Gather and Grow

2009-04-22T08:51:00.000-07:00

Gathering and Growing in Him

"Come, gather together..."
Revelation 19:17

Our Proverbs 31 Gather and Grow group pictured above had a pajama night when we gathered in February!

Each month, a wonderful group of women gather in our home for a "Gather and Grow" study and fellowship. God has given His life to this special and diverse group of ladies as we come together to seek Him in His Word, to fellowship and pray together, and to encourage each other in our walks with Him.

Currently, we are reading through "What Happens When Women Walk By Faith" by Lysa Terkeurst. At the end of each chapter is a Bible study. We each have been reading the chapters and doing our Bible studies at home through the month. When we come together, it is exciting and encouraging to discuss and listen to all that God is doing in each woman's heart and life as they seek Him in His Word.

We often have a "Make His Name Great" portion of our evening when one of our gals shares her testimony of salvation or something the Lord is currently doing in their life. As glory is given to God for His mighty works in our lives and hearts, our faith roots grow deeper and He knits us together in Him. "Come and see what God has done, how awesome His works in man's behalf!" Psalm 66:5

In February, our lovely Nancy led us in worship before we began our study, which was such a blessing. Here is Nancy (keep in mind it was "pajama night"!).

For me, the real proof in the pudding is when the husbands of the girls in the group say how much the love Gather and Grow for their wives. The husbands are seeing the fruit of Gathering and Growing in Him! One husband has even given a few other names for the group, such as "Hang Out and Sprout" and "Assemble and Resemble"!

Here is what a few of our gals have shared about what "Gather and Grow" means to them:

"The group has been like the Word lived out among women who are free to be real and vulnerable as we read the extraordinary testimonies, encouragements and exhortations from the book and respond from the heart." - Jenn W.

"After attending several Gather and Grow get-togethers, I was reflecting on what makes this group so special to me. Although I love to participate in in-depth Bible studies on my own and with my church, there has been an aspect of my walk that I always seem to put on the back burner. Because of family obligations, my work schedule, and trying to keep my house somewhat clean, I have very few opportunities to simply hang out with other girls who just love Jesus. Meeting once a month has been a highlight for me. The atmosphere is very relaxed which makes it easy to let your guard down and really be yourself. I can already see how the Lord is working in our group and meshing our hearts together." - Nancy C.

"Something beautiful is happening to the diverse group of women my girlfriend has prayerfully invited together to 'Gather and Grow.' What started as a refreshing fellowship time is now after several months becoming a deep heart connection between women. We are being challenged to obedience to Christ in all we do. Thanks to the swiftness of the Internet, we have instant communication for prayer needs and praises. We are not only developing a more intimate relationship with Jesus, but an accountability and closeness with each other. The safety that is being felt by our group is being expressed in the testimonies that have been shared over the past few months.Sharon, who leads our group, puts every detail before God in prayer and yield to His leading. Yet she is able to maintain a structure and proceed with our lessons. The goal of Gather and Grow is more of Jesus and less of me, and yet our Lord blesses me each time we meet with remarkable gifts. I count this time we have together as one of the most precious in my life." - Lucille O.

About 7 years ago, an intimate group of 4 or 5 of my friends began to together to do a book study and seek God in His Word. We started with the book "Woman's Secret to A Balanced Life", which my dear friend Laura had given me as a gift, and which I shared with these girls (and others). God used that book powerfully in my life to gently get my life's priorities in their proper place. While being overwhelmed with the blessing and life-changing challenge of having my first baby, my world had become off-kilter. My dear friend Laura's visit that day with this book and a Coffee Coolatta for me was a moment I'll always cherish. Truly life-changing.

Our small group of women met for several years each Tuesday evening and read through several P31 books that pointed us to Christ and His Word. Now, several years later, Proverbs 31 Ministries began official "Gather and Grow groups...and that is the perfect name! Indeed, we gather together and we grow in our relationship with Christ, in our relationships with each other, and in His love, Word and truth. Our now monthly gatherings are an oasis of sorts. God is faithful to give us our portion every time we seek Him. Gathering and Growing in His Truth....a precious and wonderful place to be! By His grace, truth and love alone. We look to Him in all things, the Giver of Life.

"They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer."

Acts 2:42

RadRevolution Gather & Grow

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Two years ago Proverbs 31 Ministries committed to expanding its ministries to include teens by developing an area of ministry called Next Generation. It is our desire to practice God’s Word by walking with and teaching the next generation what it means to be a daughter of the King. With this in mind, Next Generation is expanding to offer Gather & Grow: RadRevolution.

Gather & Grow: RadRevolution will be similar to the Gather & Grow groups we have in place for women. Each group will have an adult adviser. The group will be a safe place for teen girls to be able to talk about what is going on in their lives with an adult woman who cares about them, and friends who are facing the same struggles. Gather & Grow: RadRevolution will be a place young women can hear the truth of God’s Word and find out exactly what it has to say about who they are. Wouldn't it be awesome to have groups of girls meeting at the same time as their moms?

The cost for joining Gather & Grow: RadRevolution is $15.00 per person per year. Each member will receive the following:

· Your first book/resource* (up to $11.99) We recommend one of the following:
Making it Real; Lies Young Women Believe; Wise Up

· A 10% discount on Proverbs 31 Ministries resources

· Access to the members only Gather & Grow: RadRevolution blog

· If you are a leader you will receive leadership materials and idea sharing through the Gather & Grow blog.

