CrossTown Church Women's Link

Souper Saturday was amazing!

2010-04-12T13:44:00.001-07:00

Wow! Super Saturday was amazing! Thank you to everyone who helped with preparing food, setting-up, moving furniture, greeting, speaking and crafting. And a huge thank you to Michelle for hosting!

Click here to read how all of the details came together to make this event happen.

Souper Saturday recipes

2010-04-12T13:38:00.000-07:00

Many of you have asked for the wonderful soup recipes from Souper Saturday. Here they are!

Turkey Chili
Stephani S.
1 lb ground turkey
1 large onion
2 cloves of garlic crushed
1 Tablespoon Chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
1 teaspoon cocoa
1/2 teaspoon red pepper sauce
1 large can (24 ounces) diced tomatoes (undrained)
1-2 zucchini
1-2 red pepper (or any color)
1 can (15.5 ounces) red kidney beans—

Cook ground turkey, onion and garlic in 3-quart saucepan, stirring occasionally, until beef is brown; drain. Stir in remaining ingredients except beans. Heat to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer 1 -1 1/2 hour, stirring occasionally.

**

Potato Soup
Michelle O.

6 - 8 lg. potatoes, peeled & cubed
1 sm. bag of carrots, peeled & chopped
1 can evaporated milk
1 Tbsp. parsley flakes
5 cups water
4 beef bullion cubes
1 stick of butter
salt & pepper to taste
1 1/2 cup instant potato flakes

In lg. saucepan place all ingredients, cover & cook over low heat, stirring often for min. of 1-2 hour. Thicken by adding approx. 1 1/2 cups of instant potato flakes. Cook 1/2 hour more.

**

Corn Chowder
Emily N.

2 small onions, chopped
4 slices of bacon
2 celery stalks,chopped
2 potatoes, chopped
4 cups corn (frozen or canned)
4 cups chicken broth
1 Bay leaf
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
2 T. butter
2 T. flour
1 1/2 cups cream or half n half
1 cup grated cheddar cheese

Cook onions, bacon & celery, put in slow cooker. Add potatoes, corn, broth, bay leaf, salt & pepper. Cook on low for 8-10 hours. Take bay leaf out and throw away. On the stove top, melt butter, add the flour so it makes a paste. Cook until light brown. Slowly add the cream to the paste, heat until it thickens. DO NOT BOIL! Move it from the heat, add the cheese and mix until melted. Add this mixture to the slow cooker mixture. Stir well and serve.

**

Chicken Tortilla Soup
Emily Invergo

3 chicken breasts
15 oz jar of salsa
1 can of corn
1 can of black beans

Combine in a crock pot and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 6-8.

After cooking, add brick of low fat cream cheese. Stir in cream cheese and shred chicken.Add 2 cans of chicken broth.

Crinkle tortilla chips over soup and serve.

**

Chicken Wild Rice Soup
Holly W.
2 ribs of celery, chopped
1 shredded carrot
1 onion, chopped
1 small green pepper, chopped
2 T. butter
3 T. flour
1 t. salt
1/2 t. pepper
1 1/2c. cooked wild rice (1/2 box)
1 c. water
1 (10 oz) can condensed chicken broth
1 c. half and half
1/2 c. parsley
2 chicken breasts, cooked and cut in cubes
1/3 c. silvered almonds (optional)

In a 3 qt. saucepan, cook and stir celery, carrot, onion and green pepper in butter until celery is tender. Stir in flour, salt and pepper. Stir in cooked rice, water and broth. Heat to boiling, reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in remaining ingredients.

**

Cheeseburger Soup
Tara Bozarth
1 1/2 cup water
2 cup cubed potatoes
2 small carrots, grated
1 small onion chopped
1/4 cup chopped gr pepper
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 beef bouillon cube or 1 tbsp granules
1/2 tsp salt
1 lb ground beef, cooked and drained
2 1/2 cup milk, divided
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
8 oz process American cheese, cubed (Velveeta)
1/4 to 1 tsp cayenne pepper, optional
1/2 lb sliced bacon, cooked & crumbled

In large saucepan, combine first nine ingredients (to salt); bring to boil. Reduce heat; cover & simmer for 15-20 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Stir in beef and 2 cups milk; heat through. Combine flour and remaining milk until smooth; gradually stir into soup. Bring to boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat; stir in cheese until melted. Add cayenne if desired. Top with bacon just before serving. Yield: 6-8 servings (about 2 quarts).

