IN FULL BLOOM 2012

Two weeks ago our committee counted the registrations and there were only 25 women registered for In Full Bloom 2012.  We didn't really panic, but we were certainly concerned and thought we would have to call the caterer and cut down the menu, set up fewer chairs, etc.  But God showed up and out on Friday and nearly 200 women graced the doors of our Rockaway campus hungry for the Word and fellowship! To say that we were blown away is an understatement.  What a joy it was to see so many lives changed, relationships reconciled, wounds healed, and friendships merged!

Friday night with the Worship Team and Kristyn Faison and wonderful teaching by Pastor Marlinda set the mood.  This was our time to take off the masks and get real in the Word; a time to  look at ourselves, completely and honestly.  And Saturday was heavenly. Morning Glory, a Word from Pastor M., the Panel Discussion, the wonderful catered lunch at Cafe Bloom and the workshops.

It was a life-changing weekend and surely God was pleased.  We are looking forward to In Full Bloom 2013!

8 Days Until Our Life Changing Conference

Well time certainly does fly! It's hard to believe that there are only 8 days until we meet for the In Full Bloom Women's Conference.  Here is a sampling of the workshops that you can attend on Saturday:

We will begin on Friday night with anointed worship by a Christ Church Praise Team and the spirit-filled teaching of Pastor Marlinda Ireland.  In this"The Ladies Garden Club" we will spend time opening our hearts and ushering a new season of growth.


"Club Bloom"- featuring Pat Andrews the Queen of Christian Comedy, she will use her comedic gift to tell side-splitting tales of our lives as women, wives, and mothers. 


Saturday will begin with "Morning Glory" and more anointed worship!  Our workshops will begin with following choices:

Weed Control:

Moving Through Seasons of Barrenness (Don’t Die in the Winter!):

Polished Petals (Recognizing and Honoring Our Uniqueness/Significance):

Single Moms in the Garden

Our guest speaker, Dr. Adrian Mueller, will then take the platform to impart her wisdom and empowering words from the Lord.

We are so excited about what God is doing in our midst and can not wait for next weekend!  Still haven't registered?  Here is the link 

http://christchurchusa.org/store/index.php?route=product%2Fproduct&path=60&product_id=52

Faith is Being Sure!

We are a little over 2 weeks away from our Women's Conference, and we are busier than ever tending to details.  Our Women's Ministry Leadership Team is working hard and praying for God's will to be done at this conference.  So Dr. David's current message about faith is so timely for our purpose as a committee. 

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see" Hebrews 11:1  

As we continue to move forward with planning workshops, a luncheon, and wonderful surprises, we are pressing in and using our faith because we don't really know how many women will come!  We are trusting God that we will have more women than we can imagine, but truthfully, we have no idea.  Our March 2nd Launch Service proved that if we put our faith first, The Holy Spirit will show up!  As each of us sat in the first pew on the night of that service we kept turning  our heads in amazement  at the number of women who came!  So we rest in the knowledge, that God has something great in store for this concerence!


"These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised.  God planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect".  Hebrews 11:39-40.


We know that our God will show up and show out! We are walking in the knowledge that the women of Christ Church and this region are ready for a life-changing conference with workshops that will help them find God's purpose in their lives, incredible spirit-filled worship, and fellowship with women of God who are seeking to learn and grow to new heights.


Have you registered for In Full Bloom's Women's Conference?

Renewal, Rejuvenation, The Resurrection

It is a month away from our In Full Bloom Women's Conference.  We have worked very hard and there is still so much more to do.  Honestly, it is overwhelming.  But this week, we are stopping to reflect on The Cross.  Because  Christ Church offers so many services, it does give us the opportunity to hear a good Word, praise, worship, and reflect.( Please go to www.christchurchusa.org for a listing of our services.)


So we are reflecting on all that The Resurrection means.  Being alive unto Christ! We rebuke sickness, disease, grief, strife, depression, anxiety, doubt, fear, self-loathing, hatred, injustice, etc.  Jesus came, died, and rose from the grave so that we can now, today, experience the best that life has to offer.  We can step right into healing, glory, faith, hope, confidence, purpose, love, victory, peace, joy, forgiveness, and the abundance of life!  


"Christ Jesus, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped; but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, and was born in human likeness. And being found in human form he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him, and bestowed on him the name which is above every name.
Philippians 2:6-9

The thought of The Resurrection is energizing.  It fills us with the hope to finish the race with excellence.  Spreading the good news and working tirelessly for Him.  The highest form of humility.  His greatness and love are overwhelming and life-transforming.  


We praise Him for what He continues to do for In Full Bloom, and for each and every woman in our community.  Thank you Lord for The Resurrection!

In Full Bloom - Women’s Conference Registration Deadline: May 1, 2012

In Full Bloom - Women’s Conference Registration Deadline: May 1, 2012

Here it is!  Online Registration for our Women's Conference!

In Full Bloom Women's Conference

BLOOM!  Get from under the cobwebs of winter and get ready to join us on May 4th and 5th for what promises to be a life-changing conference!" Our team has been praying, working, and praying some more as we plan and follow The Holy Spirit to make this time with The Lord very special for the women of Christ Church and this region.

