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Germany: New Look "Frauenwerk"
The German Woman’s Union is presenting itself with a new look!
The German Woman’s Union is presenting itself with a new look!
Dear Sisters, since last year, a lot has happened in the "Frauenwerk"
in Germany. We had been considering for quite some time, how we could
manage to get younger women interested in the "Frauenwerk", in addition
to the existing group of older women. We reflected and thought
critically about what we ought to change. In this process, we
repeatedly asked for God's will and guidance, and let ourselves be
guided and led by Him, step by step. As we had suspected, it wasn't an
easy or painless thing to do. We, the women in the council, are all
very different and have our own ideas and expectations. We sometimes
argued and debated particular words until we were all satisfied and
could agree on our new look and image. During this process of change,
we were, and still are well supported by two consultants.
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One
of the consultants is a pastor in our organisation, and trains
managers, the other consultant is in charge of a parish and advises
companies.
Now we would like to present our results so far. For the year 2010,
we've published a program which looks very different to our previous
ones. We're presenting ourselves with an eye-catching and strong pink
colour, and are already receiving attention for this. We're promoting
ourselves with the slogan: "Changing the World for Jesus" isn't the
result of magic; in many important areas it's simply the result of
women's work! Since we're not just changing ourselves on the outside,
but also want to stand for something new in terms of content, this year
(for the first time), we're offering a holiday break for our young
widows with children. This holiday break is already booked out, and we
hope that God can be a help and comfort for this particular situation
in these people's lives.
There have also been changes in our staff. As a spokesperson, we've
employed a young pastor, Nicole Witzemann, from April 1st 2010. She'll
start off with 10 hours a week part-time, eventually working up to
about 20 hours a week, part-time. We're expecting spiritual and
religious stimulus and ideas from her, for our work and support in
setting up networks of women in parishes. Our clerical assistant of
many years' standing, Cornelia Nikesch, is retiring at the end of May.
She has worked for the "Frauenwerk" for 12 years. She has thought and
planned with us, and performed the various tasks of her work
competently. With Cornelia Nikesch's departure, our office is moving
from Bad Homburg to Elstal, near Berlin, where our national
headquarters are located. The office duties will be taken over by
Manuela Streck from the end of May.
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On
that note, we would like to thank Cornelia as well as our two new staff
members. May our heavenly Father bless them and give them joy in their
new tasks for the "Frauenwerk".
Finally, we would like to let you know about our brand new project.
From November 5th to 7th 2010, the first ever Baptist Women's Congress
will be taking place. Besides interesting talks, female models, a photo
shooting, a gala evening with a gala dinner, we, the women of the
"Frauenwerk", would like to present our new program for 2011 and hope
to get some ideas and inspiration from the women present. We're
expecting up to 500 participants of all generations and will conclude
the congress on Sunday with a service. On our program and invitations,
we're promoting ourselves with the 3 "P's". As women, we would like to
take a stand (from German "positionieren"), to create an image for
ourselves (from German "profilieren") and to polarise. We want to take
a stand on our beliefs and on Jesus Christ. We want to create an image
for ourselves, that means to be unambiguous in our actions, which are
based on the love of Christ. When we take a clear stand and create an
image for ourselves, we polarise automatically, as Jesus said "He who
is not with me is against me".
Dear Sisters, up to now we've received only a positive response.
Our new appearance is attracting attention and we are motivated to
carry on in this manner. We would like to encourage you to take the
plunge as well, trusting that God is with you. When women stick
together, share their knowledge and experience, they accomplish
something special – a real "frauenwerk" (women's work).
Gisela Bullermann
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