JANES Christmas Chik Nite!

We're so excited... we're having our first JANES Christmas celebration @ Chik Nite this December 4 @ 7 pm.

Look for more of these one-night inspirational, practical and FUN evenings throughout the year to encourage and equip you to reflect God in your world - in your workplace, through your God-given purpose, in the church, in your marriage, in your parenting, in your friendships, etc.

This first night will be focused on how to celebrate the holidays with Christ's peace in the midst of the Christmas chaos! Come take a short break to be refreshed before everything gets crazy!

A Christmas celebration just for chiks - a little chocolate and a lot of fun and inspiration for the season! And some funsurprises you don't want to miss!

Hope to see you there!

Tickets are $5 per person & can be bought at the BAF BookStore.

Email seejaneshine@gmail.com if you have any questions!

For childcare, contact virginiaw@bayareafellowship.org or call 361-993-5900 ext 134.

Thank You Lord!

Thank you Lord for giving Janes such a fruitful beginning to the 2009-2010 ministry year! And thank you for all of the wonderful leaders who made See Jane Go Fall Kick-Off Party and Janes EXPO 2009 so successful! I have the privilege to serve alongside some amazing, godly, hard-working women who love you and love to serve you. If you didn't make it to EXPO, or didn't have time to stop by the tables but still want to sign up, be sure to visit our blog and find more about Janes ministry teams:

See Jane Serve Team - Serving in the church - office, hospitality, computer work, welcoming new women into the church, etc
See Jane Connect Team - Women Only Hometeams
See Jane Grow - Bible Studies
See Jane Reach - Community Outreach
See Jane Glo - Event planning (including Glo Conference Preparations)

If you feel nervous about joining one of our ministry teams, remember that you don't have to "have it all together" in order to be a part of Janes. Even your leaders do not have it ALL together. We are all on a journey with Jesus, gradually getting to know Him better and becoming more Christ-like, step-by-step. Most of all, our desire for you is that you take YOUR next step of obedience, whatever that is.

Let your heart listen to what Jesus says in the book of Mark 5.36: "Don't be afraid; just believe." Believe in the good plans He has for you! And if he's calling you to join your first Bible study or hometeam, or if he's calling you to serve others in some new way, follow Him and He'll show you the next step to take. I love you and can't wait to see God's plans for us unfold over the next few months.

See JANE Go!

Well, even though fall doesn't technically begin until September 22 this year, we are in high gear getting ready for the fall now! There is so much that the Lord is preparing for us and for you - we are ready to get GOING! So please make note of the following VERY IMPORTANT DATES:

SEE JANE GO! Fall Kick-Off Party: Wed, September 9 6:30-8 pm in the Bay Area Lobby

Janes EXPO: Saturday/Sunday, September 26-27
Before and after all weekend services in the Bay Area Lobby

Our fall kick-off party is something you do not want to miss! I've missed seeing you over the summer and I'm anxious to share the plans for 2009-2010, including plans for GLO Conference 2010 - with a VERY special guest speaker that I will be announcing that night! You'll hear about lots of opportunities to get involved in Janes at a "whole nutha level!" It's going to be an amazing year! If you have friends that would like to know more about women's ministry at Bay Area, be sure and invite them and bring them along - it will be a great night to meet some new friends as well!

INTRODUCING TWO NEW LEADERS!

I am so excited to announce that Alene Snodgrass will be taking my former responsibilities as our "SEE JANE GROW" Coordinator. She will oversee our Bible studies from now on. As of September, Alene will be a twice-published author of her own Bible studies. She has an amazing story and a gift for teaching and communicating God's truth in a relevant and encouraging way. You're going to love her! She'll be at the SEE JANE GO Fall Kick-off Party ready to meet you!

Alisa Wagner is returning to the Janes Leadership Team to coordinate our quickly-multiplying One on One with God groups and to help us with some exciting new things that I will share with you later! I'm so glad to have her back!

Also, I want to let you know that Mandy Ward, our amazing Administrative Team Leader had to step down from her position last month due to new work responsibilities God has provided for her. I will miss her so much, but am thankful that she was such an amazing team-builder, because the girls that served with her are pressing on in fabulous ministries even after she stepped down - the mark of a great leader! Thank you, Mandy for all of your help and I pray for God's sweetest blessing on your new adventure!

Check out the rest of our newsletter for some other amazing opportunities coming up very soon! Please reply to this email with any questions you have or if you are interested in jumping in to serve in Janes.

