Church of the Nazarene

October

A Mystery Trip

Purpose:
To provide a time for women of the congregation to become better acquainted. This is a great activity to invite visitors and friends.

Destination:
A day trip with the destination kept top secret to everyone but the Women's Ministries Director or council.

Preparation for the trip:
Advertise the trip with fun hints. It's fun to listen to the women trying to figure out where they are going. But, be careful not to give anything away!

If the destination will be somewhere that will include walking make sure to include that in one of your hints. Example: “Bring your walking shoes.” This also needs to be done if the destination will include any kind of shopping or spending of money. Example: “Bring your husband's wallet” or “Bring your Christmas shopping list.” You want your women to be as prepared as possible, without giving away the final destination.

You will need to set the time when leaving and the time when the ladies will be returning.

Have a cost amount set to cover the expenses for gas and breakfast (if you are leaving early in the morning). If there is an entrance fee into the destination, include that in the up front costs.

On the morning of the trip:
Provide each driver with a sealed envelope with directions and the name of the destination just in case she gets lost.

In each vehicle, provide cans of juice and/or coffee and muffins for breakfast.

For fun, put together a basket with snacks, crossword puzzles, and word search books with a note to tell them they may be in the car awhile and might need something to help pass the time.

When you finally arrive at the destination, set a time to meet to return and then have fun.

Harvest Fair
Cheap Retreat
Glorified Slumber Party

Theme:
Time for Winter Harvest

Schedule:
Friday night – Saturday morning

6:30PM Time to greet
7:00 – 7:30 Time for arrival
7:30 – 7:45 Time to sing
7:45 – 8:30 Time to have fun
8:30 – 8:45 Time to sing
8:45 – 9:15 Time for devotional
9:15 – 9:30 Time to gather in small groups
9:30 –10:30 Time for prayer and sharing
10:30 – 11:00 Time to eat (stuffed potatoes)
11:00 - Time for door prize and other activity
7:30AM Time to eat breakfast at a nearby restaurant or fast food place

Material for Small Group Sharing:
Hosea 10:12 (NIV and Living Bible)

Get Acquainted:

1. What do you do to make sure you have time for eating? Sleeping? Etc.
2. What do you wish you had time for, but don't take it?

Sharing in Winter Harvest:

1. What are the seeds of righteousness?
2. It's time to reap God's love. How has He recently shown you that He loves you? (Be specific and prepared to begin sharing.)
3. Is there an area of “hard ground” in your life in which you feel you need to begin “plowing?” (Again begin the sharing and ask if someone would pray for you. Then allow others to share and have someone to pray for each one.)