March 24, 2020
Just a few weeks ago, I was checking out at Walmart and as I was gathering my bags I caught the start of a conversation. The lady in line behind me had greeted the cashier, and then began to ask her if she has accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior.
It seems that wherever I go, I'm constantly reminded that as Christians we're not alone.
Jesus calls us to be "the salt of the Earth" Matt. 5:13
A Few Facts about Salt:
- a primary preservative
- a primary seasoning
- a necessity to life
What would our world be without salt?
Remember Abraham's interceding for Sodom?
Then Abraham drew near and said, "Will you indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked? Suppose there are fifty righteous within the city. Will you then sweep away the place and not spare it for the fifty righteous who are in it? Far be it from you to do such a thing, to put the righteous to death with the wicked, so that the righteous fare as the wicked! Far be that from you! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?" And the Lord said, "If I find at Sodom fifty righteous in the city, I will spare the whole place for their sake." Abraham answered and said, "Behold, I have undertaken to speak to the Lord, I who am but dust and ashes. Suppose five of the fifty righteous are lacking. Will you destroy the whole city for lack of five?" And he said, "I will not destroy it if I find forty-five there." Again he spoke to him and said, "Suppose forty are found there." He answered, "For the sake of forty I will not do it." Then he said, "Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak. Suppose thirty are found there." He answered, "I will not do it, if I find thirty there." He said, "Behold, I have undertaken to speak to the Lord. Suppose twenty are found there." He answered, "For the sake of twenty I will not destroy it." Then he said, "Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak again but this once. Suppose ten are found there." He answered, "For the sake of ten I will not destroy it." And the Lord went his way, when he had finished speaking to Abraham, and Abraham returned to his place.Genesis 18:23-33 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/gen.18.23-33.ESV
Be encouraged that God has sprinkled his salt all throughout the Earth. As long as God is moving through his people, we'll continue to move forward.
Just as salt is a perservative, let's perserve all that is good. Just as salt gives flavor, let's offer the love, hope & grace that world unknowingly craves.
I know that as we seek to be the Church whereever God has sprinkled us we can be tempted to give into the fear that plagues our world. Remember that when the rest of the world is anxious, we're able to have the peace of God that surpasses all understanding guarding our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Phil 4:6).
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.Philippians 4:8-9 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/php.4.8-9.ESV
Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.Colossians 4:6 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/col.4.6.ESV
Ashley Wilson
God Renewing Our Women (GROW) ~ Womens Faith Group in Denton
Women's GROW Ministry Mission
GROW exists to build the body of Christ among the women of Calvary Baptist through purposeful discipleship and Biblical fellowship, and to equip our women to fulfill their calling in the Lord Jesus Christ.
GROW’s Goals
Help the church grow spiritually by influencing women to accept Christ as Lord, to be women of deep prayer and study the Bible, basing their entire lives on God’s Word.
Help women feel welcome and accepted.
Affect families as women’s lives are drawn closer to Christ.
Open doors to meaningful relationships.
Encourage women who are spiritually mature older women to mentor spiritually younger women.
For questions about any of our events, visit the GROW table in the church lobby, or contact Nancy at 410-924-6344.
GROW's Upcoming Events
** POSTPONED ** 2020 Women's GROW Conference
After much careful consideration, and upon the advice of Dr. C.E. Jensen, chairman of our board of deacons, we are postponing our Annual GROW Conference scheduled for March 27-28, 2020. This is in light of our current COVID-19 pandemic in our country.
The conference will be rescheduled at a later date this year. Please continue to register if you have not done so. We will notify you directly when this conference is rescheduled.
During this time of crisis in our nation, when people can feel isolated and alone, please reach out to each other and let’s pray for each other. Pray for our country, that through this we will be stronger and more united as a nation.
Nancy Reynolds, Karen Jensen, Maureen Twining
CANCELLED - April 4, 2020 9:30am-11:30am
Please note that until church services resume, we will not be having our monthly Mugs & Muffins meetings. We miss our ladies dearly, but prefer we all practice social distancing as commanded by Governor Hogan. We will update this section when things change.
Bring your favorite mug, your Bible, a notebook and pen.
Please sign up on the GROW table at church or contact
Nancy at 410-924-6344.
Mother's Day Event & Luncheon
Join us Saturday, May 9, 2020 from 12-2pm as we celebrate the gift of Motherhood. Enjoy fellowship with others, enjoy a wonderful lunch, and hear what it means to be mothers of all ages. Sign up on the GROW table at church, and volunteer to bring an item for lunch.
Ladies’ Daytime Bible Study
Each Thursday from 10:00 to 11:30 AM
Hosted by Sharon Davis
222 S. 3rd Street ~ Denton, MD
410-924-7437
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
You won't want to miss any of our planned events for 2020. Be sure to mark these on your calendar and check back often for additional events!
About Grow
GROW's Current Study
Our next study will begin February 5, 2020.
Wednesday evenings in The Heart and Home Room
Study 1
"Answers to Tough Questions"
Weekly lessons include:
Do We Need to Defend Our Faith?
Is There a God?
Does Absolute Truth Exist?
Is Jesus God?
Aren't All Religions the Same?
What Proof Does My Testimony Offer?
Study 2
"When Life Gets Hard"
Weekly lessons include:
Why Does Suffering Exist?
How Can God Use Me When Others Suffer?
Why Am I Suffering?
What Is God's Answer to Suffering?
Does God Really Understand My Suffering?
Where Does Comfort Come From?
How Can I Honor God in My Suffering?
Mugs and Muffins
Mugs and Muffins is a monthly prayer and
fellowship ministry of GROW. It is held the first Saturday of
every month from 9:30 to 11:30AM
Frequently Asked Questions
WHERE DO THE TEACHINGS OF
THE GROW MINISTRY COME FROM?
Everything taught will be rooted in the teachings of the Bible. We believe that the Bible is God's Word and the only absolute truth. We are in agreement with the words of our Lord Jesus in John 7:16, "My doctrine is not mine, but His that sent Me."
DO I HAVE TO BE A CHRISTIAN OR ANY PARTICULAR RELIGION TO BE INVOLVED?
No. Anyone is welcome - all women from any walk of life are welcome.
DO I NEED TO KNOW THE BIBLE IN ORDER TO ATTEND AND MAKE SENSE OF WHAT IS TAUGHT?
No, not at all. Owning a Bible at some point (book or phone app) would be helpful. If you are unsure what to look for, please ask one of our teachers.
WHAT IS THE DRESS CODE FOR ALL ACTIVITIES?
Comfortable and casual, unless otherwise noted.
WHAT IS THE MINIMUM AGE REQUIREMENT?
12 years old (unless stated otherwise)
CAN I INVITE A FEMALE FAMILY MEMBER
OR FRIEND TO ATTEND WITH ME?
Absolutely! We encourage this!
(Some events require registration.)
WILL I BE ASKED TO SPEAK ALOUD,PRAY, OR ANSWER QUESTIONS?
Not unless you would like to. We do encourage involvement at every level and engaging with other ladies within the ministry. However, no one will be forced to speak or engage in any activity she is uncomfortable with.
WHERE WILL ACTIVITIES BE HELD?
The location for each activity and event will depend on what is required to host the event in order to accommodate the group. This is why most activities and events will require registration, either on this website or on the GROW table on the left as you enter Calvary Baptist Church.