**

Tomato Zucchini Soup
Kara H.

1.25 lbs. of Italian sausage (casing removed)
1.5 c. sliced celery
4 lbs. tomatoes, peeled (I use 4 cans of diced tomatoes)
1.5 lb. zuccini, cut in 1/4" slices
1.5 c. tomato juice ( I use v-8 juice)
2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. garlic salt
2 green peppers, cut in 1" pieces
1/2 c. shredding mozarella cheese

Brown sausage. Add celery and cook 15 min. Drain off fat. Cut tomatoes in wedges (I use canned, diced tomatoes). Add tomatoes, tomato juice, zucchini and seasonings to sausage. Simmer covered for 20 mins.

**
White Chili
Debbbie W.

One large jar of northern beans (48 oz)
One jar of salsa
1lb of cubed chicken.

Place all of it into a crock pot,stir, simmer on low for 8 hours, stir occasionally. Serve with tortilla chips, shredded cheddar and sour cream.

**

Italian Soup
Bobbie R.

2 lbs italian sausage broken into pieces
1 medium onion chopped
2-3 carrots sliced
2-3 celery stalks chopeed or sliced
1 large can tomatoes, any kind
1 medium can of beans: garbanzo, black, northern whatever is handy
6 cans chicken stock
Italian seasoning
1 box frozen spinach or 1 bag fresh spinach
cheese to garnish

Brown sausage in large pot, add carrots first. Cook for a few minutes then add the rest of vegetables, not spinach. Add stock and seasoning. Simmer until veggies are tender, then add spinach.

MP3s from Souper Saturday

2010-04-12T13:35:00.000-07:00

If you missed Souper Saturday, you can still listen to the audio!

Just click the links below:

Part 1, Alexis H.
Part 2, Terra A.
Part 3, Katie A.

Women's Link video

2010-03-22T09:02:00.000-07:00

If you weren't in the service on Sunday, be sure to watch the video of our Women's Link events from last year!

I am so excited by the response to our next event, Souper Saturday, April 10. You will hear testimonies of three ORDINARY women who have learned to walk in faith through EXTRAORDINARY circumstances.

You also will get to sample the awesome cooking of CrossTown women. We will have soup, salad and desserts! Let me know if you would like to bring something.

To sign-up, just e-mail Women's Link.

Souper Saturday sign up

2010-03-03T08:56:00.000-08:00

You can sign up now to attend Souper Saturday, our next Women's Link Event!

6 to 9 p.m., Saturday, April 10
At the home of Michelle C. (e-mail Women's Link for address)

What happens when life’s ride takes an unexpected twist? Several ORDINARY women will share their personal stories of how they faced EXTRAORDINARY circumstances. We will hear how they grew closer to God and learned to walk in faith through difficult situations.

If you love to cook, would you be willing to bring a crock pot full of SOUP for our group to share? Or how about some bread, salad or dessert? We will be sampling lots of soups and salads. If you would be willing to bring something, please let me know.

But most importantly, start planning now to BRING A FRIEND! This will be a fun evening, with time to get to know other women and be encouraged in our walk with Christ.

Sign up by sending the following info to Women's Link:
YES! I will attend. There is NO cost and NO obligation to bring something!

Name:

Phone and E-mail (if you aren’t in the directory):

**

If you would like to bring something, please let me know:

Soup (we need 6, have 2 already):
Salad (we need 4, have 3 already):
Bread:
Dessert (we need 5, have 1 already):
(2) 2-liter bottles of soft drink (we need 10, have 0):
Bag of ice (we need 1):

A lot of people have asked if they can help with something. I also will need a few people to help with set-up at 5:30 p.m. and clean-up until 9:30 p.m. If you are interested, let me know.

Yes! I will help with
Set-up:
Clean-up:

I really appreciate all of the encouragement and enthusiasm about Women’s Link!

BIBLE STUDY

If you are interested in attending a Tuesday morning Bible study, please let me know by this Friday. We will be going through the Beth Moore study, Living Beyond Yourself. The morning study will begin March 16 and meet at a home in southwest Naperville. Childcare is provided.

I’m also gauging interest in an evening study. Please e-mail Women's Link if you are interested in either of these. We will be ordering the workbooks at the end of the week.

