What do butterfly kisses, Nana's family and nature's kaleidoscope have in common? Women decorated tables with these themes for the Raindrops on Roses Women's Tea hosted by the Medford (Ore.) Church on April 22.
The annual women's tea provides an innovative way for women to celebrate feminine nurture and creativity while building a bridge between church and community. Nearly 140 women ages 4 to 92 shared their hearts this year in an enchanting setting with food, music and fellowship. One third of those who attended were not church members.
The women enjoyed food from a rainbow of dainty treats, with something scrumptious for every palate. Marlene Bischoff, women’s ministries leader, called on each table hostess to describe the inspiration for her table. Table styles ranged from elegant to whimsical. The youngest table hostess was Bischoff’s granddaughter, Hailey, who is only 11 years old.
In case creativity took over and perfectionism got the best of anyone, Sara Withers, Valley View Church (Medford, Ore.) pastor, gave an inspirational talk about her own struggles with perfection. Withers shared Paul's advice from Philippians, explaining how we can avoid anxiety by giving thanks to God in all things.
The program began and ended with Dona Allen singing about Jesus as the center of fellowship. The tea was such an encouragement that the women of Medford are already planning how they will decorate and whom they will invite for next year’s tea.
Sandy Baker sets her tea table with the theme "Everything's Coming Up Roses." (Kim Cornette)
