MOMS' NIGHT OUT - CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION

We started the night off with Kate preparing the chocolate fountain! Then as the desserts began to arrive we had more things to dip in chocolate.

There were a total of 19 women and it seemed the kitchen was the place to gather --needless to say, the kitchen got a little crowded!

Once we finished with dessert we all gathered to sing Christmas songs under the direction of Stephanie, who so kindly brought her keyboard to help us sound better - we even had some animal sounds to highlight the singing!! The night was filled with much laughter and the true spirit of Christmas was certainly in the room. Great love and joy was felt by all.

Our ornament exchange was another highlight when we decided we liked the other person's ornament better and kindly retrieved it for ourselves! The ornaments with the biggest bling seemed to be coveted by all. Nilda, Stephanie M. & Jill seemed to be especially partial to the bling!!! Maybe next year....

I thoroughly enjoyed hosting this event and thank each and everyone of you who attended for making it so special. These are memories we will have forever. Bless you all, Deirdre

Enjoy the rest of the photos below......

Kate & Melissa; Jill & Rebekah; Joy & Victoria


Sara Jane & Steph; Rosie & Sandy; Allison & Nilda

Melissa & Jill; Kate, Melissa, Me & Jill; Jessica & Danielle

IN MEMORY OF KELLY FURTH

OUR DEAR FRIEND, KELLY FURTH, WENT TO BE WITH THE LORD ON THANKSGIVING DAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2007

She was such an inspiration to all of us and we wanted to share these photos and special memories with each of you.

Kelly began as a mentor with the MOMS group in May 2006. Although she was battling cancer she gave of herself as mentor to young moms, as well as a childcare coordinator and financial coordinator. Her positive uplifting personality and her love of God's Word is a great testimony to her faithful walk with the Lord.

She worked effortlessly to connect with each mom and to help wherever there was a need. One of our expectant moms needed help getting the baby's room ready and she painted and donated many items to make that happen. She coordinated and hosted many events including a "Wedding Celebration" at her home and a "Pool Party" for the moms and their children. MOMS was a mission that was close to Kelly's heart and we are so blessed and grateful to our Heavenly Father for placing Kelly in our paths, and we rest in the knowledge that she is with Him this very day! We love you Kelly and will always remember your great love and compassion.

Kelly's favorite scripture was "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". Phil. 4:13

Words from Kelly... "I never imagined that I would be touched by so many women in such a short period of time. I do believe that God placed Karen at my table in Bible study for a reason. I was at a low period in my life and needed some support/answers/guidance. Karen was there for me, she had faith in me that I could be a mentor in the MOMS group. It was at this time that God picked me up out of the desert and placed me with such incredible women of faith, and that helped me get to where I am today. I am truly blessed by all the leaders of MOMS group."


Kelly Lynn Furth, nee Warmingham, age 44, went home to be with the Lord, Thursday, Nov. 22, 2007, after a long and courageous battle with breast cancer. She leaves behind her husband of nine years John J. Furth; two daughters Lauren Isabelle, age eight, and Sydney Michelle, age four; her parents Robert and Miriam Warmingham; and sister Michele (John) DeBoever; dearest friend Frannie Cramton; niece Erin (Nick) Boertman; and great-nephew Austin; many aunts, uncles and cousins. Kelly worked for New York and Co. for 18 years and was an active member in bible study and the MOMS group at Calvary Church in Naperville. Funeral Monday, 1 p.m., in the chapel of Calvary Church, 9 S 200, Rt. 59, Naperville. Visitation Sunday, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Beidelman-Kunsch Funeral Home, 24021 W. Royal Worlington Dr. (Rt. 59), Naperville, and at the church from 12 noon until time of service. Interment Risen Lord Cemetery, Oswego. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in honor of Kelly to the Y-Me Breast Cancer Research organization. 630-922-9630.
http://www.beidelmankunschfh.com/

MOMS' NIGHT OUT - CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION

Please come and join us on December 7 from 7 pm to 9 pm as we share goodies and an ornament exchange with each other.

We will meet at Deirdre's home and have fun, food & fellowship. Special prizes will be awarded for several categories:

Most Festive Outfit
Mom of the Month
The Best Stocking Stuffer
The Fastest Gift Wrapper

PREGNANCY CENTER OUTREACH

GIFTS FOR BABY JESUS
PIC - OUTREACH

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Christmas is a great time to reach out to the moms in our community that need some extra love and support.

Please decorate a shoe box and fill it with some of the items listed below as a gift to a new mom. Bring the box you filled to our December meeting and we will deliver it to the Bolingbrook and Aurora Pregnancy Centers.

This is a great opportunity to teach your kids what a blessing it is to serve others. Involve them in the shopping, decorating and a conversation about why Jesus asks us to love others in this way.

