Marsha Woolley, our Women's Ministries Director for Pen-Florida sent this email yesterday morning regarding Sister Johnson. Thought you should know. Please keep her family in prayer during this time.
Blessings to you,
LaDonna Jones
Section 13 Rep.
Dear Reps:
This morning our dear Sister Johnson graduated to Heaven. To many of you, she was a dear friend, and to others she was an icon whose name was always spoken with respect and sincere admiration. She has completed the journey that we are all on, and hopefully, it will be said that we fought the fight with the same enthusiasm and grace that this mighty woman of God exhibited. She is an example to all of us, especially to those of us in leadership. It was under her guidance that Women’s Ministries in PenFlorida rose to new levels of service, especially in meeting the needs of our missionaries around the world. I don’t believe that anyone had a greater heart for missions than Sis. Johnson. Her kindness and devotion will always be a part of Women’s Ministries in this District. She leaves behind a great legacy. So, our loss is truly Heaven’s gain!
Please feel free to join with family and friends across this District and across the nation in honoring the memory of this special lady. The visitation and funeral will be at Victory Church in Lakeland on Saturday, May 31, 2008. Viewing is from 9 – 11 am, with the funeral directly following.
Please check the District website for any further details.
Marsha Woolley
Women's Ministries Director
Peninsular Florida District Council of the Assemblies of God
My name is LaDonna wife, mom, pastor's wife, musician, a follower of Christ. Loving tablescapes and decorating. Something I've always enjoyed trying my hand at for over 38 years. A favorite scripture of mine is..."He found him out in the wilderness, in an empty, windswept wasteland. He threw his arms around him, lavished attention on him, guarding him as the "apple of his eye." Deut. 32:10a
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
A Madhatter's Tea
This past Saturday I was invited to attend a Tea at my friend Paula's church, Harvest Chapel Christian Fellowship in Bradenton. She told me that the girls ministry, the Missionettes were hosting this event. I brought guests Jennifer our Youth Pastor's wife and daughter from our church.
We really didn't know what to expect. We walked in and everything was decorated whimsical, somewhat like a fairy tale setting. Each table was loaded with all kinds of goodies from finger sandwiches to desserts. They had PB & J sandwiches, pickles, chicken salad, cute little pretzels dipped in chocolate with sprinkles, brownies and more.
The Missionettes wore these adorable pink hats that they made and decorated themselves. Oops! I forgot to mention, first thing they gave us were colored paper clips and we were instructed that there were three words we weren't allowed to say the whole afternoon. They were "tea", "hat," and "party." It didn't take long and I ended up losing my paper clips which was great because I could say tea as many times as I wanted!
We were all settled eating and all of a sudden someone blew a fog-horn and instructed us to gather our things plates, tea and move to another table. Every fifteen minutes we had to get up and play musical chairs, one good thing that came of this was I met new friends that I wouldn't have met before. We moved a total of five times!
They also gave "unbirthday" gifts! This was a nice surprise until I had to give it to the person beside me, but then I received another gift afterwards that was just as nice! Cute game!
My girls informed me that this party is based on the Alice in Wonderland book. Somehow in my childhood I missed this story and the movie! Oh well! We enjoyed ourselves this past Saturday!
The afternoon ended with a sweet presentation from Celeste, the Children's Pastor from Harvest Chapel Christian. She presented an interesting message illustrating with shoes. From Cinderella's slipper, giant clown shoes, combat boots and the sandal representing Jesus. There were many children there and she kept their attention.
She told the story about Mary that washed the feet of Jesus with the Alabaster box filled with perfume. At the conclusion, she washed her mother's feet and encouraged others to do the same.
It was a fun and interesting afternoon. A different kind of "Tea Party!"
We really didn't know what to expect. We walked in and everything was decorated whimsical, somewhat like a fairy tale setting. Each table was loaded with all kinds of goodies from finger sandwiches to desserts. They had PB & J sandwiches, pickles, chicken salad, cute little pretzels dipped in chocolate with sprinkles, brownies and more.
