young man knew it, the old man had jumped into the hole with him. “What in the world?” The young man cried. “I’ve been trapped in this hole all day! Why would you jump in it with me? Couldn’t you just go get help like I asked? Now neither of us will be able to get out!” The old man looked at the young man. “Son,” he replied. “I am the help you need.” With that, he took the young man by the hand and walked him through the maze and out of the pit. “Thank you,” the young man offered. What could I ever do to repay you?” The old man answered, “Years ago, I fell into this same pit; and I called out for people to help me. A man jumped into the pit with me and showed me out. If you ever come across someone else in this pit, then I expect that you will do the same for your brother.

We find ourselves in life’s pits for so many reasons. Sometimes, we see them ahead of time and fall into them anyway. Other times, we fall into the hole without warning. Either way, most pits are centuries old and have trapped countless people; but what does this mean for us as Women of God? Several things:

Notice that when the young man sought help outside of the Lord, he was denied. First, he worked by himself, jumping, scraping, and climbing. Then he called on other (seemingly helpful) sources to help him; but his answer did not come until he prayed and waited on God. The same is true of the woman who had the “issue of blood for twelve years” (Mark 5:25-34). Likewise, she went to many men, looking for a way out of her pit; but her deliverance didn’t come until she sought the help of our Lord. We must remember this lesson for our own lives; for in his word, our Lord makes it plain that in all things, whatever we ask for in prayer and believing, it shall be granted unto us (Matthew 21:22).

Perhaps the most profound message of this story is that we have to be responsible for one another. We never know why God has us to go through turbulent times. Sometimes, it has absolutely nothing to do with us, rather God allows us to fall into some pits because he knows there will be a time when he will use us to help someone else out. Sometimes, this same help will lead a lost soul to Christ. Remembering, each soul is important (Acts 11:9), we must ask ourselves if there are any sisters with whom we come into contact that may benefit from a kind word of instruction from someone who has once been in the same pit?

Finally, notice that the old man didn’t “talk” the young man out of the pit. He jumped in and walked him out. As Christians, we should follow suit, but sometimes we are each other’s biggest stumbling blocks. In the scriptures, Jesus warns us that “If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand” (Mark 3:24). Therefore we must ask ourselves, if we are working “against” our own houses (the Kingdom of God), then who are we truly working for? Likewise, Paul beseeches us to be imitators of God and walk in love as Christ has loved us (Ephesians 5:1-2). We each need to make a faithful and concerted effort to do so, because only then will we witness “how pleasant and how good it is for sisters to dwell together in unity.” May the Lord continue to bless his Women of Zion.

-Stacy Gregg

Prayer & Devotion

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Journal Entry

Date Friday - July 11, 2008

Daily Focus Christian Unity (Ephesians Chapter 4-5)

Spoken W/Prayer Partners?

Prayer Request

Revelations/Insight

Daniel Fasting

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The Daniel Fast is born of the scriptures found in Daniels Chapters 1 and 10. This year, the women of Zion Mill Creek will collectively fast as Daniel did in those chapters. During this fast, you may eat at any time, however, all food and beverage consumed must be all natural and grown from the earth. Since this is our first time Daniel Fasting as a group, we will include chicken & fish on the list of acceptable foods. The Fast shall begin on Monday July 7 at 7:00 a.m. and end on Friday July 11, 2008 at 3:00 p.m. Please remember that during a time of Fast, we are to abstain from anything considered sinful and unpleasing in the sight of God (Isaiah 58:1-14). Please also remember to lift our Pastor, W.B. Sumter, and church family in your prayers. Pray for the Women’s Day Service on Sunday as well as all of the women who are leading us in ministry this week.

Acceptable Foods

Whole Grains: brown rice, oats, rolled oats, oatmeal, barley, corn, wheat

Legumes: pinto beans, split peas, lentils, black eyed peas, green peas, peanuts, etc. Grain legumes include beans, lentils, peas and all nuts, seeds, natural peanut butter, natural almond butter, sprouts, flax, etc.

