Studying Together: An Encouragement to Naomi
The book of Ruth tells a wonderful story. It not only tells a story but also gives us a history and genealogy. Among all the context that it provides, we can find a seed of encouragement for us today.
Dear Ladies Leader, may I encourage you today? Time and space would not permit us to look at every point of Ruth and Naomi’s story here. However, I encourage you to read the short book of Ruth for yourself as part of this study. I believe these Scriptures pose questions to you…to all of us!
Who is your Ruth, dear Ladies Leader? Who will come after you in your current role? Who are you investing in – sharing your wisdom and experiences with?
In Ruth 1:11, we see that, to Naomi, it didn’t seem plausible that her daughters in-law would want to stay with her. Since she had no more sons to give, she thought she had nothing more to give. However, verses 16 and 17 show that Ruth potentially saw, what Naomi, in that moment couldn’t see. She had a God and a belonging to a people… this was more than enough.
Can you see her? Who is your Ruth?
Certainly, each of us have varying circumstances, and those who surround us vary to many different levels. However, there are yet some questions that I believe this example can help us with.
Ruth 1:14 describes the difference between the two daughters’ response to the circumstances. Orpah left, but Ruth held to Naomi. As we study further, we find that Ruth’s name means “friendship”.
When you have a gathering, who is the first to show up and the last to leave? With whom has God/is God affording you a special friendship? Could this be for the purpose of making a disciple and ensuring that what you are investing into the Kingdom of God doesn’t end with you?
As I read through this beautiful story, I see a few things that Naomi may not have seen clearly at times. If we are honest, we may also have these blind spots. (Ruth 1:16-17) Ruth was able to see what Naomi had to offer her, even if Naomi couldn’t see it. But even more than that, when Naomi returned home, her people saw what she couldn’t. (Ruth 1:21) It was true that Naomi had suffered great loss, and circumstances were bleak and would require a lot of work, even to survive…BUT Naomi was not empty handed. She was neither void of something to give nor void of someone to give it.
She belonged to a people whom she loved, and that people had a God that they served. She also had a friend in Ruth. That friend would play a tremendous role in eventually bringing Jesus into their world!
Dear Ladies Leader, I pray each of us will have eyes to see the “Ruth” in our lives. I pray we have the courage to share our passion for God and people, our experiences and our vision for what He can do. For our region, to continue in revival depends on it!
Harmony Pace, Euro Ladies Ministries Director
Chatting Together: Ruby O’Neill
My name is Ruby O’Neill and I am a member of the ladies team at The Apostolic Church of Liverpool (ACOL.)
How long have you been leading Ladies ministries?
Ever since I was saved more than 42 years ago, I have helped out in some way in a ladies group. The first Apostolic church in Liverpool originally started with eight women! We prayed and trusted God for everything, and He led eight women (mostly former Catholics) in a marvelous way!
What scripture would best describe your Ladies ministries?
We were led to read the book of Esther and in Esther 4:14, Mordecai said to Esther “and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” We read further in chapter 4 that Esther called for a three day fast in preparation for what God needed her to do next. We also needed The Lord’s intervention! We found a derelict building that was for sale “to the right people,” so we began a three day fast. On the second day, we received a call to say we were the “right people.” Hallelujah! This is the same building that is being used today by ACOL. It now has a new Sanctuary, a thriving nursery and an office building. Thanks to the Lord for eventually calling a Pastor (the Hemus family) who is also a builder.
What has been your greatest challenge in Ladies Ministries?
The greatest challenge in Ladies Ministry is being consistent, no matter if you have ten or one hundred women in your group.
What has been your greatest victory in Ladies Ministries?
The greatest victory is seeing the younger women step up to be active participants in Ladies Ministries. Hallelujah!
What tip would you have for motivating ladies to be a part of Ladies Ministries?
Set a calendar for when the group will meet in advance so that the ladies can plan work schedules, childcare etc. Have a ladies WhatsApp thread to encourage one another and pray for each other.
