Jingle Bell Lunch

Saturday, Nov. 3

9am-4pm A few surprises and all that JAZZ!

We will have a Jazzy Christmas this

year and hope you can join us!

Tickets on sale in September

RIVERBEND WOMEN’S MINISTRY NEWS

A Note from Sandy

Hello friends! This has been quite a busy summer for my family. We have been fortunate to experience three beautiful weddings and be reminded of the joy and anticipation of new beginnings. Women’s Ministry is also looking forward with a new, more defined structure in place. Our hope is that it will allow more participation from women who have a desire to be a part of this

August 2012 VOL #2 ISSUE #3

LIKE us on FACEBOOK!!

www.facebook.com/RiverbendWM

Living Jesus Out Loud

A new and exciting year ahead… get connected today!

wonderful ministry. I invite you to our Surprise Party on Thursday, August 2 where we will give you a clear picture of the “new” structure and opportunities for involvement 2012-2013. Find out about Jingle Bell Lunch, Group opportunities and the Spring LBJ Lake retreat plans. Bring your calendars and come enjoy dinner, music and fun with women of RC and friends!

After meeting with the Leadership Team and Proven Way last February, we discovered the many facets of equipping women to be leaders. And as we all know or should, each of you are leaders! At home, with friends and family, in working environments, yes, even in the grocery store you lead. So, we are planning two leadership training sessions for any and all women that lead a group for WM. This will keep all of us on the same page, supporting Riverbend values and beliefs, WM mission and vision, facilitation techniques, and some advice on handling difficult situations. We are strongly encouraging all leaders to attend. The sessions will be Thursday, August 16 at 6:30 and Saturday, August 18, at 9:00 am in the Plaza View Room. One of my heart desires has been to reach and know women in all areas of Austin and meet the other Women in leadership at other churches. Proven Way has enabled this dream to become a reality. Proven Way began in Plano with the mission to equip and encourage women in leadership. It has been working in Austin for a few years and I am privileged to now serve with these amazing women. There are opportunities to learn from some experienced women on many subjects. Proven Way will also offer a Leadership Intensive with Heather Mercer, captured by the Taliban in 2001 for sharing the gospel, as the keynote speaker, on Saturday, August 25

th. Check out

provenway.org and go to the Austin link.

I cannot wait to see you on August 2; make sure you RSVP so we have enough surprise desserts! Looking forward to a great year with you and God!

A Precept Bible Study begins Thursday, August 30

(12-weeks including introduction) 11:00 to 1:00

Quad 4 A Led by Deborah Knapp

This Study focuses on the idea of covenant--God's enduring promise, which is key to understanding our relationship to God. See this incredible thread running from Genesis through Revelation. Covenant explores God's initiatives with humanity by studying His covenants throughout history. God enters into a binding agreement with His people and always keeps His promises. This study will guide you in exploring the benefits and responsibilities of covenant as well as the character of the covenant initiator, our God. Learn about the remarkable ways the old covenant points to the promises of the new covenant. Trusting Him as a covenant partner frees us from the bondage of worry and anxiety. This study will transform the way you read the Scriptures to ensure you are secure in God's faithfulness!

Monday Morning Bible Study “To Live is Christ: The Life and Ministry of Paul”

by Beth Moore Sept. 10 - November 12 @ 11:00 in Quad 4A/B

Led by Sandy West Childcare available

Monday Evening Bible Study 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Building 5A

September 10 through November 12 "Breaking Free, The Journey, The Stories."

by Beth Moore Led by Denise Wilson

Wednesday Night Bible Study 6:15-8:15 PM Quad 4A

Childcare is available Led by Sandy Lounsberry, Phyllis Moore,

& Sandy Cooper Join us for a fun year filled with Searching the Bible, A

broken heart, Finding a love that never lets go, and Making sure we do not come Unglued. This fun group of diverse

women meet and learn to love God more and support each other in life!

September 5 - Oct. 10 “Scouting the Divine” by Margaret Feinberg

Move from just reading the Bible to entering stories that can be touched, tasted, heard, seen, smelled, and savored.

October 24 - Dec. 12 “Nehemiah

A heart that can break” by Kelly Minter Let God break your heart for the hurting, because He often

uses a breaking heart to restore the broken.

We will look forward to our spring studies of “Malachi, a love that never lets go” by Lisa Harper and “Unglued” by Lysa Terkeurst in making wise choices in the midst of raw

emotions.

Sisters Seeking Christ

Thursdays at 9:30 in Quad 1B September 13 through November 22

"David, Seeking a Heart Like His" by Beth Moore Cost: $15 (books available in class)

Led by Shari Arnold

UPCOMING FALL BIBLE STUDIES

August 2012 VOL #2, ISSUE #3

God and Girlfriends

(Friday Morning Bible Study)

Become soul sisters through study, conversation & lunch

Sisterhood: From Alone to Known

By Dr. Jackie Roese Discover God’s heart for His family by

understanding the characteristics of biblical relationships.

