Monday, August 23, 2010

E-Newsletter

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God….” Ephesians 2:8

Tomorrow, baby Jonathan will be one month old! It is always amazing to watch the babies here grow and change. The name Jonathan means “God’s gift,” and he is a beautiful gift from the Lord. Let’s pray for him, that he will come to know Jesus as the True Gift of God and that he would be able to share that Gift with many others during his life.

Also, I want to introduce you to our new resident. Angelica moved in earlier this week and is working diligently on her goals. Please warmly welcome her to The O'Connor House family and keep her in your prayers as she adjusts.

Although we have 3 residents now, we are continuing the process of interviewing new residents. Please continue to pray for us, as well as the women, as we make these decisions.

With new residents in the house who are starting off to work and school, we have quite a few specific needs this week:
• Reusable water bottles
• Lunch bag/box
• Hair gel
• Hair brushes
• Q-tips
• Razors and shaving cream
• Deodorant
• Ladies’ shirts (size large, not maternity)
• Ladies’ pants (size 14, not maternity)
• Ladies’ socks/underwear (contact us for exact needs and sizes)
• Ladies’ hoody (size medium)
• Ladies’ pajamas (size medium or 7/8)

Thankful for God’s Gift to us in Jesus,

Elli Jones
The O'Connor House
P.O. Box 1061
Carmel, IN 46082
317-844-9562
http://www.theoconnorhouse.org/
http://theoconnorhouse.blogspot.com/
www.twitter.com/theoconnorhouse
www.facebook.com/oconnor.house

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Information

“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.”
1 John 3:16

This week, I have been pondering the mission of The O'Connor House, pondering the best way to love the women who live here. What does it mean to lay down our lives for others? It has been a challenge for me to think about this, and I hope it challenges you as well. Sometimes I (and I’m sure all of us!) get busy with the details of life and forget the things that are really important: belief in Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins, and living our lives to love others!

Thank you to each and every one of you who have chosen to support The O'Connor House: Those who volunteer, who donate items, who give generously, who provide transportation, and more. We would not be here without you! Each day, I am reminded of your kindness to the women who live at The O'Connor House. Despite busy lives and a decreased economy, you have chosen to be a part of this ministry. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

Please be in prayer for us at The O'Connor House, and our intake coordinator specifically, as we are in the process of interviewing new residents. It is not an easy task to talk with the prospective residents, and it is not an easy decision for the women to move in here. Pray that their fears would not hinder the women from making the best choices. Pray also that Mandy would have wisdom in doing the interviewing, and that the Lord would fill this house with the women He wants. Please pray that we as staff and volunteers would be good friends, encouragers, and examples, pointing them to Jesus.

A few reminders: Don’t forget to write us in for the United Way campaign; we don’t want to miss this opportunity! Also, don’t forget to check out our website, Facebook and Twitter pages: (http://www.theoconnorhouse.org/; www.facebook.com/oconnor.house; www.twitter.com/theoconnorhouse!

Here are our house needs this week:
• Ladies under garments--Call me for specifics :)
• Toilet Paper
• Paper Towels

Willing to lay down my life,

Elli Jones
The O'Connor House
P.O. Box 1061
Carmel, IN 46082
317-844-9562
http://www.theoconnorhouse.org/
http://theoconnorhouse.blogspot.com/
www.twitter.com/theoconnorhouse
www.facebook.com/oconnor.house

Monday, August 9, 2010

Please Welcome...Kathy-a New Staff Member

Hi everyone.

I am Kathy Yauney, one of the new House Managers at The O’Connor House. As I spend time shadowing Meredith for a few days, I’m getting excited about taking my place as Tuesday’s day staff (working with menu planning and shopping), and the weekend’s evenings and overnight shifts. I am very pleased to be part of this beautiful ministry.
Thank you to the current residents for your warm welcome. I applaud these ladies for the decisions they are making and the personal growth they are experiencing. It will be my privilege to support those efforts.
The residents and I have some experiences in common. At 17 I was a pregnant teen. And as our residents are now striving to do, I did form a family, continued my education, and supported my children. Now at 62, I’m assisting my son in raising his two teen agers, so I am still parenting.
Often I am amazed at where my life’s journey takes me. And now, I am being given another special opportunity. This time I will have a chance to use my unique experiences and skills in crisis intervention and residential management. Just as my past is filled with examples of God’s love, I trust the future will be even more blessed. Once again I am hearing that inner voice whispering to me, “Hold on … this is going to be so good.”