Has your Ladies Ministries done any community outreach? Tell us about it.
We haven’t done any planned outreach events but we do have outings to places like restaurants/hotels with large numbers of ladies. We always witness to the staff and let them know who we are and what we believe (2 Timothy 4:2.)
Our ladies meetings are held once a month at the church with a variety of topics being taught. At the end of each quarter, we have a fellowship evening outside the church.
Some of our older and less active ladies did not attend a sports evening we arranged, but it was a fun evening for some of us.
Do you have any specific resources you use and would like to recommend?
We do not use any specific resources but I always keep my eyes open for resources/messages/information that will benefit our ladies. Thank God our ladies group has grown very well over the last 21 years!
What advice or encouragement would you give to someone who is just starting out?
Pray and seek God for the ladies, and pray together with the ladies. As the group grows, encourage ladies to pair up so nobody gets lost in the crowd.
Debra Summers, Euro Ladies Ministries Secretary
Leading Together: An Effective Ladies Ministry
Ladies’ ministry has various appearances depending on one’s church. An older congregation may have a more established ministry, while a smaller church may just be starting out. We are all at different junctions on our journeys in this ministry. Regardless, the goal is the same: to effectively disciple ladies both within and without the church. How do we accomplish this?
An effective ladies’ ministry:
- Begins with prayer: Any effort of ministry should always begin with prayer. How does God want me to approach our pastor? How does God want me to minister to our women? Who could help me? What resources do we have available in the church? How can God use ladies’ ministry to strengthen my church and support my pastor? God will grant the wisdom needed as we seek His face in prayer.
- Enlists church leadership: Submission to our pastors is essential for any ministry to be successful. A plan should be presented to the pastor and informed of any changes and updates. The pastor’s wife can also provide encouragement and wisdom to the ministry leader.
- Knows the people: What are the needs of the ladies that you are ministering to? What are their work schedules? How far or close do they live to the congregation’s meeting location? What are their ages and interests? A survey could help to answer these questions and more.
- Sets specific goals: What is the purpose of your ladies’ ministry? Will it disciple the ladies, encouraging spiritual maturity and equipping them for service? Does it have an outreaching focus, looking for opportunities to minister to your community? Assessing and stating the goals for your ladies’ ministry creates the framework necessary for growth and development. Prayer will help answer these questions.
- Identifies and develops leadership: One cannot do everything alone. A ladies’ ministry is most effective when run as a team. In the beginning, the team may consist of just a couple members and expand as the ministry grows. What gifts do the ladies in your congregation have? Is someone a skillful hostess or a shrewd organizer? Is there a lady who is great at budgeting or highly compassionate? What gifts can be used to develop and grow your ladies’ ministry? Who are the next generation’s ladies’ ministry leaders? It’s wise to match a task to the talent. At times, especially when the team is small, it may be necessary to perform some functions even if one doesn’t feel particularly gifted in that area. But placing someone in an area where they can flourish creates an environment ripe for personal and spiritual growth.
- Is founded on Bible study: Everything we do must be grounded in the Bible. Our ladies’ meetings give wonderful opportunities to consistently teach doctrine and minister to spiritual needs. Our groups can get together and have a great time, but there should always be some spiritual benefit or encouragement gained. If there is a guest present, the gospel should be presented. A leader may choose to take their group through a study course or devote time to a particular topic of study. There should be opportunities for questions to be asked and for difficult topics to be discussed. What Biblical topics can strengthen our ladies’ discipleship journeys and minister to their situations?
- Develops variety: It’s been said that variety is the spice of life. As women, we can all attest that we like to do different and new things. Looking at our ladies’ giftings, is there a great cook who could teach a recipe? What skills can be shared across the group? At these various meetings, time can also be set aside for prayer and Biblical encouragement.
