Last Sunday night was a big choir and orchestra concert at my home church. What a fabulous evening! We had gospel quartets singing about their “First Day in Heaven” and contemporary sounding soloists singing “I Can Only Imagine.” The whole night made me want to turn in my seat so I was facing East - I just new that Jesus Himself was going to split the sky that very night and rapture us into His presence!

The highlight of the evening for me though had to be when the choir sang to the orchestra. At one point in the concert, our Worship Pastor, Dr. Joe Crider, turned to the congregation and began to tell of how talented and faithful our church orchestra had been for over twenty years. He spoke of how they consistently and skillfully rehearse each week and never fail to move us to heights of worship each Sunday morning.

He then choked up as he said, “So, tonight, we as the congregation, choir, and I as your grateful leader, want you to lay down your instruments and just listen as we attempt to tell you thank you.” The piano began to play softly as a soloist came on stage. A beautiful tenor voice began to sweetly sing..."Thank you for giving to the Lord, I am a life that was changed."

I could hear sniffles from the orchestra pit. Eyes in the congregation were moist. What a beautiful surprise for those dedicated musicians to receive, and what an appropriate honor.

It got me to thinking. I bet I have an orchestra in my life and ministry that I need to sing to. In fact, we all do. It is often those unseen, those who seem to blend into the background that contribute so greatly to our success. It is those who quietly support, consistently follow, and humbly serve that make the music of our lives and ministry so beautiful.

If the music of my ministry is a beautiful offering its because of members of my "Orchestra" like Kathryn McCall, my wonderful assistant. She left a lucrative job in the banking industry to join God in ministry wherever He led. Boy, am I grateful He led her to me! She works tirelessly, cheerfully, and skillfully. I depend on her so, and I wouldn’t be able to do all the things God calls me to without her, and... she's loads of fun!

Another member of the “Orchestra” is Karen True. She is my writing and research assistant. Because she is bounding with talent, she is also my newsletter designer, website design consultant, wardrobe consultant, interior decorator, computer coach, and best girlfriend!! So much of what I do is possible because of her faithful commitment to God and me.

Of course, the real wind beneath my “sings” is my very own Dr. Phil, my awesome husband!
WomensMinistry.Net, Java with Jennifer, and Sole Sisters wouldn’t even exist if not for his insight, drive and commitment. He has steadied and challenged me through the years of our growing ministry and been the single catalyst for expanding our vision.

There are others like, Billie, Elaine and Stiles who add so much. But, things would really be out of tune without our gifted son Clayton. He is the web master for my website and he handles all things that require geek intervention! Without him, we wouldn’t function on the web or in our office nearly as well!

So, this has now served as one verse of the song I sing to my orchestra. Thank you for giving to the Lord, I am a life that has been changed. I may be on stage, but you are part of the unseen foundation upon which I stand.

So my friend, tune up and tune in. is there an orchestra to whom you need to sing today?

"We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ." I Thessalonians 1:2-3

Blessings and Joy,
Jennifer Rothschild
Author of Lessons I Learned in the Light (...and Dark),
and Founder of WomensMinistry.NET
 

Life's Issues/God's Answers

Description: We hold this in a casual setting at the church. It could also be done in homes or possibly the back room of a coffee shop.

We set up round tables and have coffee, water, juice and muffins. We decorate the tables with coffee mugs filled with coffee beans and sprinkle some on the table.

We have a speaker share for about 1/2 hour on a life issue and God's provision for that need. Then each table has time to review the subject, lookup scripture and share.

Submitted by: janetmath@aol.com, Magnolia, TX

What are some project ideas or mission tasks for taking women's ministry out of the church and into the community?

Send your answers and ideas to our editor, Robyne, and we will post a few of them in next week's issue.

Did you know there is a brand new Issue of Java with Jennifer?

Java with Jennifer is an informal monthly ministry update specifically for friends who want to keep up-to-date on what is happening with Jennifer Rothschild's ministry of writing, speaking, and singing.

Obviously, because you are receiving this eNewsletter, you are signed up for the Jennifer's "weekly" WomensMinistry.NET eNewsletter. However, if you want to get up close, and personal with Jennifer, just click on the Update Profile link at the bottom of this email, and select the Java with Jennifer interest group.

Still not sure?

See the August Issue here.

Another one of Robyne's recommendations... This is free software that takes a little while to load, but is well worth it. Instaverse will let you instantly see the actual Bible text for scripture references that are on your computer screen—just point your mouse at it, and the text pops up!

I cannot tell you how amazed I was to open emails, webpages, letters, etc... and to be able to view verses by just holding the mouse over the reference. When you move away, the window closes.

I do not know the publishers of the program, they are not associated with WomensMinstry.Net, and I want to be clear about the software... The free version is only available in the King James Version. After you install it, you can add other versions, but there is a charge for those additions.

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We randomly select the winner from those that click through the featured sponsor links in last week's issue. This week's winner is...
sturkiess@net...
 

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