Welcome to News @ Needle’s Eye!
Welcome to the Needle’s Eye Ministries news blog! Here you will find more information about upcoming events or happenings related to the work of NEM, including our Monthly Speaker Series, Women’s Ministry, Small Groups and Spiritual Shots.
Stay Connected!
- For regular news updates, subscribe to this blog (right).
- Join our Mailing List and receive the monthly e-newsletter.
About Needle’s Eye: Needle’s Eye Ministries is an interdenominational Christian ministry to Richmond’s marketplace. Needle’s Eye’s mission is: connecting business and professional people to life-changing faith in Jesus Christ– encouraging them to impact our community with His values, ethics and love. Needle’s Eye offers a variety of opportunities that encourage and support marketplace people in implementing and integrating faith at work, at home and in the community. For more information about NEM’s programs that support faith in the workplace, please visit www.needleseye.org.
Congratulations to Jennifer Parham, a 2012 YWCA Outstanding Woman!
Jennifer Parham, Director of Women’s Ministry at Needle’s Eye, was selected as a recipient of the 2012 YWCA Outstanding Women Awards. The YWCA of Greater Richmond selected nine women who have impacted the community though leadership, excellence and dedication in their careers and society.
Parham received the award in the “human relations/faith in action” category for her leadership and service in the community, including her work at Needle’s Eye and in Church Hill, as well as serving as a class shepherd for each class of the Richmond Christian Leadership Institute.
Lisa Rattner, NEM’s Director of Small Group Ministry, nominated Jennifer for the award.
“When I read the description for the ‘Woman of Faith Award,’ God just put Jennifer Parham on my heart and mind,” says Rattner. “Over the past several years I have had the privilege of seeing her live out each of these values and have been blessed to see the fruit in her various ministries. She is my hero and I’m thrilled that she is being honored!”
Read about the 2012 YWCA Outstanding Women honorees in the January 9 Richmond Times-Dispatch article by Tammie Smith.
35th Year Reflection: Jim Hunter
What would have been different in your life personally or in the Richmond community if Needle’s Eye had not been started in 1977?
Jim hunter, Volunteer Facilitator of the Needle’s Eye Career Transition Group
Needle’s Eye Ministries has provided me with the opportunity to meet many fellow Christians in the world of business and to join them in their continued search for God’s will and direction in their daily lives, especially in the workplace environment. Previously, Christianity for me had been attending Sunday services and occasionally participating in various church functions and activities. During the recession of 2000, Buddy Childress, Executive Director of Needle’s Eye, asked me to initiate a Christian support group for business people who lost their jobs. At first I was very apprehensive about assuming this responsibility but then realized that unbenownest to me, God had been preparing me along the way. I, too, had personally experienced many company acquisitions and mergers in my career. They were experiencing what I had experienced. I could look them in the eye and share, “I have been there and understand.”
This unique ministry is still very active and has expanded to three groups with six dedicated Christian facilitators. Hundreds of men and women have returned to the workplace with a renewed and much stronger relationship with their Lord and Savior. I give thanks for our facilitators, Needle’s Eye and to God for allowing me to play a small part in this special ministry.
The Career Transition Group (CTG) meets three times a week at the Needle’s Eye office. For more information, visit the CTG blog at www.nemctg.wordpress.com.
Would you like to share a reflection in celebration of NEM’s 35th year? We’d love to hear from you! Please email your thoughts to info@needleseye.org.
New Alpha Course starts Feb. 15!
Putting together your 2012 things-to-do list? How about inviting a friend or colleague to attend the Alpha course? “Alpha: Exploring the Meaning of Life and Christianity” is a 12-week dinner and video/discussion group for those who have questions about the relevancy of Christianity or are exploring the meaning of life. The food is fabulous, the conversation is stimulating, and fun is guaranteed.
When: Wednesdays, 5:30-8:00PM, Feb. 15th – May 23rd
Where: 500 Forest Avenue (office on the corner of Forest and Ridge Roads)
Cost: $5/week for meal
Register: contact Jennifer Parham at jparham@needleseye.org or 804.358.1283
“Making Ends Meet” – Entrust financial workshop
Want to know how to make ends meet in 2012? Invest in the art of financial management and become a better steward with your finances. Needle’s Eye Ministries is offering a 4-week financial stewardship workshop series, led by Greta Kidd from Entrust Financial Credit Union.
What: A 4-week financial stewardship workshop series led by Greta Kidd from Entrust Financial Credit Union. Topics include Living in God’s Economy, Needs & Wants, Tips for Saving, and Eliminating Debt
Where: NEM Office (104 Berrington Ct.)