- Encourages outreach: Every child of God is called to the Great Commission! What can we do to touch souls outside the church? How can your ladies minister to their community? Referring to the group’s giftings, is there a talent that can be used for growing the Kingdom of God?
- Encourages personal friendships: Community is essential for growth. Our ladies’ ministry should create a safe environment for healthy, godly friendships. We support one another; we pray, cry, mourn, and rejoice together. We all have a common goal: to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. How much easier it becomes when we have each other!
- Remains flexible and relevant: Growth brings change. Our ladies’ needs will change as the group expands; we cannot plan for 10 women when we have 25. We need to be willing to evaluate our activities and change as needed. If something doesn’t work, try something else!
(List adapted from Women Mentoring Women by Vickie Kraft and Gwynne Johnson)
Every plan, action, and effort are a step forward in growing a ladies’ ministry. The Lord will help us as we seek Him in prayer, stay close to our pastors, and work to effectively minister to the dear ladies in our churches. Together, we can make a difference and not only in the lives of the women in our congregations, but in our cities and countries as well!
Candace Lindholm
Meeting Together
Here in northern France, I am happy to finally report that the signs of spring are springing up all around our little English Cottage-style home. Tiny green shoots are pushing their way up through the soil and before long, daffodils will be in full bloom, soon to be followed by tulips. The beautiful magnolia tree in our front yard is loaded with buds, and in another month or so, it will be in full bloom with gorgeous pink cup-shaped flowers. The birds are waking me up most mornings as they chirp their spring song to the top of their little lungs. And I must add that the bright sunshine that has chased away the dingey grey clouds of winter is such a welcome guest!
With all the beautiful springing, budding and blooming going on around us, I can’t help but think that April or May would be a perfect time for a garden party (depending on where you live). Here are a few theme ideas to inspire you:
Garden themes in the Bible –
- It All Began in a Garden: Garden of Eden (Genesis 2)
- A Well-Watered Garden (Isaiah 58:11; Psalm 1:3)
- My Father, the Gardener (John 15:1-2)
- Planting Seeds (I Corinthians 3:6-7; Ecclesiastes 11:6; Mark 4:26-29)
- Good Soil (Isaiah 61:11; Matthew 13:3-9, 24-30)
- From Desert to Garden (Isaiah 35:1-2; Ezekiel 36:34-36)
- Sowing and Reaping (II Corinthians 9:6; Galatians 6:7; Psalm 107:37-38; Hosea 10:12)
- Roots (Ephesians 3:17)
- The Patient Gardener (Proverbs 12:11)
- The Garden of Prayer (Matthew 26:36-45; 6:6
- The Secret Garden (Matthew 6:6)
Decorations for a garden themed meeting would be so easy to find and would make a beautiful setting for your ladies. Small flowers pots or small bunches of fresh cut flowers would look great and could be accessorized with garden critters such as butterflies, bees, or lady bugs. A watering can or small basket containing garden tools would make a nice decoration and could be given away as a door prize. Each lady could go home with an envelope of seeds she could plant in her own garden.
If you have the time and budget, you could make a beautiful garden-themed photo booth for the ladies to take their pictures in. A wood arch covered in flowers with a wood bench in the center, surrounded by potted plants would be a wonderful addition to your decor.
If you know of any talented bakers, perhaps you could serve flower shaped cookies (check out this website: https://www.somewhatsimple.com/sugar-cookie-flowers/) or have someone make a cake in the shape of a spring garden hat. You could also use your flower-shaped cookie cutters to cut out pieces of bread to make your sandwiches. How about “flower ice cubes” for the drinks? Check out this website for garden-themed craft ideas: https://modpodgerocksblog.com/garden-crafts/.
The options are endless! Hopefully this small list is an inspiration and you will allow your imagination to run wild. If you do, we would LOVE to hear about your meeting and see some photos of your great work.