Join us on September 7, 2012 at 9:30 in Quad 2A to

get acquainted and pick up your book.

Contact Sandra, snich@austin.rr.com or 795-2240

August 2012 VOL #2, ISSUE #3

Have fun connecting with a small group!

Friendship Tuesday Empowers Women through Christ Centered Relationships

On 9/11, Friendship Tuesday will connect in Fellowship Hall for dinner at 6:00p.m. We will reflect on what it means to be Brave. Tracy Barr will “show and tell,” suggesting how we might step out and be of service to our world. Table talk will help us connect with our small groups. This year’s study is Brave by Angela Thomas. We will dig deep into life’s challenges alongside girlfriends. By this we will build relationships. Friendship Tuesday will continue to meet on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:00pm for dinner and small group study in Fellowship Hall. On the fourth Tuesday of each month your group will meet for fun and fellowship, to be determined by your Small Group.

Sign up with Patrice, pramsbottom@att.net or 512-608-0652

The Friendship Tuesday morning group meets on the 2nd

Tuesday of each month at 10-11:30am in Quad4A. Details TBD Contact: Javonne at jsgilmore@austin.rr.com

Yada Yada Book Club

Tuesday, September 18th - a discussion with author Lucille Edgarian about her book The Gift of Divine Guidance: From the Soul of an Artist. We are looking forward to personal accounts about her interesting life experiences detailed in her book. Please join us at 6:00 PM in Quad 1A. A light dinner will be served. Please RSVP to Candy Benoit at candy.benoit@gmail.com or 512-222-3539 by September 12th. Hope to see you there.

Tuesday, January 15th - Evening Social Book Swap Bring the books you are ready to pass on to others and snag some books that peak your interest!!!! Meet current members of the Yada Yada Book Club and check out our reading list for 2013. What a fun way to start the New Year with some new reading material for free. There will be light appetizers and beverages provided. You will find us in Quad 1A at 6:00 PM.

FITNESS FUN!!

On-going fitness classes are being offered at Riverbend on the Sport Court outside the youth building. Classes are FREE and all fitness levels are welcome. For additional

information or to be added to the e-mail list, contact Candy Benoit at 512-222-3539 or

candy.benoit@gmail.com. Join us for some fun and get fit at the same time!

Christian Moms

Study: "The Resolution for Women", by Priscilla Shirer

When: Mondays 9:30-11:00 (begins Sept. 10th) Where: Quad 1A

(Childcare Provided in Building 5) Contact: Jennifer Swint jennswint@yahoo.com

UPCOMING FALL GROUP ACTIVITES

Connect with moms of school-aged kids. 10am - 1st & 3rd Tuesdays

Conference Room B Contact: dedekellicker@yahoo.com or visit: www.riverbend.com/momsnext

Congregate & Create

Whether you need time to work on a miscellaneous craft project or just want to come see what others are working on… we welcome you to join us for some Friday night fun!

August 10th September 14th

October 12th November 9th December 14th

6:00pm--10pm

Quad 1 A

Grace Book Club Meets Third Monday of each month

6:30 - 8:00 PM in Conference Room A

August: Caleb’s Crossing by Geraldine Brooks September: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

October: Amigoland by Oscar Caesares November: Death Comes to Pemberley by P.D. James December: My Own Country by Abraham Verghese

Led by Paulette Schwartz

"Sandy Lounsberry is not only my

mother but she is also my teacher,

my advisor, my counsel, my

mentor, my critic, my conscience,

my number one fan, my ally and

my friend. She makes me strive to

be the best person I can be."

Jonathan Lounsberry

“My mother is not only my role

model, she is my rock, my biggest

fan, my shoulder to cry on and the

most amazing woman of faith I

know. She seems to always have

the right words to say and if not

she helps me find God's words to

get me through. I hope one day that

I can be more like her. She loves

being a part of Women's Ministry,

and though it is sometimes hard to

share her, I know this is where she

is meant to be.” Jenna Lounsberry

“My mom has been my number one

supporter and my inspiration since

I was a little girl. From gymnastics

to cheerleading to school she has

always taught me to try my best

and to never give up. Her

relationship with God and all of her

hard work inspires me each and

every day to be a better Christian

woman and to keep working

towards my goals. God has truly

blessed me with an amazing mom

and friend.” Jillian Lounsberry

“God has blessed me with an amazing, loving wife and best

friend. She is my true soul mate. Sandy is an awesome mom

and has such a unique relationship with each of our children.

