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Shifting the Load
I think we can all agree that yard sales may be enjoyable to visit but they are not necessarily all that pleasant and easy to prepare for. There's the sorting through items, revisiting old memories, cleaning and making them ready to move out. Through this relatively common event, we are given the opportunity to exchange and shift some of the loads we've been carrying throughout the years. Though, most of the time we are thrilled to be rid of some things because we know that their usefulness to us is over, the thought of someone else having it may bring up some selfish feelings. Yet for all the hassle it may be to put a yard sale together, when it's all said and done, we can step back and breathe a great sigh of relief. Mainly because we've either finally simplified our worlds some or we have just made room for something new to enter our lives. This past Saturday, our church held its second community yard sale. The entire week prior to the event was a flurry of activity, as a constant stream of people came in and out more than happy to unload some stuff. It was during this time of watching my church family carrying in their loads and laying them down in an area of our Multi Purpose Room that also serves as our sanctuary and altar, that some spiritual pictures presented themselves. Just like I am on Sunday mornings, I was blessed to watch as people were bringing their loads in, while other believers were right there to help them carry them and lay them down. Then I watched as they worked together to sort through their "stuff". I even have to laugh as I think about how hard it was for many of us to resist our desires to grab all the items we wanted before the yard sale even could take place! Every one of us had our eyes on something we really wanted but knew if we hogged them all for ourselves we would have nothing of value to offer the community and the people outside our church doors. It sort of sounds like how we in the church can, at times, manage the very gifts God gives us when we stay so internally focused enjoying them for ourselves. Yes, I think it would be safe to say that many of us within our own church family ended up with one another's knick-knacks and furniture bringing a welcome change into our homes and lives. All because we were engaged in shifting our loads for a kingdom endeavor that we were unified in. When you first hear the word "load" though, it doesn't necessarily conjure up pleasant thoughts. The first thing that crosses my mind is that of carrying something heavy and burdensome. I think groceries, laundry, mulch, boxes, etc... Yet, there are loads mentioned in Scripture that might be heavy, but are made up of items well worth the effort of carrying. One example is that of Rebecca's journey on the camels laden down with loads of gifts provided by Abraham's servant on her journey to go meet Isaac in Genesis chapter 24. Many a great sermon has been preached of what a beautiful picture that story is of the Bride of Christ's (Rebecca) journey accompanied by the Holy Spirit (Abraham's servant) carrying a "load" of jewels and treasures which spiritually would represent the gifts of Holy Spirit. In Galatians 6:1-10, Paul describes two more loads we are expected to carry. One is the "personal load" that is assigned to each and every one of us to carry while under the yoke that Jesus Himself gives and then walks in alongside us (Matt. 11:28). The other is when we are called upon to carry the load of the burden that sin can bring to the life of a brother or sister in order to see them restored. Whether it's sins effects, health issues, emotional challenges, or trials and testing, I think we could pretty much agree that God's people today are carrying a tremendous load for sure. At times it's flat out overwhelming just to reflect on each and everyone you know going through something, isn't it? It's sort of how I felt on the Friday night before our yard sale, when I saw that multitude of junk...I mean boxes of items that had come in last minute that still needed sorting and pricing within a short amount of time. As a minister and care giver to a flock yourself, you might be feeling the same way as you look over the "loads" many in your church family are carrying and how you are going to minister to them all. Especially if you yourself are being stretched beyond what you "feel" you can carry and endure. I know I am. My point in all this is that I think God may be having His own little yard sale going in the church today. There are so many in the body of Christ right now that are going through a season of change that is requiring them to have to unload some things. You know that this is a God initiated "event" because most of the shedding and unloading are happening in areas that we have absolutely no control over or choice in. Just like our church family willingly came together to help one another with loads we brought to the yard sale, the Lord desires to help shift loads some of us have been carrying for years. Loads that even He himself assigned us. As much as we want to serve God, and yes, get rid of some of these things, boy, our flesh has a hard time letting go, doesn't it? Maybe you'll recognize some of these as your load in transfer. Are you facing the shifting of watching your children going off to college? Are your parents now in need of your time and loving care to be shifted over to them? How about the shifts happening in your personal ministry possibly moving onto the shoulders of someone else? I don't know where you and your church find yourselves at present, but our church is in a time of great change. The last year or two has been a time of adjusting to new staff pastors coming and a team of ministers learning to work together. Many lay people who helped my husband and I for many years carry the work load at our church are being required of God to step aside as ministry descriptions are changing and "loads" are shifting from one to another. Our entire purpose and identity as a church is morphing into something radically different, and as exciting as that is, it's impacting and costing us all something on a personal level. Yes, our yard sale this past week was successful in raising all the funds we were