Newsletter
January 2025

Start the new year off on the right foot by beginning with prayer! Join other brothers and sisters in Christ in Room 7 on Wednesday, January 8 from 6:30 to 7:30 pm to pray for the needs of your family, friends, our church, and the world around us. And if YOU are in need of prayer, please come! Prayer is a privilege for those of us in Christ, and we are called to pray for one another as we trust Him for the outcome. Contact Marianne Wallin with questions (505-670-5016).

Thanks to all who attended and helped with our annual women’s Christmas gathering on December 14! We enjoyed nativity readings, traditional carols, warm fellowship, and yummy refreshments! Special mention goes to Lacey Osgood (and her stringed musical group) and Kristen Hickinbotham, who stepped in that morning to lead us in song. Megan Camp, Beth Wood, and Caroline Wynne were also recognized for their service to our church body throughout the year. See more fun pics on the CCC women’s FB page!

Several people requested a copy of the “Lessons & Carols” program for use at home during advent, and you can find a downloadable copy here.

comeUNITY

Our year in comeUNITY ended with an evening of good food, great fellowship, and a dueling Christmas carol competition on December 17th! We will resume our monthly gatherings on Tuesday evening, January 21st, with a WOMEN’S WORSHIP NIGHT you won’t want to miss! Thanks to all who helped teach and lead this year — but especially to comeUNITY Coordinator Leigh Thomas. Feel free to contact her with questions about what’s in store (208-206-6620)!

Seminary & Study Resources

Did you know that several women in our church body are currently enrolled in seminary? (Here’s an article on why seminary is well worth it for women). If you’ve ever been curious about seminary or wanted to experiment with a few courses in your spare time, they would be happy to field your questions about their experience and current program of study!

• Kim DeKold (Dallas Theological Seminary/DTS)

• Trisha Randall (Liberty University)

• Michele Moore (Western Seminary)

If you are interested in avenues of theological or biblical training that are more affordable or offered at a lay level, here are a few options:

• Western Seminary - Center for Leadership (CLD): This collection of “seminary-lite” courses offers a broad variety of online and conference resources on various topics that you can tap into at your own pace. (Note: They are no longer adding content, so some of the existing material is somewhat dated).

• BiblicalTraining.org: This site offers a wealth of online theological and biblical courses to choose from, with presenters typically being current seminary professors. Several low-cost certificate programs are also available.

• Charles Simeon Trust: This organization offers low-cost online courses and in-person workshops — with separate tracks for men and women — designed to increase the effectiveness of those who exposit (preach and teach) the word of God. Focused instruction on systematic theology and major biblical genres (e.g., wisdom literature, prophetic books, gospels, epistles, etc.) is included.

• TGC (The Gospel Coalition) Women: This is a great site for general reading and resources on a wide range of topics. Video clips from previous TGC conferences and cohort opportunities are also available. Scroll to the bottom of the page to view their blogs and current articles.

NEW Precepts Class

Precepts will resume on Thursday, January 9th and finish their ongoing study of 1 John on January 16th, followed by an 11-week study of Revelation that will begin on January 30th with an introductory session and an opportunity to pick up books. Contact Paula Haldy for information (208-520-4205).

Save the Date!

If you have ever wondered how the unique story of God’s work in your life relates to sharing your faith, put Saturday, March 1 on your calendars and plan to join other sisters in Christ from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm for a Women’s Story Workshop focused on writing a one-page story of God’s faithfulness in your life to share with others! You’ll also practice transition questions that will help you guide everyday conversations toward spiritual topics with eternal impact and learn to ask others about their lives and beliefs in a respectful way.

More details will follow as the date arrives, but if you are interested in attending (or perhaps helping!), contact Nancy Holliday (208-497-2042) or Kim DeKold (208-346-0480).

A personal FYI . . .

Many of you know that I am currently on extended leave after undergoing surgery on Dec. 31 and will be out of the office for an indefinite period. I appreciate so many of you who have offered prayers, soup, and support to Mike and I.

In my absence, you can click here for a list of additional women’s ministry contacts or reach out to Pastor Patrick (patrick@ccc-if.org). I look forward to being with you all again when I return.

It has been an honor and joy to lead, serve, and partner with you this year. May God guide and sustain you in 2025!

The women’s ministry at Christ Community Church exists to engage, encourage, and equip women to know and share the love of God and serve His church.