Mom's & Tot's Special Event!

Are you a mom with young children from birth to pre-kindergarten? If so, you can be a part of Mom's and Tot's! This group meets the first and third Friday of every month in the gym at Salem Heights Church from 9:15-11:15am. It's a time for kids to run around, play with fun toys, color and burn some energy so that they'll nap well! It's also fun for moms to visit with one another while their kids are happily playing! The next play date is THIS Friday, the 7th. Invite a friend or neighbor!

Also, on January 21st, Mom's and Tot's is having a special event called, "Mothering Matters." Come for encouragement, a yummy brunch, and time with other moms. This is a time just for moms, but childcare will be provided for your tots! Invite a friend! If you would like to come, please RSVP by January 14th by clicking on this link: https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dDhDdXFUVXdtY1BNTVJvOFBUcnFKbVE6MQ

Hope to see you there!

Tomorrow is Ladies' Night Out!

Don't forget that Ladies' Night Out is tomorrow (Monday) night at 6:45pm. You will get to enjoy a yummy dessert, sing some Christmas carols, enjoy sweet fellowship with other women, and hear testimonies from women. You won't want to miss it! Invite a friend! Childcare is provided!

December 13th-Don't Miss this Event!

When it comes to Christmas we think that we have to do it all! Christmas depends on us! The truth is, Jesus has already done it all! He is all we need for a perfect Christmas! He is the perfect Christmas gift! He never fades, gets worn out or breaks. Come and hear testimonies from women of what Jesus, the perfect gift, means to them. Join in as we sing carols about the first Christmas when the perfect gift was given!

Come to our Christmas Ladies' Night Out on Monday, December 13th. Coffee and tea served @ 6:45pm. Childcare is provided. Bring a friend, neighbor, sister, or mom! You won't want to miss out on this special evening!

Can You Help?

Ladies’ Night Out is looking for more ladies! The team of ladies who help organize Ladies’ Night Out is in need of volunteers; women who are wanting to serve others and share the love of Christ. Do you (or someone you know) fit this description? There are many ways to help. Decorating tables, making desserts, helping to make reminder calls for Ladies’ Night Out, coming early at L.N.O to help cut desserts and light candles, cleaning up afterwards, washing dishes afterwards, and recruiting others to help decorate and bake are just some of the ways to get involved. What an easy and fun way to get to know other women in the church and serve with them! Won’t you join us?
If you (or someone you know) are interested, contact Beth Wood @ 503-364-2840

"I am fearfully and wonderfully made"

Ladies enjoying fellowship and dessert time!

Some of the fun Fall decorations!

Last week, Laura Chica spoke at Ladies' Night Out and encouraged us through God's Word! A big lie women believe is "I'm not good enough!" How many of us at one time or another wished we were taller, or thinner, had blond hair, or even curly hair? Satan loves to put those lies into our heads! Laura says, "We live in a world where Satan wants us to believe in these lies. The world may say, "This is what you have to look like," but God wants us to think right in who we are and who He created us to be." Psalm 139:13-16 says, "For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother's womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth; Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; And in Your book were all written the days that were ordained for me, When as yet there was not one of them." God's word is the truth-not these lies Satan puts into our heads! Instead of being wrapped up in how we think we should look like, God wants us to be wrapped up in His truth. Laura says, "If we are living out Christ-likeness, it will be hard for us to find faults with what He has created. God wants us to think right in who we are. Beauty can hold us in bondage, but we're free to live out Christ! That is how we can have true beauty in Christ!"

"Fearfully and Wonderfully Made"

by Kendra Chica
A mirror is nothing but a looking glass into oneʼs heart,
just as oneʼs face shows oneʼs true feelings,
a mirror plays the same part;
yet when one looks into a mirror,
one may feel many things;
it is the choice to see things differently that wisdom only brings.
A man may look into a mirror,
and not pay his looks much heed;
though who knows a manʼs true thoughts,
oh not I indeed.
Yet a woman looks into a mirror,
and her story varies so;
for the things she feels within her heart,
only she and God do know.
A woman often looks into a mirror,
and sees what she is not;
a woman not to the standards of the world of men,
or how the young say “hot”.
A woman easily lives the lies,
the world tells her every day;
slowly she comes to hate herself,
and her joy,
it withers away.
How overcome a women is when her waist line is no longer thin,
she begins to compare herself to all around;
to her friends and closest kin.
And oh a womanʼs sorrow,
to see herself look so;
to have become so pale and large around,
how she hates to see her belly grow.
She begins to wish and even pray,
for a miracle it seems;
to look and feel so different,
from the figure that she sees.
Uncomfortable, and painfully aware of all who is around,
she judges brutally herself,
for her beauty still not found.
And not only does she judge her self,
but other women too;
only does she think inside her heart,
“I wish I looked like you”.
Is this not a womanʼs sorrow,
does it not plague us all;
to think that we should somehow look thin, lean and tall?
But see there is something better,
it has no dealings with fashion and looks;
you cannot find in a paper,
nor read in manʼs books.
But rather this “thing” called contentment,
and a joy that is true,
can be found in the almighty one;
He who created you.
For darling you are yet a child,
a most beloved child of God by far;
you have yet to learn the secret,
to being content with who you are.
God did not intend his daughters,
to pay oh so much ode;
to how we look and dress our selves,
with paint and things of gold.
Did God not say it better,
that a womanʼs charm is deceitful;
and her beauty all in vain,
but a woman who eagerly fears her Lord;
her name shall be praised.

