New Year. New Season.

For everything there is a season,

a time for every activity under heaven. 

A time to be born and a time to die. 

A time to plant and a time to harvest. 

A time to kill and a time to heal. 

A time to tear down and a time to build up. 

A time to cry and a time to laugh. 

A time to grieve and a time to dance.  

A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones.

A time to embrace and a time to turn away.

A time to search and a time to quit searching. 

A time to keep and a time to throw away. 

A time to tear and a time to mend. 

A time to be quiet and a time to speak. 

A time to love and a time to hate. 

A time for war and a time for peace.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

2016 was a new season for me and for many of my friends. The church that we loved went through a major change. Many left to find a new church home that was a better fit for them. One of the most difficult things during that time was that we missed being together regularly in the setting that church provided us. Out of that difficult season, The Connection was born.

The Connection gave my friends and me the opportunity to come together even though we sat in different buildings on Sunday mornings. Today, women from more than 30 churches enjoy friendships and growing in their relationships with God through this ministry. Such a blessing!

The Connection has grown so much since 2016 that it’s difficult to even comprehend. The first public event is what evolved into Refresh. Since then, we’ve added studies, workshops, mentoring, 365 Devos, the blog, and large events like retreats and conferences. God has accomplished so much through The Connection. It’s been wonderful to see Him at work through this ministry.

All of this has been accomplished with 100% volunteer staff. It has been a lot to manage, but with God guiding us, we have accomplished infinitely more than we ever dreamt of.

“Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21

2025 will begin another new season for me. I will be stepping down as executive director of The Connection. My husband is retired, and I am looking forward to having more freedom to travel with him, spending time together – and watching our grandsons play sports. (There may be a trip to Oklahoma involved.)

“For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1

I have been working with the board of directors to find a replacement for me as executive director and to prepare for passing the baton. One thing that we feel is essential is to make it a paid position. Besides the time involved, there’s a lot of responsibility to go with it. We feel that it’s only fair to pay wages for this important position.

We’ve set a reasonable pay rate and number of hours for budgeting purposes. Looking at the coming year and tightening our belts as much as we can, our projected income is short about $500 per month once we add in payroll.

“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Matthew 6:31-33

Would you join us in praying for God’s direction and provision as we boldly step into this new season?

Would you ask God if He wants you to tithe to The Connection so that we can continue to serve Him and our community?

“Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” Hebrews 13:16

Father, we are amazed at what You have done through The Connection so far! You have used this ministry to bless thousands of women, and we know that you are not finished with our growth. Please give us wisdom as we move forward. Redirect as You wish. Give us courage to move into new seasons. Provide what is needed to do Your will. Amen!

Options for giving to The Connection are HERE.

P.S. No, I’m not going anywhere! I will still be serving at TC in other capacities; and, of course, will still be sitting in the audience next to you.

Mandy Hood

Mandy Hood is co-founder and executive director of The Connection. She authored the book, “Let’s Get Together: The story of a unique women’s ministry.” She hopes the book will be a stepping stone to building a supportive network of community-based ministries.

Mandy and her husband have been married for 44 years. Together, they enjoy camping and traveling. Every year, they look forward to GramCamp – three days of spoiling and fun with their three favorite young men.