If you or someone you know might be interested in starting a RadRevolution G&G group, contact Lynn at Lynn@Proverbs31.org.

Planning for the Fall

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Hi Girls!

If your renewal letters have been sent out, I want to encourage you to get those turned in. Many groups have been "renewed" and are ready to start.

We have lots of new groups starting up for the fall. YEA!!!! Have you decided what you are going to study? How will group be set up? Where you will meet? Questions, questions, questions. Here are some suggestions:

Start the fall listening to some of our Bible teachers on from our amazing Speaker Team. Follow this link: audio

Our staff is reading the book He Speaks to Me by Priscilla Shirer. It would be fun for your group to study the book our staff is studying. We start September 18th.

Since everyone in your group is receiving P31 Woman, have everyone read through the magazine and be ready to share their favorite article.

Hopefully these ideas will spur you on. Let's hear from the other members. What are you studying? How is changing your walk with the Lord?

Welcome to Gather & Grow Groups!

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Group Renewals

For many of you, group renewals are coming up. We will be sending information in the mail to all the group leaders in late July.

Sail away with the P31 Gals on the Girl's Get-A-Way cruise to Cozumel!

Once again we will be sailing the high seas with Premier Christian Cruises. If you joined us last year, you know what a fabulous trip this will be!

This years' lineup includes our own Lysa TerKeurst and Shari Braendel, as well as Karen Kingsbury, Angela Thomas, and The Spa Girls.

To reserve your space before they open reservations up to the public, and to receive a $100 savings, click here. Make sure you enter the code "P31" at check-out to receive your savings!

Hope to see you on board!

Welcome Note from Wendy

I am so excited that you have decided to join the Proverbs 31 Ministries Gather and Grow Groups.

Proverbs 31 Ministries believes that reaching out and getting together with your family, friends, neighbors, and others is so important in building relationships. And what better way than to study and talk about relative Christ-centered materials.

We pray for a God-led time with your groups and
that you really get to know the women you are meeting with.

I would love to hear from you and how your groups are going any time during the year. Please email me at forever31@proverbs31.org or call me at: 877-731-4663 ext. 212. And the beauty of a blogs is that you can post a comment.

We look forward to hearing how God blessed your time together.

Blessings,

Wendy Pope
Development Coordinator

Bringing God’s Peace, Perspective, and Purpose to Today’s Busy Woman

Gather & Grow FAQ

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How do I promote Gather & Grow in my area?
Personal phone calls and meeting one-on-one with women is the best way to encourage membership to your Gather & Grow group. Sharing individually how the ministries of Proverbs 31 Ministries (i.e. Encouragement for Today daily devotions, She Speaks conference and P31 Woman magazine) has meant to you is great promotion. You can also print the promotional flyer and display them in your church, local schools, businesses, and neighborhoods. Printable flyers are in the form section of this blog.

Does size of the group matter?
When two or more are gathered, you have a group. When forming your group, size does not matter. Pray, asking God to lead the right people to your group. He will participate in any group where He is invited, no matter what the size.

Who do I contact if I do not receive my magazine?
Magazine subscriptions typically take six weeks to be processed and received. If for any reason you have not received your first copy of P31 Woman within six weeks of your paid membership, email Wendy Pope.

How do I order resources?
We suggest group leaders submit one order form for the entire group order. You can place orders on our web site by clicking here. The orders will be shipped to the group leader and she will distribute them to the members. One large order saves shipping expenses and everyone will get their resource at the same time. Orders can take up to three to four weeks unless UPS shipping is requested.

Who do I contact if I do not receive my resource in a timely manner?
If your order does not reach you in a timely manner, please email Teri in resources at: resources@proverbs31.org

Can I place my orders by telephone?
Yes, any order, individual or group may be placed by telephone. Our toll free number is 877-731-4663 or you may call locally 704-849-2270.

Can I share my discount code with friends or family?
Personal discount codes are given to members of Gather & Grow and are non-transferable. You may use your discount code at anytime during the year. It is not restricted to materials used in your Gather & Grow group.

Why does every member have to pay the membership fee?
The membership fee covers so many things; leadership training, materials like this blog, your first resource, the magazine subscription, staff time, and online community membership just to name a few. Proverbs 31 Ministries is a non-profit organization and a small portion of the membership fee helps financially support the continuation of the ministry. Members who do not pay the annual membership fee will not be eligible to receive the benefits that come with being a Gather & Grow member.

Is the $31 membership fee required for current members who want to renew their membership?
Membership for Gather & Grow is for 12 months. Each member will receive notification for renewal at the end of their membership year. The membership fee of $31 is required for all renewal memberships.

What benefits do members receive?
Participants will receive spiritually encouraging materials designed to lead discussions that will offer godly perspectives on issues facing today's women. Upon payment of membership fee, members receive:

First book/resource (up to $11.99)*
One-year subscription to the P31 Woman magazine
One-year membership for Gather & Grow Online Community
A 10% discount on Proverbs 31 Ministries resources
Member only access to the Gather & Grow blog
Leaders receive training materials as well are invited to join two conference calls per year

*Additional resources including the free resource are extra (see ShopP31 for complete listing of resources). Postage is additional on all resource orders, including the 1st free resource.

What is expected of group leaders?

