Arise and Shine
“He [God] said, ‘Can I not do with you, Israel, as this potter does?’ declares the Lord. ‘Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in My hand, Israel (Jer. 18:6 NIV).
This program is designed to inspire women to embrace God’s shaping influence in their lives and step forward in faith, confidence and purpose. The theme centers on allowing God, the divine Potter, to mold us, even through difficult times, so that we may shine brightly for His glory.
Program Outline
Opening: Welcome and Introduction
Duration: 5 minutes
Begin with a warm welcome and an introduction to the theme. Explain that the focus will be on God’s transformative work, molding us like clay to reflect His purpose and radiate His love. Briefly introduce Jeremiah 18:6 and explain how God, the Potter, uses our experiences to shape us.
Worship Session: Songs and Prayer
Suggested Songs:
“Potter’s Hand” by Hillsong Worship
“Have Thine Own Way, Lord”
Duration: 10 minutes
Prayer: Pray that each woman in attendance would feel God’s hand on her life, molding her, strengthening her, and calling her to rise and shine.
In the Potter’s Hands
Duration: 10 minutes
Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 18:6
Message Outline:
- God, as the Potter, has a vision for each of our lives. Just as a potter envisions a beautiful creation, God sees what we can become.
- We all experience moments where we feel “broken” or “cracked.” But God does not discard us; He gently and patiently continues to shape us.
- When we submit to God’s hands, we allow His wisdom and grace to shape us in ways we could never imagine on our own.
Reflection: How does it feel to know that God is shaping and refining you even when life seems challenging?
Personal Testimony Sharing
Duration: 15 minutes
Invite one or two women to share personal testimonies of times when they felt broken but experienced God’s hand reshaping them for His purpose.
Interactive Activity – “Clay in the Potter’s Hands”
Duration: 10 minutes
Distribute small pieces of modeling clay to each participant. Ask each woman to create a small pot or object that reflects her journey with God. After crafting, encourage each woman to share her creation and explain its significance. How does it represent her current stage in God’s molding process?
Exhortation – “Arise and Shine!” (Isaiah 60:1)
Duration: 5 minutes
Transition to Isaiah 60:1, which encourages us to “Arise and Shine” because God’s glory is upon us. Remind the women that even though they may feel imperfect or unfinished, God has called them to rise and shine with His light. Emphasize that God’s work in us is meant to inspire others. When we allow our lives to shine, we reflect His love and invite others to experience His transforming power.
Closing: Prayer
Pray for each woman to embrace her journey with God as the Potter and to rise in confidence to shine with His light. Encourage the women to commit their lives to God’s shaping and molding, trusting that He will use them for His purpose.
Easter Visitation Service Project
Duration 15-30 minutes
Provide flowerpots to paint for members of the group who have become shut-ins and can no longer attend. Have everyone in the group sign a card to go along with the gift. Before ending the evening, have the group determine who will visit the members and deliver the gift.
Supplies Needed
- Sound system to play worship music
- Screen or printouts for the words to the worship songs
- Bibles
- Small amount of clay for each woman
- Clay pots, paint, paint brushes, water, and table covers.
- Gift bags and note cards for delivering gifts to shut-ins.