Fruits: apples, apricots, avocados, bananas, blackberries, blueberries, cantaloupe, cherries, coconuts, cranberries, dates, figs, grapefruit, grapes, grenadine, guava, honeydew melons, kiwi, lemons, limes, mangoes, melons, nectarines, oats, olives, oranges, papayas, peaches, pears, pineapples, plums, prunes, raisins, raspberries, strawberries, tangelos, tangerines, tomatoes, watermelon, etc.

Vegetables: artichokes, asparagus, beets, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chili peppers, collard greens, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, garlic, ginger root, green beans, kale, leeks, lettuce, mushrooms, mustard greens, fresh herbs, okra, onions, olives, parsley, peppers, potatoes, radishes, rutabagas, scallions, spinach, sprouts, squashes, sweet potatoes, turnips, watercress, yams, zucchini, etc.

Sweeteners: Maple syrup, molasses, raw honey, stevia

Liquids: spring water, distilled water, filtered water, 100% all natural fruit or vegetable juices, natural (decaffeinated) teas & coffee

Foods to Avoid

Caffeine, carbonated beverages, including diet sodas & any alcoholic drinks

Meat & Dairy products (exception of Fish & Chicken)

Foods containing preservatives or additives

Fried foods

Margarine, shortening, animal fat, high fat products

Refined sugar, high fructose corn syrup, chemical sugar substitutes White flour and all products using it; white rice, white bread, hominy and pasta

Daniel Fasting

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A few years ago, we assigned prayer partners for the week of the fast. As partners, it was each person’s responsibility to pray for, encourage, and/or check on one another during our fasting periods. The ladies in this group received it really well, so we are trying it again this year. The following is the group assignments. The next page is the place where you may collect your partners’ contact information. Please contact Stacy if you prefer not to participate or if you have difficulty getting your partner’s information.

Prayer Partners:

GROUP 1 GROUP 2

Kathy Burns Elaine Davis

TBA

Thosha Davis Tracy Gregg

TBA

GROUP 3 GROUP 4

Stacy Gregg Elease Lemmons

TBA

Shannon Matthews Belle Taft

Adesina Wilson

GROUP 5 GROUP 6

JoVonda Glover W.B. Sumter

Jackie Matthews

Sherita Jackson Sidette Williams

Rosa Wilson

GROUP 7 GROUP 8

Mary Reid Natalie Wilson

TBA

LaTasha Brigman Toni Brackett

TBA

GROUP 9 GROUP 10

Stephanie Dukes Michele Gilmore

Earnestine Wilson

Daniel Fasting

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Prayer Contact Information:

Partner 1

Telephone E-mail

Alternate Telephone Street Address

Best time to call City, State, Zip

Partner 2

Telephone E-mail

Alternate Telephone Street Address

Best time to call City, State, Zip

Partner 3

Telephone E-mail

Alternate Telephone Street Address

Best time to call City, State, Zip

WHITE OAK CONFERENCE CENTER

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Set in the wooded hills of the midlands, White Oak Conference Center provides modern day comforts in tranquil surroundings away from daily routines and distractions. Able to host large adult and youth conferences in spacious venues, as well as, accommodate small retreats or seminars White Oak provides

the perfect setting for training and fellowship.

White Oak is equipped to meet your conference needs with 140 motel rooms, a group house that sleeps 64, a 400-seat dining hall, an 850-seat auditorium, a 230-seat lecture hall and 23 additional classrooms. Also available are many recreational opportunities with a 25-acre lake, pool, gym, picnic shelter and other activities.

The 840-acre conference and retreat center is located 37 miles north of Columbia and 60 miles south of Charlotte, 8 miles off Interstate 77 at exit 46.

White Oak Conference Center exists to serve the churches of the South Carolina Baptist Convention as a place set apart for Empowering Kingdom Growth through evangelism and discipleship in the name of Jesus Christ.

