President's Message Archive
Lynne Warne: April 2023
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” (Psalm 32:8)
When I was accepted this position as President, I made the decision to rely on God as I pursued the path he’d given me. I prayed, “God, I’m not the smartest woman, the best educated, or the most talented. But I’m going to trust you. And I will do everything in faith, even when it seems risky.”
What an adventure these past two years has been! Together we:
• Refined the mission, vision and operating statements for the NCBWL — clarifying why and how our organization exists
• Gained 44 new members, including several who are stepping up to serve in leadership roles
• Exceeded our fundraising goals two years in a row
• Experimented with different, out-of-the-box programming — from “sisters with a story to tell” to onsite meetings at the local Catholic high schools
We took risks in accomplishing these milestones. God uses people like us who are willing to get out of our comfort zone. He will use anyone who trusts in him —not because of who you are but because of who he is.
The women taking over the NCBWL leadership are good and faithful servants. I talked about this in my message last month. It’s so true. I have the utmost confidence in the new Board of Directors and can’t wait to see where they will take this group in years to come!
Thank you for granting me the opportunity to serve you.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)
Blessings,
Lynne Warne
President ‘21-23
Lynne Warne: March 2023
“Choose for each of your tribes individuals who are wise, discerning, and reputable to be your leaders. (Deuteronomy 1:13)
We are in the midst of choosing our new “tribe” to lead the NCBWL. Voting for the 2023-25 slate of officers began February 28 and continues through March 12. If you haven’t done so already, please vote for the proposed officers by clicking on this link.
The women slated to be your new Board of Directors share another common attribute Moses didn’t mention in Deuteronomy 1:13 — a servant’s heart. They are making the most of the skills and resources God has given them.
Another item requiring your vote is for the amended bylaws, which govern our organization. The current Board of Directors updated them to better reflect the way we operate today and to allow for more flexibility in governing the NCBWL. Please review and vote on these proposed changes by March 12.
A motto we’ve adopted for NCBWL is: Living our Catholic faith through fellowship and service. Whether we lead or follow, we achieve more together when we work as a team. As God’s servants we should have no other agenda except to do His will. I view all of you as servant leaders, focusing on the needs of others before considering your own. The women in this organization have a long and vibrant history of doing this — being devoted leaders inspired by God to meet the needs of others. This is done through our monthly social outreach, through our prayer requests, and through our annual fundraiser for the Aurelia Varallo Mariani Scholarship program.
“Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master." (Matthew 25:23)
Blessings,
Lynne Warne
President ‘21-23
Lynne Warne: February 2023
“Do all your work in love.” (1 Corinthians 16:14)
February is known for being the month dedicated to love. But February isn’t just about valentines and date nights; it can also be a month for fostering relationships with family and friends, and loving the unlovable.
We deal with all kinds of people in life, including some who are dishonest, disagreeable, defensive, and demeaning. You probably have someone in your own network of friends or family you don’t particularly like. That’s human nature.
But God wants us to grow in love. So, if you’re going to grow up spiritually, it means you’re going to have to learn to love those people.
How do we do that? The Bible says: “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:16-18).
Here are some practical ways to get along with difficult people: Treat everyone with kindness. Be open-minded. Work happily together. Respond with grace and forgiveness, especially when the other person is negative. As my dear mother often said, “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all!”
In short, do everything in love.
“We remember before our God and Father how you put your faith into practice, how your love made you work so hard.” (1 Thessalonians 1:3)
Blessings,
Lynne Warne
President ‘21-23
Lynne Warne: January 2023
“His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning” (Lamentations 3:22-23)
The new year offers a blank slate — an opportunity to get things right. Making New Year’s resolutions is inherently hopeful and optimistic.
One thing’s for sure about life: You can’t go backward. You can only go forward. That means you have two choices: You can long for the way things used to be, and not change a single thing about today, or you can trust in God to do something new.
Before you can embrace the new things God is going to do in your life and in the world, you have to be looking for them. If you’re always looking backward, you can’t “watch for the new thing” God is going to do.