Her late mom has been and will continue to be her

inspiration. She has always aspired to replicate her mother's

gentle and understanding spirit. This wonderful spirit guides

her as she guides others around her. I am in awe of how

Sandy has allowed God to direct her path in ministry at

Riverbend. As most of you know, Sandy has such a heart for

the women at Riverbend. She is blessed to be a part of this

wonderful ministry. Her mom would be so proud of her. I am!”

Paul Lounsberry

SPOTLIGHT: SANDY LOUNSBERRY

Women’s Ministry Director

A true forever friend… The first time I met Sandy was when my daughter, Natalie, (who at 25 is 4’11") came home from first grade at Pond Springs Elementary and said "Mom, I met a girl at school who is my same size!", and so began a long friendship with my dear friend, Sandy. We began volunteering for various PTA positions, then found ourselves heading major fundraisers, with Sandy in the lead and me her trusty co-leader. Before I knew it, she was President and I was Vice- President. She worked her way up to Round Rock Council of PTA president all while staying active in all her children's school PTA's and yes, I was right there with her. She headed Project Graduation two years in a row at McNeil High School as well as attended every football game because her son played football and both daughters cheered.

Through all of this, our families became very close. Sandy and Paul invited my family to join them in their Sunday school class at Riverbend and from there our church partnership began. Before I knew it, Sandy was running VBS and I was K-2 coordinator. As the kids moved to middle school, we became small group leaders as well as joined our groups at church camp. We had so much fun.

Our friendship has continued with many wonderful family vacations. Our children have remained forever friends. We have been through many life changes together, loss of parents, loss of family pets, sending kids off to college, my divorce and so far two weddings. The whole Lounsberry family took me and my kids under their wing while we were going through the divorce and have continued to walk by us.

It is my privilege and honor to walk next to Sandy on this journey with the women of Riverbend. I cherish our friendship and can't wait to see where God leads us as our journey continues! Vicki Finley-Ryan

A true servant and leader… Sandy has been serving as volunteer Director of Women’s Ministry at Riverbend for several years; she has and continues to do an excellent job! I truly appreciate all she does in this position and believe me it is a lot! It is not unusual for her to be on campus several days during the week and lots of evenings also. I am sure there must be times she wishes my phone number did not show up on her phone so often. She is quick to respond and handle whatever the request might be.

I have watched her ability to work with sometimes intricate situations in a positive way as well as lead the women of Riverbend to new levels of service not only for the RC community but to those within the Austin area outside our church.

She continues to serve in a most loving and helpful way to guide ministry programs and needs to women of all ages. I observe her leadership skills benefiting all women in an encouraging manner that enhances opportunities for women to grow spiritually as well as in service commitments.

Hats off to Sandy for doing such a wonderful and helpful job! Her dedicated work efforts and commitment are indeed the best!!! Can’t say “Thank You” enough!

Paulette Schwartz

SPOTLIGHT: SANDY LOUNSBERRY CONTINUED

From my Heart! by Sandy Lounsberry Dancing in the Moonlight:

Our annual time at the beach was enhanced with a week of full moon rising! Probably one of the most breath taking I have ever witnessed. If you are mesmerized by moon glow you understand my fascination of the moon on the ocean. Its entrance into the night sky was inspirational, as only God can design, and its light shimmered over the waters until it formed a beam that stood out on shore. From the balcony we could clearly see where it was, but the people on the beach hardly noticed. Jenna and I decided to see if we could find the moonbeam from the beach. As we got closer, indeed it seemed to move, but finally we stood in the light and silliness prevailed. We danced, laughed and splashed in the moonlight. We were blessed with anticipation of the moon rising all week! Of course, God did wake me up early one morning so I could also see the majesty of his sunrise! I say that, because many of you know, early morning is not something I do often on my own. The beauty of dawn and its peaceful serenity is inspiring and just as the sun crested the horizon with a purple and golden glow, my iPod shuffled to, you guessed it, “This little light of mine” (By Addison Road). God’s timing for emphasis, I am sure!

Just as the moon shined brightly in the darkness of night, allowing the joy and beauty of the sun’s light to stream on shore, the sun rose brilliantly to announce a new day filled with promise and strength. The moon, having no light of its own, must rely on the sun’s light to create the beauty that allows moonbeams on shore for us to dance in. What a great analogy the sun and moon are for us. We must rely on the Son to give us the beauty and light to be moonbeams for others. The strength, the magnificence of the risen Son, creates in us the ability to be a shining moonbeam on shore so others can see and dance too!

Genesis 1:14-15 -- And God said, “Let there be lights in the vault of the sky to separate the day from night, and let them serve as signs to mark sacred times and days and years, and let them be lights in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth. And it was so.

Matthew 5:14-16 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. ….16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in

heaven. Moonbeams!

OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE

Off Campus Opportunities

YoungLives: Part of the YoungLife organization that service youth in the middle school and high school setting. This portion services teen moms in the north Austin area. They meet monthly at Crosspoint Church for fellowship, food and time to hear about Jesus. They are servicing about 50 teen moms in the north Austin area. Needs are financial support, meals for monthly club nights, baby supplies, clothes and child care during club nights. Texas Baptist Children's Home: Our Women's Ministry has serviced two cabins of girls and their house parents for the last 3 years. Some of our activities have included a summer pool party and cook out, back to school shopping, room make-overs, monthly fruit baskets as well as attending their Christmas program. El Salvador Women's Ministry: Over the last year we have aided the volunteers in supporting, creating and providing resources to serve the women of El Salvador. It has been a privilege and blessing to all involved to see Good working in all the women's lives.

On Campus Opportunities

ESL: English as a second language on campus reaches beyond campus to those who want to learn more English and the customs of our country. This is an amazing outreach that crosses all borders and brings us together in laughter and growth. The group meets on Wednesday mornings and evenings. Instructors need only to speak English and love others, the rest is easy. First Sunday Coffee Bar: We provide volunteers on the first Sunday of each month to help run the Riverbend Cafe coffee bar. This is a fun opportunity to meet our Riverbend family! Irene Group: This group of women meets on the last Thursday of the month with lunch and area speakers. Some of their many projects include Starry Program at Texas Children's Baptist home and East Austin Community Food Bank. Please feel free to contact me if you are interested in helping with the many outreach opportunities of Women's Ministry. We are always looking for new and creative ways to connect and serve within our church, our communities, and beyond!

Vicki Ryan (feeowit@sbcglobal.net)

International Friendship If you are interested in learning to teach English as a Second Language (ESL), or if you are interested in assisting teachers and/or learning about the ESL program, we welcome you. This is a great opportunity to serve as we meet and get to know our Internationals!

Contact: Sheri Wright 512-835-9191 or 512-695-9044

dwright894@aol.com Fall classes begin September 5th

This summer the Irene group is busy preparing for the Jingle Bell Lunch.

Preparing items to sell is very important to this group. All funds received at the brunch go to support several missions

including the Starry Program at the Baptist Children's Home in Round Rock

and the East Austin Mission. Robin McKenzie teaches sewing classes on

Wednesdays at the East Austin Mission. The members meet at the mission and are cleaning their sewing storage. This has been quite a task and we have all

learned a lot from Robin about sewing accessories. The knitting group is taking the summer off but will begin in the fall. Come join the Irene Group which meets the last Thursday of the month. We are the longest running women's group at

Riverbend.

August 2012 VOL #2, ISSUE #3

“Volunteers are the only human beings on the face of the Earth who reflect this nation's compassion,unselfish caring, patience, and just plain loving one another." Erma Bombeck

Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. Matthew 5:16

August 2012 VOL #2, ISSUE #3

OTHER EVENTS

A title or caption about the photograph.

Proven Way Opportunities Leader's Intensive

Saturday, August 25 Austin Ridge Church

Cost: $59 Time: 9:00 -4:30 Encouragement, breakouts and networking for all types of women's leaders here in Austin. For more information and to register visit: http://www.provenway.org/event/leaders-intensive-2012-austin-tx/

Featured Speaker: Heather Mercer Captured by the Taliban in 2001 for sharing the Gospel, Heather was tried for a capital crime and miraculously released through the prayers of the saints and bravery of the United States Special Forces. Heather will talk about leading “foolishly, fearlessly, and freely” in the Kingdom of God!

Women's Ministry Matters Austin Ridge

Wednesday, September 12 1:00 - 3:00

Colleen Foshee Social Media

Want to know how to expand your reach using different tools of Social media? She is excellent

and very informed. Cost: $10

SAVE THE DATE:

Spring Weekend Retreat: April 12-14

Limited spaces available! We are so excited and cannot wait to tell you the awesome place we have

found. It will be such a unique gathering experience! Everyone will want to go.

Riverbend Church 4214 N Capital of Texas Hwy

Austin, TX 78746

512.327.3540

http://riverbend.com/women

We'd like to invite you to join us for fun and meaningful mother/daughter evening. This benefit event for Vicki Courtney Ministries will feature:

- A Message by Vicki Courtney (author of best-selling resources for girls and parents) - Worship by The Reliques - Back-to-School Fashion Show (featuring ways to dress fashionably while staying modest) - Dessert, Silent Auction, Giveaways, Bookstore, and More! Moms, youth workers & girls ages 6-16 Tuesday, August 14, 2012 7:00pm - 9:00pm Grace Covenant Church Tickets $15 each in advance or $20 each at the door.

This will be the 5th year for this event. It has always been such a sweet time, so grab your friends and make it a fun, memorable girls' night out!

If you have questions or don't have daughters & would be willing to volunteer the night of, please email Shawna@vickicourtney.com. Hope to see you all there!

Click here for more info and to purchase tickets... (http://vickicourtney.com/vev/)