Women's Ministry - Serving Others with God's Grace!

We are blessed with a diversity of ministries to reach women of all ages and needs.

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Martha Guild: Women’s Ministry is so thankful to God that He placed two caring women as coordinators for the Martha Guild and they faithfully served for the past several years. Esther Heindel and Clara Sholtis have done a phenomenal job planning, purchasing, serving, cleaning, organizing, and caring for the many families that have utilized this ministry. They, along with all the helping hands behind the scene, are truly a gift from above. We want to thank them, not because they expect anything in return but because the love they all exhibit to their fellow brothers and sisters in Christ is selfless and a reflection of God’s love. We are just as humble for an answer to our prayers that the Lord has now raised up two new coordinators to continue the Martha Guild’s ministry. Tammy Smanik and Cindy Duran are excited to begin a new role in this ministry as they both want to share God’s love and compassion with others. Please take a moment to share a heartfelt “Thank you” with all of them for the time and care they’ve extended to our church families.

Did you know that the Martha Guild is made up of various volunteers (although typically women) from the congregation? "Many hands make light work" is a motto this group lives by! There are lists of volunteer for baking, preparing jello and salads, baked beans, and also those who serve. I just wanted to take a minute to answer a question I've been asked recently, "I volunteered to bake (or provide a side, or to serve), but I haven't received a call, am I still on the list?" Yes, our intention is to call, in order, the volunteers we have on our lists. With voicemail messages being so common these days, (and understanding the need for them!), sometimes a message isn't left because we continue the call chain until we get a live person. This is due to the fact that most times when funerals are planned, a very short amount of time is given for the Guild to prepare. When you take into consideration all that has to be done, it's quite amazing how each event comes off as if it had been planned for a couple of weeks! That in itself is a work of God and how He provides, it's beautiful to see it happen! I point out that prayer precludes the planning state, but decisions are made quickly and that is why we try diligently to get answers from people and try to avoid the waiting period we sometimes experience with messages. So, please understand that if you've offered help in the past and feel you haven't been called upon, we greatly appreciate your help and we'll continue to work our way through the lists, and you will get a call! Your compassion and willingness to serve are what make this ministry such a reflection of God's love! We want to continue offering wonderful care during the funeral receptions and want to make sure our records are up to date as the two new leaders get acquainted. Therefore, we are asking if you've been on the list in the past and want to continue, or if you'd like to add your name as a NEW volunteer, please contact Tammy Smanik 808-8534 or Cindy Duran 934-7221. In the same manner, if you'd like to be removed from the list, please contact the ladies so the information is up to date. I thank you for your time, compassion, and help over the years, it's been a pleasure to participate in this loving ministry and a true blessing to be on the receiving end as well!

LWML:  Find out more about the mission work that is being done through your generous financial and prayer support to the LWML in the winter edition of the “Lutheran Woman’s Quarterly”.  (Located outside both worship areas)  Read the inspiring story about Abeba and her way of witnessing, get updated information of how the grant monies will be spent, spend time with God using the devotional (you can use it as an outreach also with the Spanish translation), and introduce your daughters to LWML by way of doll clothes and accessories (18” size)!  The Quarterly is

The Martha Guild of St. Paul is a loving group of women who provide homemade side dishes, salads, desserts and also serve during luncheons that follow a loved one’s funeral or memorial service.  Words can hardly express the gratitude that families feel from this exceptional ministry which provides Christian love and support during a difficult time in their life.  To continue providing this heartfelt outreach, Women’s Ministry is currently seeking caring individuals who would be willing to take on the role of co-leaders.  Those who feel their gifts are of compassion, mercy, and serving are asked to prayerfully consider this opportunity.  To learn more, speak with Esther H. 440 808-9266. 

Thank you also to all the helpers that helped make the Craft Show a big success! From the bakers, to the helpers for set up/take down, kitchen workers, musicians, admission and lunchroom volunteers…your hard work and support is greatly appreciated! To God be the Glory!

 While Women’s Ministry wants all women to be able to participate in strengthening their relationship with God, we don’t want the economic pressures prevent you from joining in. We offer confidential financial scholarships as assistance. Please contact the Women’s Ministry office for more information.

WOMEN’S MINISTRY COUNCIL

Kari LaPointe, Director of Women’s Ministry
klapointe @ stpaulwestlake.org (remove spaces)
Jeanite Capretto, Bible Study coordinator, Treasurer
Jenna Streicher, Special Events

Women’s Ministry is seeking a council to help fulfill our ministry of serving. If you would like to be a part of Women’s Ministry and serve on Council, please contact Kari LaPointe at 440/835-3050 for more information.