Women's Luncheon - Beauty for Ashes

There was an excitement in the air and another beautiful spring day in Mississippi. Everything was perfect for the monthly Bay St. Louis Women’s Luncheon!  

Mel Mitchell was this months host and 42 women celebrated the day.  As always we prayed for people, special needs and closed with the Lord’s Prayer. We began with community action items, like getting involved in local politics such as the Mayor’s race and City Councilman.  The women were also encouraged to welcome volunteers to the community.  This month Bay St. Louis has over 1,000 volunteers between SOAR, Habitat and Lagniappe.  Lots of work getting done and everyone in the community is so grateful for the love and support.
 
We collected food items for the local food bank.  We welcomed back women who had been absent and welcomed new friends to the crowd.  Bonnie Ringdahl had donated a beautiful hand crafted bird house for a raffle to support the monthly craft and supplies. A total of $107 was raised.

It has been decided by the women to meet monthly and that each month they will collect items for the food pantry and send all left over food to the local home for foster children. Outreach to the community is our theme for this year!
 
It was discussed to do a food drive for the food pantry at Wal-Mart again, so check back for more information on next month's drive.

As we sat around the table and celebrated the future, I realized how little the talk of Katrina is now on the tongue. Hearts have opened up to serve one other with LOVE.   Mother Teresa has it right, “Do ordinary things, with extraordinary LOVE." I am so thankful to God for allowing me to remain here in the Bay and watch the community rise from the ashes.  

Beauty for Ashes, what an AMAZING GOD we serve. Check out our Memories section of our Web site for more photos from the day and other events.