As we head into 2023, I have a suggestion for those of you looking for a new, meaningful way to do God’s work: serve on the NCBWL’s next Board of Directors. President-Elect Claudia Weber will be our new leader in April— bringing her energy and fun-loving attitude to this organization. She’s looking for volunteers to serve, and all positions are still open for your consideration. Please contact her soon if you’re interested in learning more about how you can help. Claudia will reach out to those who have already signaled their interest.
“Do not cling to events of the past or dwell on what happened long ago. Watch for the new thing I am going to do. It is happening already—you can see it now!” (Isaiah 43:18-19)
Blessings,
Lynne Warne
President ‘21-23
Lynne Warne: December 2022
“And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus.” (Luke 1:30-31)
We enter this Advent season during a time that continues to give us reason to pause and reflect. Even though the pandemic is mostly behind us, we face major uncertainties — from inflation to labor and supply shortages, and more.
Yet, it’s this special time of year we are encouraged to contemplate the Reason for the Season. From Gabriel’s announcement that Mary would give birth to the savior of the world and all the life-changing events in between, we can imagine that there was much for Mary to ponder during uncertain times. She undoubtedly spent time carefully mulling over and trying to understand her role as the Mother of the Messiah.
We are no different from Mary – ordinary, humble servants of the Lord. As Christmas approaches, let us remember that nothing about us or our life is unknown to the one who created us. Jesus holds us together — and we can trust him completely.
Another thing you can count on this holiday season is having a good time at our annual NCBWL Christmas party. It will be at Janine Moore’s home in Franklin on December 14. This is a free event and all are welcome, so bring a friend (or two).
“But Mary stored up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” (Luke 2:19)
Blessings,
Lynne Warne
President ‘21-23
Lynne Warne: November 2022
“Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!” (Psalm 95:2)
If you attended our October meeting, you heard the good news: We surpassed last year’s fundraising record for Pearls of Wisdom by more than 10 percent — with net proceeds of $62,767! Talk about being thankful and wanting to sing songs of praise from the top of my lungs!
I’m incredibly thankful to all of you who contributed your time, talent and treasure to this hallmark program of ours. Because of your generosity, we are able to give each Catholic high school $20,000 to fund the NCBWL scholarship named in memory of former member Aurelia Varallo Mariani, a 1951 graduate of St. Cecilia Academy.
And since we have additional funds to spare, we are setting aside another $5,000 toward our future endowment at the fourth Catholic high school planned in the Nashville area.
We will be delivering the checks to St. Cecilia Academy, Pope John Paul II Prep Academy, and Father Ryan High School on Friday, November 4. It’s always a joy to visit these campuses, see our scholarship recipients, and feel the gratitude when we hand over the donations.
In this season of Thanksgiving, I am also thankful for our Board Secretary Janine Moore. She has offered to host our annual Christmas party at her beautiful home in Williamson County. Mark it on your calendars: Wednesday, December 14 from 5-8 p.m. at 4650 Everal Lane, Franklin TN 37067. It will be a potluck and free for all attendees. Plan to bring a friend (or two) to introduce them to our fabulous group!
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
(1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
Blessings,
Lynne Warne
President ‘21-23
Lynne Warne: October 2022
“God has made us what we are. In Christ Jesus, God made us to do good works, which God planned in advance for us to live our lives doing.” (Ephesians 2:1)
We will spend all of eternity serving God in heaven. He wants us to practice by serving other people on Earth through our good works.
Our 2022 Pearls of Wisdom co-chairs Lisa Link and Nikki Moreland used their God-given talents to do good works — and set new records for the NCBWL scholarship fund! We’re still working on the final accounting for our event, but I can confidently report that we will exceed our net goal of raising $60,000. That means we will be able to write checks of $20,000+ for each of the three Catholic high schools!
Lisa and Nikki are rock stars! They envisioned and then executed our first-ever nighttime Pearls of Wisdom fundraising event (with an appropriate subtitle: Evening for Education). The room was beautiful, the food delicious, and the programming perfectly timed. Many guests commented that they liked attending mass before the event, held in the Catholic Pastoral Center’s chapel. Fr. Mark Simpson had a rousing sermon, reminding us that God has crazy love for us.