March playgroup schedule

2010-03-01T06:53:00.000-08:00

Join other CrossTown women on Wednesday mornings for playgroup:

March 3 – Jungle Safari indoor playground at the Romeoville Rec. Center – 900 W. Romeo Rd., Romeoville. $1/child for Romeoville resident (must show proof of residency) and $2/kid for non-resident.

March 10 – Kiddie Klub Lane – 1300 S. Main St., Lombard. Visit www.kiddieklublane.com for more information, directions and rates.

March 17 - Beth M.’s house
March 24 –Emily I.’s houseMarch 31 – Brookfield Zoo
If interested, contact Brenna for more information.

Women's Bible study

2010-02-25T06:52:00.000-08:00

Do you struggle to find patience, joy, gentleness or self-control in your daily life? Join other CrossTown women in a Bible study exploring how to develop the fruit of the spirit by maintaining an intimate relationship with the Spirit of God.

We will be studying Beth Moore’s “Living Beyond Yourself”, beginning in March. We will meet on Tuesday mornings at a home in southwest Naperville. Childcare will be provided.

If you are interested in this study, please e-mail Women's Link! The 11-week study will begin March 16.

If you would like to be part of a women’s Bible study, but a weekday morning doesn’t work for you, please e-mail me. We are gauging interest in an evening study, as well.

Hearts at Home

2010-01-30T07:53:00.000-08:00

Attention All Moms:

The Hearts at Home National Conference for moms is coming up on Friday & Saturday, March 12th & 13th, right here in our own state.

It's a great day of encouragement and practical education. Nationally-known speakers such as Jill Savage, Julie Barnhill, and Mary DeMuth will be presenting workshops and keynotes on topics that run from marriage and parenting to friendship and fashion.

We're gathering a group of moms to head down state for the conference and if you'd like to join us, we'd love to have you. For more information on the conference, and to register, go to http://www.heartsathome.org.

The Early One-Day Registration rate is $85 if booked by February 10th. Slots fill up quickly, so make your plans now.

If you would like to attend with other CrossTown women, please e-mail Women's Link.

Another Event - Don't Miss It!

2009-07-15T07:49:00.000-07:00

Girlfriends, Get Your Game On:
Not Your Ordinary Game Night
Saturday, August 15th from 6 to 9pm
at the conference room of Showalter Roofing

Even if this summer is not blazing hot, it is blazing by. Before it ends, Women's Link wants to capture the fun of summer by inviting you to an event you won't want to miss. We promise an evening of fun, laughter and food - what all that entails...well, we're not saying. But we do guarantee that it will not be your ordinary game night. So break out your competitive spirit and get your game on, girlfriend! We want to see you there!

Watch your inbox for an official evite or contact Women's Link to sign up: ctcwomenslink@gmail.com

SOS Talks in mp3 format

2009-07-15T07:47:00.000-07:00

If you missed the SOS (Sharing Our Secrets) event and didn't get a CD, we have links to mp3's of each of the two CD's. Check them out on the sidebar. And if you want us to send you the handouts, shoot us an email and we'll get them to you (ctcwomenslink@gmail.com).

Next Book Club

2009-07-08T05:42:00.001-07:00

The CrossTown Women’s Book Club (usually) meets the first Monday of the month at various locations.

We just finished reading The Suburban Christian. Our next book is The Secret Life of Bees. We will be meeting Aug. 10 at 7 p.m.

Please contact Emily or Lara if you would like to join the book club at ctcwomenslink@gmail.com. We always have a lively discussion and good food! We would love to have you join us!

Playgroup in the park

2009-07-08T05:41:00.001-07:00

Summer playgroup meets from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Wednesdays this summer!

Here is the schedule:

July 8 Bradford Park -- Bradford Place and Quail Run (off of Weber) BB

July 15 Winston Woods -- 197 Winston Drive (across from Wood View School) BB

July 22 Liberty Park -- Orchard Drive and Clifton Lane BB

July 29 Conservation Park – Belmont Dr and Beverly Dr Romeoville

August 5 Jaycee Park—Lily Cache and Schmidt (across from Bolingbrook High School)

August 12 Pioneer Park --1470 Raven Drive (across from Pioneer school) BB

August 19 TY Warner Spray Park -- The corner of Plaza Drive and Blackhawk Dr in Westmont Tot playground and zero depth pool
http://www.wpd4fun.org/Facilities/Ty-Warner-Park-Spray-Park.htm
Meet there at 10 AM

SOS on CD

2009-07-08T05:40:00.000-07:00

If you missed Sharing Our Secrets, the June women’s event, you can get caught up on all of this great information! We have heard so much encouraging feedback from those who were able to attend!

