Attending: Betty, Carla, Sharon, Joyce, Becky, Anita Carla got us thinking by reading two poems by T-Boz called It’s just a Problem and It’s Murder We opened class with a prayer. Please keep Art and Jerri in your prayers for their battles with cancer. We also prayed for Matthew and Adrianna’s troubles in school and for their mommies. Also, please remember Sharon’s brother, Steve, with his back pain. We started a new book called Impacting Your World (Becoming a Person of Influence) by Don Cousins and Judson Poling. Because most of us didn’t have a book until this morning and the lessons really should be done before we meet, we decided to read the introduction and discuss it. One point that was brought out is that it is helpful to discover our own style of presenting [the Gospel], styles that grow out of the way God made us. Merely discovering our style can free us from loads of guilt and frustration that may arise from trying to use styles that we aren’t gifted with. Next week we will study lesson 1: Introduction to Evangelism

Ladies’ Class Minutes Feb. 2, 2001

Attending: Carla, Anita, Becky, Betty, Kim, Sharon, Joyce We studied chapter 13 The Church Leader’s Wife from the book Patterns for Living by Irene Young Mattox. Scriptures for Study: Philippians 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9; James 5:14-18; 1 Peter 5:1-4. We may not all be wives of elders, deacons, and preachers, but just as all men should develop characteristics which prepare them to assume these responsibilities in the church, women should develop those traits that would make good helpers for Christian leaders. Duties as Christian: 1. Know God. 2. Be at peace with herself. 3. Be cooperative. 4. Seek to give credit to others and be willing to accept blame. 5. Look for the best. 6. Be hospitable and thoughtful. Duties as wife and mother: 1. Be a companion and helper to her husband. 2. Be one with whom he can share confidences and discuss problems. 3. Encourage her husband and have faith in his abilities. 4. Pray for and with her husband. 5. Not request too much of his time and attention. 6. Never neglect her duties to her children. The church leaders wife must grow through study, learning, living, serving, giving, worshipping, and winning others for the Lord. Do not compare yourselves with others, for all of us have varying talents, but compare yourself with your own faith and hope and love and knowledge of last year or the year before. Life is a growth process. Most of all, let us compare ourselves with our perfect pattern for living, Jesus Christ. Next Week we will be studying a new book about evangelism called Impacting Your World by Don Cousins and Judson Poling.

Ladies' Class Minutes Jan. 26, 2001

Attending: Carla, Joyce, Lili, Anita, Sharon, Becky We studied chapter12: "The Christian Teacher" from the book Patterns for Living by Irene Young Mattox Scriptures for study: Colossians 3:16; 1 Thessalonians 5:14-15; 2Timothy 2:14-26; Titus 2:3-5; 1 John 4:13-16 Every Christian is a teacher. We teach something every day just by the decisions we make, the things we say, and how we live our lives. However, the true Christian is to do more than teach by example. She is to teach as did her Lord, in "word and deed." Teaching is commanded. Twenty-two scriptures show the necessity of taking the Lord's supper, one hundred twenty scriptures teach on the subject of baptism, but 1,000 times in the New Testament we are exhorted to teach the Word. Jesus said' "Teach all nations," "every creature." He did not say, "Invite them to come," but "Go teach." Not "Let them know you are in town," but "Go teach." Not "Come," but "Go." Christians may teach on an individual basis or in a group or class situation. The can teach by discussion, lecture, question, or conversation. They can teach on the job, in the classroom, over the fence-anywhere. The way a thing is presented has as much to do with being accepted as what is being presented. Teaching should be the result of love guided by wisdom… Never enter into heated controversy; but point to God's word. Be sure the love shines through in all your teaching. Remember you are not seeking to win an argument but to win for Christ an immortal soul. The teacher must try: 1. To help her pupils know God. 2. To teach them to follow Jesus as leader and accept him as Saviour. 3. To help them come to know the Bible. 4. To teach God's plan for life as well as his plan of salvation. 5. To develop Christian character. 6. To help her pupils become working Christians. 7. To teach them to share in building Christian homes. 8. To lead them in translating Christ's teaching into Christian service. Next week we will be studying lesson 13 "The Church Leader's Wife" We forgot to send out cards. I apologize to those who didn't get cards. We will resume the cards next week. Betty was not able to attend today because she was awaiting a phone call from Art's doctor to make an appointment for a biopsy of a mass close to his pancreas. Please keep Art and Betty in your prayers.

