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.