Stop by the information table on Sunday to pick up a CD, as well as the hand-outs from the event. Or e-mail Emily or Lara for more info at ctcwomenslink@gmail.com.

SOS on Saturday

2009-06-10T15:29:00.000-07:00

We are so excited about the GREAT response to our Women's Link event THIS SATURDAY from 9 a.m. to Noon at the church office.

If you haven't registered yet, just send us an e-mail. There's still time.

Here is what you don't want to miss:

S.O.S - Sharing Our Secrets

Help! I'm Sinking!
20 min talk by Emily Neal
Tips to take control of your daily schedule and get things organized.
How to create weekly priorities, set goals and create a system that works for you and rewarding yourself!

We're All in the Same Boat!
20 min. talk by Kara Haas
Come gain a vision of how learning to share (and receive) can rock your world and the world around you!
We will take a closer look at the Acts 2 church...How did they share everything and nobody had any need? Can CTC really do that?? Yes we can! Come hear practical tips on how to start!

Not Getting Caught in the Undertow
10 min. Testimony by Cheryl Lynn Cain
One woman's story of how she was convicted to stop buying herself clothes for a year!

These Aren't Uncharted Waters
20 min talk by Emily Sault
Practical tips on how to stretch meals, do more with less and use the old fashioned tricks our mothers (and grandmothers) used!

God in the Galley
20 min talk by Lara Krupicka
Don't let the grocery bill pull you under. Come here practical tips on how to use coupons to cut your grocery bill by as much as 30%! How can you get stuff for free!? How the internet can save you on your grocery bill!

Anchored in the Rock
10 min testimony by Julie Holtz
In rough times, it can be hard to give, but we can give and give dangerously! Julie will share her testimony on how God's blessed her family through giving.

---------

We will have a time for refection and try to go home with ONE THING to help us in our daily lives.

It's No Secret - You Could Win a Special Prize

2009-05-19T11:53:00.000-07:00

If you're planning on attending the SOS (Sharing Our Secrets) Women's Link event on June 13th (details here), sign up by June 1st and you'll be entered in a drawing for a special prize.

Remember, this event is FREE! You can sign up by emailing us at ctcwomenslink@gmail.com and simply say, "Sign me up!". Or check out the table in the lobby after the service the next two Sundays (May 24th & May 31st) for your chance to register for this event.

SOS! Calling all CTC Women!

2009-05-05T13:35:00.000-07:00

Ever feel like you are sinking?
Do you need ideas to help organize your time, cut your grocery bill, stretch your budget?
Then it’s time for SOS!

SOS(Sharing Our Secrets):Tips to TRANSFORM your thinking, build your TRUST in God & help you THRIVE in TOUGH TIMES

This practical workshop is intended to help us as women to find ways to not only cope with the tough economic situations we face today but thrive and come alongside others to share the burden. Several CrossTown women will share their secrets about: organizing & planning, how to save on groceries, giving to God when money is tight and tips for stretching your dollar the old-fashioned way, all with a focus on how these things equip us to be salt and light to our Body and our World. We hope you will come and learn something new that will have you praising God in the midst of what the world calls a “crisis”.

Saturday, June 13th 9 am to Noon at the Church Office

For more information, contact Women's Link at ctcwomenslink@gmail.com.

Save the Date

2009-04-29T13:42:00.000-07:00

S.O.S. (Sharing Our Secrets): Tips to TRANSFORM your thinking, build your TRUST in God and have you THRIVING in TOUGH TIMES

This seminar will take place on Saturday, June 13th from 9am to Noon at the CrossTown Church Office. All women are welcome to attend. This event is FREE!

For more information, contact the Women's Link Coordinators (Emily Neal or Lara Krupicka).

Next Book Club

2009-04-09T06:43:00.000-07:00

Are you interested in joining women at CTC for a book club?

Our next meeting is Monday, May 4. We will be discussing the book, "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver.

If you are interesting in becoming part of the book club, please contact us for more details at ctcwomenslink @ gmail . com.

YUM! Cream cheese squares!

2009-02-24T12:17:00.000-08:00

Well, we learn more at our Tuesday morning Bible study than just our awesome lessons from the book of Esther. We also find out how to make the tasty treats women bring each week for our snack!