The Missionettes wore these adorable pink hats that they made and decorated themselves. Oops! I forgot to mention, first thing they gave us were colored paper clips and we were instructed that there were three words we weren't allowed to say the whole afternoon. They were "tea", "hat," and "party." It didn't take long and I ended up losing my paper clips which was great because I could say tea as many times as I wanted!
We were all settled eating and all of a sudden someone blew a fog-horn and instructed us to gather our things plates, tea and move to another table. Every fifteen minutes we had to get up and play musical chairs, one good thing that came of this was I met new friends that I wouldn't have met before. We moved a total of five times!
They also gave "unbirthday" gifts! This was a nice surprise until I had to give it to the person beside me, but then I received another gift afterwards that was just as nice! Cute game!
My girls informed me that this party is based on the Alice in Wonderland book. Somehow in my childhood I missed this story and the movie! Oh well! We enjoyed ourselves this past Saturday!
The afternoon ended with a sweet presentation from Celeste, the Children's Pastor from Harvest Chapel Christian. She presented an interesting message illustrating with shoes. From Cinderella's slipper, giant clown shoes, combat boots and the sandal representing Jesus. There were many children there and she kept their attention.
She told the story about Mary that washed the feet of Jesus with the Alabaster box filled with perfume. At the conclusion, she washed her mother's feet and encouraged others to do the same.
It was a fun and interesting afternoon. A different kind of "Tea Party!"
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Circle of Friends Tea
Today our church hosted a tea called "Circle of Friends." Our ladies hosted tables and decorated them each so beautifully with their own china and personal taste. Each table was different but they all were so lovely!
Special music was by Tracy, a young woman in our church that sang an appropriate song, "Circle of Friends" by Point of Grace.
We were honored to have our long time friend, Tammy Young from Church of Hope in Sarasota, come and minister to us. It was a busy week for Tammy being at District Council. We really appreciated her coming today.
She surprised all of us coming in from the back of the auditorium in costume as Elizabeth from the story of Elizabeth becoming pregnant with John the Baptist.
She ministered in drama and made quick wardrobe changes as she went into different characters from Elizabeth to Mary and then Hannah. She brought perspective to each character as they were all at different stages in their lives but trusted that the Lord would be with them in their journeys.
Elizabeth and Mary were cousins but close friends too! She shared how valuable friendship is and that we need friends that share in the good times and bad. How important it is that they stand up for you and not gossip about you, that they will protect your back!
Tammy shared how we need friends that will encourage, support, be there for us, and pray for us!
I'd like to introduce a friend in my Circle of Friends, Rev. Deanna Shrodes from Tampa Northside Assembly. Many of you have heard her speak before. I'm including her as a link on this blog. She always has something interesting to share.
I am so thankful for the friends that God has placed in my life at this time. May we always show love, kindness and cover each other's back!
Special music was by Tracy, a young woman in our church that sang an appropriate song, "Circle of Friends" by Point of Grace.
We were honored to have our long time friend, Tammy Young from Church of Hope in Sarasota, come and minister to us. It was a busy week for Tammy being at District Council. We really appreciated her coming today.
She surprised all of us coming in from the back of the auditorium in costume as Elizabeth from the story of Elizabeth becoming pregnant with John the Baptist.
She ministered in drama and made quick wardrobe changes as she went into different characters from Elizabeth to Mary and then Hannah. She brought perspective to each character as they were all at different stages in their lives but trusted that the Lord would be with them in their journeys.
Elizabeth and Mary were cousins but close friends too! She shared how valuable friendship is and that we need friends that share in the good times and bad. How important it is that they stand up for you and not gossip about you, that they will protect your back!
Tammy shared how we need friends that will encourage, support, be there for us, and pray for us!
