Ruth Bell Graham Special

Ruth Bell Graham, beloved wife of evangelist Billy Graham, is the subject of a T.V. special coming (Eureka ABC KAEF channel 23 at 12/7/07 8 PM). Here is the link:http://www.billygraham.org/TV_Index.asp?QR=163

Dream With Us!

When I see this question I don't think of a physical building. I don't think of a larger facility, although it would help us do more things in the community. When I think of what GOD would have our church look like in FIVE years, I think of people. I think of the many ways we could reach out to bring the love and message of Jesus Christ to this region and to be a tangible expression of God's mercy, grace and compassion to a raw and hurting world. I have some ideas, but I'd like to hear about yours...What do you think GOD would have our church, Hydesville Community Church, look like in FIVE years?

Called Upon

As Christians, at some point, we are all called upon to give some wise Biblical counsel to others. Does that scare you? That's o.k. That means you take your spiritual responsibility seriously, as well we all should. Here at Hydesville Church we are offering an introduction to the area of counseling on November 4th & 11th at 8:30 AM in the Living Room of the Hut (the house next door to the church). This is a two-session seminar to train ministry workers as they help others in time of difficulty, uncertainty and trouble. Develop your gift to be "a blessing to others in a raw and hurting world."

Porch Light

Coming October 28th - Sunday evening at 6:30 PM in the Living Room of the Hut - Porch Light - a support group for hurting parents of wayward teens or young adults. We'll keep the light on for you...

What is Your Opinion?

This question is for those in our church family who work outside the home and in the city of Eureka. Would you be interested in a once-a-week Bible study at the lunch hour held at a restaurant/coffee place in Eureka if it was offered? This study would also be a place to invite friends and co-workers. Do you think this idea has any possibilities? Thanks for your input. You can place a comment on this blog, or call Penny at the Hydesville Community Church office (707)768-3767.

Angela Wins the Quilt

Melisa Wennerholm made a fabulous pink and brown quilt (retreat colors) with a warm cordoroy backing. The inspiration for the quilt came from a pattern to raise awareness for breast cancer research. The quilt was put together to raffle off to raise funds for scholarships for the women's retreat. The happy winner of the quilt is Angela Johnson!

The Mother's Heart

"Now the man called his wife's name Eve, because she was the mother of all the living."

Genesis 3:20

Adam gave the name "mother" to Eve before she had any children. In our society we think of motherhood starting with the conception of a child. But is seems clear to me from this verse and from my life experience that the mothering heart in some degree is a part of every woman whether or not she has children. It is our natural God-given capacity to nurture, to be life giving, to be sensitive and to receive tremendous affirmation in having a role in helping human beings grow. Actually, Adam said "all the living" which may account for why women love flowers and little girls are prone to bring home stray puppies and kittens. Certainly men have strong feelings regarding parenthood. I am in no way diminishing the amazing role of fatherhood, but merely focusing on motherhood. Genesis 3:15-19 tells of the consequences of our sin against God. While the result of man's sin was related to labor, the consequences of women's sin was connected to relationships. God said, "in pain you shall bring forth children." There is a lot of pain in child rearing, and not only in the physical birth! Yet, God still has given us a heart fit for the job. As a woman I can recognize that the desire for harmonious relationships is part of my God-given nature. In the church, whether we have no children, are a mother, or grandmother, I can have a life-giving and nurturing ministry to children because of the special way in which God has blessed all women with "the mother's heart".

New Bible Studies

Two great Bible studies will be kicking off at the end of October. On Sunday morning, October 28th (8:30 AM), Teacher Val Childs will be starting a seven week class on The Bible A to Z. After this class you will have a great overview on how the Bible was put together, the order and purposes of the books of the Bible and understand in a greater way the amazing way God speaks to us through His Word.

The Five Love Languages will be presented by Teacher Trudy Wilson starting on Wednesday morning, October 31st. Learn how God has uniquely given each of us a special way to communicate with each other and learn to recognize the love language of others. A valuable communication tool!

Sign up for both classes at the R.I.S.E. Ministries table.