hoping for to purchase a new baptismal tank. Yet for me, it also left an indelible picture of the Lord's dealings with us presently in the Spirit. At the end of the day we all exhaled a collective sigh of relief and were joyful that everything we had hoped this event would be, it was. Yet we weren't the only ones blessed to shift a load that day. As we were watching our community taking up what were unloading through the yard sale, someone else was passing one onto us. By them doing so, they got to be a part of answering a prayer that some of us have been praying for years. At 11 a.m. that morning, a bus company in Baltimore, Maryland was unloading a newly painted school bus in our parking lot AND leaving us the title and the keys! Here was a bus that had served its purpose for them for many years and was now shifting over to us to become a vehicle of ministry and blessing. And, if you're wondering...yes, it's in great shape! I truly believe that God waited until we as a church were open to change and letting some old things (and even ministries) go, before He would release this blessing that will serve to help us with our next kingdom assignment. Today, whatever side of the shifting you find yourself on, God wants you to know that He has both scheduled this time in your life and has it all under control. If you're being asked to pass a load on, then let it go. If you're experiencing a new one being passed to you to carry, know that you're not alone under the weight of it. The day is coming when we all will breathe a final sigh of relief as we shed every burden of this life and embrace what only God's mind knows He has in store for us. PRAYER Father, I thank you for each and every one of my sisters and co-laborers in the Harvest. I pray that you would encourage and strengthen their hearts during this season of the shifting of loads. Grant them great patience with themselves, as well as for those in their care who might be struggling during their particular season of shifting. Jesus. Thank you for your faithfulness to carry our heaviest load even though it would lead you to the Cross. May we follow in your example and do so in the power of your Resurrection life. In Jesus Name, I ask this, amen. Rev. Janis Collette |
Well it's pretty much official, isn't it girls? Fall is here and winter is right around the corner. The time to start packing away the summer furniture and pool paraphernalia has come and gone (at least for most of us!) while boxes filled with autumn & Christmas décor are waiting to be unpacked. Can I ask you a question though? As you reopened your closets, attics and storage sheds and faced the clutter awaiting you, did you find yourself wondering why you yourself didn't have a yard sale to unload some of these things? I mean you probably visited at least one or two yard sales yourself this past summer, right? Now maybe you just happen to be one of "those women" who has one every other year and is on top of the clutter in your life. But some of us, well...we find ourselves putting it off year after year.- Events
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Women Connected by the Call Luncheon
at the Network Conference
Enjoy Lunch connecting with Friends!
Monday, May 21, 2012
11:30am - 12:45pm
Limited Space....First 65 Ladies!
Cost: $10
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Celebrating Together!
Celebrating is important and not only on birthdays. Celebrating helps us remember what we value. Celebrating brings people together. Celebrating also motivates us. As Thomas J. Peters, a best-selling author of books on business management practices, once said, “Celebrate what you want to see more of.” Ministry involves celebrating. In Romans 12:15, we read, “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” Many times in ministry we focus on bringing comfort to those in need, but we overlook the importance of celebration. While we need to walk alongside those experiencing struggles and defeats, we also need to come alongside each other to join in the celebration of ... Read more |
'Tis the Season
To gain strength and endurance for the day, I craved time to read God's Word and be in God's presence. It was the only way I could make it through the day. A few days earlier Isaiah 33:6 had offered comfort and hope, "He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge, the fear of the LORD is the key to this treasure." The reminder, reassurance, and security of God's unchangeable character and presence gave soothing ... Read more |
It was 5 AM, April 1996. Looking out the window as the sun began wakening the morning sky, the day looked promising; but there was such a weariness of my soul as I struggled to appreciate the beauty. You see, my Dad had been given two weeks to live. That pronouncement had been in February. The intensity of living each day to the full by trying to make a difference in his failing condition, dealing with the emotional implications of the imminent future, struggling to get enough sleep, and endeavoring to keep life functioning created a weariness that sleep could not restore.
Shifting the Load
I think we can all agree that yard sales may be enjoyable to visit but they are not necessarily all that pleasant and easy to prepare for. There's the sorting through items, revisiting old memories, cleaning and making them ready to move ... Read more |
Hold My Hand
The setting was perfect. But, we were walking along a dark rural street with 3 small children. Occasional cars passed us as we walked along the edges of fields, lawns and driveways. "Hold my hand." was the directive given by each adult. Each child eagerly and willingly put their hands in ours as we ventured into the night's unknowns. The warm little hand in mine brought joy to my heart. This child belonged to me and felt more secure because I was holding their hand. She knew she was not alone in the blackness. Fear slipped out of her mind because her hand was in mine. Feeling secure to face anything she might encounter in the unseen night, she enjoyed the ... Read more |
The air was crisp and the evening was dark! It was a great night to be outdoors. With only a crescent moon, the darkness made the stars seem to twinkle brighter. One deep breath made you want to inhale all the wonder of the night.