I'd like to introduce a friend in my Circle of Friends, Rev. Deanna Shrodes from Tampa Northside Assembly. Many of you have heard her speak before. I'm including her as a link on this blog. She always has something interesting to share.
I am so thankful for the friends that God has placed in my life at this time. May we always show love, kindness and cover each other's back!
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
District Council Week 2008
This week my husband and I went to Orlando for Penn FL District Council, an event that we go to every year for ministers and lay leaders. We enjoyed the service on Monday evening as Bro. Terry Raburn, our District Superintendent, brought forth the Word. Highlights of the evening were the Southeastern University Singers. They rocked the place with an awesome rendition of Psalm 23.
Today, Tuesday, we went to the Women's Ministries Luncheon. The food and fellowship was great. I always enjoy meeting up with other pastor's wife friends and other women's ministries leaders from all over Florida. It gives us a chance to catch up. I just love that! Also, making new friends is great! Marsha Woolley was our speaker who happens to be our District Women's Ministries Director as well. The girl can preach! My husband who attended the luncheon and (the only man) sitting at our table wants to book her for special services soon! I don't believe he had ever heard her speak until today.
It was nice to sit and visit with my friend Sandy Phinazee, host of Inspire 2008 this year. She has recently written a devotional book that has ministered to me personally and I know many other women. She encouraged me! What a blessing she was to me today.
Marsha brought a powerful word! She spoke vision for the women of Peninsular Florida! God wants us to move forward and not become fearful. Peter wasn't afraid of walking out to Jesus on the water until he heard those calling out to him from the boat. We have a choice we can continue to sit in the boat when the storms come, or we can get out and walk by faith. After all we're gonna get wet either way! We need to look to Jesus and trust Him. Don't listen to the naysayers. The others in the boat probably thought Peter was nuts for getting out of a perfectly good boat to walk on the water. When he took his eyes off of Jesus that's when he began to sink, but Jesus was there to lift him up again. The future looks promising and we are moving forward towards the prize keeping our eyes on "Him" the author and finisher of our faith.
I want to encourage you ladies to sign up for the Fall Breakaway in October at the Florida Mall Hotel with guest speaker Judy Jacobs. You don't want to miss it! Check out the Pen Florida link for more details. There are discounted prices if you register early!
Happy day! Hope everyone else who went to District Council had a blessed time as well!
Today, Tuesday, we went to the Women's Ministries Luncheon. The food and fellowship was great. I always enjoy meeting up with other pastor's wife friends and other women's ministries leaders from all over Florida. It gives us a chance to catch up. I just love that! Also, making new friends is great! Marsha Woolley was our speaker who happens to be our District Women's Ministries Director as well. The girl can preach! My husband who attended the luncheon and (the only man) sitting at our table wants to book her for special services soon! I don't believe he had ever heard her speak until today.
It was nice to sit and visit with my friend Sandy Phinazee, host of Inspire 2008 this year. She has recently written a devotional book that has ministered to me personally and I know many other women. She encouraged me! What a blessing she was to me today.
Marsha brought a powerful word! She spoke vision for the women of Peninsular Florida! God wants us to move forward and not become fearful. Peter wasn't afraid of walking out to Jesus on the water until he heard those calling out to him from the boat. We have a choice we can continue to sit in the boat when the storms come, or we can get out and walk by faith. After all we're gonna get wet either way! We need to look to Jesus and trust Him. Don't listen to the naysayers. The others in the boat probably thought Peter was nuts for getting out of a perfectly good boat to walk on the water. When he took his eyes off of Jesus that's when he began to sink, but Jesus was there to lift him up again. The future looks promising and we are moving forward towards the prize keeping our eyes on "Him" the author and finisher of our faith.
I want to encourage you ladies to sign up for the Fall Breakaway in October at the Florida Mall Hotel with guest speaker Judy Jacobs. You don't want to miss it! Check out the Pen Florida link for more details. There are discounted prices if you register early!
Happy day! Hope everyone else who went to District Council had a blessed time as well!
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