Women's Ministries Programs

“First Love”

by

Shawn Posillico

Western Territory

Theme:

“Memories”

January – Worship Program

2006

Set the Mood

Send out invitations on black paper with white ink instructing the women to come dressed in black and white.  Enclose black and white string for them to tie around their finger to remember the date of the meeting.  This will raise curiosity about the program.

Decorations and Refreshments

Along the path to the meeting room, place black and white balloons tired with the same color ribbons.  Serve marble cake, or dark and white chocolate baked goodies with black and white jellybeans.

Program Outline

Start Group Stone of Remembrance

              Song #308 “Amazing Grace”

                 Welcome and Prayer

                            Craft

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 13

Prayer and Chorus, “I Love You Lord”

                            Devotional –

              Remember, Repeat and return

                            Bible Study

Group Stone of Remembrance

Supplies Needed

• Large garden stone

• Strips of colored paper

• Black permanent ink markers

• Modge Podge®

• Paintbrushes

• White paper, large enough to cover the stone, pointed with John 3:16

Have each woman write on the strips of paper something she would like to be set free from, such as a bad habit or a sin.  Decoupage them to the stone, face down so no one can read it.

At the end of meeting, cover the stone with the white paper. Talk about how Jesus covers our sins and will remember them no more (Jer. 31:34).  If we remember, repent and return, He will acquit us.  Add this stone to the memorial altar.

Craft

• Glass quart jar

• Patterned tissue paper

• Modge Podge®

• Paintbrushes

• Black and white pebbles

(30 of both colors for each woman, to be handed out during the devotional)

• Decorates for lip of jar – ribbon, lace, beads, silk flowers

Bible Study

Read Revelation 1-3 and discuss the following questions:

• What does “first love” mean to you?

• Who is dictating the letters to the churches? (1:17,18)

• Who is writing them down? (1:9)

• How s Jesus described? (1:14-16)

• Does He have the power to know our heart and mind?

• What was the author’s reaction to the experience? (1:17)

• To whom are the seven letters addressed? (1:10)

• What three phrases do all seven letters have in common? (2:2; 2:7a, 2:7b)

• What are the “remembrances?” (“I know your deeds) 2:2,3)

When we recognize that Jesus is sending these letters, its’ obvious that He knows all about us.  As our Creator (John 1: 1-5), He knows every word, deed, through and imagination of our hearts.  We are naked before those flaming eyes.  We may deceive ourselves, but we cannot deceive Him.  Yet His disappointed gaze is stlk filled with love. 

• What are the “repents?” (“He who has an ear, let him hear” 2”7).

These words tell us that this is meant for us personally, not just for the church. God holds us accountable for the content of our lives.  He remembers the good and encourages us to do more.  The Holy Spirit convicts us of our sin so that we will repent.  If we are to stand in God’s courtroom and be judged on our own merits, we will always be guilty; but if we have repented from our sins and believe, then we will see Jesus step in front of us and py the death penalty we deserve.

• What are the “returns” or promises? (“To him who overcomes” 2:7).  We cannot overcome on our own merits.  We are overcomers when we repent and accept the sacrificial act of Jesus on our behalf.  Accepting this by faith, we return to Him, live as an overcomer and are entitled to His promises.

• Are you an overcomer?