I love starting new things. But I really love starting new things with new people – especially when it involves women’s ministry. And this week, I got to do both!
Meet the PAC: the brand spanking new Priority Advisory Council.
Yesterday, we had our very first meeting, and God blessed it big time. Let me introduce you to each member first, then I’ll explain the purpose of the PAC.
So, that’s me (far left in the picture above) along with (l-r):
- Leslee Kaspar: A woman I have only known and admired from afar for many years, I’m so grateful to have the opportunity now to serve the Lord with her. Leslee owns a preschool and she loves children, but she also has a huge heart for women’s ministry.
- Pat Godwin: As Director of the M&M women’s Bible study at Sagemont (our church), Pat’s passion is discipleship (so you know I love that). In the past, Pat has been a volunteer in our office, and our entire staff loves and respects her greatly.
- Lezli Busbee: A long-time friend and ministry partner of mine, Lezli was on staff at Priority in the early days until she became the Women’s Minister at Sagemont for many years. She and her husband, Reagan, also are members of Priority’s Board of Directors. And since Lezli is leading the Council, I guess you could call her the “leader of the PAC.”
Moving right along, meet (l-r) . . .
- Maureen Schneider: I met Maureen many years ago when we were young moms car-pooling our kids to kindergarten. Like me, she’s a pastor’s wife, so we get each other. Maureen’s spiritual gift is faith, and every time I’m around her she spurs me on in my own faith.
- Melanie Jacobson: I am very excited to tell you that I first met Melanie yesterday. Others have told me so many wonderful things about her, and as I visited with her and observed her yesterday, I sense she is a deep well of wisdom. I want to know more.
The first two ladies in this final picture are (l-r) . . .
Priority staff members Pam Henderson and Emily Ryan along with PAC members:
- Karen King: An organized administrator and leader with a passion to serve the Lord and others, I have ALWAYS wanted to serve on a team with Karen . . . and now I can. I’m looking forward to learning a lot from her.
- Julie Riley: A gifted artist and graphic designer, Julie created the covers of our Beauty by The Book and Beauty by the Book for Teens Bible studies. She also designed the layout and graphics of Priority’s website and blog. Detailed, thoughtful, and direct, it is always a delight to co-labor with Julie.
- Jean McKinley: Every team needs a Jean, someone who lights up a meeting with joy, laughter, and splashes of fun and creativity. She loves the Lord, loves reaching women for the Lord, and she’s a magnet – she attracts other women to the Lord.
- Kelly Nolin: My first impression (since I just met her in person yesterday) is: I. Like. Kelly. Very much. She seems to be very discerning, and she’s an excellent listener. She’s a woman other women respect, and I know that because I know other women who respect her.
Three of our PAC members, Angela Autry, Mary Carico and Mary Trainer, were unable to attend the meeting. All three are godly women, and when you add them to the eight women you just met, they truly are a women’s ministry dream team – which couldn’t be more perfect because after all, Priority IS a women’s ministry.
Last year Priority celebrated 10 years of ministry for which we praise and glorify God. But as we begin year 11, we believe it is very important to examine and evaluate two things:
- Where God has led us in the past and what He’s called and enabled us to accomplish.
- Where God is leading us in the future and what changes He’s calling us to make so that we can continue moving forward in His Kingdom work.
The PAC will play an enormous role in helping me discern and discover God’s future for Priority Ministries. They will meet quarterly, advise regularly, and pray consistently for this ministry. Their honest feedback and ideas will help me find fresh, new ways to improve Priority’s outreach to women and, ultimately, enlarge our mission for God’s glory.
Your prayers for Priority, for PAC, and for me are so appreciated. And if you have ideas, advice, or constructive criticism to share that you believe would benefit Priority’s outreach, I would love to hear from you. Really, I would. Post a comment or shoot me an email. Thanks!
So, what about you? Is God encouraging you to do something new or, perhaps, even start something new this year? I’d love hear the new things God is doing and prompting you to do, and I’d also love to pray for you so, once again, please post a comment or shoot me an email. Bless you!
Embrace something new with me this year in your spiritual walk and service to God, because Psalm 96:1 wasn’t written just for singers. Your life is a song. Sing God a new one this year.
“Sing a new song to the LORD!” Psalm 96:1 NLT
Your sister,
