August 2025 Craft: Mosaic Cross

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By Captain Jan Pemberton
Divisional Women’s Ministries Secretary – Cascade Division

Materials Needed:

  • Veneer or very thin wood
  • -Cricut Machine, exacto knife, precision cutting sheers
  • -colorful mosaic tiles or Faceted gems
  • glue (Mosiac glue, strong bonding glue, or Hot glue

Instructions:

Step 1:

Use either your Cricut, Exacto knife or sheers to cut out a predetermined pattern. This is the pattern I chose.

Step 2: (Optional)

Since this step is optional, you can skip to the third step if you’d like. If not, continue with this step.
⦁ You can layer your crosses as shown below.

Step 3:

Have your participants carefully glue each tile or faceted gem—I chose faceted gems because I like bling- to their cross.

Step 4:

As participants carefully arrange the colorful tiles or faceted gems to create a mosaic pattern on the wooden cross, they are invited to reflect on how their lives have been transformed by Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.

While each tile or faceted gem is placed, talk about how each piece (tile or facet) represents a piece of their journey and the beauty that emerges from brokenness.

When completed, ask if anyone would want to share how Christ has healed them or is in the process of healing them and making them whole after their brokenness.

Step 5:

By taking these different items, they become a trophy of grace and transformation, much like us. It may not be perfect, but it is ours. Much like we are God’s creation, we aren’t perfect, but He still loves us more than any gem.

Display your transformed cross as a testimony of your personal transformation journey!

Enjoy this song by Lincoln Brewster, and remember you are “Made New” as you do this craft:

Download printable directions for this craft:

Aug CraftDownload

August 2025 Bible Study: You are a New Creation in Christ

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By Captain Jan Pemberton
Divisional Women’s Ministries Secretary – Cascade Division

Introduction:
This Bible study explores the concept of being a new creation in Christ. We will examine scriptures highlighting the transformation when we accept Jesus and how this changes our identity and purpose.

Lesson Outline:

The Power of Transformation (2 Corinthians 5:17):

  • Read this verse together: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
  • Discuss the concept of “new creation.” What does it mean to be created anew?
  • How does this verse illustrate the dramatic change that occurs in a believer’s life?

Death to the Old Self (Romans 6:4-6):

  • Read Romans 6:4-6: “For we died with Christ, and we know that Christ being raised from the dead will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. For the death he died he died to sin once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.” (NIV)
  • Discuss the concept of “dying with Christ.” What does this symbolize in our transformation?
  • How does this passage connect the death of our old sinful nature to new life in Christ?

Renewed Mind and Purpose (Romans 12:1-2):

  • Read Ephesians 4:22-24: “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, corrupt and deceitful because of its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” (NIV)
  • What is the “old self” we are instructed to put off?
  • How can we cultivate the “new self” created in God’s likeness?

Discussion Points:

  • What challenges do we face in living out our new identity in Christ?
  • How can we practically apply these scriptures to our daily lives?
  • How does being a new creation bring you hope and encouragement?

Conclusion:

Becoming a new creation in Christ is a continuous process of transformation. Through faith and reliance on the Holy Spirit, we can shed our old ways and embrace the new life God offers. This journey brings us closer to Him and allows us to fulfill His designed purpose.

Additional Scriptures:

  • Galatians 2:20
  • Colossians 3:9-10
  • Ephesians 2:10

Encouragement:

Share your personal experiences and struggles related to this topic. Discuss ways to support one another in this ongoing transformation journey.

Prayer:

Lord, we recognize that this transformation journey is not one we can undertake on our own strength. It is Your grace that enables us to change, Your love that sustains us, and Your Spirit that empowers us. May Your light shine through us as we abide in You, illuminating the darkness around us and drawing others to Your saving grace.

Father, we pray for perseverance and steadfastness in our walk with You. When we face challenges and temptations, remind us of Your faithfulness and the promise of new life that You have given us. Help us to fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who endured the cross for the joy set before Him (Hebrews 12:2).

May Your name be glorified as You continue to work in us, molding us into vessels fit for Your kingdom. We surrender our lives afresh to You, trusting that You who began a good work in us will continue until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6).

We pray all these things in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Enjoy this song by Jordan Feliz, and celebrate the fact you have been “Changed:”

Download a printable copy of this Bible Study:

August Bible StudyDownload

August 2025 Devotional: Reborn in Christ – A New Creation

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By Captain Jan Pemberton
Divisional Women’s Ministries Secretary – Cascade Division

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the old is here!”
2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV

Devotional Thought:
Have you ever gotten rid of something old and worn-out, only to be replaced with something brand new? The feeling of starting fresh, with something shiny and full of potential, is exhilarating. This is a beautiful picture of what happens when we accept Christ into our lives. The Bible tells us that in Christ, we are no longer defined by our past mistakes or limitations. We become entirely “new creations” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

The Old Has Gone:
The “old” refers to our life before Christ. It encompasses our sinful nature, negative thought patterns, and actions that don’t align with God’s will. The burden of these things is lifted when we surrender to Him.

The New Has Come:
The “new” represents the transformation that takes place within us. We are filled with the Holy Spirit, empowering us to live righteously and according to God’s purpose (Romans 6:4-6). Our minds are renewed, allowing us to discern His will and walk in His ways (Romans 12:1-2).

Living as a New Creation:
This transformation isn’t always easy. We still face temptations and challenges. However, by putting on the “new self” created in God’s likeness, we can overcome these obstacles (Ephesians 4:22-24). This “new self” is characterized by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of new life in Christ. Help us to shed the burdens of our past and embrace the transformation you offer. Guide us by your Holy Spirit as we strive to live as your new creations, reflecting your love and character in all we do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Further Reflection:

  • How do you feel about the concept of being a “new creation” in Christ?
  • What areas of your life need to be transformed to live more fully as your new self?
  • How can you practically apply this concept to your daily walk with God?

Let this song by Mac Powell remind you that you are a “New Creation:”

July 2025 Craft: Bird Plaque

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By Major Harryette Raihl
Divisional Women’s Ministries Secretary – Southern California Division

Items Needed:

  • Wooden frame, hanging plaque or what you want to use!
  • Scrapbooking paper
  • Miniature bird
  • Moss
  • Ribbon and flowers
  • Glue

Instructions:

Cut to size and paste designed paper onto wooden inside frame (see in photo). Add flowers, ribbon, moss, bird and ribbon on the back to hang if desired.

A Scripture verse could also be added onto the paper. The sky is the limit on creativity! Let your ladies use their imagination.

Download printable instructions for this craft:

July craftDownload

As you craft and think about how birds fly free, enjoy this song to remind you that in Christ “We Are Free.”