Because of the gifts of women across the U.S., this year our Director of Women's Ministries has been criss-crossing the country meeting small and large groups of women in church after church through the National Project, "Face-to-Face." Eastern women met face to face in eight locations in five-days. Pacific Northwest women gathered in two main locations and one informal venue. Read some of the results...and look for Ruth's visits to your district!

"What a blessing it was to meet with women from so many of our churches in the district! I had the privilege of traveling with Ruth Vallevik, as she shared her heart for ministry - to, for and by women. We had the privilege to hear the vision these ladies have for each other, for their communities and for missions. God is at work!
~Ruth Christenson (President, Eastern District Women's Ministries)

"I was so happy to see the attendance at these events - with many women driving distances to come, and often at inconvenient times. I was welcomed into homes, I was prayed for, and I heard positive stories of ministry to women going on in church after church.... Meeting with 14 pastors' wives at Tuscarora was a treat, and I'm grateful for the faith and commitment I saw in them. I was so glad to hear about the newly-invigorated and youthful face of WM at 59th St. Church in Brooklyn, and met a 98-old saint named Lily in Princeton who faithfully sends greeting cards to our missionary families... The twinkle in those eyes was unforgettable.

"... seeing how many women are being affected by job loss and financial stress made a big impact on me. Others are facing family illnesses, church conflicts, and loneliness. Their faith is being tested. I spoke several times about the hope that is ours in Jesus; the firm foundation on which we can stand in these days that for many are unsettling and dark."
~Ruth Vallevik (Director, Women's Ministries of the CLB)

"Ruth Vallevik's ‘Face to Face' visit to the Pacific Northwest got off to a lovely start as ladies from the north-end of our district gathered at Grace LB in Lynnwood for Friday evening's ‘Dessert Night.' We enjoyed the gracious hospitality of our hostesses, as well as beautiful singing, scripture and prayer, district updates and an encouraging message from Ruth. It was obvious that everyone enjoyed each other's company as we lingered well into the evening!

"On Saturday morning, we trekked down to Oregon for the ‘South-End District Brunch' at Greater Grace LB in Portland. A special highlight was the unveiling of a greeting card designed by Shirley Embanks for the benefit of our national ‘Cup of Blessing' campaign!

"We then held an informal ‘Sunday Forum' at Hope at Silver Lake in Everett, where many encouragements and ideas were shared. It is exciting to hear how the Lord is using our ladies to minister to one another and to our communities. Many thanks to Ruth for spending time in our district, and encouraging us to keep doing what we're doing, as well as continue seeking fresh avenues to reach other women for Christ."
~Michelle Aandahl, (President, Pacific Northwest District)

By Cheryl Olsen

Cheryl Olsen (pictured with her husband Stan) serves as the secretary of Women's Ministries of the Church of the Lutheran Brethren. (www.wmclb.com)

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