When: Mondays, Feb. 6-27, 6-7:30PM
Cost: $15 for the series
Register online or for more information, contact Lisa Rattner at lrattner@needleseye.org.
Topics & Schedule:
Living in God’s Economy – February 6
Luke 16: 19-31
Needs & Wants – February 13
Genesis 12–15:6
Tips for Saving – February 20
Genesis 22:1-18
Debt Elimination – February 27
2 Kings 4:1-7
Marketplace Moment: In Whom Do You Trust?
by Buddy Childress
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. – Proverbs 3:5&6
When I was a young businessman, I put a lot of trust in my ability to get things done, to meet quotas and to make money. Interestingly, although I regularly met my goals, I became increasingly frustrated and unfulfilled. “Success” had become routine and the results were hollow.
Thirty years later, these objects of our trust still fall short. We hope and pray for a steadily climbing Dow Jones average. We believe that our education, if not our job, will provide us long-term security. We long for peace, but governments and leaders are flawed. We take pride in our military but what missile or aircraft carrier can isolate and defeat a single, unknown suicide bomber?
Approximately three thousand years ago, King Solomon of Israel, perhaps one of the wisest and wealthiest men to ever live, told his people in Whom and how to trust. Rather than trusting in government or men (a king), Solomon encouraged his subjects to place their trust in the Lord (v.5). He said this is done by giving up control (trusting in the Lord with all your heart), by being willing to admit, and go beyond, your limitations (lean not on your own understanding v.5b) and by seeking His direction and presence in every area of your life (in all your ways acknowledge Him v.6a). And then, He will make your paths straight (v.6b) – your life will be correctly directed, in accordance to His will.
The American Heritage Dictionary defines trust as “confidence in the integrity, ability, character and truth of a person or thing…it is synonymous with reliance, dependence and faith”. On what do you depend? In whom do you trust?
New Small Groups and Studies!
For more information about these new groups, please contact Lisa Rattner, Director of Small Group Ministry at lrattner@needleseye.org or 804.358.1283.
Co-Ed
Young Professionals Group
Time for something new? Make this New Year a time to refresh, renew or begin your journey with Christ and focus on your spiritual and professional development. Join a 7-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!
Who: Young professionals in their 20s and 30s
When: Tuesdays, Jan. 24-March 6, 2012, 6-8 PM
Where: NEM Office (104 Berrington Ct.)
Leaders: J.C. Cancelleri and Lisa Rattner
Cost for Materials: $28
Register Online
Entrust Financial Workshop: “Making Ends Meet”
Join us for Making Ends Meet and become a better steward with your finances in 2012. The 4-week financial stewardship workshop series will be led by Greta Kidd from Entrust Financial Credit Union. Mondays, February 6 to February 27 from 6-7:30 PM. Register Online
Putting together your 2012 things-to-do list? How about inviting a friend or colleague to attend the Alpha course? “Alpha: Exploring the Meaning of Life and Christianity” is a 12-week dinner and video/discussion group for those who have questions about the relevancy of Christianity or are exploring the meaning of life. The food is fabulous, the conversation is stimulating, and fun is guaranteed.
When: Wednesdays, 5:30-8:00PM, Feb. 15th – May 23rd
Where: 500 Forest Avenue (office on the corner of Forest and Ridge Roads)
Cost: $5/week for meal
Register: contact Jennifer Parham at jparham@needleseye.org or 804.358.1283
For Men
Downtown Men’s Group
“A Man’s Guide to Work: 12 Ways to Honor God on the Job” a study by Patrick Morley about work, calling and faith.
When: Thursdays, 12-1 PM
Where: Suntrust Bank, 3rd floor cafeteria
Leader: Matt Newquist
For Women
New Women’s Study in the Far West End
What: 8-week DVD study: Beth Moore’s “Believing God”
Where: Far West End (off Gayton)
When: Thursdays starting Jan. 19th, 7-8:30PM
Cost: $15 for workbook
Leader: Cathy Tankersley
West End Women’s Study
8 week study on Ruth -her journey of unbearable loss, redeeming love and divine legacy. This is the story of God’s grace in the midst of difficult circumstances. Even in times of crisis and deepest despair, God delivers. Join these women as they explore how to apply these truths to their lives.
When: Wednesdays, starting Jan. 4, 12-1PM
Where: Estes Express (3901 West Broad Street)
Leaders: Janice Beachman and Laura Sibley
Downtown Women’s Study
Feeling the need for a mid-day spiritual lift? Join this women’s group!