Invite women to your Gather & Grow group
Ordering resources
Facilitating and leading your group
Praying for and with your group
Sharing any announcements from P31
Being a good witness to those in your group

Is there a certain schedule I should follow during group time?
The beauty of Gather & Grow groups is the flexibility. Each group will be organized to meet the needs of the members of the group. Group specifics such as meeting place, frequency, study materials and schedule are determined by the members. For schedule suggestions look here.

Can I gift my subscription to P31 Woman to someone?
If you currently receive the P31 Woman magazine, you may gift the magazine to someone. To do this please email Wendy Pope.

We tried to think of all the questions you might have, but if we missed anything, send us an email – we would love to hear from you!

Testimonials

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"God is good and faithful. By God's grace and doing, we are receiving such wonderful (unsolicited) feedback about our Gather and Grow Group. God has brought this group of 20 women together! It's wonderful to see Him at work, and we all look forward to our monthly gatherings as we read through "What Happens When Women Say Yes to God," fellowship, share and pray. At our most recent gathering last Friday, Denise asked any of the women with the gift of worship if they would pray about leading us in worship, so we will be adding that, too! To God's glory!"

Sharon Sloan

"I considered declining my friend's invitation to a Gather and Grow group because I believed my schedule was too full. However, I knew I needed a better handle on how to .... Say Yes to God, so I said yes to the opportunity.

The group has been like the Word lived out among women who are free to be real and vulnerable as we read the extraordinary stories, encouragements and exhortations from the book and respond from the heart."

Jennifer Wood (Hatboro , PA )

"Ephesians 4:16 '...the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does it's share, causes growth for the body for the edifying of itself in love.'

This is my continual prayer for our Gather and Grow group. Co-leading our group has been such a blessing, I am compelled to be transparent with God and our group.

In saying yes to God, I am challenged to step further away from my comfort zone by being real and honest about the situations, struggles and sin that the Lord is purging from my own life to make me more effective as a leader.

The Lord is hedging me in until I say yes and obey Him. Though it is scarry, I am learning as I obey and say yes to Him, He reveals more and is opening more doors of opportunity to minister to others. The peace I am experiencing through obedience is amazing.

As we become all God wants us to be, we free others to become all God wants them to be. Each week we have someone share their testimony. This openess creates a place of safety where the Holy Spirit ministers to all of us. It has allowed us to cover sensitive subjects. Through the tears and laughter we see Jesus drawing us closer to Himself and each other in true fellowship and love."

Denise Buck

"After attending several Gather and Grow get togethers, I was reflecting on what makes this group so special to me. Although I love to participate in in-depth Bible studies on my own and with my church, there has been an aspect of my walk that I always seem to put on the back burner. Because of family obligations, my work schedule, and trying to keep my house somewhat clean, I have very few opportunities to simply hang out with other girls who just love Jesus.

Meeting once a month has been a highlight for me. The atmosphere is very relaxed which makes it easy to let your guard down and really be yourself. I can already see how the Lord is working in our group and meshing our hearts together. Thank you Sharon and Denise for making this all happen and for inviting me to participate."

Nancy Cella (Holland, PA)

"Something beautiful is happening to the diverse group of women my girlfriend has called together to "Gather and Grow." What started as a refreshing social time is now after several months becoming a deep heart connection between women. We are being challenged to obedience to Christ in all we do. Thanks to the swiftness of the internet, we have instant communication for prayer needs and praises. We are not only developing a more intimate relationship with Jesus, but an accountability and closeness with each other. The safety that is being felt by our group is being expressed in the testimonies that have been shared over the past few months.

Sharon and Denise, who lead our group, have put every detail before God in prayer and they yield to His leading. Yet they are able to maintain a structure and proceed with our lessons. The goal of Gather and Grow is more of Jesus and less of me, and yet our Lord blesses me each time we meet with remarkable gifts. I count this time we have together as one of the most precious in my life."

Lucille Osborn
Gather & Grow
Bucks County, Pennsylvania

Group Forms

2007-12-15T20:00:00.000-08:00

In order to reduce shipping costs we suggest that group leaders complete one order form for the entire group.

If you are unable to print any of the forms, please email forever31@proverbs31.org.

Group Resources

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Below is a list of suggested resources by topic. This is just a sample of the resources we have to offer for your group. For a complete list of all resources, please visit www.shopp31.com.

For Moms...

Am I Messing Up My Kids?
...and Other Questions Every Mom Asks
By: Lysa TerKeurst
$11.99

Lysa TerKeurst, mother of five and Proverbs 31 Ministries, knows the bouts of "mommy stress" that come with parenting and managing a home and a life. From her own experience and conversations with hundreds of other women, Lysa shares how mothers can release the guild they sometimes feel and

stop blaming their parenting skills every time a child does wrong
let kids live with the consequences of their bad choices
simplify life to create breathing room
quit comparing themselves to the "perfect" moms
turn to God for support, guidance, and patience

Overflowing with practical ideas, short Bible studies, and plenty of encouragement, this inspiring resource will help moms to realize that-with God's wisdom and mercy-they can experience peace and satisfaction while raising their kids.

("Am I Messing Up My Kids" is an updated rerelease of "The Bathtub is Overflowing but I Feel Drained.")

For Women that Work From Home…

Work@home: A practical Guide for Women Who Want to Work from Home
By: Glynnis Whitwer
$15.99

"Work@home" is a practical and inspirational guide offering help with all aspects of transitioning from the corporate workplace to working from home. Transitioning home requires careful thought, organization and managing expectations. Glynnis helps readers analyze the true cost of working outside the home, create a budget, define a timeline, find employment at home, and be successful while home.