White Oak Conference Center permits groups affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention, other Christian denominations, and non-profit organizations whose purpose and objectives are compatible with those of the South Carolina Baptist Convention to utilize the conference center as space is available.

White Oak’s staff, facilities and desire is to serve you whatever your needs.

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General Information Telephone Phones for collect or credit card calls are located in the Classroom Building lobby, Lecture Hall lobby, and Auditorium lobby. When using these phones there is no charge for local calls including those calls made to the Columbia area. There are no telephones located in the guest rooms. Also, guests may have difficulties getting reception on cellular phones. Non–urgent messages will be placed on the brown bulletin board in the lobby of the dining hall for guests to pick up during meal times. Emergency messages will be hand-delivered to the group leader as soon as possible. Emergency Assistance The office number is (803) 635-4685 or (800) 723-7242, ext. 2900. You may call this number 24 hours a day. Calls after 5:00 p.m. may be answered by the answering machine, which will give you the telephone number of the staff person on call. The emergency phone located in the entrance of the Administration Building may be used for on-campus emergencies after hours. The phone number of the person on call will be posted in view. On weekends the weekend coordinator, manager, or director is on call. Remember to Bring: Welcome materials, comfortable clothes; pajamas for Friday evening PJ party; attire for Sunday morning worship services; snacks and/or beverages for your room; pool clothes (bathing suit or t-shirt & shorts, flip-flops); Bible; T.D. Jakes Book: Cover Girls (read); toiletries; first aid supplies: band-aids, stomach medicine, pain reliever; air freshener; lawn chair or blanket, and blanket or towel for Saturday morning worship. Rooms will have all necessary linen; however they do not have radios, televisions, or telephones. Retreat Facilitators & Hosts:

Elaine Davis

Michele Gilmore

Stacy Gregg

Tracy Gregg

Jackie Matthews

Shannon Matthews

Rosa Wilson

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Check In/Check Out Procedures

Check In/Check Out Check in time for the motels and group house is 4:00 pm. Check out time for the motels and group house is 11:00 am. Times other than these must be agreed upon and authorized by WOCC.

Friday activities begin at 5:30 p.m. Saturday activities begin at 6:00 a.m. Sunday Departure/Check-out no later than 8:15

Group Registration WOCC will gladly check in your group at the front desk. All Ladies are asked to be at the retreat center in time to register herself. If you anticipate that you will be running late and need to be registered, please make this known ASAP.

**The Church Van will be leaving at 3:30**

Commuter Registration Commuters must check in with the front desk in the Administration Building upon arrival at WOCC. Prior to arrival commuters should be registered for your conference. Saturday is open for anyone caring to commute. The costs for just this day will be $55.00 and must be paid on the same time schedule as overnight retreat participants: $25.00 by April 20, 2008 and the remainder by June 8, 2008. The $55.00 fee covers all costs including meals and conference materials. Any questions regarding the weekend or retreat may be directed to Stacy Gregg in person, by telephone 446-0658 or e-mail [email protected].

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Directions to White Oak Conference Center 633 Mobley Highway Winnsboro, SC 29180

(803) 635-4685 (800) 723-7242 Ext. 2900

Fax: (803) 635-4453

Columbia (Two Ways)

I-77-Travel North toward Charlotte. Get off at exit 46 (SC 20) and take a left at top of ramp. Travel approximately 3 miles and come to stop sign. Go straight approximately 5 additional miles. White Oak Conference Center will be on your right.

Or

Highway 321 North -Take 321 By-pass around Winnsboro, Travel North on 321 for approximately 8 miles until you see White Oak community sign. Turn right at this sign and travel 3/10 mile. First right will turn onto Mobley Hwy. White Oak Conference Center is 1/2 mile on left.

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Please remember to bring this booklet with you to White Oak Retreat Center.

Our group will depart from White Oak Conference Center on the Morning of July 13, 2008 in time to arrive for Sunday School.