Bust a Gut...Make Me Laugh

What a wonderful weekend we had at the R.I.S.E. Ministries Annual Autumn Retreat! There were sweet times of worship and we heard from several women from our church who passionately love to share God's Word. We ate some scrumptious meals and enjoyed many significant conversations. God brought people together. There was love, tears, forgiveness and joy. Communion was beautiful. Then of course, there was the laughter. Humor is such a gift from God. If you missed the weekend, be sure to join us next year. In the meantime be sure to join us for Bible studies and events. Come RISE with with the women's ministries of Hydesville Community Church!

Journaling - Your Life Story

I'm excited about the journaling project Pastor Mike asked us to embark on for the school calendar year. Journaling helps our spiritual progress in many ways.

Last May I was going through some difficult things. Before when I had journaled, I tended to stop during the times of real stress or disappointments in life. It seemed to make it too real to write it all down. But this time I really felt the Spirit of God directing me to write through the things that hurt my heart. A few months later I can now look back and see how God really used journaling as a way of healing hurts, seeing new Biblical insights and understanding God's heart better. There is something about writing that crystalizes thoughts for me. Now I understand why journaling is included as a "Spiritual Discipline." Like all disciplines, they take some effort, but the rewards are so totally worth the energy and time.

Our whole church is starting a journaling project. It is called "Endurance." I urge you and challenge you to join us. Journals are available at the church office. To help defray printing cost, people are donating $5. But if that is a problem at this time in your life, we would be happy to give you a journal. Happy writing.

Brandon is Here!

Welcome to the world little Brandon Randall Starcher, son of Aaron & Michelle! Brandon is 8 lbs. 11 oz.; 21" long. We hear he has black hair and blue eyes. Brandon was born on August 9th. God bless this new addition to your family Aaron and Michelle!
P.S. Brandon and his mom and dad and family were in church Sunday. What a fine looking boy!

Porch Light

I'll leave the Light on for You.

Are you the parent of a wayward teen or young adult? Do you feel alone in your struggles? Would you benefit from the support and prayer of other parents? Then we welcome you to Porch Light. It is good to know you are not alone. Porch Light meets the last Sunday evening of the month starting September 23rd at Hydesville Community Church. Porch Light starts at 6:30 PM in the Living Room of the Hut. For more information contact Penny Fregeau, Director of Women's Ministry & Counseling at Hydesville Community Church (707) 768-3767.

Leadership Summit

Lessons in Leadership

Janet Harward, Connie Schneider, Val Childs and I had a fantastic opportunity to attend a leadership conference in Roseville, California. It was presented by Willow Creek Church and was a excellent time of learning and worship. As we considered many aspects of leadership we realized there was much we wanted to learn individually, and as a church family. We were also made to realize the great blessing we have in being a part of Hydesville Community Church, and that we are led by an outstanding Senior Pastor - Michael Delamarian III. Here are some words of appreciation to him:

Pastor Mike - You have created a culture where we are encouraged to learn and grow and to fulfill our potential in Christ. You have gone without for yourself to give to others. You have taught us the meaning of the word, “grace” and we have watched it lived out in you. You encourage your church to break out of the mold, embrace learning, and be creative and innovative in fashioning roads for people to come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. You have been a tremendous example. How does one go about thanking someone for those kind of things?... those deep things of the soul and spirit? I’m not really sure, but hoping some how that you know how much your congregation and the people you are teaching to lead deeply appreciate you. You are truly a great leader.

The Hydesville Institute of the Bible

Are You Thirsty?

Do you thirst for a deeper understanding of God’s Word? Do you desire to strengthen your training for ministry?

The Hydesville Institute of the Bible is designed to provide Bible instruction, practical ministry training and spiritual mentoring for the purpose of reaching the Eel River Valley and beyond with the Love and Message of Jesus Christ.

Upper level 300 courses begin September 10th with *A Woman’s Heart: God’s Dwelling Place (a Beth Moore DVD study) led by Director of Women’s Ministry & Counseling Penny Fregeau and the Master Plan of Evangelism taught by Pastor Jeff Beltz. There may be another class offering as well at this level.