Please mark your calendars for our special Christmas Ladies' Night Out on December 13th at 6:45pm.

Here is the recipe from the delicious pineapple cake we enjoyed at Ladies' Night Out:

PINEAPPLE CAKE - From the Kitchen of Joy Baird
Set oven to 350 degrees. Spray 9 x 13 pan.
Cake
1 ½ cup sugar
2 cups flour
2 tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
2 eggs
1 ½ cup crushed pineapple – do not drain
1 tsp vanilla
Mix ingredients together. Pour into 9 x 13 pan.
Topping
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup coconut
1 cup walnuts
Mix together and sprinkle over cake mixture.
Bake for 35-40 minutes.
Glaze
1 stick butter or margarine
¾ cup sugar
½ cup evaporated milk
Mix together in a small sauce pan and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Boil for 1 minute. Pour over warm cake. Let set. Serve with Cool Whip.

Reminder. . . Ladies' Night Out Nov. 8th!

Just a reminder that Ladies' Night Out is tomorrow, November 8th at 6:45pm. You won't want to miss it! Childcare is provided!

November 8th is Ladies' Night Out!

Can you believe we are in November already?! The holidays and busyness are just around the corner! Before that happens, do you want to take an evening to relax, chat with friends, have your kids be watched by someone else (and for free!), eat a yummy dessert, and listen to a great speaker? Then come to Ladies' Night Out next Monday, November 8th at 6:45. So often we believe the lie that we are just not good enough. We think if we were just a little bit smarter, prettier, or thinner . . . then we would measure up! Laura Chica will be busting that lie with the truth of God's Word! Invite a friend and come to a wonderful evening!

"...with God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26

Last Monday night, many women came to Ladies' Night Out to eat a delicious dessert, sing praise songs, and hear Marlo Mitchell and Beth Wood talk about their recent trip to Israel.
One of the many beautiful tables that was decorated for the night.

It's so easy for us to say "I can't do this!" But God clearly states, "You can with my help!" Marlo and Beth both found themselves saying "I can't" while they were in Israel. They went there to show others the love of Christ, knowing there would be language barriers and safety concerns. Marlo and Beth even traveled to Gaza, one of the most dangerous places in Israel, and were able to minister to the secret believers who live there. So, instead of saying "I can't", they sought the Lord for strength and peace! Psalm 34:4 states, "I sought the Lord and He answered me, and delivered me from all my fears." And that's what He did for Marlo and Beth! He kept them safe and showed them what can be accomplished through Him! There may be times when you feel like you can't do something, whether it's grocery shopping when you have a million other things you need to do, paying bills when you may not have enough money, or even telling someone else about Jesus Christ. It's at all those times when we need to look to God for wisdom, peace and comfort! "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13.

How awesome to be in a room full of women and hearing them all sing praises to Our great God!

Women enjoying each other's company while eating a yummy dessert!

Applesauce Cake-from the kitchen of Robin Nobis
2 c. flour
1 ½ tsp. baking powder
½ tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. cinnamon
½ tsp. cloves, ground
¼ tsp. salt
¾ c. shortening
2 eggs
1 ½ c. brown sugar
1 1/3 c. applesauce

Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, and salt in small bowl and set aside. Cream together shortening, eggs and brown sugar. Add dry ingredients and applesauce. Beat for 2 minutes. Bake @ 350 degrees in 9 x 13 pan for 40-45 minutes until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

CREAM CHEESE FROSTING
3 ounces of cream cheese
1 Tbsp. milk
1 tsp. vanilla
dash of salt
2 ½ c. confectioners’ sugar
Blend cream cheese, milk, vanilla and salt. Gradually add sugar, beating until frosting is smooth. If necessary, stir in additional milk or confectioners’ sugar to thin or thicken frosting to desired spreading consistency. Spread onto cooled cake. Enjoy!