It is with a full heart and crazy love that I thank Lisa, Nikki and ALL of you who contributed to the success of the 2022 Pearls of Wisdom event! A special thanks to last year’s co-chair Patricia Vance for being our ardent supporter and lead sponsor.
It was a big risk changing the event; one that definitely paid off. Praise God!
"Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind. (Psalm 107:21)
Blessings,
Lynne Warne
President ‘21-23
Lynne Warne: September 2022
"Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”(2 Corinthians 9:7)
One of the daily devotions I subscribe to is Rick Warren, the man who founded Saddleback Church in California. He often talks about money, in that it’s not really yours. Everything we have is a gift from God. He says when it comes to giving, God is much more interested in what’s in your heart than what’s in your wallet. What God really wants is your willingness—not your wealth.
As we head into September, I pray we have a successful Pearls of Wisdom event — one that is fun and fulfills our goal of raising $60,000 (net) for the Aurelia Varallo Memorial Scholarship Fund.
It takes a village to accomplish such lofty goals, but I’m confident this organization of devoted women will come through. We have such generous members who see the value of supporting young women who benefit from a Catholic Education.
Please join me on September 10 at the Catholic Pastoral Center for our Evening for Education. And remember that when you give voluntarily and cheerfully of your time and treasures, then you know that's a gift God will bless.
"Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done." (Proverbs 19:17)
Blessings,
Lynne Warne
President ‘21-23
Lynne Warne: August 2022
"Encourage one another and build one another up." (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
The last program in our three-part “Sisters with a Story to Tell” series is this month, featuring none other than the Prioress General, Mother Anna Grace Neenan, O.P. Join us in August to hear her talk about life before joining the Dominican Sisters and how she came to lead the order. The title of her talk: “A Double Grace.”
We are expecting a lot of people at our August 17 meeting so need to cap attendance at 50. Register now so you don’t miss out on this opportunity to hear from such a wonderful spiritual leader.
One of the greatest joys in life is when you’re doing something that helps others. The Dominican Sisters do this each day with their faithful service, carried out in countless ways. As members of NCBWL, I can’t think of a better example of helping others than our annual Pearls of Wisdom fundraiser.
This event benefits the Aurelia Varallo Memorial Scholarship Fund, which provides tuition assistance to young women attending our local Catholic high schools. It’s our hallmark activity as an organization, and I urge each of you to contribute by doing at least one of the following:
1. ATTEND! Buy your tickets here: https://www.ncbwl.org/event-details/pearls-of-wisdom-evening-for-education-2022
Better yet, be a table host and recruit seven friends to join you.
2. DONATE! Contribute directly to the scholarship fund here: https://www.ncbwl.org/scholarships
Better yet, become an event sponsor!
We also need silent auction items such as gift cards to fabulous restaurants, salons and entertainment venues. Please bring your donations to our August meeting.
3. VOLUNTEER! Contact our event chairs Lisa Link (lisalink14@gmail.com) and Nikki Moreland (chantillybelledresses@gmail.com). They will let you know what’s needed and when.
"For God is at work in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." (Philippians 2:13)
Blessings,
Lynne Warne
President ‘21-23
Lynne Warne: July 2022
"And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. (2 Corinthians 9:8)
What a fantastic turnout for the first of our three-part “Sisters with a Story to Tell” program! God had a hand in putting this whole thing together. I was inspired by Sister Mary Andrew when she talked to me about the earlier professions held by some of the sisters in the St. Cecilia Congregation. And then new member Lynda Evjen offered up the atrium of her building (across the street from the Motherhouse) for our summer series with the Sisters. Now that’s divine intervention in action!
I hope we have equally great turnouts for our July and August meetings as well. Be sure to register online by the deadline, as we must make financial commitments to the caterer the Sunday before each meeting.