100 and 200 level courses begin September 16th on Sunday mornings at 8:30 AM. These classes will include: Discovering Church Membership (September 16th & 23rd), Discovering Spiritual Maturity (December 2nd & 9th), Network Spiritual Gifts Class (October 14th, 21st & 28th), a two-part Evangelism Class (February 24th & March 2nd) and a two-part Lay Counseling Seminar (November 4th & 11th).

Hydesville Institute of the Bible: Who Are We?
Hydesville Institute of the Bible was established in response to the growing need to disciple and train ministry workers in the North Coast region of California. Hydesville Community Church, was founded in 1898 and has had an affiliation with the Evangelical Free Church of America (EFCA) since 1963. The Senior Pastor of Hydesville Community Church, Michael Delamarian III, has served the church since 1983. At that time the congregation numbered about 50. Today, over 500 people attend, participate and serve in Hydesville Community Church. An active and growing band of believers, Hydesville Community Church is united in the desire to reach the Eel River Valley and disciple believers to change their world for the cause of Christ.

*Beth Moore study also presented Wednesday mornings at 10 AM beginning September 12th .

Bye Becca

I got to know Becca Henry when she worked for Pastor Jeff a couple of summers ago. She was a great worker and I enjoyed her feisty spirit. Then when I became the Director of Women's Ministry and Counseling, Becca was right there to work hard, support and encourage many aspects of the ministry. Becca was on the Women's Retreat Team, she administrated the Daniel Bible study (64 women strong), other women's Bible studies and it was Becca who organized all the 40 Days of Purpose Remix studies. Becca was a part of Cup of Encouragement and she taught Bible studies. Becca has a thirst for God's Word, she is honest, she is a woman of prayer and she adores her family. Am I going to miss Becca? Holy cow. I miss her already. Since we love Becca, we want what is best for her, and right now that means moving closer to her extended family. So we wish her God's best, knowing that He will use her in mighty ways in His kingdom. "For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11

Immerse Yourself in a Great Bible Study

"BETH MOORE invites you to enter the sanctuary of your God and let Him reveal marvelous mysteries to you. This in-depth, biblical study explores the fascinating account of the building of the tabernacle, the significance of its intricate design, its pivotal role in God’s eternal plan, the grand fulfillment of its purpose by Jesus Christ, and its variety of meanings for your walk with God today. You will be challenged to prepare your heart, like the holy of holies, to become a home for His love and glory - a dwelling place for the Most High God."

We will be studying together on Monday evenings starting September 10th and Wednesday mornings beginning September 12th. We will watch the DVD together and then break into small groups for discussion, share and prayer time. Sign ups will start in a couple of weeks.

Prayer & Devotion Time at Pamplin Grove

Women always have someone on their heart. For many it is a child, a husband, a loved one, a friend...

On Tuesday, August 7th at 12:30 in the afternoon, we will be meeting with the women who are camping at Pamplin Grove for a time of prayer and a short devotion. You are welcome to join us. For any information about this camp, contact Velma Bronson.

Baby Boy!

Welcome to the world Grant Jackson Frye. Born on July 10th, Grant is the son of Joe and Kathy Frye. He weighs in at 7 pounds, 9.1 ounces. Grant measured 18 3/4 inches at birth. We hear he has red hair. I was told when I was little that red hair is a license to be mischevious! (I had red hair). We rejoice with you Joe, Kathy and family!

Women's Ministry new website page

The new Hydesville Church website is coming along! Check out the R.I.S.E. Women's Ministry page! Just go to "Ministries" and then you'll see the women's page. We will be updating new Fall programs as information becomes available. Here's the link: http://www.hydesvillechurch.org/forwomen.html

A Costly Pearl

You are Invited As a woman of the Hydesville Church community or special invited guest we welcome you to sign up for our Annual Autumn Women’s Retreat. We will be meeting Friday evening at 5 PM, September 28th at the Triumphant Life Camp grounds in Larabee Valley (about an hour from the church). The retreat will extend through the weekend, and we leave the grounds around noon on Sunday, September 30th. Please join us for this literal mountain top experience. This is a time and place where we gather together as Christian women and those who would like to consider Christianity. We talk, we have wonderful meals, we talk, we listen to inspired speakers, we sing, we worship, we talk, we have some fun surprises, and creative interludes, and did we mention we talk...talk...talk into the night with our dear friends and our new friends?