Marriage…

What a Husband Needs from His Wife
By: Melanie Chitwood
$11.99

What do men really need from their wives? And what is the best way for wives to meet those needs? This engaging and thoroughly biblical guide demonstrates that a woman meets her husband's needs most effectively by maintaining her own vibrant personal relationship with Christ. It shows how that relationship overflows in her love for her husband, her enjoyment of him, and the practical ways she helps him become the person God intended him to be.

Readers will also find useful tools for understanding their husbands better, including

ideas for dealing with addictions, infidelity, and financial challenges
explanations of personality types and love languages
resources that offer help for the helper

Each chapter ends with a list of focus points that summarize the chapter¹s most important thoughts in an easy to remember format, as well as a concluding prayer that provides readers an opportunity to interact with God about what they have learned. A study guide at the end of the book makes this a perfect tool for individual or small group use.

Capture His Heart
By: Lysa TerKeurst
$9.99

A truly fulfilling marriage involves two people focusing on each others' needs rather than their own. Lysa TerKeurst, president of Proverbs 31 Ministries, has written a practical guide for each spouse that will open their eyes to the needs, desires, and longings of the other. She offers eight essential criteria for capturing the heart of your spouse, with creative tips on how to accomplish them. Having a great marriage takes time, creativity, and willingness. Capture His Heart and Capture Her Heart are excellent tools to help spouses run this very worthwhile race.

Exploring Your Faith…

Perplexing Proverbs for Women
By:Susanne Scheppmann
$14.99

Perplexing Proverbs for Women is a ten-week study that applies the wisdom of the Proverbs to ten primary concerns (heart-prints) in a woman's life. Ideal for small-group or individual study, it uses both Old and New Testament passages to cement the concepts of the Proverbs and to help women gain wisdom in day-to-day living.

6 Habits of Highly Effective Christians
By: Brian T. Anderson & Glynnis Whitwer
$7.99

In this small group study, you will explore ways to deepen your relationship with God and become a more effective Christian. Throughout these six sessions, you will learn secrets of effective Christians, how it has revolutionized their faith, and how it can revolutionize yours, too.

What Happens When Women Say Yes to God
By: Lysa TerKeurst
$9.99

Total obedience to Christ can transform an ordinary life into a remarkable journey. This is the hope found in the liberating message of What Happens When Women Say Yes to God. Lysa shares inspiring stories from her own life, along with compelling biblical insights, as she describes what it means to partner with God in all decisions and actions. This book reveals how honoring God produces a life of deep joy and great purpose. It is an invitation to seek God and boldly ask for and expect more from the Christian life.

(This is an updated release of Radically Obedient, Radically Blessed. A Bible study is also included.)

What Happens When Women Walk in Faith
By: Lysa Terkeurst
$11.99

If you want to be challenged, changed and encouraged like never before, be sure to pre-order your copy of Lysa's exciting new book, "What Happens When Women Walk in Faith." You'll discover the five phases you'll go through when seeking to walk closer to God and dare to venture toward the dreams He's put in your heart. This book includes a Bible study, which makes it ideal for individual devotions or a group. Consider it for a Fall small group study!

Exploring Your Purpose…

Living Life on Purpose
By: Lysa TerKeurst
$13.99

Every woman longs to live up to her full, God-given potential. But the hectic nature of your life may leave you struggling just to keep your head above water. Fortunately, you can do more than simply survive. In this wonderful book, Lysa outlines how you can develop a Life Plan that will help you. More than just helping you get a better handle on your schedule, your Life Plan will allow you to enjoy a life this is truly well-lived.

For Writers…

For The Write Reason
By: Select Authors, Edited by Marybeth Whalen
$17.99

Using the personal stories of successful Christian writers, agents and editors, For the Write Reason helps writers of all levels learn from the experience of "insiders" in Christian publishing. The coordinating Bible study allows readers to delve into God's call on their own lives. Through this unique blend of encouraging words, advice and digging into God's word, writers are able to determine God's direction for their writing.

Contact Us

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Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
877-P31-HOME (877-731-4663)
704-849-2270
FAX (704) 849-07267
Pone 1-877-731-4663

Forever31@proverbs31.org

Office hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30am-5pm (EST)

For general questions, please contact: adminassistant@proverbs31.org

For questions about resource orders, please contact: resources@proverbs31.org

For administrative questions regarding P31 Woman Magazine (change of address, start date, etc), please contact: adminassistant@proverbs31.org

For information about speaking engagements, please contact: speaker@proverbs31.org

For information about She Speaks, the annual speakers and writers conference, please contact: shespeaks@proverbs31.org

For information about our radio program, please contact: radio@proverbs31.org

For prayer requests and praise reports, please contact: prayer@proverbs31.org

For more information about becoming a volunteer for the ministry, please contact: volunteer@proverbs31.org

For more information about giving a donation, please email donations@proverbs31.org, or visit our Support Proverbs 31 section on the web site.

Group Activities

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Ideas for Keeping it Fun

Women today are very busy and bogged down with a lot to do. So getting together with girl friends should be fun! Below are a few suggestions to help you achieve a fun and memorable experience for your group members.