I love you and can't wait to see you all in September!!

Daphne

Daphne Fine
Bay Area Fellowship JANES
seejanelead@yahoo.com
www.bafjanes.blogspot.com/

Simply Divine

I hope all of you girls have been enjoying your summer. I really have been enjoying mine! Just in the last week, I met a new friend from France that taught me to make crepes (yum!), met some new friends at swimming lessons, met a new neighbor, went to a baseball game, went to a birthday party and then had a wonderful weekend at church! Summer vacation is such a great time for celebrations and for hanging out with friends and family, and it still feels a bit like vacation even after you get out of school and you’re working just the same as you do all year long!

I want to encourage you to make the most of your summer doing one of the things that women do best – loving others through simple acts of kindness. Several of my friends and I took meals to a friend who had a new baby last week and it reminded me that even something as simple as a meal can be a means of showing the love of Jesus and his church in a big way. I remember how it felt to receive such a meal when I was a new mom in a new city, and it was no small thing to me, I guarantee you!

There are so many simple things we can do that glorify God by loving others – and they don’t require a small group or a planning meeting – just a heart sensitive to God’s promptings. So during this time, when Janes is taking a break from Bible studies and conferences, let’s look for opportunities to reflect God’s love in the simple things. Here are a few examples:

• Send a note, text or email to a friend who needs encouragement or to thank someone who is a blessing in your life.
• Include someone new in an outing with old friends.
• Take a meal or something sweet to a neighbor or friend or to the break room at work.
• Pick up an extra Starbucks for an associate on the way to work.
• Take advantage of opportunities to meet new people at work, church or school and go the extra mile to make them feel welcome.
• Have someone over to your home for a meal or just for coffee and get to know them better.
• Offer to babysit a friend’s children so they can have a night out to rest and be refreshed.

That’s enough to get you started! Colossians 3.12,14 says, “Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity” (emphasis mine).

Loving others is the most noticeable way we are identified with Jesus in this world. Don’t underestimate its importance to the Father or its impact upon others. In short, it is “simply divine!”

Blessings to you!

Daphne

There Is a Season...

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven..." Ecc. 3.1

Summer is finally here! I always love the change of seasons and have been looking forward to summer for several weeks, anxious for my children to be home from school and looking forward to the fun of summer and the break from our school routine. We'll be spending lots of time at the beach and at the pool, we'll be grilling out all the time, and I'm so looking forward to our family vacation! Not to mention the fact that I won't be making one sack lunch for almost three months - wahoo! Of course when August rolls around, I'll be ready for it all to start over again and looking forward to the fall!

Well, as DeeDee has already let you know, this summer is also the change of seasons for Janes. I could not possibly be more excited about serving as the new leader of Janes, and I could not have asked for better preparation than to have followed DeeDee's wise and loving leadership for the last two years. From the very beginning she and I have been "kindred spirits" in the Lord and in our passion for you - the precious and amazing women of Bay Area Fellowship. I hope you have each had a chance to thank DeeDee for all that she has done to bring Janes to a place of tremendous "fruit-bearing" for the Kingdom of God! If you haven't had a chance yet, be sure to jot her a note or send her an email at bafjanes@yahoo.com. Don't miss this opportunity to express your thanks for how God has used her in your life and let her know! Everything that Janes has become is a direct reflection of the woman that DeeDee is - the glory of God is beautifully on display in her life in every way! I give praise to the Lord for you, my sweet sister-friend!

I am so thankful for the way that DeeDee welcomed me to Bay Area when we first arrived and saw my unique passion and put me to work right away doing what God has gifted me to do. We want that same thing for each and every one of you. EXPO 09 is just around the corner, girls, and we want each one of you to take advantage of this next opportunity to jump in to Janes with both feet. If you're not sure what you want to do, or how you're uniquely gifted, that's okay. Sometimes it takes time to figure it all out, but contact us anyway if you just want to be more involved and we can help direct you! You can reach me at seejanelead@yahoo.com if you have any questions, and as always, be sure to visit bafjanes.blogspot.com to get more information about all of our ministries.

And last but certainly not least, please be in prayer for me and for our whole team as we prayerfully spend the summer listening to what God has planned for Janes in 2009-2010! I can hardly wait to see what God has in store for us in this next season!
Looking forward!

Daphne Fine

Bay Area Fellowship JANES
seejanelead@yahoo.com

New JANES Leader!