Simply Trusting
It appears trust is a simple word with the implications that it is simple to do. Is it easy to trust? I guess it would depend on who we are trusting. Are we trusting in an all knowing, dependable, loving, caring ... Read more |
We went to the beach last week. Our two youngest daughters got to ride in a convertible on the way. I could see them in their car seats with their hands high up in the air and smiles on their faces. I couldn't see their faces, but I know they were smiling. This was their first time to see the ocean. They had no maps, no idea how to get there. They were just enjoying the ride, the sights, and their friends. They had no worries. They were going to get to the beach real soon, because they simply trust their driver.Connected by the Call
My 90 year old mom lives with us. Needing the phone number of one of her friends, I paged through her address book. Written on the inside cover were these words, words she had probably jotted there when she was in her 70's. "Today's choices are tomorrow's future; past choices are today's reality." Sobering message, don't you think? Whatever age, the somber truth remains-- today's choices do shape our tomorrow and our past choices have woven to form our present reality.
Each day is filled with choices. Some appear so small and insignificant that they seem to be of little consequence. But each one contributes to a larger plan. After reading these words, I have looked at each day more astutely. Each day I can choose to serve the Lord wholeheartedly or be apathetic. I can choose to forgive or become bitter. I can choose to be kind or be selfish. I can choose to reach out to others or remain alone. Each opportunity comes in a small package called choice.
What realities are you experiencing today that reflect your past choices? Maybe you now have a degree because you chose to study and work hard in college. There were days when college was not easy and you felt like quitting, but you made the choice to continue. And now, you reap the benefit of small choices to get out of bed, go to class, work and study.
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Casual Breakfast Wednesday Morning at Minister's Retreat
"Come when you wish...Leave when you must."
November 08, 2012
An inspirational time with Beth Grant, November 8, 2012 @Women's Retreat Beth Grant is the first credentialed women elected to the national General Presbytery of the Assemblies of GodMarch 01, 2013 - March 02, 2013
Women Connected by the Call - Spring BreakawayMarch 1, 2, 2013 Lodging will be at the Comfort Inn. All activities at the Network office.
View full calendar
Rev. Anne K. Bates was born and raised in Wellesley, Massachusetts. She attended Saint Michael's College and majored in Psychology. After working in that field for a few years she made a change to photography. While enrolled at the R.I. School of Photography she came to know Jesus Christ as her personal Lord and Savior at the age of 27. She will attest that this experience changed her life forever.
Feeling the call to full-time ministry, Anne went to Zion Bible College and received a Bachelor of Arts in Bible and went on to pursue and complete a Masters in Divinity at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.
Anne is an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God. She is the Associate Pastor of Crossroads Worship Center in Weymouth, MA. She also is an Adjunct Faculty member at Zion Bible College.
Rev. Janis Collette is an ordained minister with the Southern New England Ministry Network. She has been serving alongside her husband Gary as Women's Pastor and Ministries Facilitator at the Bread of Life Church of Westminster for the past 18 years. She and Gary are also the proud parents of a 13 yr. old son, Lucas.
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Rev. Donna Alexander |
Rev. Renee Anderson |
Rev. Nancy Asfour |
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Rev. Anne Bates |
Rev. Judith Biddle |
Rev. Bonnie Boyington |
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Rev. Catherine Boyle |
Rev. Lynn Breitenbach |
Rev. Jill Brown |
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Rev. Lori Canaday |
Rev. Jennifer Capps |
Rev. Damaris Carlson |
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Rev. Danielle Christy |
Rev. Amy Clark |
Rev. Janis Collette |
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Rev. Esther Corey |
Rev. Nanan Coughlin |
Rev. Ramona Crabtree |
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Rev. Denise Croteau |
Rev. Anne Dattoli |
Rev. Mellinda Doherty |
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Rev. Jacqueline Doucette |
Rev. Wanda Dudek |
Rev. Victoria Eggeman |
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Rev. Christina Eliason |
Rev. Shirley Ellis |
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Rev. Yvette Gallagher |
Rev. Jeanne Gaudet |
Rev. Loretta Giannattasio |
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Rev. Margery Hale |
Rev. Olive Hawkes |
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Rev. Kristen Hodge |
Rev. Molly Hurtado |
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Rev. Susan Lynch |
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Rev. Kathleen Morton |
Rev. Joanne Murchie |
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Rev. Abigail Ortiz-Miller |
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Rev. Linda Renker |
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Rev. Dianne Weber |
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Rev. Helen Wright |
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Connected by the Call
Women in ministry understand, face, experience, and rise to similar challenges. Connections of friendship, shared life experience, and prayer create stronger, healthier lives. Ever need a friend? Need someone who would understand your challenge? Women Connected by the Call is endeavoring to provide opportunities for connecting credentialed women and ministry wives with their peers while being aware of the unique needs of each one.
Committee for Women Connected by the Call
We have formed a diverse committee to assist in providing connection opportunities for you. They are women in ministry from rural and urban areas; those with careers in the community and those with careers in the church; those who grew up in ministry and those who have not; those who work in small churches and those who are in larger settings; those with small children and those with adult children; those who are credentialed themselves; those who have been in ministry many years and those who are just beginning; those who have husbands who are staff pastors, senior pastors, or credential holders. Having the input from these ladies will add a full circle of understanding to the needs and will add a diverse approach in addressing them.