Have an ice-breaker the first meeting
Play Christian music as women arrive
Tie in Holidays and the Seasons for your get-togethers
Offer Food
Research activities, or create a small craft/gift for the group members to take home that tie into lesson/study. Giving a tactical activity or giving a small gift to take home, gives the group members a more memorable experience for the lesson/study. It can be a visual reminder of an invisible truth.
Have the meetings at a different group member’s house – this takes the pressure off the leader and also gives other women a chance to share their home with the group.
Get together some time outside the group
Choose a volunteer project and work on it together

Graduating From Gather and Grow
The summer, for most, is a time when women/moms take some down time. So we understand that Gather and Grow Groups may, for some of you, take some down time. But before that much needed vacation, and reading through that stack of books on your night stand -- it's important to take time to have a fun good-bye with your group until the fall.

Here are some suggestions for a fun good-bye with your group:

Have a brunch and ask everyone to bring their favorite dish. If you meet at night, have them bring their favorite dessert.
At your last meeting, ask for testimonies of how Gather and Grow has bless them.
Take a group photo and email it to Carrie or Wendy. We would love to put it up on the blog next year with your testimonies.

Spring/Summer activity

The Priceless Pearl
If you can arrange for it -- this activity is great when you hand each of the women in your group an oyster shell with a fake pear inside. You can get both at craft stores. After the ladies leave the group, it become a visible reminder of an invisible truth. I still have mine from 3 years ago.

Pearls are the product of pain. For some unknown reason, the shell of the oyster gets pierced and an outside substance - a grain of sand, slips inside. On the entry of that foreign irritant, all the resources within the tiny, sensitive oyster rush to the spot and begin to release healing fluids that otherwise would have remained dormant.

By and by the irritant is covered and the would is healed by the pearl. No other gem has so fascinating a history. It is the symbol of stress. A healed wound, a precious tiny jewel conceived through irritation, born of adversity, nursed by adjustments.

Had there been no wounding, no irritating interruption, there could have been no pearl.

Some oysters are never wounded, and those who seek for gems toss the aside, fit only for stew.

Seasons of Life
Charles Swindoll

Questions to ask you group after reading The Priceless Pearl

1. What does what I just read mean to you?

2. What have you gone through that was really hard, but Jesus healed your wound?

3. What is irritating/stressing you out -- could it be a catylist for healing?

More Meaning in a Tea Party
At your next Gather and Grow meeting, have a tea party. This is a fun and meaningful activity to do especially in the winter months. Have the ladies in your group make the tea as you read along and share from the below information.

What you will need…
• Pretty Tea Cups – ask group members to bring their favorite tea cup
• Tea
• Pastries/cake
• Tea Pot
• Hot Water
• Heart Orange Rind – cut out with a heart shaped cookie cutter
• Sugar/honey

Tea Cup
Each cup has been lovingly designed and full of grace. Each cup is distinctively unique and different. A cup is a symbol of who we are physically. Delicately designed on the outside, colorful, gracefully feminine. A fragile vessel that portrays each of us and our womanhood.

Tea Pot/and Water
The hot water in the tea pot symbolizes the Holy Spirit. Just as these cups sit in readiness, not having the ability to fill themselves. We are created to commune with God and He alone has the ability to satisfy the emptiness within each of us. To fill us.

Tea Bag
The small fragrant tea bag, hung by a thread, held firmly in each of our hands represents our submission to faithfully immerse into our lives the wisdom God through His written in the bible describing His vision for us as women.

Orange Rind Heart (floats on the top of the tea)
This is a rememberance of the great and sweet personal love God has for each of us individually.
(You can use sugar/honey here instead)

We have witnessed this infusion in our tea cups. The water has been changed by what we have introduced onto it. Just as our inner life and soul will be changed as we introduce the principals God has established in the Bible for His precious creation called woman.

Group Questions
When we place the little fragrant tea bag into the warm water is it called infusion. Can anyone explain what is taking place?

What happens the longer we leave the bag in the water?

What do you like about the tea cup that you brought today?

What happens if we pull the tea bag out too soon?

Have you recently felt God pouring into your life?

Have you ever felt like an empty cup?

Things to Think about…
Infusion means – To introduce one thing into another so as to affect it throughout a pouring in of something that gives new life or significance.
(could have the group members write this down on a note card to take home)

Steeped in His Word
Infused in His Love
Sweetened in His Spirit and
Stirred from above

“As women we are like tea…we don’t know how strong we are until we are placed into hot water.”

Ice Breakers
An icebreaker helps the women in your group get to know one another and helping others feel comfortable sharing in a group. Your group may want to spend a few minutes each session asking one “get to know you” type question. Here are some suggestions. It is important before you choose any of the following to be sensitive to your group.