Reminder: Ladies' Night Out is TOMORROW!

Don't miss out on coming to Ladies' Night Out tomorrow at 6:45 p.m. Marlo Mitchell and Beth Wood will be sharing about their experience of sharing the Gospel in a foreign land. Come enjoy a delicious dessert, fellowship with other women, and great speakers! And bring a friend too! Childcare is provided. See you on Monday night!

Come to Ladies' Night Out on October 11th!

We may be tempted to say, "I can't do it!" But God says, "Yes, you can!" When God calls us He enables us! Beth Wood and Marlo Mitchell will share their testimony of how God equipped them to share the Gospel and encourage believers in a hostile land. Mark your calendars for October 11th at 6:45pm and come to Ladies' Night Out at Salem Heights Church. A yummy dessert will be served, along with sweet fellowship with other women. Childcare is provided. You won't want to miss this night!

Ladies' Night Out-Were You There?

School is back in session and so is Ladies' Night Out! Wasn't our first time together so fabulous?! Jane Yao shared her testimony of how God's amazing grace rescued her from a demanding culture that honors on the highest of achievers. After trying to succeed academically for so many years, Jesus showed her He had already accomplished all that was needed on the cross, when He died for her sins. Jane's passion for our Savior was contagious, encouraging each of us to lay aside those things we think will satisfy, and replace it with a heart that looks to God alone!

L-R: Brian and Charissa Bernard with Jane Yao and her husband Super.

Below you will find the recipe for those delicious Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars!

*1 tube (16 1/2 oz)refrigerated peanut butter cookie dough

*1/2 cup peanut butter chips

*1 can (12 oz.) butter cream frosting

*1/4 cup creamy peanut butter

*1/4 cup seedless, raspberry jam (or any jam or jelly of your choice)

Directions: Let dough stand at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to soften. Press into an ungreased 9x13 baking dish; sprinkle with peanut butter chips. Bake at 375 degrees for 15-18 minutes or until lightly brown and edges are firm to the touch. Cool on a wire rack. In a small bowl beat frosting and peanut butter until smooth. Spread over bars. Drop jam by teaspoonfuls over frosting; cut through frosting with a knife to swirl the jam.

These bars were so yummy and they are easy to make! Perfect for an after school treat! Please mark your calendars for the next Ladies' Night Out on October 11th! You won't want to miss it!

Women's Discipleship Start-Up Dates

Just a quick reminder Women's Discipleship begins Tuesday, September 28th and Wednesday, September 29th. And sign-ups are still going on! If you haven't signed up yet and desire to be a part of Women's Discipleship, you can either click on the link on the sidebar that says "women's discipleship sign-ups" or call the church office at 503-588-0403. The sooner you sign up the better! Get ready for a year of growing and learning more about God's Word!

Reminder: Ladies' Night Out Tomorrow Night!

Just a reminder our first Ladies' Night Out of the season is tomorrow (Monday) night at 6:45 p.m. Invite a friend and come enjoy fellowship with other women and a delicious dessert! Also, Jane Yao will share her amazing testimony of how God miraculously set her free from the burden of believing that He is not enough! You won't want to miss it!

First Ladies' Night Out of the Year!

Can you believe summer is over?! And in a little over a week is our first Ladies' Night Out! Please mark your calendars to come to Ladies' Night Out on September 13th.

The theme for the night is The Truth that Sets You Free:"You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing." ~ Psalm 145:16

Jane Yao recently arrived in the United States with her husband and a suitcase. She came from China with empty hands and a heart overflowing with her new found faith in Christ. Jane will share her amazing testimony of how God miraculously set her free from the burden of believing that He is not enough!

Doors open at 6:45pm and childcare is provided. This will be a fun evening to fellowship with other women, have a delicious dessert, and hear from God's Word. Invite a friend and don't miss out on this event!

Can You Help?

Foster Parent's Night Out is kicking off on September 25th and they are in need of donated books for all ages. This is a night which will happen once a month for foster parents to drop off their foster kids at church while the parents have a break. The kids will be with loving staff who will play games with them, read with them, make crafts with them and so much more! If you have an over abundance of books you no longer need and are wanting to clean out your book collection, please consider donating them to Foster Parent's Night Out! They would love to have the books for their first event on September 25th. You can drop the books off at the church office or with Justine Ferry. If you have any questions, please give Justine a call at 503-399-0550. Thank you for your help!!

Discipleship Registration Begins THIS Sunday!