Ladies Class Minutes Jan. 19,2001

We studied Chapter 11: "Woman's Work in the Church" from the book Patterns for Living by Irene Young Mattox. Scriptures for study: Romans 12:3-8, 16:1-6; Ephesians 4:1-6; Philippians 4:2-3; James 2:14-26 What is the church? The church is the family of God. As a family it is a permanent association-time and distance do not affect its union nor the love which exists between its members. "The church of Christ is made up of the followers of Christ-those individuals who believe in him as the Son of God and trust him as their Saviour. As a demonstration and confirmation of this faith, they confess his name, are burried in baptism with him for the remission of their sins and rise to walk a new life. The Lord adds the saved to His church. This is how the church has been formed since its beginning on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2)." God needs women to serve in his kingdom just like these women given as examples from the Bible: -Dorcas, who loved the poor and helped them. -Eunice and Lois who taught their children and the children of others the word of God. -Priscilla, who did personal work teaching Apollos. -Mary, who put the hearing of God's word above housework. -Martha, who was hospitable. Women are to be stewards of their talents. They are to be faithful in the use of their talents, not being content to criticise what others do nor to refuse to do what they can do because it does not seem to be as impressive as the work of others, but humbly to serve. Next week we will study chapter 12 "The Christian Teacher"

Ladies Class Minutes Jan. 12, 2001

Attending: Lili, Joyce, Carla, Becky, Betty We studied Chapter 10: "The Christian Woman's Influence" from the book
Patterns for Living by Irene Young Mattox. Scriptures for Study: Matthew 5:13-16; 1 Corinthians 5:9-11; 2 Corinthians 2:14-17; Philippians 2:14-16; Colossians 4:5-6;
1 Timothy 3:2,7 The book talks about how vast the sphere of a woman's influence really
is. We can influence the world around us through our children,
their schools, civic organizations, clubs, and the list goes on and
on. It does make a point of saying that the Christian woman's
influence should shine the brightest at home. "The Bible teaches that we must keep ourselves unspotted from the world
(James 1:27). Many seem to think this means that we should separate
ourselves from the world and have as little to do with the issues and
activities of our times as possible. But this is not the example that
our Lord gave us. He went where the people were. He teaches us to
resist evil, not hide from it. And he prayed to his Father and ours
just before his death, "I do not ask you to take them out of the world,
but I do ask you to keep them safe from the Evil One" (John 17:15)." There are so many calls for our time and energy, but you should think
carefully before choosing what outside activities to take part in.
Here are some questions to ask: 1. Does this group stand for justice and right living? 2. Will I be helped to become a better mother or wife or person by
belonging to this group? 3. Will this add to my usefullness in my home or in my service to God? 4. Have I the time to give without neglecting my first responsibilites? 5. Will I be happy in the group and can I contribute to its success? 6. What will it do for my influence for Christ? 7. Will it lessen my time for Christian service? As a member of an organization, you can be an example of Christian service
by diligence, faithfulness, joy, and love. If, however, you join and
then show yourself to be unreliable or problematic, you will be doing
Christ's cause more harm than good. Edgar A. Guest wrote the following
poem: The lectures you deliver may be very wise and true But I'd rather get my lesson by observing what you do For I may misunderstand you and the high advice you give But there is no misunderstanding how you act and how you live Next week we will be studying chapter 11: "Woman's Work in the Church."

Attending: Jerri, Kim, Betty, Sharon, Becky We studied Chapter 9: "Christian Motherhood Today" from the book Patterns for Living by Irene Young Mattox. Scriptures for Study: Luke 10:38-42; Philippians 1:9-11, 4:10-13; 1 Tim 2:9-15, 4:6-10, 5:13-14; Titus 2:4-5 The book talked about three different women: women who work because they have a calling in life, women who stay home and are happy with running the home, and women who work because they are restless. It further states that sometimes a family needs two incomes and it is best for the woman to work outside the home. Before such a decision is made, we should ask several questions: - What does my husband think of the plans? - What will the consequences be on my children? I must remember my stewardship of my children's souls as well as their bodies. - Will it add to or detract from our happiness and Christian mission as a family? Five qualities of a mature person: 1. Sincerity. We must learn to seek ona another's good with sincere and open hearts. 2. Personal integrity. We must learn to be honest with ourselves, find our job, and do it. 3. Humility. Only the humble can learn. 4. Courtesy. Courtesy is more than just being polite. It is the Golden Rule in practice. Treat your family like you would company. 5. Widom or spiritual life. How do we gain wisdom? Through the Holy Scriptures. (2 Tim. 3:15) Please keep Joyce in your prayers for her health and medical tests. Praise God, C.J. will be getting braces soon. Keep Betty and Art in your prayers that they will find a place to live. Next week we will be studying chapter 10: "The Christian Woman's Influence"

