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Hi sister,
After the shepherds visited Mary, Joseph, and Jesus in Bethlehem, they eagerly shared the news of angelic announcements and the glory of God. While everyone who heard was amazed, Mary responded differently—she “treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart” (Luke 2:18–19). For Mary, this moment was not unexpected. Months earlier, Gabriel had promised she would bear Israel’s Messiah, the Son of God (Luke 1:26–33). Though Mary knew her child had a divine calling, she could not fully comprehend its scope. Her pondering reflected deep spiritual receptivity and humility.
Luke’s account reveals Mary’s quiet strength and faith. She stored up every detail—from the foretelling of John the Baptist’s birth to Jesus’ arrival—trusting that “no word from God will ever fail” (Luke 1:37). Mary did not grasp every revelation in her son’s extraordinary life (Luke 2:48–49), yet she preserved these divine mysteries as her most valued treasures. Though young, she embodied “the beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit” (1 Peter 3:4), guarding God’s secrets and awaiting their fulfilment.
Mary’s example invites us to pause this Christmas season. In the midst of celebration, take time to ponder and reflect on God’s work in your life. Treasure the moments that reveal His promises and allow the Holy Spirit to shape you through them. Like Mary, let us quietly and faithfully hold on to God’s truth, trusting His timing and purposes.
Major Gill Waugh
Farewell
We want to express our deepest thanks to some incredible leaders who are leaving our Women’s Ministries team at the end of the year. Our heartfelt appreciation goes to Captain Julie Turner, Major Gill Waugh, Major Litiana Cola, and Major Asena Sifa for their dedication, care, and commitment to empowering and encouraging women across our communities. We also acknowledge Major Michelle Lee as she concludes her role supporting women in the Central North Island and steps into an exciting new chapter as Women’s Ministries leader in Samoa and a very special thank you goes to Major Raewyn Gardner, who has faithfully led the Women’s Ministries department over this past year.
Each of these women have given so much through their leadership, their prayers, and their passion for seeing lives transformed. We are deeply grateful for the countless ways they have supported and strengthened Women’s Ministries.
As they each move into new seasons of ministry, we pray God’s richest blessing over their lives. May He continue to guide, equip, and inspire them as they serve Him faithfully. Thank you ladies for all you have done and all you continue to do for the Kingdom!
Christmas is coming!
A Chistmas message from Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham.
There’s one phrase every parent knows well. That moment when a child pulls at your side or shouts from across the way, eyes bright with wonder: ‘Look at me! Come, see what I’ve done!’
Of course, this isn’t an experience reserved for parents. Many of us know this scene well! It reveals a longing to be seen, to be known and delighted in. And isn’t that an ache inside all of us, no matter how much we grow? To be noticed and received with love – the gift to us of another’s attention. This Advent season, I’m pondering the words...
Nativity craft
To make this nativity decoration suggested by Major Julie Cope, you will need:
Porcelain heart painted red/green, with string attached
2 wooden beads (25mm)
2 Jenga blocks (or equivalent) - Joseph/Mary
Wooden Baby Doll - Jesus
Hessian for the garments
Glue gun
Gluten-free cooking over Christmas
Major Raewyn Gardner writes, "Entertaining gluten-free guests at Christmas and over the holiday season need not be stressful. Many unprocessed foods are gluten-free, ie. ham, meat (without marinade) vegetables and salads. Though you need to watch that the dressings don’t contain gluten.
I am talking about a gluten-free person, as opposed to a coeliac. You may need to be more careful to ensure that you don’t cross contaminate.
Gluten is normally clearly listed on the contents labels … so if in doubt check the label. If it says that it 'may contain gluten' that’s generally listed because it has been made in a factory where gluten products have been manufactured. I would consider it fairly safe to use this product. The manufacturer is just including this to make you aware of the potential for contamination which is generally very low.
If in doubt, I go to Mr Google to help me. I find this helpful! Here's two of my family's favourite gluten-free recipes."
