Feb. 2, 2006
Information About Sweet Monday

Sweet Monday is a wonderful women’s ministry where women of all ages and stages find a sanctuary of laughter, acceptance, encouragement and faith.  I love the simplicity of it, along with the fun and fellowship with other women as we pursue the sweeter things in life.  It can be used in any women's social setting and is easily adapted to fit the needs of any group. 

Kim Newlen of Richmond, VA started Sweet Monday a little over 10 years ago and she is truly the definition of “sweet!”  God has done so much with and through this ministry.  For more of Kim’s story and the ministry, click on the following links:

Official Sweet Monday site

http://sweetmonday.com/

-Browse around to find more information and how to start a Sweet Monday in your home or church. 

-If you would like to know if there is a Sweet Monday in your area,

call  804-754-4333 or email them at sweetmondaymail@yahoo.com.

*For some “sweet encouragement” in your day, click on the little radio on the right-hand side to hear her daily radio spot.

Christianity Today:

http://www.christianitytoday.com/tcw/2002/005/4.62.html

Christian Women Today: http://www.christianwomentoday.com/training/sweetmonday.html

Like Kim, I was lonely after our move from Richmond (where I had attend a Sweet Monday on our side of the “rivah” that a friend from church hosted).  After a few months of praying and talking with my husband, I finally decided, “If Kim had the courage to start Sweet Monday, then I can gather the courage to try to have one down here.”  With the encouragement from my friend in Richmond, I emailed the Sweet Monday office and they sent me information, and the rest is history! 

I began in April of 2005, and a group of ladies from my church, neighborhood and surrounding area come to my home the second Monday of every month at 7:30 pm.  Our church does not have a women’s ministry yet, so they graciously let me have flyers on the front table and run a Sweet Monday announcement on their power point which includes the theme for the month and information about time, location, etc.  About 2-3 times a year, I put a flyer in the mailboxes in my neighborhood that has the themes and a short description of Sweet Monday.

“Social Hour” (dessert, tea, etc) is from 7:30 to almost 8:00, so I joke “you’re not late until it’s 8!”  That grace period really does help those mommas who have to feed their families and tuck their little ones into bed, working women who are running home from a long day of work, etc.  Plus, as women, we just love to touch base and chat – and of course, enjoy a yummy dessert!

At 8 pm, we settle down and I introduce what Sweet Monday is and a little about it.  I try to have the women share something about themselves from a question prompt, or some other ice breaker.  Then I do the devotional or wait until the end of the evening before I send them home, depending on the flow of the evening.  The “official” program lasts about 30 minutes or so, and then I close the evening with a prayer and try to wrap up about 9:00 pm.  Those women who need to be getting on home then feel free to leave, and others will stay and mingle and chat.  (I’ve had a couple of ladies stay for almost an hour afterwards and then said their goodbyes – about ½ hour later I took the trash out and when I opened the garage door, they were standing in my driveway still talking!!!  We all died laughing – how I cherish that moment!)

I encourage you to read the links and pray about starting one in your home or church.  It is such a blessings to be part of this unique ministry and I love sending women home filled-up with joy, with a thought from the devotional to meditate on, and having enjoyed the company of other women.

Please don't hesitate to email me if you have any questions,

or if I can help you in anyway!

Feb. 2, 2006 - Untitled Comment

Feb. 2, 2006 - Untitled Comment

Feb. 3, 2006 - Added Contact Info

Feb. 5, 2006 - Precious!