Diaper Rash Ointment
Baby Tylenol/Motrin
Pacifiers
Teethers
Vaseline
Infant spoons
Baby lotion, wipes, hair & body wash
Baby washcloths, bibs, towels, etc.
Nipples (Avent or Playtex)

Other Fun Ideas:
Picture frame
Bible story book
Photo album
CD (kids music or lullabies)
Encouraging Bible verses or quotes
Any questions, please contact: Rosie or Rebekah

"Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it's in your power to help them." Prov. 3:27

MOMS' SCHEDULE 2007-2008

MOMS' SCHEDULE 2007-2008

SEPTEMBER
13 MOMS-9:15 Topic: Welcome Back & Introduction -Craft
27MOMS - 9:15 Topic:Heart of a Mom - Spkr: Rosie Williams

OCTOBER
11MOMS - 9:15 Topic:Testimonials -"Sharing & Caring"
25MOMS - 9:15Topic: Keeping Your Kids HealthySpkr: Nutritionist

NOVEMBER
8MOMS - 9:15Topic:Wills&Guardians Spkr: Attorney - Bob Tirona

DECEMBER
13MOMS - 9:15Celebration - Birth of Jesus*Craft activity

JANUARY
10MOMS - 9:15Topic:Body Imaging Spkr: TBA
24MOMS - 9:15Topic:Power of a Praying MotherSpkr: TBA

FEBRUARY
14MOMS - 9:15Topic:Romancing Your SpouseSpkr: TBA
28MOMS - 9:15 Interaction Day

MARCH
13MOMS - 9:15Topic:For Women OnlySpkr: A Surprise!
27MOMS - 9:15Topic:Disciplining Your ChildSpkr: TBA

APRIL
10MOMS - 9:15Topic:CPR TrainingSpkr: TBA
24MOMS - 9:15Topic:Household TipsSpkr: TBA

MAY
8MOMS - 9:15Topic:The School Years*Home Schooling Christian, Public?
22MOMS - 9:15 Spring Celebration Banquet & Clothing Exchange

*Please note that the schedule is subject to change - check with your mentor for details

September 13 - MOMS' Kick Off

WOW -- What a great kick off! We had approximately 38 moms and 26 children in attendance for our first meeting of the year.

We have several new mentors this year (Rebecca, Mary & Rosie) and we extend our sincere appreciation to each one of our mentors for making yourself available to our moms! Remember to contact your mentors anytime between meetings for prayer, they are here to support you!

Our first meeting began with an activity where each mom made their own name tag and placed boy/girl charms on the tags to indicate the number of children they have. For those of you who did not get an opportunity to do this we will have a followup session at a later date. Our next meeting which is September 27 will have one of our mentors, Rosie, speak on "The Heart of a Mom". Please join us as we fellowship together and seek Godly wisdom in all we say and do!

THE REAL REASON FOR M.O.M.S.

M.O.M.S.(Mother’s Offering Mutual Support)
May 11, 2006 - May 24, 2007

With the desire and dedication to bring a moms group to Calvary Church, M.O.M.S. held its first meeting on May 11, 2006. God faithfully set everything in motion to ensure that we had all the support we needed to begin such an endeavor. The enthusiasm and support of many moms that stepped into leadership roles made this ministry a reality.

Our mission statement is simple – Celebrate the season of motherhood. Providing support, encouragement and wisdom by partnering with other mothers and mentors. Our foundational scripture is "Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6 and "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven." Ecclesiastes 3:1.

Our first year has been a testament to God’s covering of this ministry and our dependance and surrender to His guidance and wisdom. We truly give God the praise and glory for the success of our inaugural year. We would like to share some of the comments from the moms that were impacted by M.O.M.S.

FROM OUR MOMS......
"I never imagined that I would be touched by so many women in such a short period of time. I do believe that God placed Karen at my table in Bible study for a reason. I was at a low period in my life and needed some support/answers/guidance. Karen was there for me, she had faith in me that I could be a mentor in the MOMS group. It was at this time that God picked me up out of the desert and placed me with such incredible women of faith, and that helped me get to where I am today. I am truly blessed by all the leaders of MOMS group." Kelly

"What M.O.M.S group means to me: A safe place in which to share frustrations, joys, concerns regarding being a wife and mother. Much needed fellowship, without any kids! Most important, the prayer support and encouragement from other mom's in the group. Thank you for the courage to start up this new group. It has meant a lot to me." Heather

So many times, I feel like I fall short. Perfection? I'll settle for competence in just a couple of my varied roles as a woman, wife, mother, friend, sister, daughter. Walking into Room 235 on Thursday mornings. the pressures of life seems to fall away just for a couple of hours. It feels great to walk into a room full of familiar faces knowing that these women, they understand like no one else can. I also love the fact that I come away from every MOMS Group meeting feeling just a little more whole. If my husband, kids, neighbors, customers sees me as a little kinder, a bit wiser and a little more encouraging, it's because I have taken away just a bit of the kindness, wisdom and encouragement from the other Mothers Offering Mutual Support. I very much appreciate that being a part of MOMS Group helps me connect with wonderful women in sometimes unexpected, but always meaningful ways.
Thanks Karen for helping to bring together this amazing group of women who remind me that it's all about connecting to other people. To sit, slow down and listen again, for I still have so much to learn. Much admiration. Joy

