"Esther"

a new Bible study

by Beth Moore

Our new Spring Women's Bible study is about to begin!

Join Beth Moore in an in-depth and very personal examination of this great story of threat and deliverance. If' you've ever felt inadequate, threatened, or pushed into situations that seemed overpowering, this is the study for you. Just as it was tough being a woman in Esther's day, it's tough today. Beth peels back the layers of history and shows how very dontemporary and applicable the story of Esther is to our lives. This portion of God's Word contains treasures to aid us in our hurried, harried, and pressured lives.

Classes start March 18/19

Wed. PM 6:30-8:oo / Thurs. AM 9:30-11:00

Cost $20

Books & Sign Up in The Gathering Place

or, contact me: becky@bridgepointchurch.com

To view the trailer or promo video, go to http://lifewaystores.com/lwstore/product.asp?isbn=1415852898

We had a great time at our last Mom's Connection meeting held on December 5. As promised, the new blog just for new moms is now up and running. We still have some "tweaking" to do, but all the questions that were asked of the panel as well as their answers can now be viewed at http://www.bridgepointmomsconnection.blogspot.com/

Check it out and let me know what you think!

DORCAS MINISTRY

"Women Who Care"

The "Dorcas Ministry" (which takes it's name from a woman in Acts 9:36-43 who had a ministry of helping others), is a group of women who want to reach women with a goal of providing physical, spiritual and emotional support. Their focus is on spiritual maturity that is based on demonstrated attitude and action.

Their goals for this next year are to:

* Have monthly luncheons

* Hospital visiting teams

* Shut-in visiting teams

* Provide meals for families facing illness or bereavement

* Be responsive to both spiritual and functional needs

* Maintain a well stocked food pantry for needy families

If this sounds like a ministry you would like to be a part of, or if you would like more information, contact:

Beverly Majors (ardella@cableone.net),

Johsta Hendricks (tatas6@hotmail.com), or

Shari Raddatz (s_raddatz33@msn.com).

Happy Thanksgiving!

I'll be celebrating with my sweet little "Punkin"... our grandson, Titus. I hope you all will have a blessed time of Thanks with your special loved ones as well.

Bible Study Update: Ladies Bible Study will take a break for the Thanksgiving Holidays for the week of Nov. 26-27.

We will resume class the week of Dec. 3-4 with week 5 of our "Stepping UP" Bible study.

This has been one of the most impactful studies we have ever done - I can't remember when a study was more "timely" to each of us individually, and to us as a church, community and nation.

There are still a few books left, if anyone would like to purchase one to do the study independantly or as a gift. All books that are not purchased this week will be returned, so if you are thinking about it, be sure and let Brenda in The Gathering Place know.

How Great Is Our God!

Sunday, November 2

at 5 PM

At women's retreat this year, we showed this video by Louie Giglio speaking on the greatness of our God. We have had many requests to show this to the whole church, so this Sunday evening, during the prayer service, we are.

You will want your whole family to see this!

You are a miracle and the Creator of the Universe knows you by name.He's big enough to breathe out stars, yet intricate enough to fashion together the trillions of cells that make up every facet of who you are. The God who spoke the universe into existence made you, too, and knows everything about you. From the smallest molecule to the situation you find yourself in right now, He's aware of your circumstances and intimately acquainted with everything you do. And He cares about you and promises to carry you through. That's where we find hope in the midst of the darkest places in life. The journey often complicated and painful, filled with confusion and chaos. Yet, the cross of Christ reveals God's promise to preserve and restore you no matter what the circumstance. He will hold onto you and hold you together, giving strength to those who hope in His unfailing love. He is the everlasting God!

New Fall Bible Study!

Join us as we begin a new Bible study by Beth Moore exploring Psalms 120-134. As you examine these 15 Psalms -essential to praise and worship in Old Testament times - you'll come to a place of greater intimacy with God Who delights in hearing not only our praise, but our petitions as well.

This is a 7 week study beginning October 22/23. Wednesday evening classes are from 6:30- 8:00 PM, and Thursday morning classes are 9:30-11:00 AM in the modular buildings. The cost is $17 which covers books, the video and child care. If you would like to sign up, or more information, email me at becky@babchurch.org. If you are taking the Thursday morning class, please BE SURE and let me know how many children you will need us to provide child care for and their ages. This is a MUST if we are going to be able to provide adequate child care. You may also Sign up in The Gathering Place.

A Letter For You From Belgium

I have a few more pictures from retreat (thank you, Chrisanna) that I want to share with you, and also to share a letter I received from Nadine, a lady in the Taylor's church in Belgium. The Taylors are our missionaries to Belgium (Jeanie and her daughter, Sarah were at retreat with us), and when Nadine heard she was coming here to Boise for our women's retreat, she asked Jeanie to give me this letter. Since it is to all of us, I thought I would just share it with you. Nadine writes:

Dear Ladies,

Some of you may remember me. My name is Nadine Mertens. I came to visit your church in October 2001 for your Missions Conference. I came with my dear friend Teresa Plumb, serving as missionary here in Belgium at the time.

I am very glad to have the opportunity of Jean Taylor's visit with you to send you my best regards. I keep a sweeet souvenir of your kindness towards me when I visited you and some of your ladies took time to make me feel so welcome.

It is incredible that we are now 7 years later. Back in October 2001, your church was praying to find a pastor who would work with deaf people. I had been much impressed by the work your church was doing with deaf people. So back in Belgium ai have continued to pray for your request. What has become of it? Has the Lord fulfilled it? If not, how do you go on with this service? (We still do not have a full time pastor just for the deaf, however, God has brought us Barry Hughes on staff, who also signs for the deaf and often teaches them on the one Sunday a month when they meet for thier own service. We also now have 5 interpreters to sign hearing church for them.)

Dear Ladies, I wish you a very happy retreat. Retreats are always special times for us women to enjoy the gracious love of the Lord for us. It is a time of refreshment as well as joy and sharing precious moments together. I pray for you on this occasion. May the Lord bless you all. Have a good time.

Best regards,

Nadine

Also, on an update about Grace Baptist in the Houston area (Kay's church), please continue to pray for them and for our churches in that area. Believe it or not, they are STILL dealing with the after effects of Ike - may still without water and power. And of course, many still unable to return to work or with home repairs. As a result, the churches are really taking a hit. Pray for God's provision and that the enemy would not triumph over them in all of this. Any prayers and encouragement would mean so much to them.

And now for those pictures....

Here are the awesome praise team we had at retreat. Kay is still talking about what a blessing they were to her. Thank you so much Stephanie, Stacey and Debby.

And here is the lovely Aubrey dancing to "Come and Fill My Life". I love, love, LOVE when Aubrey dances! I always cry... in a good way.