Women's Ministry News!

SECRET SISTER VALENTINE'S PARTY

On Friday, February 12th at 7PM we will have our annual Valentine's party and unveiling of our identities to our Secret Sister. Please bring your final Secret Sister gift, your completed Secret Sister form and a goodie to share. As soon as I receive your new Secret Sister form, I will send them to Ann Lashley for matching. If you have never been a Secret Sister, come to the party to find out about us and what fun we have! All ladies at Spirit of Joy are welcome to attend this get together whether you decide to become a Secret Sister or not. Any questions, please call Sharon Eichler @ (704) 821-2088.

UPCOMING WOMEN OF SPIRIT OF JOY EVENTS

February 6th - Come to our meeting at 9AM with your suggestions for what our new group name should be. If you are unable to attend, please send your suggestions to Sharon Eichler @ SEichler@carolina.rr.com or Bonnie Lazo @ bonnie@carolina.rr.com. Our bible verse for the year is Psalm 126:2-3 "Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy."

Also for this meeting, we ask that everyone bring an item or two for the Military Care Package ministry. Suggested items include: pre packaged cookies; postage stamps; stationery; pens; dried fruit; nuts; sunflower seeds; prepackaged snacks, gum, Beef Jerky, Slim Jims, dried/instant soups, Ramen noodle cups, instant oatmeal packages, peanut butter, canned tuna/chicken, granola bars, Tabasco Sauce, Easy Mac & Cheese; hard candy, powered drink mixes, toiletry items, batteries, hand/foot warmers, CDs, blank cards they could then mail to loved ones, washcloths/towels; sunscreen; chapstick or anything you can think of that will give them comfort while serving. A handwritten note/card thanking them for their service would brighten their day.

March 6th - Come to our meeting at 9AM with your old Easter baskets you no longer want. We will be using these for our annual Easter Basket project to benefit Union County Department of Social Services. Easter basket sign-ups will be held on the 14th & 21st of March and all baskets must be returned no later than March 28th. If you don't have any old baskets, please consider picking up a basket or two the next time you head to your local craft store.

April 25th - Annual Mother/Daughter Tea Party - 2-4PM. We still need a chairwoman or group of chairwomen for this event. Please contact Sharon Eichler if you would like to volunteer.

Mother's Day Flower Cart - Sunday, May 9th - Buy a flower for your mom or grandmom at our 2nd annual flower cart sale. Flowers will be available for purchase before and after each service and Sunday School. We need a chairwoman for this event.

Annual Ladies Beach Retreat - May 14th - 16th at the Coastal Retreat Center on the Isle of Palms, SC. This year's retreat is focused on learning how to de-stress and re-organize your life through a biblical perspective, creating a more relaxed and joyful life. Activities include: bible study; devotions; small group activities and time for reflection, fellowship and renewing of your spirit. A $50/person deposit is required to process your registration; scholarships are available. Average cost for the weekend is $85/person depending on the number of people in your room. This includes accommodations, two dinners, two breakfasts, refreshments throughout the day and all retreat materials/supplies. Registration forms are located in the Narthex on the Women's bulletin board.