One in Worship   

From founder Jill Nelson 

Don’t you love to hear “God” stories? You know, the ones that tell of God’s personal touch in someone’s life. That is exactly what the One in Worship story is — a story of God’s love and the obedience of His daughters.

In the summer of 2004, God began bringing across my path not just one or two women, but many women with a common feeling when coming to church on Sunday. Each woman felt very alone when going into the Sunday service, and each one mentioned seeing the same thing when sitting in the auditorium — only couples and families worshiping. Over the next three months, the theme continued from God’s daughters: aloneness.

I asked the Lord what I could do. As He always faithfully answers, He led me to the conclusion that a class needed to be started to connect women who worship alone. In fact, I thought that was to be the name of the class, Women Who Worship Alone. I mentioned it to a friend, who a few days later phoned to tell me that One in Worship would be most effective. We are “one,” and we worship God individually and as “one.” That was the beginning.

From the onset, I believed this class was to be led by two women. For one reason, I felt I would have little credibility with those to whom I ministered. I’m married with three children. How could singles, widows, divorced or separated women, and those married to unbelieving spouses or to spouses who did not attend church take me seriously? God is a Provider to those whom He calls. He is faithful in all things, and He provided Anne Lins as a second leader.

Anne didn’t know she was looking for a new ministry; however, she did pray and was obedient to say, “Yes.” Anne and I searched for a book to draw women in to a new group, nothing too heavy (life can be pretty heavy without our help) with not much reading (most would be working women and moms). Just a book we could discuss together, a book that was biblically based and relevant to women. Our first study was The Power of a Positive Woman, by K. Ladd.

Although our church was focusing on short-term adult classes on Sunday, this class was offered from September through December 2005. As the end of this time neared, it became apparent to both Anne and me that the Lord wanted One in Worship to continue. Our class was given the status of “Ongoing,” which meant the class could continue indefinitely. We began the new year with a 40-Day Spiritual Discovery. 

The spring of 2006 took Anne Lins to other ministry positions (though she continues to participate in class) and brought Dana Bromley as my teaching partner. Dana had been part of the class since the beginning. She would tell you I “made” her come to One in Worship (which isn’t totally inaccurate). Dana began the class a shell of who she is when she’s whole. She had been devastated in a relationship and could not even join in our class discussions. Over the months, Dana and I became like sisters. The Lord knit our hearts and souls together, and He began to lift Dana up to not only speak, but also to ultimately declare the Lord’s faithfulness in her life.

One in Worship has seen many sisters be restored, healed, and come to know Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. We’ve also joined in celebration as we have watched our sisters be baptized.

We are a “welcoming” group! When you enter the room, know that you will be warmly received with a sincere, “How are you doing?” or, “Tell me what’s going on.” We truly care for, pray for, and come alongside each other. For you see, we are family. We love each other.

One in Worship has studied many things together: Christian books, books of the Bible, topics in the Bible, and video studies pertaining to God’s Word.

 

The mission has always been clear

One in Worship is called to encourage, engage, and equip the women who walk through the door. We want women who come to feel loved and connected, to be restored, and to serve the Lord in ministry when He calls them, returning whenever they can. We hold them with open hands, wanting and praying they will be all that our Heavenly Father has called them to be. Oh, and by the way, no one sits alone anymore! 

Current leaders

Our group has both grown and attracted new leaders.  Ann Thurber gives leadership in all things administrative. Her friendly welcome  is the first greeting women experience as they come into our meeting.

2008 promises to be a new year of creativity and connection as we reach out to the women we meet at Grace Church and in our communities.

 

Marion Lorence, Arlene Zimmerman and
Patty McCain are currently sharing in the group as teaching leaders.

our vision

Leading women to worship God as Jesus taught… “in Spirit and in truth” is our desire.

Oh send out Your light and Your truth and let them lead me. Let them bring me to Your holy hill, and to Your dwelling places. (Psalm 43:3) CONTEXT