Unlimited in Action! at Cedar Park

Cedar Park Church
Bothell, Washington

By Caitlin Pedersen

With the promise of the dreaded flu season being nearly over and the hint of t-shirt and sandal weather creeping around the corner, the Women’s Ministries team at Cedar Park has found an exciting and informative way to help women maintain their own health as well as the health of their families throughout the year.

Each early spring, Cedar Park brings in health-related speakers, health-related vendors and consultants to offer a wide variety of tips and suggestions varying from nutrition and exercise, to blood pressure checks and self-defense. The seminar ends with a mental, spiritual and emotional health check-up and gives the opportunity for those willing to receive Christ.

Later in the spring, Cedar Park’s Women’s Ministries hosts a Tea Party, which consists of a luncheon fellowship with a guest speaker. Partnering with the Cedar Park Counseling Network for the upcoming event to raise money for families in need, Women’s Ministries is organizing an auction, taking donations, and developing a scholarship program.

Cedar Park’s ministry to women doesn’t end there. Reflections is a workshop for aspiring writers who want to pursue their talents but don’t know where to get started. They meet weekly on Saturdays and learn new writing techniques. Needlecrafters have an opportunity to witness to the un-churched “crafters” in a hostess’ home and spend relaxing quality time together.

For those internationally focused, Women with a Heart for Missions follow the exciting journeys of missionary wives stateside and overseas. They frequently invite women from the mission field to come and share their heart and pray fervently for missionaries all over the world. Military Moms is a ministry for family members of those in the military to pray and encourage one another in the absence of their loved ones.

Drawing on the need for relational intimacy between sisters in Christ, The Well draws women of all ages to worship, share their testimonies and encourage one another in friendship and love. What a refreshing drink for those whose thirst for Christ seems unquenchable! Similarly, Tuesday Morning Bible studies are held, with the primary purpose of this group being prayer and relationship building. “The range of our prayers has stretched from sick puppies to dying husbands.” Tuesday’s group leader, Becky Smith says, “We have seen several babies born to infertile women in our group, we have seen answers to prayer for salvation in family members, [we’ve interceded for] divorce, jobs and sicknesses. I don’t think there’s anything we haven’t prayed for!”

Carole Sue Swanson, the director of Women’s Ministries on the Bothell campus is the glue that holds everything together. In addition to a full-time job in sales, Swanson oversees the Women’s Ministries Web site, the kiosk in the church foyer for both morning and evening services, the writing workshops, the health seminar and the various special events held for the women of Cedar Park. She says her favorite part of Women’s Ministries is the, “unlimited opportunities to promote ministry to women through fellowship, Bible Study, activities, and any other way I can. I’ve developed many close, personal friendships through my position and I’ve been blessed with many wonderful mentors.”

To find out more about the various programs for women at Cedar Park, visit their Web site at http://www.cedarpark.org or e-mail them at womensministry@cedarpark.org.