The great thing about MOMS is that it is accomplishing what it was supposed to--giving support to Moms! MOMS is really a kind of extended family. Even those that don't know each other will reach out during times of trials or celebrations. It's nice to know that I have people I can count on. Also, being part of the group makes me want to reach out to others more. Whether we are having serious discussion, prayer, or laughing during crafts, I know everyone is there to lift each other up. The best part is that this is just the beginning! Thank you, Karen for starting such a wonderful group. Alison

MAY 24 - MOMS CELEBRATION BANQUET

Thursday, May 24 we celebrated our one year anniversary together with a clothing exchange and thank you ceremony for our leaders and childcare workers. What an awesome breakfast buffet we had which was catered by Tasha from Calvary's very own Food Service Ministry! We were served Egg Strata, Hashbrown casserole, Praline french toast, fresh fruit, mini bagels with cream cheese, coffee, juice and water. To top it off we had a 7 layer chocolate cake for dessert.

It was such a special day and we had racks and racks of clothing to choose from. Thank you so much to all of you who made this year a great success! TO GOD BE THE GLORY GREAT THINGS HE HAS DONE!!!

Conference Worshop CDs for Moms

I am posting the information for the CDs that we have available from the Hearts at Home Conference. You can sign them out at our meetings. For the summer months I will keep them at home so that you can have access to them. Feel free to sign several of them out over the summer --

Hearts at Home Conference Workshops 2007
CD # -----Topic Title ------------Speaker
A -----Introduction: General ------Jill Savage
B -----Introduction: General -------Lisa Whelchel
101 --- De-stressing without Distress -------Julie Baker
102 ---Making Time For God ----------Julie Baker
103 ---Going Deeper Still ----------Julie Ann Barnhill
104 ---One Tough Mother ---------Julie Ann Barnhill
105 ---Keep the Siblings, Lose the Rivalry ---------Dr. Todd Cartmell
106 ---Raising Respectful Kids ---------Dr. Todd Cartmell
107 ---Lean, Healthy Moms - Strong, Healthy Kids ----------Danna Demetre
108 ---The Balancing Act ------Danna Demetre
109 ---The Heat is On: an unexpected opportunity to be a Mom - AGAIN! -----Danna Demetre
110 ---Finding JOY! in Motherhood ---------Jenn Doucette
111 ---Velveteen Mommies --------Jenn Doucette
112 ---A Life That Says, "Welcome": Simple Ways to Open your Heart and Home to Others -------Karen Ehman
113 ---The Bylaws of In-Laws and Outlaws ----------Karen Ehman
114 ---Establishing Your Children In the Word ----------Cheryl Eliason
115 ---Winning the Chore War ---------Cheryl Eliason
116 ---The Mom I Want to Be --------Suzie Eller
117 ---Why Doesn’t My Teen Talk to Me? ----------Suzie Eller
118 ---Leaving the Legacy ----------Sue Heimer
119 ---When Teens Rebel ---------Sue Heimer
120 --How to Talk and Listen to Your Child or Teen -----Donna Jones
121 ---Taming Your Family Zoo ----------Donna Jones
122 ---Christian MySpace Alternatives ----------Connie Neal
123 ---The MySpace Dilemma: Making Confident Decisions about Social Networking----- Connie Neal
124 ---Ages and Stages of Early Development ---------Brenda Nixon
125 ---Understanding Your Child’s Temperament ----------Brenda Nixon
126 ---Connecting Women ---------Janee Penfield
127 ---Your Closet: Friend or Foe? -----------Janee Penfield
128 ---Heaven at Home -----------Ginger Plowman
129 ---What Lies Beneath: Getting to the Heart of Anger in Children ----Ginger Plowman
130 ---Making the Most of Your Moms Group: Leadership Principles -----Jill Savage
131 ---Redefining Romance ---------Jill Savage
132 ---Building Self Esteem in Your Child ----------Dr. Julianna Slattery
133 ---No More Headaches! Renewing Intimacy in Your Marriage------ Dr. Julianna Slattery
134 ---Power of a Purpose Driven Mom --------Renee Swope
135 ---Speak Lord, I’m Listening --------Renee Swope
136 ---Creative Correction ---------Lisa Whelchel

MAY 10TH - MOMS' MEETING

Kelly overlooking a craft project...

Another fantastic time of fellowship and sharing. We had once again an amazing array of breakfast items just when you think it is at its best it gets even better. Thank you so much to all of you who bless us with your culinary talents, it is greatly appreciated.

Kelly was our speaker this week and I should have brought along boxes of Kleenex to share for there were plenty of wet eyes and sniffling going on! What a powerful message of God's faithfulness and the miracles God performed in her life. For those who could not make it, Kelly has battled cancer having been first diagnosed in 2000 after having her first child. She had breast cancer which was treated and in 2004 she had a reaccurance of cancer found in several areas liver, bone and then her brain. We are believing for a cancer free body!! Praise God. Thank you Kelly for sharing your story with us, as difficult as it may have been, it truly touched each and everyone of us.

Our last meeting of the year is May 24th which will be coupled with a mom's clothing exchange and a celebration of our first year in this ministry. Special thanks to all of you moms who have worked so hard to make this group successful by sharing your lives and hearts with all our moms.