Ask women to take a penny out of their purse, ask them to look at the date, and then go around the room and have them tell about something important that happened to them that year.
Give Women index cards as they walk in and ask them to write down something funny that has happened to them. Once it is written down, have them fold the card and place it in a basket. Then pass the basket around and have everyone take out a card that is not theirs, and go around the room and try and figure out who the card belongs too. After the guessing time, sit in a circle and keep guessing. Once someone guesses correctly have the person that wrote on the card tell their story.
Name everything in your purse. The lady who has the most stuff listed, dumps her purse and tells all!
Simply go around the circle. Each one shares. Tell us your name, where you were born, and what your favorite…is (color, food, Bible verse)
Ask a trivia question. The one who answers asks the next trivia question.
As all ladies arrive put them together in groups of two or three. Either group them together as they come through the door, or assign numbers etc. Have them work together doing one of the following:
Locate 26 items in the room, each starting with a different letter of the alphabet.
Give a storage bag filled with legos and see what creation flows from the individual groups. Tell them to name their creation.
Find out three things about one another that you each have in common.
Give the ladies markers, paper, and other craft items and ask them to come up with a logo, and name for their new gather and grow group. Then have each group present their idea and choose the one that fits the overall group and use it for the year.
Get each person to tell two true things and one not true thing about themselves. Then let the other’s guess which one is not true.
Have one lady share her testimony each week. Never call on someone to do that on the spur of the moment. Ask them ahead of time or have them sign up in advance.
The leader collects one fact about each member and types up a list of facts. These are facts the person has shared freely and does not mind the others knowing. Pass the sheet out and try to guess which fact goes with which person.
Have each person draw a timeline of their life and mark the high and low points. Start at age 1 and go to the present. (This is a wonderful exercise for those who are nervous about sharing their testimony. By explaining their time line, they will be sharing their testimony. It will also make some realize that they have never asked Jesus to be their Savior.)
Give pen and paper and ask as individuals or teams to write one of the following:
23rd Psalm, 10 Plagues, the books of the Bible, 10 Commandments, 12 tribes or 12 disciples.
Place a bowl of M&Ms on a table and ask each person to take 4-5. Then have them share the following for each color selected.

o Brown- share about the house you grew up in.
o Yellow- share about your favorite summer vacation
o Blue- share about your first airplane ride
o Green- share about your first date
o Red- share about your first ticket for breaking the law
o Orange- wild card, share any of the above

Ask Questions that will help to get to know each other. Remember to only use question that pertain to your group, i.e. if you are a group of single women, asking the question about how you met your husband is irrelevant.

Childhood Questions:
• Where were you born?
• How many brothers and sisters did you have?
• How old were you when you learned to ride a bike?
• What was your mother’s/father’s occupation?
• What was your favorite subject in school?
• What is your favorite childhood memory?

Family:
• I was initially attracted to my husband because….
• I chose the name, _______, for my first born because……
• The trait I Most admire in my mother, father, sister, brother is…..
• Our favorite family pastime is…..
• My last child was born in (name of town) at (name of hospital).
• My most obvious physical trait is my ___. I inherited it from my ___.

Spiritual:
• My first memory of hearing about God is......
• The person who introduced me to Jesus Christ is…..
• The first church I ever attended was….
• The Bible verse that most speaks to me is…
• My favorite Bible story is….
• My first Bible was…

Personal:
• Before I arrived here today, I had to….
• My favorite toy when I was a child was a…
• Ten years ago, I spent most of my time doing…
• My name is (Van). V stands for VICTORIOUS. Each lady tells what the first letter in her name might stand for.
• If I could do or be anything at all, I would…
• As a child my favorite daydream was…
• My favorite thing to do these days is….

For more Icebreaker Ideas: A Small Group, Good Things Come in Small Groups (IVP; Downer’s Grove, IL 1985)

Special Events
Special events help to create a sense of unity and community in any group. We suggest having at least two special events during the year that deviate from the normal schedule. Below are some suggestions.

Host a tea party with everyone bringing their favorite tea and teacup.
Host a Christmas Gathering and invite un-churched acquaintances.
Invite a special speaker to come instead of having a discussion group.
Gather with other Proverbs 31 Gather & Grow Groups in your area.
Host a luncheon with a special theme.
Have a covered dish dinner with a theme (salads, Mexican, Italian)
Have a picnic in the park.
Go on a leadership retreat for the weekend.
Attend a women’s conference together.
Attend Proverbs 31 Ministries She Speaks Conference together.
Do a community project together.
Do a service project at Christmas.
Volunteer at a non-profit such as: a Crisis Pregnancy or for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

Activities/Crafts
Here are two ideas for fun things to do with your group. We also recommend the book Homespun Memories for the Heart By: Karen Ehman, Kelly Hovermale & Trish Smith

A Basket of Friendship – We call it Blessing it Forward

In the mid-1800’s American women shared autograph albums and sewed friendship quilts as a way of honoring their neighbors and friends by the work of their hands and the signing of their names brought forth a memorable gift of love.

Today, your family can continue this friendly custom by giving away a ‘friendship basket.’ Line a basket with the napkin and fill it with homemade goodies: cookies, cocoa mix, a loaf of homemade bread, fresh fruit, or even a Christian book or CD. Tie a bow to the handle where you have attached a laminated card that reads like this:

Neighboring Basket – Bless it Forward
This basket’s filled with goodies
and my best wishes too,
for my life is sweeter because of
neighbors like you.
Enjoy the things I’ve tucked inside,
then fill it up anew,
and pass it on to someone else who’s
been a good neighbor to you.
May this basket honor neighbors whether
they be near or far,
and show those who receive it just how
Special they are!

Filling Our Jars – A Lesson in Time…
This is an activity to show how spending time with Jesus each day can make a difference. This is a great activity to do if you are talking about spending time with Christ. You can also fill up jars with bread or muffin mix as a gift for the women to take home with them.

You’ll need:

A glass quart jar
Place 25 Unshelled walnuts in the jar
Pour 1- ½ cups rice over the walnuts

The walnuts represent seeking the things God would have us to do
The rice represents the fun, urgent or pressing things that we would like to do (our plans)

If you pour the rice (our way) in the jar first, the walnuts (God’s plan) will never fit, If you put the walnuts in the jar first, the rice will pour over and around the nuts and everything fits perfectly.

