August 24, 2021
Johnson University Professor of New Testament Dr. Heather Gorman went “Over the Edge” Saturday—rappelling down a 16-story building—to help raise money for The Restoration House of East Tennessee. TRH was started by JU grads Daniel and Mandy Watson.
May 1, 2017
By Michael C. Mack Mother”s Day, and the weeks surrounding it, is a prime time to minister to the needs of moms in the community. Here are six ideas you can use: “¢ Teen Moms: Partner with a local teen or crisis pregnancy center to provide basic necessities such as nursing and newborn supplies, a rose, and a signed Mother”s Day card. “¢ Refugee Families: Contact a local organization that serves refugees to discover their needs, especially for moms in these families. Assemble care packages of gift certificates, groceries, and housewares, for instance, as well as a Bible and Mother”s
September 27, 2015
By Michael C. Mack Studies show more than a quarter of American adults are divorced or raising children alone. Yet surveys indicate only 5 percent of single parents attend church regularly. What can the church do to reach single moms? One congregation has thrown baby showers for single moms-to-be. The goal is to show love to someone struggling and unsure of God”s love in a difficult time. Women from the church cook, plan games, and act as hosts at the event. The Single Moms Ministry at McCook (Nebraska) Christian Church started a new Bible study group and handed out fliers
September 11, 2014
By Michael C. Mack What comes to mind when you think of a typical women”s ministry event? Does it involve lacy tablecloths and flowery centerpieces? A gift exchange in which women pass gifts left or right as someone reads a story? Special music? A funny speaker? Craft tables in the lobby? Author Amy Nappa has some different ideas. Here are a few of the fresh and fun approaches to women”s ministry she suggests in Today”s Christian Woman magazine: Adventure: One women”s group in Minnesota headed out for a four-day dogsledding trip. The woman who planned the trips said, “God works
By Jennifer Johnson There are so many “least of these.” We devote countless hours and dollars to serving the homeless, the fatherless, and the hungry. We do everything we can for single moms (soapbox alert: when was the last time you saw a ministry to single dads?). We rally around ending poverty in Haiti and AIDS in Africa and contaminated water everywhere. But stories like the ones featured this month from First Christian Church (Canton, OH) and Kentucky Christian University remind us there are other groups who need our help, “hidden” communities that may be surviving but not thriving, and
August 19, 2013
By Nancy Karpenske The Pearl Group is a nonprofit that helps single parents in specialized ways. This group was launched by business owners from LifeBridge Christian Church who wanted to do more than just donate money. The Pearl Group can apply for grants, seek donors, and arrange partnerships with foundations and agencies that might not give to a church. The Pearl programs offer a wide array of services: “¢ A car clinic happens on Saturdays every other month. Two local garages open their doors for teams of volunteer mechanics. “¢ The Closet is a free clothing bank for moms and
August 19, 2013
For nearly a decade LifeBridge Christian Church in Longmont, Colorado, has been trying to figure out how to bless single moms. We”ve had some breakthroughs and some setbacks. Here is the one clear truth: God doesn”t measure success the same way we do. By Nancy Karpenske I”ll call her Debbie. When she started attending our group, she sat hunched over, making no eye contact. I kept expecting her to storm out. Ever so slowly her protective layers of hostility began to melt, just a few degrees. She has three children, each with a special needs diagnosis. She typically works three
June 7, 2009
 Compiled by Nancy Karpenske Books Help! I Can”t Pay My Bills: Surviving a Financial Crisis by Sally Herigstad (Macmillan, 2006). She”s Gonna Blow! Real Help for Moms Dealing with Anger by Julie Ann Barnhill (Harvest House Publishers, 2005). One Tough Mother: It”s Time to Step Up and Be the Mom by Julie Barnhill (Revell, 2007). The Fig Leaf Conspiracy: Sexuality as It Was Meant to Be by Jimmy Evans (Gospel Light, 2008). Quick Scripture Reference for Counseling Women by Patricia A. Miller (Baker Books, 2002). Billy Graham Christian Worker”s Handbook, Charles G. Ward, editor (Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 2006).
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