Just a reminder, discipleship registration begins this Sunday, August 29th. You can register before or after both services. If you haven't registered yet, Sunday would be a great opportunity for you to sign up! And if you've already registered online, you can pay your discipleship fees at the registration table as well. See you Sunday!

Women's Discipleship Sign-Ups

Fall is just around the corner and with that comes Women's Discipleship! Do you desire a deeper relationship with the Lord? Would you like to meet other women and grow together? Come join us on Tuesday evenings from 7:00-8:30 p.m. or on Wednesday mornings from 9:15-11:15 a.m. This unique five year program begins by establishing strong roots and culminates with opportunities for branching out. A small group format will give opportunities to study God's Word on your own and come together once a week to learn, grown and encourage one another. We hope to see you there!

*John - Year 1 $12
Establishes roots based on the truths of who Jesus is and under-standing what it means to believe in Him.

*Galatians - Year 2 $20($12 without book)
Provides a foundation for growth by gaining an understanding of the freedom we have in Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

*James - Year 3 $20 ($12 without book)
Experience the pruning and maturing that comes as a result of studying what genuine faith looks like in the life of a believer.

*Reflections of a Godly Woman - Year 4 $12
Flourish through the study and application of the characteristics of a godly woman by studying the principles in Titus 2 and women in the Bible.

*To Know His Name - Year 5 $12
Be built up by experiencing God more intimately through a deeper study of His names as they are revealed in Scripture. This study gives women the opportunity to further their biblical study skills and share what they have learned with their group.

*Beyond the Fifth Year
After completing the five year series, there are several options for women. Women can return to one or more studies for further growth and this time maybe invite a friend to encourage and help along the way. Some will serve within discipleship in various areas and others may go on to serve in other areas of ministry or meet with a small group of women and study God’s Word together.

If you would like to register for Women's Discipleship, please click on the link below and provide us with the necessary information needed.

http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dHhyTzFiSFl1bVR0TW9iZDFDYnNmQVE6MQ

Payment for your discipleship materials can be made on the first day of class or at the registration desk in the foyer at church starting August 29th.

If you have any questions, feel free to call Julie Bernard at 503-581-7228 or

Lauren Bain at 503-364-1896.

Last chance!

Don't forget to sign up for
the Ladies Luncheon.

Last chance to sign up
Sunday June 20th.

Cost $5

Luncheon:
Monday June 28th
12pm

Speaker: JoAnn Doyle
Women of the Middle East

Women's Ministries Luncheon

Women's Ministry Luncheon

featuring

JoAnn Doyle

Women of the Middle East

June 28, 2010

12:00pm

Cost $5

Authentic Middle Eastern Cuisine

Childcare provided

Sign ups begin Sunday June 6th

Invite a friend!

Questions? Marlo Mitchell 503-362-9243

April Ladies' Night Out dessert

Banana Split Dessert

From the kitchen of Robin Nobis

Crust: 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
5 TBS margarine, melted
Mix well and press in 9x13 pan. Chill for 2 hours.

1st layer: 2 (8oz) packages Cream Cheese, room temperature
1 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Mix well and then beat until creamy and smooth.
Place on crust.
2nd layer: 3 sliced bananas

3rd layer: 20 oz can crushed pineapple, drained well

4th layer: 8 oz Cool Whip

5th layer: Drizzle with chocolate syrup
Top with Maraschino cherries and chopped pecans.

Chill well and serve chilled. Serves 12

Come Join Us!

Ladies' Night Out

I Am Forgiven.....I Can Praise Him!

Monday, April 12th 2010

Coffee and Tea served at 6:45pm

Ladies' Night Out is almost over for the year-there are only two

left. Don't miss out! Join us and bring your friends. Come be part

of an evening filled with truth from God's Word as Marlo Mitchell

reminds us of God's forgiveness in our lives. What a wonderful

reason to praise Him!

So sorry for the long absence of any updates!

Strawberry Pretzel Squares
From the kitchen of Amanda Acker

2 cups finely, crushed pretzels
1/2 cup sugar, divided
2/3 cup butter or margarine, melted
1 1/2 (8oz each) cream cheese, softened
2 TBS milk
1 cup thawed cool whip
2 cups boiling water
1 pkg. (6oz) Jell-O Strawberry Flavor
1 1/2 cup cold water
4 cups strawberries, sliced

Add boiling water to gelatin mix in large bowl; stir 2 minutes until completely dissolved. Stir in cold water. Refigerate 1 1/2 hours or until thickened. Meanwhile, heat oven to 350 degrees. Mix pretzel crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar and butter; press into bottom of 9x13 inch pan. Bake 10 minutes. Cool. Beat cream cheese, 1/4 cup sugar and milk until blended. Stir in cool whip and spread over cooled crust. Refrigerate. Once jell-0 is thickened, stir in strawberries and spoon jell-o mixtre over cream cheese layer. Refrigerate 3 hours or until firm. Best if made the day prior to serving.