Attending: Betty, Kaye, Jerri, Kim, Anita, Joyce, Becky, Lili We have set the date for the ladies' shooping trip to Gilroy for Dec. 2, 2000 Lesson: Chapter 7, "The Christian Home" from Patterns for Living by Irene Young Mattox Blueprint For a Christian Home 1. Learn to bear and forbear with one another. 2. Work together, play together, and grow up together. 3. Avoid the little quarrels; the big ones will take care of themselves. 4. Compromise. It is the anti-toxin of divorce. 5. Practice sympathy, good humor, and mutual understanding. 6. Don't grouch before breakfast-or after it. 7. Respect in-laws. Don't criticize them and don't let their criticism come between you and your mate. 8. Establish your own house, even if it is just a one-room flat. 9. Fight for each other and not with each other. 10. Build your home on religious faith and forgiveness. -Jerri asked that we keep Jolyn in our prayers. She has been sick for a while and has no medical insurance so something serious would be very difficult both physically and financially. -Please keep Alma in prayer with her mouth cancer.

Attending: Betty, Joyce, Carla, Anita, Becky, Lili. Betty brought a piece from the web for mothers everywhere. We studied chapter 6, "Grow old with Christ" from the book Patterns for Living by Irene Young Mattox. Scriptures for study: Matt. 6:19-21; 2 Cor. 4:16-5:5; 1 Tim. 5:9-10; Titus 2:1-5; Heb. 5:13-6:3; 1 Pet. 1:22-25 Invest in your children. "How many eldely Christians do you know who are physically comfortable because of monetary investments wisely made in their prime but who are disconsolate and miserable because the children and grandchildren have no interest in the Lord?" Other investments in attitude include: 1. Be honest with yourself. Stop luing to yourself, passing the buck, and rationalizing. 2. Murder worries in self-defense. Even giant trees fall because of small beetles. We all have worries, but we must learn to deal with them and seek their solution. Dig out your fears; exposure will kill them. 3. Develop a good sense of humor. Wrinkles in the heart extend to the face. Peace of mind is gained through reliance on Christ. "He knows that, in this world, no one is all-knowing, and therefore all of us need love and charity, Christ and forgivness. Peace of mind comes from accepting what cannot be changed. Rules for old age 1. Believ and live your life in Christ. 2. Remember that you were young once. Have patience. 3. Don't bore people with your memories. Laugh at yourself. 4. People have to look at you. Make it easy. 5. Refuse to be slighted. 6. Don't bewail old age. Would you rather be old or dead? 7. Remember that morals don't change but customs do. 8. Don't discuss your symptoms. Everybody has them. 9. Be self-sufficient as long as possible. 10. Be cheerful. 11. Keep your word. Be on time. Don't make people wait for you. 12. You've known since your birth that death is sure. There are great joys when we return to God. Be ready. Read your Bible and talk to your heavenly Father about all your affairs. Next weel: Chapter 7: "The Christian Home"

Attending: Sharon, Joyce, Carla, Kaye, Lili, Becky, Jerri, Betty We had a change of plans. The ladies did such a good job on their studies of the Fruits of the Spirits that we didn't have time to go into the text. We each went to our Concordances to find scriptures relating to our assigned "fruit". We read many scriptures and discussed many things, but here are a few things we talked about in a nutshell. Jerri talked about joy. We realized that there is more to joy than the definition given in the dictionary. Joy is more than just an emotion. It is more an attitude of gratitude and faith. Carla studied patience. She asked the question, how can we love God and not be patient. We need to be patient if we have a true heavenly hope, and we need to remember that God has always been patient with us even as we sin. Kindness was studied by Lili. Sha brought out many reasons why we should be kind, but one of the most important reasons is that it honors God. Sharon found a a seeming paradox when she studied goodness. We are commanded to do good and yet the Bible also says that only God is good. Upon further study, she realized that God works good through us. Becky talked about self-control. If we do not develop self-control of some kind we are helpless against sin because turning from temptation requires self-control. Betty taught us that there are many more aspects to humility than any of us thought. It means, among other things, being modest, courteous, respectful, honorable, and esteeming others more than yourself. It does not mean that you are week, rather it takes a strong person with a healthy since of self to be humble. One thing that we all realized is that you can not really isolate one of these characteristics. They all work together to help us be the people God wants us to be. Next week we will study chapter 6 "Grow Old With Christ" from the book Patterns for Living by Irene Young Mattox. Carla asked for prayers for Derricks grandmother who had a stroke. Doctors are optimistic that she may regain 95% of her mobility. We need to continue to pray for Alma who has mouth cancer. We have set November 18 as a tentative date for our annual ladies' shooping trip to Gilroy. An alternative dat may be December 2. Please see Lili if there is a conflict. We have also set Saturday, December 16, as a tentative date for our adult holiday party. We are looking for a host. Please see Lili.