In September we hold our annual fundraiser benefiting the Aurelia Varallo Mariani Memorial Scholarship Fund, and the 2022 goal is lofty: To raise $80,000 (net). Obviously, we need everyone in the NCBWL organization to participate to reach this goal! Please join me in saying this prayer as we work together on this year’s Pearls of Wisdom event:
Lord, help me recognize the gifts you have given me. Teach me how to be a good steward with everything You’ve blessed me with. Show me creative ways I can leverage my gifts to be a blessing to the Pearls of Wisdom committee. Let everything I do bring You glory and honor. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
How to help? Start by contacting our event chairs Lisa Link (lisalink14@gmail.com) and Nikki Moreland (chantillybelledresses@gmail.com). They will let you know what’s needed and when.
"There is more happiness in giving than in receiving." (Acts 20:35)
Blessings,
Lynne Warne
President ‘21-23
Lynne Warne: June 2022
"When the master comes and finds the servant doing his work, the servant will be blessed." (Luke 12:43)
All of us have unused abilities. Maybe you’re still figuring out what your God-given abilities are. Or maybe you have abilities you’ve abandoned or ignored because of life circumstances.
But God gave you those abilities for a reason: He wants you to use them to serve him and others!
If you’re looking to use your God-given abilities, look no further than the Pearls of Wisdom committee! We need all sorts of help: recruiting table hosts, securing items for our silent auction, setting up for the event, and more. To volunteer, contact one of our event chairs Lisa Link (lisalink14@gmail.com) and Nikki Moreland (chantillybelledresses@gmail.com).
The Dominican sisters always support us at our annual Pearls of Wisdom fundraiser, and yet I don’t believe we’ve ever asked any of them to speak to members at our monthly meetings. That’s about to change…talk about women who are using their God-given talents every day! Many of them worked professionally before being called to sisterhood, and their backgrounds are nothing short of amazing.
Join us for a special summer series that we’re calling “Sisters with a story to tell.” Beginning this month, one of the Dominican sisters will be the featured speaker at our monthly membership meeting. I haven’t met Sister Mary Peter yet and can’t wait to hear her story. She currently serves as In-House Counsel and Immigration Coordinator for the St. Cecilia Congregation.
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. (1 Peter 10)
Blessings,
Lynne Warne
President ‘21-23
Lynne Warne: May 2022
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." (Matthew 28:19-20)
I hope all of you had a fantastic Easter. This was my second year attending a sunrise service outdoors, and I loved seeing God’s spectacular show of nature on full display. It reminds me of the statement Jesus gave His followers before ascending into heaven: to “make disciples of all nations.”
With these instructions, we’re called to live every day with intentionality, looking for opportunities to share the Gospel.
It’s our job to show people what it means to know God and to make Him known.
A woman who is doing just that is Margie Druffel, our featured speaker this month. Through her actions, she is demonstrating how to follow God’s commandments.
I encourage you to join me in hearing about her life at our May meeting…what it’s like to raise a child with special needs, what shaped her professional life, and how she came to lead Ladies of Charity.
"Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due when it is in your power to act." (Proverbs 3:27)
Blessings,
Lynne Warne
President ‘21-23
Lynne Warne: April 2022
“Even now, declares the Lord, return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning." (Joel 2:12)
When I was young, the hope of Lent was that I’d just get through it! I always gave up chocolate or ice cream — treats I’d surely miss for 40 days. I saw Lent as an obstacle course to navigate to get to my Easter basket full of goodies.
Lent, of course, isn’t only about prayer, penance and deprivation. The hope of Lent lies in what God does for us through Christ’s resurrection. What a joy and relief that Jesus died for our sins so that we may have eternal life. Now that’s hope!
I have many hopes for the NCBWL after Easter takes center stage — and pray all of you will join me with two important upcoming events:
1. Business Spotlight Event on April 20: Come to talk about your business or nonprofit — or come to hear from others and win some great door prizes! Do you know of any women business owners who might like to participate but aren’t Catholic? Encourage them to sign up! All are welcome.