Friday, August 6, 2010

Information August 6, 2010

“Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12

It is hard to believe that the school year is upon us once again, and teachers and students are returning to their classrooms. Yet for those who believe in the Lord Jesus, we are always being taught by Him, summer and winter! The Bible tells us that the Lord is our Teacher, and we should desire that He gives us His heart of wisdom. As the school year starts again, may we remember that Jesus can be our true Teacher, showing each of us to number our days and gain His wisdom. Please pray that the women of The O'Connor House would experience this as well.

This coming school year is bringing some more staff changes to The O'Connor House. After almost exactly two years as an evening house manager, Anna Drehmer will be heading off to St. Louis to begin her graduate studies. I know that the staff and residents alike will miss her gentle ways and listening ear. Also, Meredith Licklider, one of our house managers for the last two summers, will be returning to her ministry in Scotland next week. I know the residents enjoy her fun-loving and joyful ways—she will be missed by all. Please be praying for them during this time of adjustment and feel free to send them a goodbye e-mail!

Technology and The O'Connor House: I just wanted to give you a few technology reminders. 1.) Keep checking out The O'Connor House website (www.theoconnorhouse.org) and pass along our information to your friends and acquaintances. We need your help to spread the word about this ministry! 2.) Don’t forget to look at The O'Connor House Blog! http://theoconnorhouse.blogspot.com/ 3.) For you Facebook users, we invite you to join us and support our cause! You can even donate through Facebook!

Don’t forget that you can also donate to The O’Connor House through the United Way campaign! Also, if your employer offers you matching contributions, please explore the possibility of writing us in as a recipient on those forms as well.

We are so grateful for all of you! Your hands of love and generous hearts are huge blessings to us. We couldn’t have this ministry without you.

Thankful for the wisdom of a Heavenly Teacher,
Elli Jones
The O'Connor House
P.O. Box 1061
Carmel, IN 46082
317-844-9562
http://www.theoconnorhouse.org/
http://theoconnorhouse.blogspot.com/
www.twitter.com/theoconnorhouse
www.facebook.com/oconnor.house
_____
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Please meet: Sara Ferguson...a New House Manager...

Hello....

My name is Sara Ferguson and I am so excited to join the staff at The O'Connor House. I am energetic and love being around people. I am married to Matt and we have a baby boy, Isaac! I love spending time with family and friends, fitness, and helping people. I was a high school teacher for 5 years and recently resigned so that I can spend more time with my son. I also enjoy my part-time Personal Fitness Training work.
I joined The O'Connor house because of my passion for helping women and families.
I am looking forward to getting to know and share life with the women at The O'Connor House. God has blessed me so much so I am thanful for the opportunity to help bless the lives of others.
~Sara

Monday, August 2, 2010

Introducing Amy Bultemeier...one of our new House Managers....

Hi my name is Amy Bultemeier. I am excited to begin work at the O’Connor house. I have been married for ten years and I am a mother to two very active and precocious boys, age 6 and 3. They are wonderful blessings that keep me grounded in faith as a constant reminder of God’s love. I have a passion to serve others and pray daily that God works through me to encourage and bring hope to those around me. I love to read, write, scrapbook, and eat! Chocolate is a main food group for me and I have been known to eat a whole pan of brownies in one day. I also enjoy running and playing sports with my boys, as well as watching Purdue football and basketball.

I believe God gives us what we need, who we need, and when we need it. I gain my courage and strength from Matthew 19:26 “With God, all things are possible.” I am deeply touched by all those that cross my path and cherish each encounter no matter how big or small. I feel very blessed for the opportunity to work at the O’Connor house. I look forward to meeting the women and children, sharing in their lives, and serving in what ever ways needed.