This is my recipe for Cream Cheese Squares. It is super simple, but everyone seems to love it!

Ingredients:

2 (8 ounce) cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese
1 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup margarine, melted
1/4 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9x13 inch pan.
Press one can of the crescent rolls into the bottom of the prepared pan. In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese, 1 cup of sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Spread over the crescent layer. Unroll the second can of crescent rolls and lay them on top of the cream cheese layer. Do not press down. Pour the melted margarine over the entire pan. Combine the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle over the top.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the top is crisp and golden.

Do you have a great recipe that is simple and always seems to turn out great? Post it in the comments section! We would love to hear about it.

What's new with Women's Link?

2009-02-22T11:47:00.000-08:00

Hi Ladies,

Thank you to everyone who has been regularly checking the Women's Link blog! I'm hoping we can start updating it on a more regular basis to create some community online.

The women's Bible study is in full swing now. We are so thankful that God provided us with this wonderful study on the book of Esther, babysitters (YEA!), a great host home and an amazing group of women who gather on Tuesday mornings.

If you are looking for some direction for your personal study, the Beth Moore study would be wonderful to pursue on your own! Perhaps after we are done, we could loan out the DVDs or form another group to go through the study together.

We also will be meeting for our book club for the first time on March 2. We are reading the book, The Shack, which should provide some lively discussion! If you are interested in joining the book club, please let us know!

Finally, please continue to pray for Baby Kendall. We are so thankful that she has been improving the past few days, but please pray that God also would give her doctors wisdom in determining the cause of her breathing problems.

Please let us know if you have any ideas, comments or suggestions about Women's Link. You can e-mail us at ctcwomenslink@gmail.com.

Love,
Emily and Lara

Hearts at Home National Conference

2009-01-24T08:00:00.000-08:00

Calling all moms (and moms-to-be)! Mark your calendars for the annual Hearts at Home National conference. This conference for moms, held every year in Bloomington, IL is coming up on March 13-14. General sessions with speakers such as Jill Savage & Dr. Kevin Leman, along with practical workshops (among them: "Raising Financially Savvy Kids" & "Setting a Standard for Purity") bring you training and encouragement in the toughest job you've ever had - motherhood.

If you're interested in attending or want more information talk to Emily Neal (630-226-0699) or Lara Krupicka (630-357-7265). Or check out the website: www.hearts-at-home.org.

Book club

2009-01-21T06:00:00.000-08:00

We are starting to hear some interest in the idea of starting a book club!

The group would meet once a month in the evening to discuss books chosen by the group. Those attending the group would help with hosting, bringing snacks and deciding what books to read. We would try to read one book a month.

We would like to find out how many people are interested and then schedule a time to get together for coffee to discuss the details of the group.

If you are interested, e-mail us for more details: ctcwomenslink at gmail dot com (written as an e-mail with no spaces).

Looking for a sitter

2009-01-21T05:58:00.001-08:00

We are looking for a student or adult who would like to make a little extra money (and provide a HUGE blessing to CTC women) by babysitting during our Women's Bible study.

The study will meet from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on Tuesday mornings in southwest Naperville.

If you are interested, e-mail us for more details: ctcwomenslink at gmail dot com (written as an e-mail with no spaces).

Thanks!!

Purity in Heart conference

2009-01-21T05:48:00.000-08:00

If you are interested in attending this conference, please let us know! We will hook you up with other women who are planning to attend:

Calling all moms, grandmothers, and friends of “tweens”

If you want to help your tween (7-12 year-old-girl) stay morally pure, but feel inadequate for the task, Pure In Heart is for you! Bring your tween to this day-long conference and captivate her heart before the world does. Ignite a passion for purity in her as she explores her identity as a beloved daughter of the King!

Come Saturday, April 18, 2009 to . . .

Harvest Bible Chapel
3800 East 53rd Street
Davenport, IA 52807
563-359-5333

Adults: Just $25 if you register by March 23, 2009!
Tweens: Just $20!
*Cost includes lunch and conference materials.

Women's Bible study - DETAILS!

2009-01-21T05:46:00.000-08:00

We are so excited about getting started with the Women’s Bible Study next Tuesday, Jan. 27!

We will meet from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at the home of Sarah West, 4420 Buttermilk Ct., Naperville.

We have 11 women signed up for the study, which we believe will be a great sized group to allow for discussion. We will be watching a short video segment each week of Beth Moore and then going through the study together. We will bring the books to the first meeting. The cost is $15.

