“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” 

1 Thessalonians 5:11 

Welcome!

On behalf of the Education and Clergy Development Division we want to welcome each of you to our monthly newsletter. It is our prayer that we can encourage, build each other up, share and celebrate what we are doing in ministry. In this first edition, we would like to share with you the voices of two Latina sisters. It is our prayer that their writing will inspire each one of you!

Encouraging One Another 

We are still in Latino Heritage month, so we wanted to share with you a devotional from Pastor Graciela Ramírez Gamez from Mexico. The following excerpt is from This Holy Calling: Daily Wisdom from Women in Ministry © Copyright 2022, used by permission of Wesleyan Publishing House, Fishers, Indiana.

Trust in God

Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (Heb 4:16)

When we are afraid or feel insecure, sad, tired, overwhelmed, or desperate, we look forward for that special place where we can take refuge, for those people who give us their support, ready to listen to their encouraging words that will alleviate our anxiety. But we do not always find them available. Sometimes we don’t get what we think we need.

In what place or person do you prefer to take refuge when you need it most? No matter where you are or how you feel right now, the place and person you really need, you will find available at all times:  it is in prayer, with God. Being there is so special; you experience God’s presence. God embraces you, offers you his inexhaustible love, and you are renewed. All fear dissipates and your mind is clear in times of confusion.

God inspired these words to teach us the level of trust we can have in him. We can trust in ways that surpass what we can imagine: God’s presence, wisdom, and all his power are for us. God longs to defend us, take care of us, provide for us, and walk by our side in every moment. Be sure to steady your life in prayer. Get fully close to Jesus, your faithful friend! Trust completely in God.

Building Each Other Up

The Gathering in January 

On January 6, 2023, at The Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida, clergywomen from Wesleyan churches around the globe will gather for fellowship and to worship, pray, and be encouraged at a breakfast sponsored by Education and Clergy Development. If you are planning to attend The Gathering, please let us know if you will attend the breakfast, as we need an exact headcount for the hotel. The deadline to RSVP is Oct. 17. There is no cost for you to attend, and you will be an encouragement to others as we share our journeys and build one another up. 

Doing Ministry We love that you are out there inspiring and strengthening one another. There are Zoom women’s leadership small groups, Facebook groups, district and regional support systems and mentoring. Do you have a story to share about encouraging and building one another up? 1 Thessalonians 5:12 continues, “. . . acknowledge those who work hard among you.” We’d love to feature your story in an upcoming Thriving Together email. Help us to acknowledge the work of women in the church! 

Rejoicing, Praying, Giving Thanks 

1 Thessalonians ends with a blessing and a benediction. We want to be a blessing to you and to pray over you as God sends you out. If you have a prayer request, please enter it here. We commit to praying for you as you encourage one another, build each other up, and as you do the ministry God has called you to do.