Women's Ministry

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Women’s Ministry

Our goal in Women’s Ministry is to offer a balance of opportunities that tend to the different aspects of women’s lives and situations. This is why you will see fitness classes offered as well as parenting groups, spiritual book group, circles, and service opportunities like quilting. At the heart of Women’s Ministry is spiritual formation—the desire to help women explore, discover, and grow in faith and in their relationship with the living God through these varied opportunities.

Upcoming Opportunities

Women's Fitness Classes New Sessions begin January 9th
Did you know that caring for your body is a spiritual discipline? The Christian practice of honoring the body is born of the confidence that our bodies are made in the image of God’s own goodness and so are worthy of care and blessing. All fitness classes include devotions.

Cardio Challenge
If you are able to do the following activities without restriction, then this class is for you: Jogging, jumping rope, lunges, squats, dips, push ups, running stairs, agility ladders, abdominal work, core training, jumping jacks, line jumps, and plyometrics. This class will utilize your own body weight, light-weight dumbbells and a variety of equipment to attain a great cardio-vascular and core strength workout. Taught by Gina Rollie.
When: Fridays, January 9th – March 13th; 8:15 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.
Cost: $125 for full session (10 classes) or $90 for partial session (7 classes of your choice)

Strength Training for Women
In this class you will learn how to increase your strength and learn a variety of exercises to do with basic equipment. Individuals of any age or fitness level will benefit from this class.
When: Fridays, January 9th – March 13th; 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Cost: $125 for full session (10 classes) or $90 for partial session (7 classes of your choice)

To register online for either or both Women's Fitness classes, click here. Registration deadline: January 9th.

Spiritual Spa
Sometimes our lives can get really hectic. When that happens it is nice to have an opportunity for retreat, renewal, and refreshment. Spiritual spa is designed to provide just those things that we crave, but instead of manicures and pedicures we will be pampering our spirits.

Recognizing that many people really struggle to fit meaningful time with God into the rhythm of their days and weeks, each Spiritual Spa will have its own theme that will help us explore our relationship with God and one another and provide some practical tools and resources to carry the “retreat” time into daily life. Held on a Friday night so that there are fewer distractions from the demands of work and family, the evening will begin with a light and delicious dinner and some time for connecting with other women.

Please note: Childcare will not be provided on site so that those who participate can truly focus on their spiritual retreat, renewal, and refreshment.

Upcoming Dates & Themes
All dates are Fridays. Time: 6 – 9:30 p.m.
Cost for each event: $20, includes dinner & materials

January 23, 2009: Renewal
Registration deadline: Monday, Jan. 19
April 24, 2009: Sabbath
Registration deadline: Monday, Apr. 20

This is a great opportunity to invite others who maybe don’t have a connection to a faith community. No experience is necessary—all are welcome. To register online, click here.

Ongoing Opportunities
Esther Circle
A women’s fellowship and Bible Study group that is open to all women. Members also make quilts and midwife kits for Global Health Ministry and sponsor a prison ministry.
When: 1st Thursday of each month, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Where: Meets in participants’ homes. Contact Pastor Jeanne Markquart for details.

Incarnation Quilters

Quilting is a great way to get involved if you like to work with your hands and you enjoy the camaraderie of other women. No experience is necessary. There are a variety of tasks and responsibilities to be shared.

Quilts are distributed to LifeHaven as a gift to the moms who complete the program. Each year more than 100 quilts are given to Global Health Ministries for distribution to ELCA Mission hospitals throughout the world. Other recipients include Bible camps, mission visitors, refugees and needy families.

When: The 2nd Thursday of each month in the Fireside Room
Morning: 9:00 a.m. – Noon
Evening: 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
For more information, contact Lola Ruff by email or by calling the Incarnation office.

Women’s Spiritual Book Group
Are you a woman full of wonder and curiosity about faith and spiritual matters? Do you like to read? Check out the Women’s Spiritual Book Group. All are welcome. No registration necessary.

When: 3rd Wednesday of each month from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. in Adult Room D (The group does not meet in December or in August).

January 21 The Magician’s Nephew by C.S. Lewis (also bring your Bible)

February 18 The Faith Club: A Muslim, A Christian, A Jew--Three Women Search for Understanding by Ranya Idliby, Suzanne Oliver, and Priscilla Warner

March 18 The Shack by William P. Young

BWCAW Women’s Retreat: Get Your Paddle On! 2009
Whether you are a seasoned camper and canoe handler or someone who is looking for a new adventure, the annual women’s retreat to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is a wonderful opportunity to connect with God and other women.

While this 5-day getaway is somewhat physically demanding (you need to be able to lift, carry, get in and out of a canoe, and paddle), there are many ways to experience a oneness with God in the

Boundary Waters; for some it will be through the beauty and peacefulness of our surroundings, for others it may be the chance to connect with one another and for some it may be the quiet time for prayer and reflection, often missing in daily life.

The 2009 BWCAW Women’s Retreat will take place in early August. Dates will be announced in late February/early March. Sign-up will begin at an informational meeting in the Spring.

Nursery & Childcare
Childcare for children through 8 years old will be available for some Women’s Ministry opportunities for a nominal fee. For specific details, contact the Incarnation Office at 651.484.7213.

If you have questions about Women’s Ministry or would like to register for any opportunities, please contact Pastor Jeanne Markquart .