Dear JANES,

It has been my honor to serve you for the last few years as your women's ministry leader and I have loved every minute of it. But in this season of my life, it has become necessary that I transfer the leadership of this amazing ministry to someone who will continue to take JANES to new heights through the leadership of the Holy Spirit. I am excited to tell you that Daphne Fine will be assuming the role and I know that great things will be accomplished for the Kingdom under her leadership. We have much work to be done, exciting events on the horizon, and ministries to be created and staffed, so please jump on board and rally around Daphne the same way that you did me. It has been an unforgettable experience to do life with you and I am looking forward to hearing how you grow under Daphne's direction.

Many of you know Daphne through Bible study and I'm sure I don't have to tell you that her husband is our awesome children's pastor. Pastor Don and Daphne are a blessing to our church and because of Daph's ministry background, she is more than qualified for her new role. It is her heart to equip women to be Christ-followers in every aspect of their lives, so the vision of JANES will certainly flourish. She is my treasured friend and she and I, along with our Janes Core Team, have worked very closely together. I know this will be an easy transition and I can't wait to see how God moves.

So let me say, one last time, that if you are interested in being a part of a thriving ministry, full of precious women that love the Lord, that reaches out to our church, our community and beyond, NOW is the time to get involved. Check out the different teams to find out where you can serve, or contact Daphne at janesdiscipleship@yahoo.com. Very exciting days ahead!

Love you all!

DeeDee

EXPO 09

As we start thinking about the next JANES EXPO coming this fall, there are many opportunities available to create a ministry that is uniquely YOU! If you have a passion to lead other women through a bevy or a covey, please let us know! You'll find a list of fun & exciting groups in the right-hand tool bar on our homepage. We are praying and believing that God will raise up women who are passionate about reaching our community. If you have felt the nudge to get involved, step out of your comfort zone, and be a part of an amazing group of girls, please contact us! For Info about the Admin Team, contact Mandy. For Bevies (special interest groups and hometeams), contact April. For Coveys (mission-minded groups), contact Marta. Event planning is a big part of the JANES ministry. If you're interested in coordinating the happenings of the BAF women, contact Robin. And if you have a love for God's word and a passion for teaching it, contact Daphne to find out how you can be on our Discipleship Team!

Journey to the Cross

Happy Easter Week Janes!

I just wanted to share with you something I started doing a few years ago. Below you will find a description of each day of Jesus's walk to the cross, beginning with Palm Sunday. It is so cool to begin each morning reading the scripture and visualizing what was happening in the life of our Jesus this very day...over 2000 years ago. I would love it if you would join me this week on this most holy journey!

1. Sunday (That's today!): The Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem on the day each Jewish family was to select their Passover lamb. Jesus enters through the “Golden Gate”—the gate of the Messiah, as a great crowd proclaims: “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the King of Israel!” In less than a week many in that same crowd will shout: “Crucify Him!” (Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-10; Luke 19:29- 44; John 12:12-19)

2. Monday: Jesus curses the fig tree for having leaves but no fruit, then cleanses the Temple, clearing the money changers out of the “court of the Gentiles,” declaring: “My Father’s House is to be a house of prayer for all people—but you have made it a den of thieves!” The dye is cast. Both the Priests (Sadducees) and the Pharisees (Teachers of the law) determine to kill Jesus. (Matthew 21:12-19; Mark 11:12-18)

3. Tuesday: The last day of public teaching and debate as Jesus speaks in parables of Himself as God’s Son, by whom all will be saved or judged. Jesus makes some of His most memorable statements as He faces down the religious leaders and thwarts every verbal trap they lay—finally pronouncing seven woes upon them (Matthew 21:23-23:39;Mark 11:27- 12:34; Luke 20:1-21:4; John 12:20-50)

4. Wednesday: On the Mount of Olives, Jesus prophecies His Second Coming and Final Judgment and the events leading up to that Day. Jesus is anointed byMary and Judas secretly agrees with the Chief Priests to betray Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. (Matthew 24:1-26:16; Mark 13:1- 14:11; Luke 21:5-22:6; John 12:2-11)

5. Thursday: The disciples prepare the Upper Room. At the Last Supper, Jesus introduces the reality of the New Covenant (acceptance with God) established through the shedding of His blood. He points to Himself as the true Vine, teaches His disciples about the Holy Spirit and prayer His great final prayer. Then comes the agony of Gethsemane, where the fate of humanity hung in the balance as Jesus sealed His determination to drink the cup of divine judgment for our guilt. (Matthew 26:14-46; Mark 14:12-42; Luke 22:7-46; John 13:1-18:1)