Don't forget to sign up for Women's Retreat!

Sign up dates are February 7, 14 and 21 in church lobby/sitting area.

God’s Design is Perfect…
I Can Praise Him!
Ladies’ Night Out February 8th, 2010
Speaker: Laura Chica
Coffee and tea served at 6:45pm

No matter what your hobby is or what you excel at, God has made you a unique and special woman with purpose and potential. Join us for an evening of encouragement and challenge as Laura Chica shares with us from God’s Word about His special plan for us as women!

January Recipes

Rootbeer Float cupcakes

Cake:
1 box yellow cake mix
1 (12-ounce) can of Caffeine Free Root beer, divided (just about any brand besides Barq’s)
1/4 cup vegetable oil
3 eggs
Cupcake Liners

Glaze:
1/2 Cup confectioners sugar
3 tablespoons root beer

Set aside 3 tablespoons of rootbeer for glaze.
Prepare muffin tins with liners.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Mix all ingredients for cake together with a whisk.
Bake for 18-23 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean
Let cool or about 15 minutes.
Poke holes in the cupcakes, prepare the glaze and pour over the cupcakes.


Veggie Hors d' Oeuvres
2 tubes of crescent rolls
2 - 8 oz softened cream cheese
1 cup Miracle Whip
1 cup diced cauliflower
1 - 1 1/2 cups diced mushrooms
1/4 cup minced red onion
1 1/2 - 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
1 grated carrot
1 1/2 - 2 cups diced broccoli
2 diced tomatoes

Flatten & pinch the crescent rolls together onto a jelly roll pan or largecookie sheet and brown (see temperature on crescent pkg and don'toverbake). Let crescent rolls cool. Combine cream cheese and MiracleWhip and spread over cooled rolls. Dice & cut veggies and spread evenlyover cream cheese & M.Whip mixture, placing broccoli and tomatoes atthe top. Keep chilled until ready to serve. It tastes best if made 12-24 hours before serving.

Women's Retreat!

Just a reminder!

Registration for Women's Retreat begins soon.

The dates for registration are : January 31, February 7, 14, and 21 (last day)

You won't want to miss Poppy Smith, her encouragement from God's Word, nor a weekend of getaway and fun with your friends!

Continue to look for info to come in the bulletin, the newsletter and on the powerpoints Sunday mornings.

Vacation bliss!

Greetings Dear Friend-
I am so excited to have been able to get away on a vacation! Won’t you come join me for a little mini vacation at our next Ladies’ Night Out and get away from it all for a few hours? Remember that God and His Word are Trustworthy...We Can Praise Him! Here’s to hoping you can come.

Time : 6:45pm
Date : January 11, 2010
Place: Vacation of your dreams (or at least decorated as such)
Activities: eating, light exercising, singing and listening to women share of God’s trustworthiness.

Oh, it is going to be such fun! I can’t wait to see you. Come ready to relax.
Your friend!

December's Ladies' Night Out dessert....Yum!

Peppermint Poke Cake from the kitchen of Jenn Elliott

1 Box Betty Crocker Super Moist Triple Fudge cake mix
Water, vegetable oil and eggs called for on the back of cake mix box.
1/2 tsp peppermint extract
2 cups milk
1 box (4 person serving size) White chocolate or Vanilla instant pudding mix
1/4 tsp peppermint extract (for frosting)
1 container Milk Chocolate frosting
3/4 cup coarsely chopped Chocolate covered Peppermint Patties

Directions
Heat oven to 350˚. Make cake as directed on the back of the box for 13x9 inch pan. Cool for 15 minutes. Once cooled for 15 minutes, poke top of warm cake every ½ inch with handle of wooden spoon. In medium bowl, beat instant pudding, milk and 1/2 tsp peppermint extract with wire whisk about 2 minutes. Immediately pour over cake. Cover loosely and refrigerate about 2 hours or until chilled. Stir ¼ tsp peppermint extract into frosting. Spread frosting over top of cake. Sprinkle with peppermint patties. Store in refrigerator.

Apology!

For those of you who have been checking, it is noticable that this blog has not been updated in a while. For that I apologize! I have made it a prority to get it back up to date. Hope your Christmas and New Year holiday was a great one.