December 2013 | Quarterly Issue

Women Coming Together in Community

Nikki Emigholz found herself searching for a new Bible study when she remembered one at Needle’s Eye that her friend attended. Nikki connected with the women’s Thursday Night Group, led by Jennifer Parham, and loved the diversity, the community, and the teaching style. She began attending regularly and would often invite a friend from church, Catherine Dudley, to join her.

Catherine finally registered for this fall’s Real Jesus study, an inductive Bible study focusing on the life of Jesus. Catherine has been a believer her whole life, but feels like she's learned so much in such a short time with this particular study. “I’m an extremely visual learner, and this study has given me an understanding of the history and geography behind the verses, which is so different and rich in details. The Bible comes

alive when you can truly picture what you're reading. I can’t wait for the next study; I’ll come as long as they’ll have me!”

Catherine continued, “I really love the concept of Needle’s Eye because it’s not affiliated with just one denomination. The group is a true representation of the body of Christ and reminds me that we’re all the church no matter which building you attend on Sunday. A group like this reminds me that God is so much bigger, deeper, than I can imagine, and His grace is so huge.”

DIVERSITY & DEPTH

Nikki also encourages women to invite friends and plug in to the Thursday Night Group. “I love that everyone is from different walks of life – single, married, and divorced with different beliefs and various ages. This group has expanded my world and helped me see that all our stories are intertwined into one amazing story. They’re all magnificent. Some are heartbreaking, but they’re phenomenal stories that help me to put everything in perspective, returning my focus to God.”

She shared, “I love my church. The background knowledge that I'm gaining from the Needle's Eye study is helping the sermon at church reach me in a deeper, more meaningful way. Reading and understanding the Bible for myself, teaching myself what is in the Bible, is so exciting. I’ve enjoyed and feel blessed to experience amazing teaching, in-depth study, community, friendship, and women who really do dive deep in to the Bible.”

If you’re looking for a Bible study, you’re welcome to bring a friend and join with the Thursday Night Group as they begin their next study, God Anthology by Mark Batterson, on Thursday, January 17. For more informatin, contact Jennifer Parham at 804-358-1283 or jparham@needleseye.org.

NEEDLE’S EYE NEWS

Catherine Dudley

Catherine and her group studying the life and times of Jesus

GREETINGS FROM BUDDY CHILDRESS

Christmas is the time of year when it’s easiest to remember the depth of God’s love for us. He left the unimaginable beauty of heaven to break into history for you and for me. My hope is that the majesty of this miracle will not get lost in the madness our culture tends to manufacture in this season. Jesus is THE Christmas gift!

Buddy Childress Executive Director

John 1:1-3, 14, 17b NIV

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

... Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

UPCOMING SMALL GROUPS & EVENTS

SPIRITUAL SHOTS™www.spiritualshots.com

Spiritual Shots™ is a forum for people to explore their questions about Christianity in a relaxed environment. The atmosphere is casual, not confrontational. No name tags, no prayer, no church "insider" language. You don't have to have any knowledge of the Bible. Spiritual Shots™ is designed to offer honest answers to your tough questions about Christianity.

Topic: "SEX: Why Has the Church Turned Something Beautiful into a Dirty Little Word?" with facilitator Kevin Germer When: Tuesday, Jan. 7, 6-7:30 PM Where: Bottoms Up Pizza (1700 Dock Street in Shockoe Bottom) Cost: Free

WOMEN'S THURSDAY NIGHT STUDYwww.needleseye.org/womens-ministries Whether or not you heard beloved author and pastor Mark Batterson speak at the Needle’s Eye event in October, you’ll love Batterson’s refreshing exploration of six of the critical aspects of God's character and personhood: merciful, holy, mysterious, jealous, sovereign and incomparable. What makes God Anthology original is the way music and media are incorpo-rated into the experience; there’s a CD of original music by the worship department of Batterson’s church written especially for this study.

What: The God AnthologyWhen: Thursdays, Jan. 16 - Feb. 20, 5:45-7:30 PMWhere: Needle's Eye Office (104 Berrington Ct.) Leader: Jennifer ParhamCost: $15

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS GROUP WORKSHOP (20s/30s)www.needleseye.org/young-professionals-ministry Join an eight-week small group workshop for young professionals to explore issues like work-life balance, faith and work, goal setting and skills assessment. Grow and learn together, unveil your unique purpose, and live out your calling!

When: Tuesdays, Feb. 4 - March 25, 6-8 PM Where: Needle's Eye Office (104 Berrington Ct.) Leaders: J.C. Cancelleri and Lisa Rattner Cost: $30

GOAL: $600,519 RAISED AS OF NOV. 22: $127,028

HOW TO GIVE

CREATIVE GIVING

Will you be shopping online for Christmas presents this year? Visit these websites and designate Needle's Eye as your non-profit of choice! They will donate a percentage of your purchase to us at no cost to you.