When: Tuesdays, 12 to 1PM
Where: SunTrust Bank, 3rd Floor Cafeteria
Leader: Wanda Beard
Evening Study for Women
“SEED” is a 7-week study by Priscilla Shirer that looks at six life-changing modern-day parables and teaches us how to study Scripture well. The study includes a video teaching followed by discussion. When: Thursdays, Jan. 19-Mar.1, 5:45-7:30PM
Where: NEM Office (104 Berrington Ct.)
Cost: $15—bring cash or check to 1st session
RSVP: by Monday, January 16th to jparham@needleseye.org or call 358.1283
Leader: Jennifer Parham
February 2012 Speaker Series – Steve Rogers and Lisa Rattner
The February Speaker Series will feature Steve Rogers, President and Chief Administrative Officer at Dominion Resources Services and Lisa Rattner, Director of Small Group Ministry at Needle’s Eye. Register to hear one or both of these speakers below.
View Complete 2012 Speaker Series Schedule
Steve Rogers, President & Chief Administrative Officer, Dominion Resources Services
Demons & Deadlines: Controlling the everyday sins of fear, worry, envy and insecurity
Have you ever wanted a “Road to Damascus” experience? Have you ever wondered why it seems so difficult to feel connected to God? After years of faithful church attendance and being “religious”, Steve Rogers started to wonder if there was more to the whole “God thing.”
After some personal digging, Steve joined a Needle’s Eye small group and received advice from a wide range of spiritual mentors. He soon discovered that the most important thing in his life was to “stay in the room” – to keep trying to learn more and build a stronger relationship with God. He also learned that he still had to push through life’s everyday challenges and distractions such as fear and worry. In the end, Steve realized that once he made the commitment, God would reveal Himself through a variety of ways – some big and some small.
“We may not get knocked off a donkey and rendered blind,” Steve says, “but when you look back, things will seem just as dramatic.”
Steve Rogers joined Dominion in 1996 and currently serves as the President and Chief Administrative Officer of Dominion Resources Services. He has been involved with Needle’s Eye for over 10 years and is a Board member and leader of a men’s small group that meets weekly. Steve also serves as Vice Chairman of the Board of CenterStage Foundation. He and his wife, Kathy, live in Richmond and have three children.
Sam Miller’s Restaurant (1200 E. Cary St.) – Wed, Feb. 1, 12-12:45 pm
The Place at Innsbrook (4036-C Cox Rd.) – Thur, Feb. 9, 12-12:45 pm
Lisa Rattner, Director of Small Group Ministry, Needle’s Eye Ministries
Extreme Makeover: The journey of transformation from emptiness and insecurity to freedom and joy
From the bar at The Anchor Inn to the floor of the commodities exchange, then on to social work and eventually the South, Lisa Rattner knows about extremes – and extreme change.
Born in Hoboken, NJ, Lisa grew up with a single mother and three siblings. At age 18, Lisa was bartending at a tavern near a shipyard and quickly learned how to handle all kinds of crowds and situations. As Lisa tried to survive in and adapt to her surroundings, this “chameleon” quality soon became second-nature. She soon began an eight-year career in commodities exchange, working her way up to Assistant VP of Marketing in an unpredictable and competitive environment. When the corporate world didn’t fulfill her and extreme personal crises loomed, she sought her identity outside of the corporate world. Lisa earned a Master of Social Work degree from New York University and had a long career in social work, eventually becoming VP of Community Services for a local United Way. It was there that she managed a project developing the clinical crisis response team for 168 widows and other victims of the 9/11 tragedy.
In the midst of her fast-paced lifestyle, Lisa’s mother and aunt became Christians. After much resistance and the kind of brokenness that often follows crises, she too realized that only the unconditional love of God could bring healing, peace and extreme fulfillment to her hectic life.
In 2002, Lisa, her husband, Bill, and their three children made another extreme jump when they moved from busy New York to Vermont, and then to Richmond, all in three years. With a gamut of experiences, Lisa says she is proof of God’s unfailing mercy. She once poured drinks for sailors and now, she pours her life into helping others grow spiritually, emotionally and professionally.
The Westwood Club (6200 West Club Lane) – Thur, Feb. 2, 12-12:45 pm
Willow Oaks Country Club (6227 Forest Hill Ave) – Wed, Feb. 8, 12-12:45 pm
The February Speaker Series is sponsored by
Thanks to our sponsor, when you register a first-time guest, your guest eats free!