2. Pearls of Wisdom fundraiser on September 10: We are trying something totally new this year in holding a nighttime event at the Catholic Pastoral Center…men are encouraged to attend! We are hoping the change in venue and timing leads to even higher returns for our scholarship fund. But to reach our fundraising goal, we need your help in three specific ways: attend the event, work on the planning team, and collect items for the silent auction. Please sign up to participate!
I hope and pray these two events are successful. The Business Spotlight is an opportunity for our members to promote their businesses and learn about others in the Nashville area. The Pearls of Wisdom fundraiser is our legacy event that raises money for young women’s scholarships at our Catholic High Schools.
"The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him." (Lamentations 3:25)
Blessings,
Lynne Warne
President ‘21-23
Lynne Warne: March 2022
“We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!” (Matthew 20:18-19)
As I write this, I am preparing for a trip to Israel and Jordan that has been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember. My husband and I will be on a Max Lucado-led tour of the Holy Land from February 27-March 10. We are both excited and humbled to be walking where Jesus walked, especially during Lent.
Pope Francis says Lent is a time for renewing faith, hope and love. He describes the journey that leads to Easter: "The Holy Spirit drives us, like Jesus, into the desert. It is not a physical place, but rather an existential dimension in which we can be silent and listen to the word of God.”
Join us for our Lenten Zoom to listen to the word of God! Attend our March meeting to hear from the woman charged with marketing for the diocese— who undoubtedly listens to God (and Bishop Spalding!) for her work. There’s also an opportunity to renew your faith through a women’s retreat organized by member Jennie Guinn in early April.
Whatever you do to prepare for Lent, I hope it leads to a deeper connection with God.
By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return. (Genesis 3:19)
Blessings,
Lynne Warne
President ‘21-23
P.S. Check out all the new features on our website! Our Communications Director Cora Newcomb has done an excellent job updating it with new pictures, a robust history section and more.
Lynne Warne: February 2022
It’s that time of year when love takes center stage.
Valentine’s Day originated as a Christian feast day honoring Saint Valentine, a Catholic priest who lived in Rome in the third century. There are many stories about St. Valentine, and over time these stories grew into the legend we know today.
The Bible is silent about Valentine’s Day, but not about sharing God’s love. In fact, Scripture teaches God is love (1 John 4:8).
God's immense and unwavering love isn't always easy to see or understand. Sometimes it shows itself in small ways, like when a person asks how your day is going and actually listens when you answer. It shows itself in big ways, too, like when a guardian angel appears out of nowhere when your car has a flat tire and you need help putting on the spare.
Bible verses about God's love serve as a constant reminder that He is always watching and ready to help. They allow us to take comfort in the fact that He is always in our corner.
So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you should love one another. (John 13:34)
Blessings,
Lynne Warne
NCBWL President 2021-23
P.S. If you love hearing about real estate, you won’t want to miss our February meeting! Join me in learning from female experts about the latest real estate trends and what their crystal balls look like for the Nashville market.
Lynne Warne: January 2022
Like many of you, I compile a list of resolutions for the new year. I start by looking at the goals set for the prior year and analyzing which ones need to continue, change or be deleted.
Some goals are constant, like starting each day reading devotions. In 2021, my goal was to read the Bible in one year — a feat I accomplished several years ago but needed to repeat because it’s difficult for me to retain all that information. Reading the Bible makes me feel closer to God and reminds me to seek Him first for my decisions and needs.
As the apostle Paul affirmed in Philippians 4:13, “I can do everything through Him who strengthens me.” Yes, it might be necessary this year for us to turn over a new leaf. Make a fresh start! But we need to understand that Jesus is our leaf-turner. His words give us guidance on how to live our lives and direct us in wisdom.
I encourage you to spend your first minutes of each morning with God. It sets the tone for the rest of the day! If reading the Bible doesn’t interest you (or feels too daunting), pick up a devotional book by Joyce Meyer, Max Lucado or any number of best-selling authors who have done a miraculous job of putting the Bible into context for us.
“It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ ” Matthew 4:4
Blessings,
Lynne Warne
NCBWL President 2021-23
*P.S. A gentle reminder: Per CDC guidelines, fully vaccinated people can resume activities without wearing a mask; unvaccinated people should continue wearing masks in public.