We have not had any success finding a babysitter for the group, so we have a couple of options:

First, let us know if you know of a homeschooler or an adult who would like to make some extra money by sitting during the study.

Until we find someone, we will set up a rotation with the women who have children to take turns as the babysitter. We realize that the women with newborns probably won’t be able to help, so please don’t feel bad! We all have our seasons in life where we can do more!

Please continue to pray along with Lara and I that the childcare would go smoothly, whether that means finding a babysitter or taking turns with childcare!

Please also let us know if you have any other ideas of suggestions!

Lara and I have been praying for the study and we are thankful for the group God is bringing together.

We will be ordering the books this afternoon, so if you know of anyone else who would like to join us, or if your plans have changed, please let us know!

Registration form

2009-01-05T11:08:00.000-08:00

We are so excited about all of the positive response to the Women's Bible Study.

We need to order the books mid-January to make sure we have them in time. If you are planning to attend, please let us know.

Here is a registration form that you can submit, using this e-mail.

Name:

Phone Number:

E-mail address:

Name and ages of children who will need childcare:

Register now for Bible study!!

2008-12-30T12:33:00.000-08:00

Registration has begun for a new Women's Bible Study, which will begin Jan. 27. We will meet Tuesday mornings at the home of Sarah West in southwest Naperville.

We will be studying Beth Moore's brand-new study: Esther: It's Tough Being a Woman. "Going up against heavyweights bent on her destruction, Esther trusted God and landed a blow that saved her people. The Old Testament story of Esther is a profile in courage and contains many modern parallels for today's woman. Esther's destiny can be yours as you know more deeply the God who is in your corner."

Childcare will be provided. Cost to attend will be $15 for the workbook, as well as childcare costs (to be determined). We would like to order the workbooks by Jan. 15, so if you could sign up by then, we would appreciate it!

To register, please send an e-mail with your name, phone number and e-mail address.

In the works...

2008-12-30T12:29:00.000-08:00

Would you be interested in participating in a monthly book club with other CrossTown women? We are envisioning a group that would meet in the evening to discuss a book with a spiritual emphasis. If you are interested, please leave a comment or e-mail us.

Coming up in February... We are planning our next Women's Link event for late February. Would you be more likely to attend an overnight retreat, a one-day event or a morning-only event? Please leave a comment or e-mail us.

Please also let us know if you would like to help with the planning of our next event. It's a lot of fun!!

Winter Wonderland

2008-12-30T12:09:00.001-08:00

Wow! The Women's Link Christmas Event was so much fun! We will be putting together a photo slide show, but here's a sneak peek!

The decor for our Winter Wonderland theme was amazing! If you would like to see even more pictures, click here.

Thank you to our amazing decorators: Jolie, Caryl, Emily S., Lori, Lara and Emily N. And thank you to Michele for putting together our beautiful centerpiece!

And thank you so much to Julie who made the hot cocoa mix and the cute little packaging for these take-home gifts for every woman who attended!!

A big thank you to Lara for putting together our devotional for the evening!

And to Carrie K. for making these take-home cards for each woman to "Unwrap the Gift" at home.

Huge thanks to our greeters, bakers, and hospitality crew: Debbie, Julie, Tracy and Caryl!
Thank you to Carrie, our photographer!
Can you believe we made everyone cook?!?

But it was all in good fun!

And thank you to everyone who attended! Will you leave us a comment with your feedback? We would love to hear from you.

Love, Emily and Lara

Unwrapping the Gift

2008-11-18T13:17:00.000-08:00

Before you get all wrapped up in the frenzy of holiday activities, set the mood for the season by joining us as we unwrap God's gift. Come dressed in your holiday best and get ready to experience an evening in a Winter Wonderland.

Please join us:
7 p.m. December 5

The conference room at
Showalter Roofing
25W048 Ramm Dr.
Naperville

Please RSVP by Nov. 30 to ctcwomenslink@gmail.com.

Bring a friend!

True Woman '08 Photos

2008-11-02T11:04:00.000-08:00

It was great to be together for the True Woman '08 conference.

30 Day True Woman Makeover

2008-10-11T17:58:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all the women who came to our first Women's Link event. It was such a pleasure to see all your faces bright and early this morning.

