Note to the reader: Distribute 1/4 size (around 4-1/4 x 5-1/2 inch) sheets of paper and pens at each table, 1 per person.
Hello, everyone. February is the month most associated with the word “love.” Please take a piece of paper and pen placed at your table. In the center of the paper, draw a heart and write your name inside it. Next, draw a circle of hearts around your heart and label each with the name of a place where you go frequently. (Pause and give listeners a little time.) These are places you can show love and kindness in different ways.
Today, I’m going to tell you about a group of Oklahoma women who intentionally connect with women in different places in their community to show them love. These Stonecroft women have found that when they hold Bible studies in various locations, they can connect with more women.
The group had held a Bible Study in the local YMCA where they connected with women they wouldn’t have otherwise. After a while, it was time to move to a new place where they could connect with more women. Now, they’re meeting at a facility that hosts a women’s mentoring program. Some of the women in the mentorship program now attend the Bible study and the group has grown. More importantly, they’re making a difference.
One grateful study participant said, “I just needed a place where I could go to share what’s going on in my life and have someone pray with me.”
That’s what makes Stonecroft important to our world. We help each other reach into our communities to provide loving connections and make a difference in someone’s life.
When we give to Stonecroft, we help women get connected in our communities and across the country. Stonecroft provides training and resources for women to reach others where they are, as they are. It takes $137 to inspire, encircle, and equip one woman to build connections and show love. That’s $11.50 a month.
Won’t you help us support women in these efforts? Be assured, every dollar we give today counts to help provide authentic, loving connections.
Your tax-deductible gifts can be placed in the envelopes. On the envelope flap, you have the opportunity to make a one-time gift or a monthly donation, such as $11.50. You can make your donation by credit card, check, or cash. If using cash, please provide your information on the envelope flap. You will receive a receipt. Your table host is passing around a larger envelope to receive your envelope.
When you take your paper home today, feel free to draw more hearts and write down ways you can show love in these places, even if it’s something as simple as learning someone’s name and giving her a smile.
Thank you for helping to bring love and connection to others.