Gluten free starter
Ingredients
½ cup Olive Oil
4 tbsp Parmesan Cheese
2 tsp Lemon Pepper
2 tbsp Sesame Seeds
Giannis Gluten Free Pita Breads – 3 pack
Split pita bread into triangles. Mix ingredients well and brush liberally onto pita. Grill until crisp and slightly browned.
Enjoy hot or cool (we think fresh is best!).
Tip: If making both gluten-free and regular pita, brush gluten-free first or use separate brushes, and cook gluten-free first to avoid contamination.
Chocolate Fudge Roulade
Sponge Ingredients
6 eggs, separated
¾ cup caster sugar
½ cup ground almonds
180g dark chocolate melts, melted
Icing sugar & strawberries (to serve)
Filling Ingredients
180g dark chocolate melts
100ml cream
Plus 200ml cream, whipped
Step 1: Bake the Sponge
Preheat oven to 180°C. Spray and line a 20x30cm sponge roll tin with baking paper. Whisk egg yolks + sugar until pale and creamy. Fold in almonds + melted chocolate. Whisk egg whites until stiff, then fold into mixture.
Pour into tin and bake 18–20 mins until risen and spongy. Cover with a damp tea towel and cool in tin.
Step 2: Make the Fudge Filling
Heat chocolate melts + 100ml cream until smooth. Chill until thick and mousse-like (about 2 hrs).
Step 3: Assemble the Roulade
Dust baking paper with icing sugar and turn sponge onto it. Spread chocolate filling, then whipped cream. Roll up carefully using the paper. Sprinkle with icing sugar and garnish with strawberries.
What have our women been up to?
The Social Club at THQ have baked up a storm, hosting a delicious morning tea in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month raising $845 for this incredibly important cause.
150 women gathered in Oamaru for “Be Kind to Your Mind”. The Salvation Army and Reach Church joined together to host this incredible women’s weekend which focused on mental health resilience.
Special guest Julia Grace, educator, singer, and songwriter, brought laughter, music, and practical tools to help women care for our minds and hearts.
Blenheim Corps recently held their 3rd Crafternoon! Women brought their own crafts to work on while enjoying tea, coffee, and great conversation.
Rae Evans says " It's about making connecting relationships where women can come, craft and talk. No hidden agendas, just relationship building. This is Kingdom building as people need to belong."
Women from Hamilton City gathered recently for a delicious dinner and to say thank you and honour Captain Michelle as she prepares to take up her new appointment in Samoa .
Thanks to Marlene Dunsmore from Levin Corps for sending us this beautiful photo from their recent Women's Group "Yellow Day".
Women gathered at THQ for a clothing swap fundraiser event. Women enjoyed nibbles, chats, and the chance to pick up some stunning preloved fashion pieces. All proceeds will support a sewing programme in Tonga, empowering women and building skills for the future.
Major Julie Cope has facilitated a sewing programme at Royal Oak. Rose Tuaine says, "These sessions are more than just learning to sew, they’re about building confidence, connection, and creativity. Participants gain practical skills while enjoying a safe, welcoming space to express themselves and connect with others."
Have you got events we could share? We'd love to know what your women are up to! Let us know, by sending an email to WMSMRS@salvationarmy.org.nz .
In case you missed our resources...
Major Michelle Lee writes, "If you are needing a refreshing spiritual awakening, then this book, "Wonder" is for you. I came across this inspiring devotional over a year ago. I really loved it so much I kept giving my copies of the book away! The devotions are full of real life stories that speak of truth, hope and wonder.
I love how the devotionals are easy to read and are easy to relate as Chris is a kiwi writer who lives on a farm in the Waikato. She tells some hard case stories of her family life, being a parent, grandparent, and wife and living a busy country life.
I love how through the devotions there is a clear message of faith and encouragement. This is a beautiful book for personal devotions and would make a great Christmas present for someone!"
In case you missed our interviews...
Thanks, sister, that's all from us for now. Let's keep connecting!
