Disciples Women’s Ministries

The Bluebonnet Area is a diverse area-- physically, geographically, culturally, and spiritually, and so are the women. The women in the BBA/LRGVD are active in a wide variety of activities—traditional CWF groups, prayer shawl groups, book groups, service groups, prayer groups, support groups, knitting, quilting, and sewing groups.  All of these groups are providing ministry with women, and all fall under the category of the BBA/LRGVD Disciples Women’s Ministries.

 The Bluebonnet Area/Lower Rio Grande Valley District Disciples Women’s Ministries (BBA/LRGVD DWM) is divided into 5 clusters—Alamo, Capital, Hill Country, Town & Country, and Coastal—and the District (LRGVD).

 The Department of Disciples Women’s Ministries consists of a Coordinator; Coordinator-Elect, if possible; Consultants for each of the clusters and the District.

 The leadership for DWM for 2010-2012 is the following:

•  Coordinator: Melanie Holtz
•  Alamo Cluster Consultant: Janie Harrison
•  Capital Cluster Consultant: Sharen Trickey
•  Hill Country Cluster Consultant: Harriet Reed
•  Town & Country Cluster Co-Consultants: Etta Ross and Rita Fields
• Coastal Cluster Consultant: Sallie Ferrell
• LRGVD Co-Consultants: Raquel Garcia and Caroline Herbert

Disciples Women

BBA / LRGVD DWM Retreat Report

“Singing the Lord’s Song in a World That’s Getting Stranger”

September 24-26, 2010…Gonzales, Texas--There was an incident report of strange noises of an explosive nature coming from an area a few miles outside of Gonzales.  No, it was not a re-enactment of the “Come and Take It” battle of the Texas Revolution.  It was the sound of the Lodge at Disciple Oaks Retreat Center groaning and stretching to hold the 118 Disciples Women from the BBA / LRGVD who attended the annual fall retreat. 

All past records of attendance for this particular gathering were crushed, with approximately a dozen more in attendance than ever before.  This is because of the dedication of the cluster consultants who spread the word about this retreat.  Also, for the first time, different registration options were offered, allowing retreaters to come the full event, one night, and Saturday only. 

“Singing the Lord’s Song in a Land That’s Getting Stranger” was the chosen theme by our keynoter, Rev. Dani Loving Cartwright, our Regional Minister and President.  And sing we did!  Using both the Chalice Hymnal and the Chalice Praise, we sang and sang and sang! 

We were blessed with the great weather, workshops, worship services, music, and opportunities to shop.  The silent auction was many times larger than any in the past, thanks to an amazing group of women.  Their enthusiastic bidding raised $1637 for the Regional Women’s project “The Challenge”, which almost doubles the total raised in the entire region since its inception.  An offering of $1205 was collected, and will be split between Inman Christian Center and Southwest Good Samaritan Ministries.

Below is a summary of our attendance and our giving.

Stats for Attendance

·        25 churches in attendance

§  Alamo Cluster  (15)—Marbach, Western Hills, Alamo   Heights, Rolling Oaks, Central San Antonio

§  Town and Country Cluster  (7)—UCC Taylor, Somerville

§  LRGVD (19)—Ebenezer, Emmanuel, FCC San Benito, FCC Edinburg, Bella Vista

§  Hill Country Cluster  (22)—FCC Kerrville, FCC Llano, FCC Burnet

§  Coastal Cluster  (22)—Central Corpus, FCC Kingsville, South Shore/Corpus, FCC Pettus, FCC Victoria, FCC Aransas Pass

§  Capital Cluster  (32)—San Marcos, Shepherd of the Hills, Round Rock, Central Austin

·        43 “Newbies” in attendance

·        “100% Newbies “Award  was given to South Shore Corpus bringing 7, and Bella Vista bringing 3.

·        2010 “Judy” Award was given to Round Rock Christian Church for the largest attendance of 16. Burnet graciously handed over the trophy.

Congratulations to all Clusters and Churches for Outstanding Attendance!

Stats for Giving

·        Silent Auction    $ 1637    Proceeds go to the CCSW: DWM Staff Support to raise money to fund a staff person for DWM  “The Challenge”.

·        Offering   $1205    Proceeds will be split 2 ways between SWGSM and Inman Christian Center.

·        Blessing Boxes  $43.30 Proceeds will be sent to IDWM for mission support.

WAY TO GO! Disciples Women of the BBA / LRGVD!



Is "The Challenge" Dead for the Region's Disciple Women?

The Disciples Women in the Bluebonnet Area/Lower Rio Grande Valley District answered that question at their September 24-26 fall retreat. Their answer is a resounding "NO"!

So what is "The Challenge"? At a meeting last February, 2010, of Disciples Women in the Southwest Region, a challenge was thrown out to ALL the women in the Region. It was simple--if every woman in the Southwest Region gave $1 every month for 12 months, or a total of $12, the funds would be available to hire a support staff person for the women of the Region.

With a great deal of enthusiasm,the women started turning in their money to a designated account formed for that purpose. Months later,the question arises about "that enthusiam." Is "The Challenge" still being supported by the women throughout the Region? Do we still want a support staff person working for us on the Regional level? What are the women in your churches doing? Are they talking about it in your Area?

The BBA/LRGVD IS talking about it! In fact, they are DOING something about it! All year items were collected for their annual Silent Auction to be held at their fall retreat. Tables and tables full of crafted items, pictures, candles, baskets of goodies....the selection was amazing...the choices endless. The results of all this talking and doing resulted in the most successful event ever held, ever even dreamed about. The results were amazing...$1637.00 will be sent off this next week to CCSW:Disciples Women's Support Staff.

So back to the question--Is "The Challenge" dead? The Disciples Women in the BBA/LRGVD don't think so. They answered the question, not with their mouth, but by digging deeply into their pockets. The joy on their faces was a sight to behold, as the excitement and the totals kept rising...$1637.00!

So, come on, Disciples Women in the Region--it appears that a challenge has been made to you about "The Challenge".
So let's all jump in and get started. For with God's help, WE CAN DO IT!