Theme of the Retreat: A Costly Pearl: Seeking Jesus As Our Finest Treasure. Special Workshops: Saturday Evening. Food: By the Hydesville Community Church plethora of creative chefs. Just for Fun: Thrift Store Fashion Show - prizes for: “Mother of Pearls” (fashions for a pregnant mother); ”Pearly Gates” (heavenly attire); “String of Pearls” (fashions of the 40’s)”; “Pearls of Wisdom” (the ”smartest” outfit); “the Making of a Pearl “ (most irritating attire); ”Casting Pearls Prize” (the outfit that should be thrown away). No more than $5 may be spent on any outfit.

Join us! More information on the women's ministry table at church or call the church office 768-3767.

Well Done.

A model of models for women, Ruth Bell Graham dies at 87. Here is a link to a good article about an incredible lady: http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2007/juneweb-only/124-43.0.html. Ruth Graham, beloved wife of Billy Graham was real, gutsy, and godly. Another great article that sheds some light on this beautiful Christian lady is found at: http://blog.christianitytoday.com/giftedforleadership/2007/06/in_memory_of_ruth_bell_graham.html

Already Excited

The Autumn Women’s Retreat is still over three months away…but I am already excited. There is just something about getting a glimpse of what is in the heart of God for us that fills me with anticipation.

In a phenomenal short passage in Exodus 33, we find the Lord speaking with Moses “face to face, just as a man speaks to his friend.” After some discussion about the waywardness of the people and some pleading on the part of Moses, the Lord tells him “my presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest.” Then Moses asks for something else: “I pray You, show me Your glory!” The Lord explained that no one could see His face and live, but that He would pass by Moses, hiding him in a cleft of a rock, and keeping His hand over him until He passed by…then He will take his hand away and Moses could see His back… a glimpse of His glory.

It is so much the heart of God to desire that His people draw close to Him and just spend time in praise, in worship, and just getting to know and understand Him better. And when we make it our desire to focus on Him and seek Him, His very presence can melt away so much of what troubles or concerns us in our lives. It is written in Psalm 73:16-17a, “When I pondered to understand this, it was troublesome in my sight until I came into the sanctuary of God…” “Sanctuary” is a synonym for “retreat”. It is in the putting aside of our daily cares and focusing on God that changes our perspective. Just getting a glimpse of God’s heart for us…I can’t wait.

There are other facets to the retreat – great food, some time of lighthearted fun…but all of that is built around the anticipation of seeking Him. I am so looking forward to this time at TLC, September 28th – 30th. I hope you will be able to join us. Specific sign up information will be coming out shortly. The theme of the retreat is “A Costly Pearl: Seeking Jesus as our Finest Treasure.” I hope to see you there.

Stay Focused Bible Studies

This past Spring we offered some great Bible studies taught by some ladies who have a passion to help other women grow in their knowledge of the Bible. Each Bible study offered not only an opportunity to learn great Biblical truths, but also to put those powerful words into everyday language and application for down-to-earth real life.

Janet Harward taught a Bible Study focusing on Marriage. The frame of reference for this study was the excellent book Dr. Gil Stieglitz and his wife, Dana, wrote on marriage: How to Be a Godly Wife: God’s Radical Plan for Marriage. This study offered an excellent time for women to cultivate relationships that spanned generational borders. God’s Word has much to say about our role as wives. We also heard a lot of laughter as women discovered our common bonds and humorous situations that sometimes come with marriage. This was a timely and significant study.