6. Friday: The early morning [dead of night] arrest and betrayal by Judas’ kiss, the triple denial by Peter, Jesus’ illegal, mock trial before Caiaphas, then Pilate, then Herod. The flogging and the multiple beatings. The crown of thorns. Pilate’s judgment seat and the crowd choosing Barabbas—and Caesar for their king. Then the crucifixion between two thieves. In those six hours of suffering (9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.) the salvation of God is offered to humanity.There are seven declarations to Christ’s innocence (His perfect righteousness), seven wounds on His body (His perfect sacrifice) and seven statements from the Cross (His perfect teaching). Jesus extends acceptance and assurance to a repentant dying thief. At mid-day it becomes midnight! Three hours of supernatural darkness signal Jesus’ descent into the outer darkness of damnation: “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” At 3:00 p.m. (the hour of the Passover sacrifice) Jesus dies as the “Lamb of God.” There is an earthquake, the centurion confesses his faith (“Surely this was the Son of God!”) and the veil is torn from top to bottom just as Jesus proclaims that salvation is accomplished: “It is finished!” After His death, Nicodemus and Joseph bury Jesus in a new tomb in a garden. (Matthew 26:47-27:61; Mark 14:43-15:41; Luke 22:47-23:56; John 18:2-19:42)

7. Saturday: The Jewish leaders break the Sabbath to insure that the tomb sealed and a Roman guard posted; as Jesus spends His final Jewish Sabbath “resting” in death. (Matthew 27:62-66; Luke 23:56)

8. Sunday: Shortly before dawn on the “first day,” the stone of the tomb is rolled away by a mighty angelic hand. Jesus steps forth in Resurrection power, triumphant over sin, death and the devil. His resurrection is God’s confirmation of Jesus’ all-sufficient victory, assuring that entrance into God’s eternal Kingdom is the present possession of all who trust in Him. The angels tell the women at the tomb: “He is risen!” Jesus appears to Peter alone, to the two on the Road to Emmaus, and to His disciples in the Upper Room. (Matthew 28:1-17; Mark 16:1-14; Luke 24:1-43; John 20:1-25; Romans 4:24-25).

“By this Gospel you are saved…For I delivered unto you as of first importance that which I received:that Christ Jesus died for our sins, according to Scripture, that He was buried and He was raised on the third day,according to the Scriptures.” 1 Corinthians 15:2-4

(Courtesy of Damascus Road Community Church)

Happy Easter

Hello JANES!

Easter is just around the corner and I am looking forward to celebrating with you the resurrection of our Lord! Weekend times are listed below, so start inviting your friends, family, neighbors and coworkers as we join together to praise and worship the King of all kings!

There's lots going on, so be sure to sign up for the newsletter AND check the blog! We've posted some pictures below from the GLO Conference for those of you who may have missed it. We'll also have the GLO Conference DVD available in the bookstore soon. We'll keep you posted on that!


Blessings!

DeeDee

BAF Easter Service Times
Corpus Campus
Friday, April 10th - 6:30 PM
Saturday, April 11th - 5:00 PM, 6:30 PM
Sunday, April 12th - 10:00 AM, 11:30 AM &
1:00 PM

Padre Island Campus
Sunday, April 12th - 8:30 AM, 10:00 AM &
11:30 AM

Kingsville Campus
Sunday, April 12th - 10:00 AM & 11:30 AM

5 Points Campus
Sunday, April 12th - 10:00 AM & 11:30 AM

Christian Women's Job Corps

Hey Janes!

I just wanted to share a picture with you of our presentation of $5000 to the CWJC! Lil Abshier, the director of the campus, wanted you all to know how grateful they are for the donation that will help them finish this semester and prepare for the next one. Thanks again for praying for and participating in the GLO Conference in order to reach out to the women of our community. You are a shining example of the love of Christ!

Blessings!

DeeDee

GLO Conference 09

Hey JANES!

We are so excited to share with you some of the ways that God moved this past weekend at the GLO Conference!

As you know, one of our goals was to raise funds and awareness for the Christian Women's Job Corps. This last week, we were able to present a check for $5000 to this ministry that we know is making a difference in our community. We also had 116 women commit their lives to the Lord! Hallelujah!

