Marydean Draws

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November 16, 2023 Uncategorized

Doing Good in the Neighborhood: Caring for Widows

It’s my very first reader spotlight in a new series I’m calling “Doing Good in the Neighborhood.” You can submit your own project HERE and let me know about the doing good you’re a part of, in the name of Jesus, in your own community. The work doesn’t have to be big or fancy, and it doesn’t have to fit in a traditional ministry category (but it could). I want to highlight the good and creative things people are doing in the name of Jesus to better their communities!

Today, I’m so happy to introduce you to my reader friend AnneMarie and her husband Charles. They help 11 widows in their neighborhood and community, including AnneMarie’s 89-year-old mother. They visit with the widows, send notes, make calls, take them out for their birthdays, and help with small handyman projects around the house. These widows know that AnneMarie and Charles care for them and can count on them. Most of the widows have families, so the work AnneMarie and Charles do is an extension of the care their families are able to offer.

AnneMarie’s husband has always had an affinity for widows, starting when he became a Mason in the 80s. They have been married for over 20 years and caring for widows just became a part of their lives.

AnneMarie says, “We truly feel they enjoy our company and we are doing our part to ebb any loneliness they may feel. So many of our elderly are forgotten or uncared for (even by their family).”

AnneMarie and Charles are inspired by James 1:27 and feel it is one of their callings as a couple.

AnneMarie and Charles, I am so encouraged by your faith and faithfulness to people who have a special place in the heart of God. May God encourage and bless you the way you have blessed others. Thanks for sharing your story with us!

COPYRIGHT/USAGE: All writing, artwork and photos are copyright Marydean Draws. Please do not repost or resell on another website. I’m happy for you to use my coloring pages and other printables for home, school, and ministry. If you share content, please link back to the original post. Thank you!

Previous Identifying Jesus’ Disciples, Doing Good in our Neighborhoods + a John 13:35 Printable Coloring Page
Next Doing Good in the Neighborhood: Equipping the church to Address Poverty with New Focus

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I’m Mary and I’m glad you’re here! Since 2014, I’ve been sharing encouraging words, fun Bible printables, and accessible art activities.

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In today’s Friday Chat, I’m joined by my frien In today’s Friday Chat, I’m joined by my friend Katie to talk about my Bible study pet peeves and best practices for leading Bible studies. We have both led and been part of small group Bible studies for many years, and we talk about how our ideas about the purpose of Bible study have changed over the years.

We discuss the importance of letting the Bible be complex, keeping Jesus at the center, dealing with the fear of the discussions going off the rails, and Katie’s hot take on the importance of actually praying in our small groups. You’ll also get to hear Katie’s answer to the question, “Is Jesus a Republican or a Democrat?”

It’s a wide-ranging discussion that I found really helpful and challenging. You might agree or disagree with us, but that’s okay, because that’s the point we’re making. Hope you enjoy the discussion!

Mentioned in this episode:

Priya Parker’s The Art of Gathering https://www.priyaparker.com/

Lectio style Bible study https://renovare.org/articles/lectio-divina-1 (for example)

Inductive study method https://www.precept.org/2023/02/what-is-inductive-bible-study/ (for example)

Mary’s Magnificat in Luke 1:46-55

Orthodoxy vs Orthopraxy https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/reviews/nobody-turn-you-around/ (for example)

Moms in Prayer https://momsinprayer.org/

In case you missed it, I published the next Luke study on John the Baptist and the first part of Luke 3 this week. You can read it here:
https://marydeandraws.substack.com/p/the-gospel-of-luke-eyewitnesses-to-d53

🖤

You can find The Pictured Word podcast on Substack, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts. You can also find me at www.marydeandraws.com or by searching for “Substack Marydean Draws.” 

All my Bible studies are available for anyone to read on Substack, but you can support my work by becoming a paid subscribers. Paid subscribers can download the printable study guides and coloring pages. 

You can also find my hymn art prints, cards, postcards, stickers, and Bible printables on my website. On my website or on Substack, you can sign up for my mailing list and get everything in your inbox, including new Bible studies each month and weekly newsletters.
The study in Luke is up on Substack! Here's a prev The study in Luke is up on Substack! Here's a preview of what's covered:
🖤 maps, I love maps!
🖤 Luke establishes the timeline
🖤 so many Old Testament connections
🖤 why does John have wings in this Syrian icon??

Read it all on Substack!
https://marydeandraws.substack.com/p/the-gospel-of-luke-eyewitnesses-to-d53
These colors 😍. These colors 😍.
Part of my heart is always drawn to abstraction an Part of my heart is always drawn to abstraction and pure color play. 💕
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