Page 8 • christianvoicemonthly.com • May 2017
Traditional High Tea & Raffle Supports PEO, Women's Education Ladies, are you looking for an excuse to adorn yourself with pearls and don a fancy hat? If so, grab your gal pals for a traditional High Tea on Saturday, May 13 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Riverview United Methodist Church. The local Chapter AM-DV of P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization) International is hosting the High Tea as a fundraising event to support and celebrate the advancement of women in education. Since 1869, P.E.O. International has helped tens of thousands of women achieve their educational goals through scholarships, grants, and low-interest loans. The Sisterhood originated in Iowa with only seven members. Today, the organization consists of nearly a quarter of a million members in thousands of chapters hailing from all 50 states and Canada. Fran Carillo, the former president of the local Chapter AM-DV, expressed much gratitude for the organization as she shared her special connection. “I went to college at the age of 37. When I was doing my teaching internship in 1978, the chapter nominated me for a Program of Continuing Education grant. At the time, I wasn’t working because of my internship, so the money really helped. ... Then when I retired 20 years
By Amanda Boston
Live Like You Mean It We Are Children Of Promise!
By Derek Maul
P.E.O. International is a philanthropic organization assisting women in educational pursuits through grants, scholarships and loans.
later from teaching, I joined P.E.O. to help other women. I have been a member since 1999,” Carrillo said. The High Tea will feature varieties of teas accompanied by scones served with clotted cream and jam, chocolate-covered strawberries and other assorted desserts. For those with savory palates, the menu will include pinwheel sandwiches, chicken salad croissant sandwiches, and cucumber sandwiches. The elegant event will boast traditional fine China table settings, beautifully hand-made boxed candy favors and lovely photo opportunities. Additionally, guests can expect door prizes, a raffle for themed baskets, and a 50/50 raffle, adding to the fun and benefitting the noble cause. Tea ticket prices are $20 per person, with the proceeds going towards scholarships for young women. Tickets are sold as single seats, but you may reserve a table for a group of six or eight women. The church is located at 8002 US Hwy. 301 S. in Riverview. Contact Connie Mosley at 766-7104 or Fran Carrillo at 677-6836. Visit www.peointernational.org.
“Now we too, brothers and sisters, like Isaac, are children of promise.” – Galatians 4:2 A couple of weeks back, my mother spent a few days in the hospital. The week was long, grueling, and often frustrating, full with tests and examinations and consultations. The bottom line is that we now know a lot more about why my mother has not been feeling well, what to look for going forward, why going to the emergency room was exactly the right thing to do given her symptoms, and why we want to absolutely avoid being admitted to the hospital ever again if at all possible. I also learned more about how faith plays in. I believe that divine healing is something real; but we are mortal beings, and our identity as Children of Promise is more far-reaching, challenging, and complete than good check-ups and an easy life. In fact, I’d argue that living into my calling to be a disciple of Jesus is far more likely to set me up for a life of challenge than it is a life of ease. God does not steer us around the valley and the shadow, but God’s promise is, “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are
close beside me” (Psalm 23:4). These are words to live by; these are words to struggle by; these are words to struggle with; these are words to encourage us; these are words to give us courage. What we need is not so much physical healing (it’s only temporary, even Lazarus died again later) what we need is courage. And courage is part of our identity as Children of Promise. To live well is not to live pain free, or trouble free; to live well is to live into our identity as Children of Promise. We are a people called to follow Jesus, called to live as God’s own children, called to represent light, and love, and hope, and grace. We are called to not only be disciples, but to look like – to be recognizable as – Children of Promise! Derek Maul has written for many news outlets, including the Tampa Tribune, The United Methodist News Service, All Pro Dad, FOCUS Magazine, Newsweek, USA Today, The Christian Science Monitor, Presbyterians Today, Guideposts, Chicken Soup for the Soul and many other publications. Read Derek Maul’s daily blog posts at www.derekmaul.wordpress.com