Technical difficulties notwithstanding, it seemed like we were all challenged by something Nancy Leigh DeMoss shared. I know I'm still processing her teachings on Esther about the things of earth that we can see versus the unseen things of God's kingdom. I, for one, tend to dwell too much on what's right in front of me. I think we heard her quote John Piper saying, “In every situation, God is always doing a thousand different things that you cannot see and you do not know" in both of the messages we heard this morning (or at least it applied to both quite well). Hmmm... is God trying to say something there?

I'm also looking forward to getting the "makeover" emails for the next 30 days. I feel like I could use the ongoing challenge/encouragement to live differently in light of what I've learned -- to live according to God's plan and design for me as a woman. If you are interested in doing the same, whether you were with us this morning or not, you can sign up for the makeover at the True Woman website, under "Join the Movement" (or click one of the links I've provided here).

In all of this and in all of us, may God be glorified!

Getting Ready

2008-10-08T11:15:00.000-07:00

Our first Women's Link event is coming up on Saturday and we are so excited. The opportunity to learn and be challenged as women of God by someone like Nancy Leigh DeMoss will be such a blessing. But perhaps at this point you're wondering what to expect. What is True Woman '08 about?

Whether you'll be joining us this Saturday or not, I'd encourage you to take a look at the entries on the True Woman '08 blog from the past 40 days (starting with Day 40 on 8/30/08). Each of the entries is a mini study from the Bible on what it means to be a woman according to God's design. Check out one or two, or even more as time permits. And if you learn something there that you'd like to share with the women of CrossTown, feel free to put your thoughts in the comments beneath this post.

God bless your week! We are praying for you and for what God will bring before us through the True Woman '08 conference in the next several days.

October GEMS gathering

2008-10-01T07:56:00.000-07:00

Our very own Lara Krupicka will be the speaker at this month's GEMS meeting in Naperville.

Lara will be speaking on the topic, "Filling Your Heart's Treasury" at the gathering , which begins at 9 a.m. Oct. 17 at Grace Pointe Church in Naperville.

She’ll be sharing about the benefits that come from inviting God to write His Word on our hearts, along with tips for making Scripture memory a part of our everyday lives.

And whether you’re great at memorizing or can’t even remember what you had for lunch today, you’ll be encouraged to grow your love for God’s Word.

If you want to attend, you need to register your children for the Nuggets program by this Friday, Oct. 3. E-mail Women's Link for the registration form and more info.

GEMS is a nondenominational group that meets the third Friday of every month with topics on parenting and spiritual growth.

Monthly registration cost:
1 child @ $5
1 mom @ $3
2 children @ $10
+ 1mom = $13
3 or more children @$15 + 1 mom @$3 = $18

Bring a friend!

2008-10-01T07:53:00.000-07:00

We are so excited about the positive response we are getting to the TrueWoman08 video feed on Oct. 11.

Please make sure you are inviting your friends!! Anyone who does not regularly attend CrossTown can attend for only $10.

If you know already you are planning to come, please go ahead and e-mail us or respond to the evite. If you aren't sure, you can still sign up at church on Sunday, Oct. 5.

We are looking forward to a great event, as well as a relaxing time of fellowship!

Welcome to Women's Link!

2008-09-25T06:35:00.000-07:00

We are so excited to be partnering with you as the Women's Link ministry team for CrossTown Church.

Our vision is to help women connect to God and make connections with other women. We hope to do that in several ways. We want to:

Inspire, encourage and motivate women to follow Christ.
Plan events throughout the year that will give women a chance to get to know those outside of their small groups.
Support women who have an idea for an event that appeals to women, such as a Bible study, play group, retreat, etc.
Attract people outside of CTC.
Have fun.

The Women's Link blog is one way we want to keep you up-to-date on what is happening in this new ministry area! This is where you will find news about events, as well as devotions, reading suggestions, photos and updates about what is going on with the women at CTC.

We also would love to hear your feedback! We will be asking for your opinions, and we always love to hear your comments.

We hope you will join us for our kick-off event on Saturday, Oct. 11. We will be "attending" the True Woman '08 conference via a live video feed in our own cozy, private setting in the banquet room at Boughton Ridge golf course. Please look for an evite in your e-mail box or sign up at church on Oct. 5.

The cost is $15, which includes a wonderful breakfast buffet. E-mail us or post a comment on this blog to let us know if you can attend! Please bring your friends! Anyone who does not regularly attend CrossTown can attend for only $10.

We are excited to see you then!

Blessings!
Emily and Lara