Crystal Wallace
Teaching Together: Buds and Blooms
My mother can make anything grow! I have long admired her ability to grow plants and whole gardens from the tiniest seedlings and cuttings. I most assuredly did not inherit this gene from her! I do appreciate beautiful plants and love to eat garden-fresh produce, but have never been accused of having much of a green thumb myself.
However, over the last few years as she became my father’s primary care giver during a long struggle with heart disease and cancer, she just simply didn’t have the time or the mental energy to keep up with plants. Not to mention that glare and sunlight were issues that Dad struggled with, so not much fresh light was available during those months of sickness that would help to sustain plant life.
That has all changed since Dad passed, and I have watched her take the many plants we received from gracious friends and family and grow them, and grow them, and grow them! As she has recovered her strength and vitality and gained a new lease on life, opened the curtains and allowed the beautiful Texas sunlight to fill her home daily, we have watched the plant population grow by leaps and bounds! To the point that neighbors stop to ask how she keeps them so green and healthy, which inevitably leads to her witnessing to them about the Lord. She is currently excited about her latest acquisition – a spindly, dry-looking stick that she is convinced will become a healthy, prolific fig tree in her back yard! And I don´t doubt it!
How does this help us in the Resources section of this magazine? Like Mom, we need to let the sunshine in, start feeding and caring for resources that we have already been given – and let them grow!! We don’t always need the latest & greatest, most modern, intimidating gadgets available, although they are certainly convenient and useful in their place. But some resources that have been tried and true in the past will grow…will be successful in our hands if we simply feed and water them, and let the “Son-shine in! So let’s look at a few “tried and true” resources that may be new to some of the younger folks, along with a few newer models, and put them to work in our ladies departments!!
- TOGETHER digital magazine by EURO Ladies. This very document that you are reading – are you taking full advantage of all the resources included here? Dedicated to ladies of the European region of the UPCI, written by ladies living and serving within the same, each edition contains sound doctrine, a lesson or Bible study to be taught, ideas about how to hold ladies’ meetings, interviews with ladies of like precious faith, and a section on resources available to all its readers. Make sure you are taking advantage of this and sharing it with all ladies’ leaders in your country who could benefit from its content. Subscribe today at www.euroladies.org and peruse the website to take advantage of all the past issues in your language. Sign up all your friends & fellow ladies’ leaders and help this resource grow!
- www.ladiesministries.com is the official website of Ladies Ministries of the UPCI. This website is teeming with resources for our ladies! It has long been the mission of Ladies Ministries to get quality, doctrinally-sound material into the hands of ladies everywhere, and they are doing a great job of it! Books for purchase, Bible studies to download and teach or share, many newsletters to sign up for (prayer, military wives, widows, etc.) – so much good digital and paper content! The Ladies Prayer International monthly bulletin is offered digitally in over 20 languages!
- www.reflectionsupci.com – a branch of Ladies Ministries, it is the original print magazine now available in digital format. It does require a paid subscription for download, but it is well worth the investment for good quality, doctrinally sound articles and reading material.
- @reflectionsupci – Reflections’ “Let’s Talk” podcast for ladies, available on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Ladies love to talk!! Ladies need friends!! Hear about all this and more in these heartfelt, edifying podcasts, by UPCI ladies for UPCI ladies. Click on the link on the above Ladies Ministries page or find them directly on your favorite streaming service.
These are just 4 simple resources – but oh, how far reaching and effective they could be when well planted in our lives! Let us “sow” good things into our lives so that we may reap of the bountiful goodness of God!
“For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting” (Galatians 6:8)
Kay Burgess
Don’t forget to register for Together!
We are all very excited about the upcoming conference in Bucharest, Romania! It will be a powerful time of encouragement, equipping, and connecting. With that being said, registration is open! Sign up today and get your name on the attendees’ list! Early bird registration ends June 30, 2025. Register here!
“She has done what she could and has anointed my body for burial ahead of time. I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman’s deed will be remembered and discussed.” Mark 14:8-9 (NLT)