There are so many to thank and we want you to know how grateful we are for each and every one of you! If you served on the Prayer Team for the last 12-14 months, thank you. God truly honored the sweet prayers that went up for the women of our city. If you volunteered leading up to the conference (i.e., stuffing valentine boxes and GLO bags, doing data entry, handing out flyers, selling tickets at multi-site campuses, decorating, etc.), thank you! Every act of service was important and we appreciate you! If you worked the weekend of the conference, wow! We were blessed with an army of volunteers that willingly sacrificed part of the conference in order to make sure that women got through our doors, greeted by a friendly face, and we are grateful for you!

Please know that your servant hearts and attitudes did not go unnoticed. It was a lot of work and you guys pulled it off beautifully. I am so proud. Together we were able to bless our church and community in a way that will bring eternal results. Thank you, thank you! You definitely "GLO" girls!


Love You All!

DeeDee

Valentine Promo!

Hey JANES!

Thank you for your overwhelming response to our request for GLO volunteers!!! We have every need met, and then some! We can't wait to see how God uses your gifts and talents along with your beautiful smiling faces that will greet women from all over the Coastal Bend.

Please be praying for this event as we prepare to love on the women that God brings through our doors. It's going to be a very exciting weekend with lots of fun and exciting elements that will make GLO one of the most unique women's conferences in South Texas!

Don't miss the weekend of February 7-8th! JANES will be promoting the GLO Conference by offering a very special Valentine Promotion! Tickets will be available, wrapped in a decorative Valentine box, for a one-time only "2 For 1" Special! Our fun gift boxes will be $25, but each one will hold 2 GLO tickets for you to give to those you love for Valentine's Day! These will make great gifts for teachers, neighbors, friends and family! A limited number of tickets will be sold at all of our BAF campuses on this weekend so be sure to snatch them up while they're available. (Cash and checks only at all multi-site locations.) After the weekend of February 7th & 8th, the conference price will return to $25 per ticket. This offer is not available online.

Looking forward to a very exciting weekend!

DeeDee

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year Janes!

2009 is just around the corner and I am so excited about what God has in store this next season! The GLO Conference will be here before we know it and I am praying even now that God would pull together the amazing gifts and talents that He has placed in each of you in order to bless our community for His glory! If you are interested in volunteering for the conference, please email Robin and let her know. We'll need greeters, decorators, production team volunteers, prayer partners, set-up/clean-up crews (Saturday's conference has to be torn down and ready before Saturday evening services begin!), bookstore and registration volunteers, etc.

SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE: If you would like more info on the GLO Conference, please visit http://www.gloconference.com/. You can register online AND if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for GLO, that info is available as well. Time is running out, so if you would like to have a sponsorship ad in the GLO program, the artwork deadline is February 1st!

Bible Study sign-ups will begin the weekend of January 17th. If you are interested in studying God's Word this Spring, watch for more info on the D-Team page. Details of each study coming soon!

Wishing you a very blessed 2009 and looking forward to watching God move mightily through such an amazing group of women, called to be a light to this generation!

DeeDee

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas JANES!

This has been such an exciting year in the life of JANES and 2009 promises more of the same. As you prepare to spend time celebrating the birth of our Savior, I pray that you will find peace in the midst of a busy season. And as you look forward to what the new year holds, I pray that you would fulfill your "determined purpose" to know Him more in 2009.

I love you all and I am so blessed to serve alongside you. Thank you for all that you do to bring the love of Jesus to the women of our church and community!

Rejoicing in this Season,

deedee

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hey Girls,

I just wanted to let you know that I am so grateful for each of you. As we celebrate Thanksgiving, please know that you are at the top of my list of things that I am thankful for this season. I love you all and I look forward to serving with you in the days ahead. Have a very blessed holiday!

DeeDee

Note from DeeDee

Dear JANES,

I am so proud of the tapestry of amazing women that make up the women's ministry of Bay Area Fellowship. You are each unique and gifted so beautifully to fit the life He designed you for. You have been faithful to serve the women around you and your Christ-like attitudes are continually touching our community. Just this last month you have invited friends to your bevies, coveys, hometeams and Bible studies. You have fed the precious women of the Christian Women's Job Corps. You have fed the crew that worked to build our new BAF stage. You have worked with the CCPD to clean up graffiti off of our streets and you are currently working alongside the ALS Association (Click here) to raise funds and awareness for a disease that has touched someone we love. Thank you for all that you do to reflect the love of Christ to those around you. You are making a difference!

So blessed to be your servant,
deedee

EXPO 08 Pics!

Click "Older Posts" for more pics!