Intentional Churches Cooking for Dummies
by Cindy Loewen
Women of Waldheim (WOW) is a community women’s ministry with a vision to empower women to be all God intends for them to be. We exist to share Christ’s love, to connect women and embrace them in love, to walk with them as they meet and grow in their walk with Christ, as well as to engage women in various facets of ministry — large group events, small group events, Bible studies, prayer, and various outreaches. “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Je- sus Christ. Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God” (Romans 15:5-7 NIV). One facet of ministry grew out of the strong desire in our com-
munity for ‘connectedness’ among women — to build relation- ships with other women; for women to feel a part of something; the need to laugh with other women; and to relate to each other. Tis particular outreach became Cooking for Dummies. Cooking for Dummies is a ministry that teaches something practical while connecting women in relationships. Cooking for Dummies is entering its fourth year. Typically, six classes are offered per year with a maximum of
five ladies per class plus one leader. Classes are kept small so it’s comfortable to visit, laugh and share together. Each class focuses on a specific food type such as: Spring Rolls, Buns, Soup, Pies, Freezer Meals or Perogies. Leaders are recruited, not only because of their skill in the kitchen, but because they love the Lord and show a desire to serve him. Our goal is not so much the cooking, but the relationships that are built in a practical and non-threat- ening environment as we seek to share who Christ is in a tangible way. Both churched and un-churched ladies join us for these
classes. Liz Schmidt explained, “Cooking for Dummies is a fun evening of cooking and hanging out with friends. I enjoy the time I get to visit, and I take home some delicious food and some new kitchen skills as well!” Once the leaders are in place, posters are designed, and classes
are advertised. Te spots fill up quickly, and almost always some names are on a waiting list. Each class has a set dollar amount (very affordable) to cover the cost of the ingredients. Te classes meet in one of the churches in our community or in one of the leader’s homes. When the ladies meet for their class, the leader walks them through the steps of what they are making, and then they enjoy cooking, baking, sharing and eating together. Of course, they also take some home for their families to enjoy! I love hearing how the evening went for the ladies — they have felt welcomed, loved, and have gone away with some practical kitchen knowledge. Some ladies may already know how to make buns or pies — but they go to fellowship, connect with and meet other ladies. Karin Cameron summed up the class: “I found Cooking for
Dummies to be informative, helpful and fun. Not only did it boost my cooking confidence and further develop my meal plan- ning skills, I also was able to meet new people in my community.” We continue to pray for this ministry and look forward to how God will continue to use Cooking for Dummies for his glory!
Cindy Loewen is the co-chair of Women of Waldheim (WOW). She and her husband Bryan attend Salem Church along with their two children Shylah (six years) and Hunter (four years). Cindy is blessed to be a stay-at-home mom; is involved in both church ministries and community programs; and enjoys sports, reading and spending time with family and fiends.
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Fellowship Focus, January/February 2017
FellowshipForward.org
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