Lynne Warne: December 2021
At this time of year, I find myself acting a bit like Martha, worrying about a lot of things that don’t matter instead of sitting at the feet of Jesus and enjoying his presence.
From Luke 10:41-42:
"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "You are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
I encourage you to slow down during the holiday season, so you can exchange your worry for worship. That’s what we are called to do as Christians. Take time to pray, to visit with loved ones, and savor these precious and fleeting moments on earth.
Begin by joining us for our December events! A visit with the retired local sisters at the Mercy Convent and Dominican Motherhouse does wonders for the soul. And joining fellow NCBWL members at the annual Christmas party is a great way to connect with like-minded women who share the same Catholic faith and ideals.
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?” Matthew 6:25
Blessings,
Lynne Warne
NCBWL President 2021-23
Lynne Warne: November 2021
We have so much to be grateful for as Thanksgiving draws near — answered prayers on two fronts.
First and foremost: Pearls of Wisdom. If you attended our last meeting, you heard that we set a new fundraising record this year: $62,115.21 in gross revenues and $55,704.28 net proceeds!
Want to see the fruits of this labor in action? Join us for the November meeting at Pope John Paul II Preparatory School, where we will be giving our 2021 donation check. Note that it is a morning meeting to accommodate the school’s busy schedule.
This will be our second meeting of the year visiting the local Catholic high schools supported through the Aurelia Varallo Mariani Memorial Scholarship fund. In August we visited St. Cecilia Academy, and in January we will meet at Father Ryan High School. It’s all part of our plan to personally connect NCBWL members with one our main goals: to promote and perpetuate Catholic education.
Secondly, we had been searching for a location to hold our annual Christmas party; one that is centrally located with ample street parking. I’m pleased to announce it will be held at the lovely home of past President Kathleen Pohlid! Mark it on your calendars because you won’t want to miss it: Wednesday, December 15 from 5-8 p.m. at 505 Clematis Drive, Nashville TN 37205. It will be a pot luck and free for all attendees; more details to follow.
“I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation.” Psalm 118:21
Blessings,
Lynne Warne
NCBWL President 2021-23
Lynne Warne: October 2021
Fall is my favorite season! I love the turning of the leaves and cooler weather. It reminds me of my time growing up on a farm in rural Minnesota, where my dad was harvesting crops at this time of year.
Robert Lewis Stevenson once said, “Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.”
The NCBWL planted a whole lot of seeds this year when working on the 2021 Pearls of Wisdom fundraiser. The small but mighty team of volunteers who worked on this event were like farmers who, through faith and through daily effort, prayed the harvest (of a $40,000 fundraising goal) would come to fruition.
I’m thrilled to report that we surpassed our fundraising goal! Final expenses and donations are still being tallied as I write this, but it’s safe to say we beat the previous fundraising records for this event. All proceeds benefit the scholarship fund named in memory of Aurelia Varallo Mariani, a 1951 graduate of St. Cecilia Academy and NCBWL member.
The results are remarkable, given the ongoing pandemic, but they speak to the generosity of our members, sponsors and supporters. Clearly, people in this community know the value of Catholic education and want to support young women.
Special thanks to our co-chairs, Nikki Moreland and Patricia Vance, for orchestrating a wonderful event, and to Lisa Link for spearheading the online auction. I can’t wait to see what these three have in store for us next year. They are looking at all sorts of different options to mix up the event, which I fully endorse. Similar to farmers who rotate crops each season, it’s healthy to plant seeds in different locations for a better yield.
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9
Blessings,
Lynne Warne
NCBWL President 2021-23
Lynne Warne: September 2021
Andrew Carnegie once said: “Anything in life worth having is worth working for.”
Those words ring true with the NCBWL. It’s worth the work to bring our members together each month, which happened so spectacularly in August at St. Cecilia Academy! What an impressive program. Special thanks to Sister Anne Catherine and her entire team for hosting us — as well as to our long-time member Nancy Peterson Hearn for sharing her amazing life story with us.