God intends us to be productive by seeking His will as a daily priority in our life
“And God will provide all of our needs according to his riches in glory” Phil 4:19.

Have we tried to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well?” Mathew 6:33

“Those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.” Psalm 34:10

This glass jar is a visual reminder of an invisible truth

Jar represents us
Walnuts represent God’s daily plan
Rice represents our daily plan

If you want to make God laugh – tell Him your plans.

We each have a choice. To fill our jars first with rice or with walnuts.

Little Silver Boxes – The Gift of Encouraging Words
This is a great Christmas time activity!

What You Need

Wrap up small (jewelry-sized with a bottom and top) boxes with silver wrapping paper. You can also buy silver boxes at craft stores.

Inside the box place this verse.
“A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold is a setting of silver.”
Proverbs 25:11

Research has shown that when we do something for 31 days in a row it becomes a habit. Here is a habit worth starting: Begin to practice giving and receiving verbal gifts of encouragement known as “little silver boxes.”

A silver box can be a visible sign of an invisible truth. Place the box where it will catch your eye and remind you to put words into action!

Each day, read a “Little Silver Box” like the ones below.

“Kind Words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.”
Mother Theresa

31 Days of Encouraging Words

The world is a better place because you are in it
You are wonderful
You are a work of art
Good for you
What a winner
You’ll inspire others
What a great idea
You’ve exceeded my expectation
Wow what a difference you made
Thanks for your time
Keep up the terrific work
You brighten my day
Thanks for making me smile (laugh)
Nice going
You really make life fun
You just keep getting better
You are great with people
Your efforts are really appreciated
I love your smile
Great input
You outdid yourself
You are such an encouragement
You are special
God loves you
You always do your best
You are smart
You are talented
Way to go
You brighten my day
Good going -- you made a godly decision
You are very creative

Adopted from the book “Silver Boxes”
by Florence Littauer

Group Planning

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Getting Started – Building Your Gather and Grow Group

Now that you’ve signed up for a Gather and Grow Group, here are some helpful tips to get you started.

1. Prayer:
Building the foundation for any house is the most important step. Without a solid foundation, the structure of the house will always be tenuous. The foundation for a Gather and Grow Group is to pray. Gather two or more women together who will commit to pray daily for your Gather and Grow Group members.

2. Explain Your Group Vision:
If your group is connected with a church, meet with the Pastor, Women’s Ministry Leader, or outreach committee to explain the vision of Proverbs 31 Ministries, and what you hope to achieve through your Gather and Grow Group. It is important to have the support of the Pastor and leadership of the church. They can do much to support your group.

3. Recruit/Promotion:
Here are a few ways to get the word out about your Gather & Grow Group:

Meet with other women in your church, neighborhood, or workplace who may be interested in forming a Gather & Grow Group.
Personal phone calls are a great way to encourage membership to your Gather & Grow group. Share individually how the ministries of Proverbs 31 Ministries (i.e. Encouragement for Today daily devotions, She Speaks conference and P31 Woman magazine) has meant to you is great promotion.
Print the promotional flyer (ADD LINK) and display them in your church, local schools, businesses, and neighborhoods.
Put an invitation or flyer in your church bulletin, a neighbor’s mailboxes, or co-workers’ mail slots. Please make sure to get permission if needed.
Send an email out to all your friends announcing the beginning of your Forever 31 - Gather and Grow Group and invite them to join you.

4. Registration:
All the women in your group need to complete an online registration form. You can also print it out and mail it in to: Proverbs 31 Ministries 616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Matthews, NC 28105.

5. Review:
Review all leadership materials and then make sure everyone has the agreed upon group resources for the year. You can visit the Proverbs 31 Ministries web site to look at all of the resources that we offer and their descriptions. We highly recommend that you choose resources with study guides for ease of use in a group setting available at www.proverbs31.org.

6. Define Your Goals, Group and Mission:
Before you begin your Proverbs 31 Ministries Gather and Grow Group, it helps to write a mission statement, talk about any goals for the group that you might have and even name your group. Just naming your group will give the group a sense of unity, and it’s fun. Examples of goals could be: to encourage young mothers, share the gospel with the community, reach out to the poor, bring older and younger women together for the purpose of mentoring, or to reach out to single and widowed women. A mission statement early on will help set the pace and direction for you God-ordained ministry to women. For example, the mission statement of Proverbs 31 Ministries is “Bringing God’s Peace, Perspective and Purpose to Today’s busy Woman.”

Your Group Name:
_____________________________________
Your Gather and Grow Group Mission Statement:
_____________________________________
Your Goal For The Year:
_____________________________________

7. Schedule Meeting Places, Dates and Times:
Create a schedule of where you will be meeting. If it is a church, schedule the room and the dates of the planned meetings. If you are meeting in someone’s home, meet with the hostess(es) and secure the dates on her/their calendar(s).

Preparing to Meet

Preparing to meet is important and thought should be given to what the group will be talking about and studying when they get together. Here are some tips for preparing for your meeting.

As the leader, read the chapters, go through the study guide, and look up the verses in advance.
Then contact all the women in your group in advance and have them read the chapters that you will be discussing during your group time. Sending a schedule of what will be covered for the year is very helpful, so that the women in your group know in advance what to read/review.
After reading the designated chapters, have the women answer the study guide questions (study guides for most P31 books are typically at the end of the chapters).
If you would like to take it an extra step you can prepare a hand-out/lesson so the women will also have something to take home.
Ideas questions that you can put on a handout:

What is the major theme of this material that you took away?
How did this material relate to your life and your walk with Jesus?
How do you plan to use what you learned today throughout the rest of the week?
What do you think that God is trying to tell us when we read that verse/material?
What was your favorite part of what we studied today and why? What was your least favorite part and why?

