Click here for the current issue of Vine for upcoming events, important news, advocacy and action items, profiles, and more ...
Click for info on Mary Sharon Moore computer course
Church women united made the papers http://registerguard.com/rg/life/lifestyles/34167242-74/bound-by-caring.html.csp
Click for info on Mary Sharon Moore computer course
Church women united made the papers http://registerguard.com/rg/life/lifestyles/34167242-74/bound-by-caring.html.csp
The mission that drives us . . .
Church Women United, an ecumenical movement of Christian women impassioned by the Holy Spirit, advocates on behalf of women and children throughout the world. We find unity in diversity, and we work for a world of peace and justice.
Church Women United of Lane County supports the National programs, priorities and goals, and celebrations. Our monthly forums reflect the concerns of participants and explore issues of concern to local and state governments and to the citizens of Lane County, Oregon. |
Willamette Valley at rest. Photo by Mary Sharon Moore, 2010
|
A word from our President ... Anne O'Brien, President
Anne O’Brien “For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!” (Ecclesiastes 4:10) I spent the past weekend with 2 dear old high school friends. We were constantly remarking on how lucky we are to have been good friends for almost 70 years now. Then this week I overheard my 10 year old grandson and his friend talking about how valuable their friendship was to each of them. Having true friends is a real blessing. Those kinds of friends—are hard to find. If you have ever gotten in a bind, had a major failure, or somehow lost your way, then you realized just how rare true friendship really is in our lives. The true friends show up at your doorstep ready to help. What constitutes real friendship? I found this in an article by a minister: Ron Edmondson. Here are 4 characteristics of true friendship: Unconditional love - A true friend loves at all times. Regardless of what you do, what happens, or where life takes you, a true friend loves at all times. On your worst day—when you aren’t even fun to be around—a true friend still takes you to lunch. (And likely pays.) A friend who has recently died suffered from depression most of her life. She used to ask me why I even wanted to be with her because she wasn’t any fun. “Because I love you!” Unwavering support – True friends are in it for the long haul. Even when you’ve fallen—or agree with you completely—a true friend is in your corner. When you call—even when you’re in trouble—they come. True friendships may only be for a season. I have many of those. But if we run into each other again we pick up where we left off. Trust is already established. The relationship is just as strong. True friendships are consistent. Willingness to challenge – Love and support is not ignoring the words you need to hear. A true friendship makes you better. The Bible says “iron sharpens iron.” True friends will correct you if needed. Proverbs 27:5 says, “Better an open rebuke than hidden love.” Friends won’t let you injure yourself or others if they can intervene. They won’t remain silent with what you need to hear—and it will be shared in the deepest of love. Sometimes it’s hard to hear the truth from true friends but it is truly a gift. Full of grace – True friendship weathers the sometime difficulties of relationships, forgiving when needed, and loving each other even when it hurts. A true friendship isn’t one-sided. Both friends are willing to lay down their life for the other. Grace is freely and generously given. I have a number of friendships I would consider true friendships. Of course, Dave and our kids make the list, and there are others. I’m always working toward more. |
|
Home | Forum Schedules | Resources | Contact Us
Web services by Mary Sharon Moore | Eugene OR | 541.687.2046
Web services by Mary Sharon Moore | Eugene OR | 541.687.2046