And it’s worth the work to put on our annual fundraiser that supports the Aurelia Varallo Mariani Memorial Scholarship! Countless hours have been logged in preparing for this upcoming event on September 11. All proceeds help fund tuition for girls at our local Catholic high schools. Join us! We are extending the deadline to purchase ticket(s) online (to September 5) through this link: https://www.ncbwl.org/pearls-of-wisdom-ticket
I’m excited that the new Young Catholic Professionals chapter in Nashville asked us for volunteers to mentor some of their new members. What a great way for our members to share their experiences and expertise with the next generation of leaders! Read the article in this month’s newsletter for more information, and contact Jessica Richards, CYP Director of Membership at jessica.richards@ycpnashville.org
All work and no play is not my style, so it was a bit of music-to-my-ears when I heard from several of you that we need more casual ways to interact. We can fix that! Join me for happy hour on Wednesday, September 22 from 4-6 p.m. in the Char lounge. No RSVPs necessary; come and go as your schedule allows. Char is located on the first floor of the Vertis Green Hills building, 3988 Hillsboro Pike. There’s free parking underneath the building, accessed off Richard Jones Road. Here’s the menu: https://nashville.charrestaurant.com/happy-hour/
“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that labor in the Lord is not in vein.” - 1 Corinthians 15:58
Blessings,
Lynne Warne
NCBWL President 2021-23
Lynne Warne: August 2021
Ever since joining the NCBWL four years ago, I’ve wanted our organization to meet onsite at the schools we support through our annual Pearls of Wisdom fundraiser. I think that being on campus, hearing from our scholarship recipients, and learning more about each institution will be beneficial in so many ways. First and foremost, it should reinforce why we actively promote and perpetuate Catholic education for girls.
Earlier this year I met with representatives from St. Cecilia Academy, Father Ryan High School, and John Paul II High School to begin the planning effort to make this a reality. I’m pleased to say our first onsite meeting will be on Thursday, August 19 from noon-1:30 p.m. at St. Cecilia Academy. The meeting at JPII is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, November 17 (probably a breakfast meeting). The meeting at Father Ryan is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, January 19 as a luncheon. All of these meetings will include food/beverages, speakers, and a campus tour — with a portion of the registration fee donated to each school.
Please mark these meetings on your calendar and plan on joining us!
Have you given to our Pearls of Wisdom fundraising event yet? Co-chairs Patricia Vance and Nikki Moreland would be thrilled to receive more donations. All proceeds benefit our scholarship funds. Plus, we’d like to fill Richland Country Club with attendees this year! Please purchase your ticket(s) by August 31 through this link: https://www.ncbwl.org/pearls-of-wisdom-ticket
“Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” – Mother Teresa
Blessings,
Lynne Warne
NCBWL President 2021-23
Lynne Warne: July 2021
Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). The words of Jesus are spot-on. When you give, it has a boomerang effect. Happiness happens when we give it away. That’s such great news, especially with our annual fundraiser soon upon us.
Opportunities abound to give your time, talent and treasure to our Pearls of Wisdom event on September 11, which funds scholarships for girls at the three local Catholic high schools. We need volunteers, sponsors, table hosts, and donations; see this for more details.
I’ve contacted 15 businesses to solicit donations and encourage you to ask your preferred vendors to support us as well. Think of your hairdresser, aesthetician, dermatologist, manicurist, dry cleaner, dog groomer...all of those personal services that we tend to use on a regular basis. Donating to our cause will raise their visibility!
In the end, each of us should give what we have decided in our heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, because we know God loves a cheerful giver.
“Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” -2 Corinthians 9:6
Blessings,
Lynne Warne
NCBWL President 2021-23
Lynne Warne: June 2021
WOW! Our May meeting at Coco’s was a confidence-builder for me as your new leader. The room was *packed and full of energy. I thought it was a fun evening that nourished my soul (the $5 glass of wine was an unexpected bonus!).
