This midpoint of our season theme of COURAGE was a special Vital Connections that allowed us to share stories of how God is showing up in our work. Reflecting on details and direction that only the Divine could align; He makes us strong and courageous in the tasks He has put on our heart!
“Your testimonies are my delight; they are my counselors.” Psalm 119:24
The Vital Connections theme this February was “Love and Power”. We shared stories of things that may have previously hindered our influence; and discovered how a reframe with courage to take a seat at the table means taking action in pursuit of impact. Where do you need to shift from fear to faith? What does it look like for you to lead with love AND power?
"For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline." 2 Timothy 1:7
Our first Vital Connections Lunch of 2025 called us to "Take Heart When Making Choices.” Leaning into the words of Psalm 27:14, we shared with one another examples of voices we are struggling with. We then explored what a PAUSE looks like when we PUT it in park and be still, ASK God to intervene, UNTANGLE our why, SURRENDER the outcome, and ESTABLISH our steps with courage!
This year's Marketplace Women Christmas Service Project was to fill 50 Christmas stockings with gifts and goodies for some of our Senior neighbors. It was a fun event with a special time of praying for the Senior who will receive each stocking! We partnered with Age Well Senior Services to distribute the stockings to Seniors who have little or no family and who rarely get visitors or phone calls. It is our prayer that our neighbors know that someone cares and the love of Jesus!
Our final Vital Connections Lunch in 2024 centered on "Standing Firm in Who You Are." With our guiding scripture of Joshua 1:9, we shared stories of women from the Bible who stood firm in who they were and then we had great group discussion on how we would navigate workplace scenarios where standing firm in who we are might not be easy. It was an inspiring afternoon of fellowship and an opportunity to remind ourselves that no matter what happens, we do not stand alone but that it is God who works in us!
Our first Vital Connections Lunch of 2024-2025 kicked off the season in a big way as we explored the difference between Courage and Confidence! Guests had the opportunity to share what they would do with just a little more courage and some of their tips for recovering from a confidence “derailer.” We all agreed that perfectionism is an enemy of confidence and that living in fear is the worst way to live. It was a good time to write ourselves a message of encouragement and keep it handy for one of those tough days that are sure to come! Afterall, confidence is an ACTION, not a feeling!
Marketplace Women enjoyed the first event of the 2024-2025 Season by showcasing their businesses, while munching on great appetizers, catching up with old friends and meeting new ones. The Annual Business Showcase, always a highlight, included a speed networking session, an opportunity for guests to learn even more about each other. The evening was filled with laughter and excitement about the coming season!
For our 2023-2024 Season Wrap Up, we shared and discussed the importance of helping to meet the needs of our neighbors, even if it is a sacrifice. Some ways of meeting needs include caring, generosity, giving, helpfulness and encouragement. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. (Mark 10:45) It was an inspiring way to start the day!
In celebration of the season, Marketplace Women gathered in a beautiful garden setting for a morning of fellowship and a fabulous catered tea service. It was a time to share the mission and vision of Marketplace Women, some of the organization’s activities over the last year and our collective love for the Lord and His many blessings.
Marketplace Women had a lively discussion on both the excitement and exhaustion we experience when making unlikely allies. In our professional and personal lives we must often find the difficult balance between standing up for something we believe while not creating a wider divide. Jesus wants us to love others, even when we disagree. Unity is not necessarily uniformity and we can walk hand in hand without always seeing eye to eye.
Marketplace Women gathered together for an insightful discussion on Wisdom and why it is something that we should be reaching for. The Bible tells us that Wisdom is valuable, will help us navigate the complexities of life and will keep us closer to God. The group of seniors from Biola University who joined us enriched our conversations and broadened the scope of our perspectives. It was a good reminder that we should pray before we Google!
Marketplace Women started the year with a bang at our first VC of 2024. With an inspiring topic about the power of asking the right questions, just like Jesus did, attendees identified multiple areas, personally and professionally where the right questions would make all the difference! Guests also received a free eBook entitled “Now That’s a Great Question”, a fun list of 366 questions, one for every day of this leap year and a moleskin journal from our January sponsor, Wright Ford Young & Co.
