Summer Update
/Hello Friends, Family and Prayer Partners,
This summer is certainly going by fast. Before August slips in, I wanted to send out some updates to the ministries Ray and I have been doing. First, let me thank each of you who have prayed for us and asked God to bless our new path of service to Him. I’ll give you an update on us, our new way of life, and some of the blessings in our family.
We enjoyed the wedding of our nephew in Greensboro, having lots of time with all three of our children. Sydney was the flower girl and melted our heart. Ray and I enjoyed a week in the Outer Banks with our daughter, Kimberly and her family. Sharing the fun and adventure was made so sweet with her 4 year old son, Clayton. In his words, “I wish we could live here!” This last weekend we celebrated with Tim and his family as their daughter, Sydney turned four. She wanted a dress-up party and asked everybody to come in costume. Oh my, she’s a girl after my heart!
We are truly enjoying our new church, Coastal Community Church in VA Beach. We have taken time to worship and simply be members. That’s so new to us after being on staff in churches for more than 40 years. While it’s felt strange at times, it has been such a time of renewal for us. We are beginning now to connect with some of the members, make new friends, and seek out how God would have us serve there. I (Pat) had the blessing of being invited to a meeting of ladies who were planning a retreat for October. What a joy to see women of all ages, some married, some divorced, some young and some as old as I am. J We met, planned, laughed and prayed together. I drove home feeling like I had found my old self. I praised and thanked God all the way home. On that note, I will be attending the retreat and leading the closing session on Sunday morning. Here’ the information about the retreat. It is not a closed event only for Coastal members. Anyone can attend, so if you are looking for a time to get away, be nourished and renewed, I invite you to message me for details.
“Let It Go” ~ Women’s Retreat to be held October 10,11, & 12 (Friday dinner – Sunday lunch)
Watermarks camp in Scottsville, VA (Outside of Charlottesville)
Along with breakout sessions of fun, crafts, learning, the campground has lots of activities to choose from.
Lodging is cabin-style with bunk beds. They are all air-conditioned with bathrooms.
We have the entire facility and the beautiful fall grounds are completely ours for the weekend.
Cost: $125 – Payable by check to: Coastal Community Church
Let me know if you are interested in attending.
Faith Steps News
I am still enjoying the memories of the ladies conference held at Holy Neck Christian Church. I have recently been contacted by another Christian church in Suffolk and will be meeting with someone on Wednesday, August 6th, to discuss a potential conference there. Please pray with me regarding this meeting.
BIG NEWS ~ The Bible study I have been writing for the last two years is finally being offered for sale!!! I’m praising God for seeing me through not only the process of prayer and writing this, but also the unexpected experiences of the last year. Through it all, God has taught me so much and stretched my faith in ways that have been for my good and for His glory. There is an attached flyer giving you full information about this study.
L I V E ~ A New and Living Way
Love
Integrity
Vision
Excellence
Individual or Small Group Study ~ Total of 8 Lessons (2 per Topic)
Cost: $12 Payable by check to: Faith Steps
Mail to: Pat Owens
708 Tapestry Park Loop Apt. 517
Chesapeake, VA 23320
Information: 757-729-0118
Heavenly Helpers
Ray and I are so thankful for those of you who have chosen to bless us with financial support for this ministry. You have no idea how much you have helped us to get the word out about our offer to minister and bless churches in need of help. In in addition to that, we have been able to have the needed supplies for the ministry. We have found that our purpose throughout these summer months has been mainly to follow-up with our contacts, both those from the ministry fair, and also new ones that God is bringing into our path. While working at Lifeway, I (Pat) had the wonderful blessing of meeting a pastor who is serving full-time with a Pilipino congregation in VA Beach. Please pray about how we can bless them. He was so thankful for the encouragement and even brought his wife back to meet me the next day. Because the summer is typically a “down time” for church activities, we have not yet been asked to come and lead in the churches. Pray for God to open and expand this ministry. It’s such a new concept that many seem confused by it. We know our Lord is not a God of confusion, so pray that our desire to help and serve them will be evident, and not seen as a threat to current leadership. We both maintain and pray, that we know fully, God will open the door He has for us to be His servants in churches that are literally dying on the vine. We are meeting tonight with a dear pastor and his wife, whom we haven’t met yet. May God do as He wills!
We pray blessings, good health, and open doors of ministry for each of you. Please let us know how we can continue to pray for you. It’s an honor and a privilege that we truly thank God for allowing us to do. Please keep in touch. We treasure the years of friendship.
Pat & Ray Owens