But what do YOU think about the meeting? If you attended, you received an email survey asking five short questions. It takes less than a minute to complete and is anonymous. We will email this same survey after every NCBWL event as a feedback mechanism so that we can continuously improve — because that’s what healthy, vibrant organizations do!
Another thing successful organizations do is create a culture of service. As members of the NCBWL, we have many upcoming opportunities to serve! Planning for our annual Pearls of Wisdom scholarship fundraiser is underway, and I encourage all members to get involved. It’s a great way to connect with others while supporting Catholic education.
Have you given much thought to your calling in life? Your abilities match your calling. Some people think a calling is just for priests, nuns or missionaries. But every person is called by God. First, we’re called to salvation. And then we’re called to service.
“May he equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him.” - Hebrews 13:21
Blessings,
Lynne Warne
NCBWL President 2021-23
*P.S. A gentle reminder: Per CDC guidelines, fully vaccinated people can resume activities without wearing a mask; unvaccinated people should continue wearing masks in public.
Lynne Warne: May 2021
I kept a copy of the February 5 Tennessee Register and unearthed it from my desk the other day thinking, “Why did I hang onto this?” And then I saw a quote I’d circled in an article that caught my attention months ago. It said Bishop Spalding wants the Diocese of Nashville to bring more people to Christ, filling all the churches to overflowing, saying “My vision is to fill all the spaces in all the places!” He goes on to say, “When we accept God’s plan for our lives, we take on the mission of bringing others to Christ.”
I have a vision for the NCBWL — and it is to bring more working, unemployed and retired Catholic women into our organization, filling the room to capacity at our monthly meetings.
To do this, your Board of Directors is going to do some soul searching during our tenure as leaders. We will begin with strategic planning discussions to better define who we are as an organization and ways we can grow.
We will be taking risks and doing some things differently — like mixing up where and when we meet. Our May and June meetings, for instance, will be at Coco’s Italian Market. This business is owned by a wonderful Catholic family, is located a block from St. Ann’s Church, has free parking, and serves delicious Italian food within our new budget of $25 per person.
Another initiative is to feature Catholic women as our monthly speakers, coming from all walks of life to share their career and life experiences. All presenters are being asked to inform, inspire or entertain us — so we come out learning something after each meeting.
I felt the Holy Spirit at work when I accepted the call to be the League’s president. It is why I feel so strongly about finding new ways to bring more women into our organization — to connect and support each other.
“For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.” (Proverbs 11:14)
Blessings,
Lynne Warne
Lynne Warne: April 2021
It is an honor to be serving as the League’s new president! I am humbled to follow in Teri Gordon’s footsteps, who graciously led our organization through this difficult pandemic period. Thank you, Teri, for your steadfast leadership — and thank YOU, our members, for sticking with us through thick and thin. I look forward to visiting with you at upcoming meetings to learn more about ways the NCBWL can both grow and serve the women throughout the diocese. Know that I welcome unsolicited advice and comments, so please don’t hesitate reaching out to me.
The League’s new Board of Directors will hold its first meeting in early May. You’ll be able to view the minutes from our Board and membership meetings on the NCBWL website going forward. Each newsletter will include a link to the most recent minutes as well. This is being done to eliminate paper handouts at our meetings.
The timing of the League’s change in leadership isn’t lost on me. It coincides with Easter and spring, which are synonymous in some ways. It's a time of newness, freshness, and beauty rising out of the dormant earth.
The Resurrection story of Jesus Christ, similarly, is a time of rejoicing for us Christians, with hope arising from death. A new beginning.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Blessings,
Lynne Warne
Past-President's Message
as published on the March Newsletter
Mercy, Grace, Redemption and Salvation
Well, we are fully immersed in Lent by now. Last month, I wrote on the traditional three words of Lent – prayer, almsgiving, and sacrifice. While those are our themes for Lent recently, I heard four words to describe Lent – Mercy, Grace, Redemption and Salvation. Maybe Prayer, Almsgiving and Sacrifice are the work we as God’s people need to do to reap what God wants to give us – Mercy, Grace, Redemption and Salvation.