Val Childs not only taught a study – she wrote this study. A seminary student, Val Childs has a passion to study and teach the Bible. A group of ladies eagerly studied Old Testament Prophets: Living Life Radically for God. Each week these women learned incredible things the Old Testament Prophets did out of obedience, to demonstrate God’s heart to a watching world. Soap operas have nothing on the Bible! The Bible is the most fascinating book in the world. This study was not only Bible history. This study showed the reality of God’s heart toward us today.

Becca Henry led a group that had a great study on the life of Sarah on the subject of Contentment. After the Easter service at the River Lodge, we started offering Spring Bible study sign-ups and had a variety of subjects available at the Women’s Ministry table. It was readily apparent that contentment was a subject that hit a nerve. In our busy culture of more, more, more, contentment doesn’t come naturally. Becca and her group studied Sarah’s life and how contentment can be a part of our life today. They had opportunities to practically apply what they learned in every day life decisions.

Trudy Wilson taught a “coffee study.” It was called Mocha on the Mount and the study was centered on Christ’s words in the Sermon on the Mount. Not only did they “do” a “coffee study” – they decided to meet at Hot Brew and study the Bible in a comfortable and public place. I loved Trudy’s idea. This worked well since the curriculum had all the Bible verses printed right in the book, so they didn’t have a need to bring along the library! Trudy loves digging into God’s Word and sharing her enthusiasm with her students.

Ruth Davis taught an ongoing Bible study on Friday afternoons on the book of John. Some of our great Senior adults attended and enjoyed this study. Ruth has taught Bible studies in our church for many years and we appreciate her wisdom, insight and practical experience of walking many years with the Lord. She always has great things to share with others.

We are taking a planned rest from the usual busy women’s ministry program so that women may focus on their husbands, families and friends. Typically rainy for many months, our North Coast weather gives us a beautiful break in the summer and many families travel. Enjoy your summer and rest up – because when Fall hits, women’s ministry will be on the move!

R.I.S.E. Women's Ministry

The acrostic “R.I.S.E.” encapsulates some anchor points of Women’s Ministry. R is for “REACHING”. Our focus as a church and in women’s ministry is to reach out to others in the community so that more may come to know Christ. I is for “INSPIRNG.” Synonyms for inspire include motivate, move, stir and encourage. Hebrews 10:25 urges us to use creativity in ministry…”Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big day approaching.” (The Message). S is for “SERVING” – we are called to serve one another. A great aide in growing in our capacities to serve is to help identify our giftings and put them to use in the body of Christ. E is for “EQUIPPING” – I dream of having a strong emphasis on the teaching and training of ministry leaders. One of our wonderful seasoned saints said is so simply, but profoundly: “If people read the Bible more, they wouldn’t have so many problems in life.” Truly, the Bible is the book of hope and it is my sincere prayer that I can help other women fall in love with God’s Word.

The Scriptures make it absolutely clear that as we grow in Christ we have a significant responsibility to pass on, mentor and teach the faith to those who have recently come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. In the Apostle Paul’s book to Titus he speaks specifically to women: “But as for you, promote the kind of living that reflects right teaching…Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that is appropriate for someone serving the Lord. They must not go around speaking evil of others and must not be heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is good. These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, to live wisely and be pure, to take care of their homes, to do good, and be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God.” NLT

What a considerable responsibility the Lord entrusts to us – especially in this day, in this age and in this geographic locale! Does our culture offer us a lot of help in this area? The answer is increasingly less and less. Whereas once families were more connected and the faith and life skills were more “naturally” transmitted (family members tended to live closer to each other) it is now common to live hundreds of miles away from the rest of our family members. Our culture – especially in the Pacific Northwest (that promotes rugged individualism and self sufficiency ) can distance us from the mentoring relationships that help us grow in the faith and in the concept of community. And beyond this, because of our pioneer beginnings, the Pacific Northwest is a highly unchurched region when compared to other locales in the United States. When we minister and teach, and when the Pastors preach, they cannot assume a Bible literacy that many sections of the country takes for granted. But this is where the church – God’s family – has a wonderful opportunity to speak light into a dark place, be creative and do whatever it takes to reach the lost with the love and message of Jesus Christ.