AMAZONSMILE www.AmazonSmile.com 0.5% on eligible purchases GOOD SHOP www.GoodShop.com Up to 20% on purchases

STANDARD GIVING

SEND A CHECK Please make all checks payable to “Needle’s Eye Ministries.”

ONLINE It's easy! Visit www.needleseye.org

PHONE Call 804.358.1283 and we will process your credit card gift over the phone.

UNITED WAY Needle’s Eye accepts United Way gifts through Dec. 31:

United Way Campaign #: 3315 Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) #: 18675 Local Government & Schools (LGS) #: 232 Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign (CVC) #: 3229

QUESTIONS?Contact Elizabeth Massie, Director of Annual Giving, at 804.358.1283 or emassie@needleseye.org.

NEEDLE'S EYE MINISTRIES ANNUAL FUND 2013-14

A STORY OF GIVING BACKYou can tell there’s more to Jeff Andrews than meets the eye. He may look unassuming, but his name is known at Needle’s Eye for more reasons than one. It helps to know that his book, Desperate Highway: The True Story of a Criminal, is lying on a shelf or two.

Jeff ’s first connection to Needle’s Eye was sometime around 1988, when he was invited to a Speaker Series luncheon. "I can’t ex-actly remember who was speaking or what the message was about, but I definitely remember that I felt like they were speaking directly to me.” Jeff reminisced, “I returned when my boss invited me to another luncheon. Needle’s Eye was rolling out their first small groups, so we signed up, half expecting not to go, but we did!”

Little did Jeff know, that Wednesday morning small group would still be going strong 25 years later. Even though he recently moved to Florida, Jeff stated that his small group continues to be a spiritual support for him. “That group has helped me get through a lot of challenges and had a key influence on who I am today. I owe a lot to those guys.”

This year, when Jeff and his wife created a trust, they decided to put Needle’s Eye in their will, saying that the ministry stood out above all the non-profits and churches he’s worked with in the past.

“If I could do one thing with my life, I’d want to give back to the one organization that has helped me the most over the last 25 years. They have been the source of influence to come to Jesus, grow deeper in my walk, and build relationships with strong believers.” He laughed, “I feel like a Needle’s Eye alum.”

Jeff continued, “If you’re looking for a place to invest your time, no matter where you are in your spiritual journey: lost interest, first steps, midstream, or professionally ordained, Needle’s Eye is the best place to come for solid teaching and lasting relationships. It’s also a place to give back and feel good about it.

“Bottom line, Needle’s Eye has staying power. The ministry means a lot of different things to different people, but the one thing that stands out is that they are a consistent and trusted presence in the Richmond community."

What will your legacy be? Planned gifts provide creative and flexible strategies for your estate and charitable giving. Make your planned gift before December 31st. Contact Elizabeth Massie to get started today!

MAKING A DIFFERENCEAs we approach a new year of opportunities to proclaim Christ's life-giving gospel, will you consider making a difference with a gift to Needle's Eye Ministries today?

Staff Picks for the HolidaysAre you in need of a few ideas for Christmas gifts? With the holidays right around the corner, the Needle's Eye team recommends a few “staff picks” for the season!

RECOMMENDED READING

Jennifer Parham's Pick: The Prodigal God Timothy KellerUncovering the essential message of Jesus, Timothy Keller reveals God’s prodigal grace toward both the irreligious and the moralistic. This book will challenge both the devout and skeptics to see Christianity in a whole new way.

Lisa Rattner's Pick: Life Together Dietrich BonhoefferDietrich Bonhoeffer recounts his unique fellowship in an under-ground seminary during the Nazi years in Germany. Giving practical advice on life, Life Together is bread for all who are hungry for the real life of Christian fellowship.

Beth Karrer's Pick: Love Does Bob GoffLive in a way that’s drenched with God’s love and the spontaneity of following where he leads when he says “Go!” Each day turns into a hilarious, whimsical, meaningful chance that makes faith simple and real. Each chapter is a story that forms a book of its own.

Buddy Childress's Pick: Leadership Prayers Richard KriegbaumAn ideal gift book for leaders, Leadership Prayers features 30 heartfelt prayers, insightful reflections, and Scripture.

Tera Barry's Pick: A Million Miles in a Thousand Years Donald MillerWhen two movie producers proposed turning his memoir into a movie, Donald Miller had a chance to edit his life into a great story. Through heart-wrenching honesty and hilarious self-inspection, Miller takes readers through the life that emerges when it turns from boring reality into meaningful narrative.

Elizabeth Reflogle's Pick: Modern-Day Miracles Allison C. RestagnoComprised of 50 true modern-day miracle stories, Modern-Day Miracles is comprised of compelling, highly personal and dramatic first-hand accounts. Contributors come from various countries and geographical regions and vastly diverse walks of life and backgrounds.

Elizabeth Massie's Pick: Serving Without Sinking John HindleyJohn Hindley shows how Jesus was telling the truth when He offered people an "easy yoke" — a way of serving Him that is joyful and liberating. He explains why serving is so often joyless and how understanding our identity in Christ changes everything.

From our Needle's Eye family to yours, we wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!