Decorations
Display pictures of inventions that we take for granted today: iron, curling iron, cell phones, television, electric coffee maker, vehicles, refrigerator, bicycle, light bulbs. Show how they have changed over the years from when they were first invented.
Refreshments
Invite the women to “invent” their own trail mix. Provide some of the following items: white chocolate covered pretzels, nuts, raisins, mini–marshmallows, chocolate chips, almonds, cashews, M&M’s®. Place the mix in a baggie or cup for a snack. Serve different juices mixed with sprite or ginger ale allowing them to “invent” their own delicious sparkling fruit drink.
Program Ideas
Report of Inventions
The purpose of National Inventors Month is to promote the inventors whose ideas have made real contributions to the world. Ask one of the women to present information on some of the most innovative inventors and inventions. An alternate idea is to ask some women to research an invention and present information regarding it to the group. Facts about these inventions can be found on the Internet. Cover this information: Who invented them and when? Where are they produced? How many are made today? How have they evolved over the years? Try to co–ordinate those pictures on display in the room, with the presenter’s information.
Video
Show a YouTube® video on how various inventions are made. At the end, ask questions about each item. Award prizes to those women who remember the most facts. Invite the women to share about their experiences over the years with each invention and how they have had an impact on their lives.
Share—I Remember Them
Share pictures of items that have been replaced by newer technology. For example: cassette and 8–track players, boom boxes, walk–man, car phones, Game Boys, etc. Invite women who used these items to share what they remember about them.
What About You?
Now that you’ve heard about these inventors and the words of some of the most notable, do you feel inspired to make today the day that you begin your creative journey? Have you ever thought about inventing something? Remember, for every invention, the inventor must take one step forward outside of their comfort zone to pursue that idea that’s been living in their mind for quite some time. All it takes is a little courage, a lot of creativity and a healthy dose of perseverance to one day turn your dreams into reality.
Lost
Read: Luke 15—Parable of the Lost Sheep, of the Lost Coin and the Lost Sons.
One of the most frustrating experiences is to lose your car keys or your glasses or perhaps your cell phone. This is so common that people have invented products to help you find those misplaced items. Losing something happens to most people all the time. It’s a huge relief when you find that lost item. Most people are overjoyed and may even celebrate the fact that they have found their missing item.
In Luke chapter 15 there are three parables that describe finding a lost item and the joy and celebration when found. First there was the lost sheep (verses 1–7), then the lost coin (verses 8–10) and finally the prodigal son (verses 11–31). These three linked parables explain why Jesus associates with sinners.
There are four ways to become lost described in this Scripture. The sheep was lost by wandering away from the flock. The coin was lost through the inability or carelessness of the woman. The prodigal son was lost by overt and willful disobedience. The elder brother was lost through pride, selfishness and self–righteousness.
Jesus in these parables explained that a single sheep, a single coin and the lost sons were of value to the shepherd, the woman and the father. He was illustrating that all people have eternal value in the eyes of the Father. God loves every person. His Word tells us that it is not His will that any should perish but for all to have eternal life. John 3:16 reads, “… whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.” The very reason Jesus came to earth was to seek and save the lost.
God is looking for those who know they are lost and are looking for answers. For every sinner who has longed to return, for every lost soul who has longed to be found, listen and rejoice. God is looking for you. He is longing for you to be found. God is planning a party to rejoice in your repentance, your return and your restoration. When we pray for the lost, we can know without a doubt that we are praying according to His will.
Closing Prayer
Dear God, help us to reach out to those who are lost and wandering in sin. Help us to show Your love and kindness to all. Thank you, Lord, for not giving up on us and finding us. Thank you for Your love and that You continue to forgive us of our sins. Romans 15:13 says, “I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” Amen.
