Mindy Rynbrandt, director of women's ministries

...According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled and unfading kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 1 Peter 1:3-5

OUR HOPE IN CHRIST

There is perhaps no virtue that can transform a person’s perspective more than that of Christian hope. Not hope defined as positive or wishful thinking, rather a hope that is rooted in the belief that Christ’s work on the cross on my behalf not only changes my eternity, but also the way I live and experience life today. This concept of hope has long been the message of the church, and within women’s ministries, we’ve sought to fix our eyes upon this hope throughout this past year.

On Saturdays this year during our Women’s Monthly Gathering we’ve wrestled with the question, “How does my eternal hope change how I live my life today?” We’ve looked at how the Bible speaks to this question as applied to our work, our suffering, our relationships and our identity. Through teaching, testimonies and roundtable conversations we’ve sought to make the biblical concept of hope come alive. Intentional time set aside with sisters to ponder and reflect on our eternal hope has led to rich, personal, encouraging conversations which have proven to be high points of this past year.

At the end of February, women gathered at The Abbey Resort in beautiful Fontana, WI, to explore hope through the lens of desire. We considered what it means to submit our longings and desires to the sovereign rule of God. Through teaching, testimony, worship and fellowship we sought to explore and apply this concept of hope within the context of community. Organizing an off-site retreat amidst a COVID surge was no small feat, and I would like to extend my appreciation to the excellent retreat team for its efforts in pulling off such a special weekend.

On Mondays this year, the mentors and moms in our Mom2Mom program have gathered to encourage, support and point one another to the hope we have through Jesus as applied in the vocation of mothering. Whether for topical discussions or playdates, each week moms have gathered to encourage one another to fix our gaze on the hope we have in Christ. Particularly as we emerge from the isolation of the pandemic, these gatherings have fostered much needed support and community.

And together, in our weekly Women’s Bible Study program, we’ve seen the hope of Christ as evidenced throughout the unfolding biblical story and through Jesus’ first words of teaching to his gathered disciples in his famous Beatitudes found in the Sermon on the Mount. From both a bird’s-eye view and an up-close verse by verse examination, we’ve gained clarity on this living hope— experienced in part now, and forever in eternity. Perhaps because of pandemic strain, our small group leaders have consistently noted the heavy burdens many in their small groups are carrying and with the increased vulnerability, the beautiful ways in which women are coming alongside one another, linking arms, and pointing one another to Jesus.

“May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you.” (Ps 33:22, NIV) As we wrap up this year of ministry and embark upon the next, may we faithfully encourage one another to cling to Jesus, our living hope.