Send the women in your group scriptures that pertain to the material and have them look them up in advance. Most of the P31 study guides have Bible verse suggestions that pertain to the material. You can also add a few of your own.
If you are using a CD or DVD as the leader preview it in advance, take notes and look up verses that pertain to the material, and send the verses along with a few questions that relate to the material to the women in your group in advance. When you meet play the DVD or CD, answer the questions as a group, and discuss the Bible verses together.
If you have chosen a book or resource that does not have a study guide, please email us at forever31@proverbs31.org if you would like suggestions on how to lead your meeting, we would love to help you with that.

Suggestions for Your First Meeting

Beginning a Gather & Grow Group is an exciting time. The initial meeting is very important to set the tone of the group. Below are some suggestions:

Announcements: Share quick announcements with the group about things such as: (birthdays, births, awards, illnesses, as well as any Proverbs 31 Ministries announcements).

Prepare: Prepare by reading in advance, let your group know what they need to have ready, and look up Bible verses. A handout is also an option, but not necessary.

Socialize: Serve refreshments to set everyone at ease.

Icebreaker Activity: Have an icebreaker activity to help women get to know each other and relax. There are ideas for icebreakers on the Gather & Grow blog.

Testimony: You may want to share your testimony and/or take turns having a different person, each time you meet, share their testimony.

Read: Read an excerpt from the book and/or Bible you will be studying.

Share: Have women tell why they came or what they hope to find in the group.

Explain Vision: Explain the vision of Proverbs 31 Ministries, and discuss as a group the vision for your group. This may be a good time to name your group if you like.

Suggestions For Group Meeting Schedule

Every Proverbs 31 Gather & Grow Group will be as different as the women who are involved. The schedule for a group made up of mothers with young children will be different from a group of working women meeting during their lunch hour. Tailoring your meetings to meet the specific need of the women involved is important.

Frequency: Gather and Grow was established to be a very flexible program, in an effort to meet the needs of the unique groups. Meeting frequency is up to the groups, however we have found that meeting every week may cause burn out among the group members, and meeting too infrequently makes it hard to build a sense of community with your group. If someone were to miss a monthly meeting, she would then go two months without attending her Gather & Grow group.

Sample Schedule: The following is an example of a schedule for a 90 minute meeting.

15 minutes:

Get nametags (folding over index cards and placing them in front of each member
also works – a fun idea is to have the ladies put down their name and also a creative “Title” that best describes themselves i.e. Wendy Pope -- The Get it Done Girl)
Greetings/Welcome
Refreshments

10 minutes: Announcements and icebreakers

40 minutes: Group Discussion

20 minutes: Time for prayer requests and group prayer

The following is an example for a one-hour meeting:

10 minutes: Welcome and announcements

40 minutes: Group Discussion

10 minutes: Prayer (You may want to write down the prayer requests and have each member take them home.)

Proverbs 31 Ministries Information

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Proverbs 31 Ministries is a non-denominational, non-profit Christian ministry that seeks to lead women into a personal relationship with Christ. With Proverbs 31:10-31 as a guide, Proverbs 31 Ministries reaches women right in the middle of their busy day through free daily devotions, radio program, speaking events, conferences, monthly magazines, resources, online communities, and Gather and Grow groups.

We are real women offering real-life solutions to women who are striving to maintain life’s balance, in spite of today’s hectic pace and cultural pull away from godly principles. Wherever a woman may be on her spiritual journey, Proverbs 31 Ministries exists to be a trusted friend who takes her by the hand and walks by her side, leading her one step closer to the heart of God.

Mission Statement:
Proverbs 31 Ministries brings God’s peace, perspective and purpose to today’s busy woman.

We Believe In:

One God in three persons—Father, Son and Holy Spirit
Jesus Christ’s deity, virgin birth, sinless humanity, substitutionary death, atoning blood, bodily resurrection and ascension to heaven
The entire Bible is God’s infallible revelation to man
Salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Jesus Christ alone
The resurrection of the body: eternal glory for believers in heaven and everlasting punishment for unbelievers in hell
The one true church, the body of Christ, consisting of all believers
Obedience to our Lord’s command to lead people of all nations to faith in Christ and to grow in Christ-likeness
Christ’s personal return to establish His Kingdom on earth
The Holy Spirit indwells and empowers believers and is given as a seal and a pledge of our inheritance in Christ Jesus

The Seven Principles of the Proverbs 31 Woman

The Proverbs 31 Woman...

Pursues an ongoing, personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Loves, honors, and greatly enriches the life of her husband, encouraging and supporting his leadership within his family and his church.
Nurtures the next generation, shaping and molding the children who will one day define who we are as a community and as a nation.
Creates a warm and loving environment for family and friends.
Is a faithful steward of the time and money God has entrusted to her.
Speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction as she encourages others and develops godly friendships.
Shares the love of Christ by extending her hands to help the poor and opening her arms to the needy.

Our History

What began in 1992 as a monthly newsletter has grown into a multifaceted ministry that touches and transforms the lives of women around the world. Through God’s direction, Proverbs 31 Ministries has gone from a couple of volunteers folding newsletters in a garage to an international women’s ministry.