Attending: Kaye, Joyce, Carla, Betty, Jerri, Becky, and Anita -Our sister, Dixie Roper, passed away Tuesday evening. Jerri says there will be a graveside service at Patterson Cemetary next Thursday, October 19, at 3:00 p.m. We all want to thank Jerri for being such a faithful, humble servant of the Lord in taking care of Dixie for so long and taking care of the arrangements. -Carla's family wants to thank everybody for the meals and the help getting Isaiah around while Derek is recuperating. Please continue to pray for Derek. We studied chapter 5 "Follow Jesus" from Patterns for Living by Irene Young Mattox. Scriptures: Mark 8:34-38; Jn. 14:1-7; 1 Cor. 10:31-11:1; Philip. 2:5-11; 1 Pet. 2:21-25 Key Points: - We need to follow Christ's direction in our lives. The book gives an excellent statement for Christians to keep as part of them. "All that I am, all that I have, all that I hope to be, I dedicate to [Christ]." - We need to sacrifice physically. "To realize that my body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, that it belongs to God, gives me a solemn sense of stewardship. I will seek to care for it properly and use it to his glory." We so often think of stewardship as involving how we use our money, but it is how we use all of our worldly possessions, including our bodies, minds, time, moods, etc. - "The Christian woman is to love God with her mind. She is not to be content with ignorance when by diligent study she can know. -We need to have spiritual growth. Spirituality is what separates humans from animals. "It is God-given and answers to God. Spiritual growth comes by the desire to be like the Master." -We talked about how we have our spiritual part, our mental part, and our physical pat that make up who we are. (David's Triangle) If one of those parts is having trouble it will affect the whole. So when we're having problems we need to stop and think about which side needs fixing and take action. Like Jerri pointed out, in the medical world, we can't cure an illness unless we know what it is. Before next week we are to look up certain aspects of the Fruits of the Spirit and do a mini report on them. The assignments are: Love-Kaye Joy-Jerri Peace-Betty Goodness-Sharon Kindness-Lili Gentleness-Joyce Patience-Carla Faith-Anita Self Control-Becky Next Week: Chapter 6 "Grow Old With Christ"

Ladies Class Minutes-Oct. 6, 2000

Ladies Class Minutes Sept. 29, 2000

Attending: Anita, Lili, Sharon, Kim, Joyce, Becky, Betty, and Carla Before the study we briefly discussed what we would be doing at our table at the community picnic and who would be working at the table. Betty has done a lot of work gathering flyers, bookmarks, and other things to hand out. She has been key to organizing this and deserves a big thankyou. We studies Chapter three "Loving Yourself" from the book Patterns for Living by Irene Young Mattox. Key Points: --We have two basic needs, (1) self-acceptance, and (2) need to belong to others, to be wanted and loved. --Self-acceptance is a prerequisite to Christian living. "A person who hates himself is not free to love his neighbor. He is afraid to give of himself ." P.27 --"The Christian woman loves herself - not in self-centered pride but in true appreciation of herself as God's child and as precious to Him." P. 28 --Suggestions of needs to be fulfilled before a person can know his own worth: 1. Man needs to be loved the way he is. 2. Man needs success born of his own achievement. We should think of ourselves with gratitude and thankfulness and use our abilities and talents with eagerness. 3. Man needs to repent. Nothing destroys a persons sense of self-worth as much as guilt born of sin. 4. We need to recognize the divinity that is in us. "Surely you know that Christ Jesus is in you?"(2 Cor. 13:5) We were created in His image. Next week we will be studying Chapter 4, Live Expectantly.

Ladies Class Minutes-Sep, 22

Attending: Anita, Lili, Carla, Joyce, Monica, Betty, Becky We studied chapter 2: "Love Others" from the book Patterns for Living by Irene Young Mattox. Scriptures read were:

Ladies Class Minutes-Sep, 17