Leader’s Recognition Luncheon

Meeting Outline

Welcome by the Women’s Ministry Leader or Corps Officer (minister)

Invocation

Luncheon

Special Music

“I’m Set Apart for Jesus,”

Recognition and Meditation

Precious Stones of Remembrance

Benediction

Message

Precious Stones of Remembrance

Preparation

Determine the birth months of those leaders who will be recognized. A suitable gift would be any birthstone jewelry.

Decorations

As a worship center, scatter gems around a Bible and place on a brightly colored cloth. Imitation gemstones can be found at most party supply stores. Write the name of each woman, along with the name of her birthstone, on a small heart cutout. Display these on

wire photo holders (the style that displays several pictures on paper clip type holders).

Recognition

Ask those leaders being recognized to come forward. Give them the jewelry representing their birthstone along with an explanation of its significance and history of the gem, as follows. If time permits, you could do this for all twelve months.

Every year we all celebrate the day of our birth. No matter how old we get, we like it when someone remembers us on our birthday. Some of us may not want to remember our age, but we do think it special when the day of our birth is remembered with gifts and birthday wishes. It has become a custom to wear our birthstones, either on a ring, necklace or pin. Each of the stones has a history and a significant fact about it.

January—Garnet

The brilliance of the garnet makes this gemstone a prized possession. During the 18th century garnets were considered the most treasured jewel to own and were worn by only the most wealthy and influential people. This gemstone is associated with loyalty or faithfulness. May you always be found faithful in your love for the Lord as you work for Him. ”For the Lord loves the just and will not forsake His faithful ones” (Ps. 37:28).

February—Amethyst

The amethyst, because of its beauty, warmth and color, has always been a very desirable gemstone. It is a crystal stone with a deep purple color. This gemstone is associated

with being dependable or steadfast. As you fulfill your leadership duties, may you always be dependable. “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me” (Ps. 51:10).

March—Aquamarine

The aquamarine reminded the Romans of the Mediterranean Sea. It derives its name from

the Latin word “aqua” meaning water and “marinus” meaning sea. It is said that Queen Mary of England became fascinated with the beautiful color and had her crown bejeweled with aquamarines. This gemstone is associated with grace. As you work for the Lord, may you always reflect His grace. “I always thank God for you because of

His grace given you in Christ Jesus” (1 Cor. 1:4).

April—Diamond

The diamond has always been the most treasured jewel known to man. Formed thousands of years ago by nature, diamonds are generally found in remote and inaccessible areas. It is said that a person fortunate enough to wear a diamond will possess qualities of purity, love, joy and wealth. May you exhibit the fruits of the Spirit as you serve the Lord. ”But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

gentleness and self control” (Gal. 5:22,23).

May—Emerald

Emeralds are considered to be among the most prized and valued gemstones. It is said that people who wear emeralds symbolize a continually growing love. May your love

of the Lord be evidenced by your love for the women in this group. “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35).

June—Pearl

Cultured pearls are highly desired for their beautiful luster. They are traditionally a symbol of good taste and purity. Throughout the ages they have been worn by royalty. When others look at you, may they always see that you set a good example by the good works that you do for others. “For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to

do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Eph. 2:10).

July—Ruby

The ruby is considered a highly prized gem of enduring value. Rubies are found in

remote, inaccessible areas of the jungle. The same mining techniques have been used for hundreds of years to find these gemstones. Tradition associates them with perfection. For us to be perfect in our own strength is impossible. But as Paul told the Corinthians, “Aim

for perfection … be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you” (2 Cor. 13:11).

August—Peridot

The beauty and brilliance of the peridot makes it a treasured possession by all who wear it. It was the Crusaders, when traveling to Europe, who first discovered sparkling green peridots. These gemstones were thought to symbolize chivalry, bravery and sincerity. May others see your sincere Christian love in all that you do. “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves” (Rom. 12:9,10).

September—Sapphire

The sapphire possesses outstanding beauty and has a noble history. It has always been highly valued by the Royal Family of England whose collection may be seen on ceremonial occasions. It is said those possessing a sapphire will enjoy great riches. It is

doubtful that many of us will possess great wealth, but we can have great riches through Christ. “I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through

His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith” (Eph. 3:16,17).

October—Opal

Today, one ounce of fine opal is worth about ten times the price of one ounce of gold. Its fiery beauty makes it one of the most popular gemstones of modern times. The opal is associated with hope. Many today feel hopeless and discouraged. But we have hope

through the Lord, as we trust Him for the future. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Rom. 15:13).

November—Citrine

Citrine is noted for its transparency. It was known as the stone of strength and was worn

as a mark of power and authority by emperors and kings. Do people say of you that you show great strength? When we trust the Lord, we can face problems with strength and power. “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self discipline” (2 Tim.17)

December—Zircon.

Blue zircon, due to its brilliant color, is ideally suited for birthstone jewelry and its quality produces an effect far in excess of its low price. It is a relatively new gemstone

and was first discovered in the 18th century. The zircon is associated with success or being triumphant. “I will praise your name, O Lord, for it is good. For He has delivered me from all my troubles, and my eyes have looked in triumph on my foes” (Ps. 54:6,7).

Meditation

“Then mount four rows of precious stones on it [breast piece]. In the first row there shall be a ruby, a topaz and a beryl; in the second row a turquoise, a sapphire and an emerald; in the third row a jacinth, an agate and an amethyst; in the fourth row a chrysolite, an onyx and a jasper. Mount them in gold filigree set-tings. There are to be twelve stones, one for each of the names of the sons of Israel, each engraved like a seal with the

name of one of the twelve tribes. Whenever Aaron enters the Holy Place, he will bear the names of the Sons of Israel over  his heart on the breast piece of decision as a continuing memorial before the Lord” (Exod. 28:17–21,29).

The earliest association of twelve stones with the months of the year appears to have originated with the twelve precious stones in the breastplate of Aaron the Levite priest, brother of Moses. These twelve gems represented the twelve tribes of Israel. They

were placed on the breast piece to be worn over the heart of Aaron as he went before the Lord in the Holy Place. They were to be worn as a memorial as decisions were made on

behalf of the people of God.

Christ Jesus, sent by His Father to  live among us and to experience human emotions, thoughts and life, gave His own life for us and now sits at the right hand of God pleading our case. He knows us by name and loves us. He took the place of the Aaronic priesthood.

“Therefore, since we have a great High Priest who has gone through the heavens,

Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a

High Priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have One

who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. Let us

then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy

and find grace to help us in our time of need”(Heb. 4:14–16).

May we as women’s ministries leaders and members be precious stones to those around us. May we keep the names of loved ones on our hearts as we bring them in prayer before the Father through Jesus Christ our Lord. “As you come to Him, the living Stone—

rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to Him—you also, like living stones,

are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering sacrifices  acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who

called you out of darkness into His wonderful light”(1 Pet. 2:4,5,9).