We can't give too much away yet, but just know that this is one event that you don't want to miss! You will be encouraged, refreshed, and renewed by the workshops and activities that we have planned."In Full Bloom Women's Conference" will be here before we know it!

Prepare your heart along with our planning team this week as we pray for clarity and discernment in the planning the workshops and Friday evening service so that we can meet the spiritual needs of every woman attends.

"For with you, O God, is the fountain of life, and in Your light we see light" Psalm 36:9

We love God and we are praying specifically for discernment.  What does that mean? The examples are endless, but basically we are praying for the following as we plan and prepare for our Women's Conference:

• To see things for what they are and recognize our limitations. To perceive God at work in our lives and in the world.
• To be discriminating about our choices (relevance of topics,etc)
• To avoid making assumptions, judging too quickly, or jumping to conclusions.
• Make wise decisions.
• Distinguish good ideas from those harmful to ourselves, other people, and our environment.
• Be aware and appreciative of the goodness and godliness around us.
• Be aware of the need to pray about whatever disturbs us.
• Recognize real love when we see it.
• Recognize the light of Christ in ourselves and other people.
• See all of creation in the love and light of God.

We are excited about  what God is doing for the women of Christ Church and in this region.  Journey along with us as we seek God and don't forget to check back each week for an update on the conference and our specific prayer requests.

Spring is Here! Let's Go Fishing?

Today it is 72 degrees in Northern New Jersey.  Not so typical for March 13th.  Last year on this day the high temperature was 53 degrees and we were quite happy.  The winter of 2011 was one of the harshest in our area's history.

So we are basking in the sun, delighted to not wear coats and sweaters, and generally very happy.  What does this have to do with fishing?  Well, we are bound to be out doors more, running in and out of coffee shops, stores, meeting friends, making new friends, etc.  More time to fish for "men".  "Men" (and "women") for Christ. If you've been to service at Christ Church in the past few weeks, you've heard the sermons about "Fishing for Men" as well as Pastor David's prophetic dream about fishing and catching people of all walks of life for Christ.

In Luke 5:4, Jesus says "“Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch”. The disciples had apparently finished washing their nets and had probably hung them out on the ship to dry. Jesus had likewise finished His teaching, and asked Peter to put out to deeper water, and to let down the nets for a catch. 

 Jesus did not make a suggestion; He made a command. And He did not order the disciples to let down their nets to try to catch fish, He ordered them to put out their nets for a large catch of fish. In other words, Jesus was issuing both a command and a promise. The command was to put out the nets. The promise was that there would be a catch. And it was a tremendous catch! 

What does this have to do with Spring?  Well, when you are out with friends, remember that you are an example of who God is.  " Let down your net" and invite a friend to church or to our upcoming Bible Studies on the book of Jonah at the East Campus or at the East and West campuses. Cast your net wide and don't assume that a person won't attend a service or want to come to an event with you.   As we learned in service, 82% of people who receive a personal invitation to church, will attend.  So fill up your net, and don't give up.  And enjoy the grace and mercy of these wonderfully warm days.

WOMEN OF THE WORD PRESENTS "JONAH: NAVIGATING THE INTERRUPTED LIFE"

Join The Women of the Word for an incredible Priscilla Shirer bible study that begins on March 20, 2012 at the Christ Church East Campus.  Study with other women as you discover God's purpose for your life. The course if free of charge, but the workbook (which can be purchased at your favorite online bookstore) does have a fee.  We look forward to seeing you as In Full Bloom provides more spiritual nourishment for the women of Christ Church and beyond!

"Paint Your Picture" by Julie Meyer

This is the beautiful song that our Praise Dancers worshiped to at our In Full Bloom Launch Service.  Enjoy!

An Incredible Night of Worship!

What a glorious time we had in the Lord! Thank you to the dancers, singers, comedienne Pat Andrews, and Pastor Marlinda Ireland for bringing the Word and ushering in The Holy Spirit! We now have a bigger picture of what it means to be beautiful inwardly for God. Smile today in that knowledge . "Our worth is not in how we look. We are God's representation in the earth.".-Pastor M.

 So let's all walk firmly and continue to be obedient to Him. The obedience of God will keep us safe from doubt".-Pastor Marlinda. 

Obedience to God means that we must remember:

•  1-We've been created in God's image;
•  2- It is our desires that open the door to deception, But God cause our destiny to be intact; 
• 3- Trust, Obey, Believe and Fight Doubt!

What a glorious time we had!  Our Retreat in May is going to be even more powerful and life-changing!  Save-the-Dates of May 4-5, 2012!  We are making history in this region for Christ!

The First Flower of Spring!

It is March 1st.  We made it through the winter months and can now look forward to the Spring and all that comes with it. More sunlight, warmer weather, grass, trees and flowers blooming.  The daffodil is the March birth flower. Daffodils have the flower meaning of rebirth, respect, regard and unrequited love. The daffodil is one of the first flowers of spring, therefore it is a symbol of rebirth.

Rebirth, respect, regard and unrequited love are all attributes that remind us of God's pure love.  Easter certainly reminds us of the "rebirth" of Christ as He rose to be with The Father.  There is no greater love than that rebirth. " But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God," John 1:22

Respect is defined in the book of Matthew (among others) Matthew 7:12-“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets." Respect for our bodies, our lives and others is recounted in the bible many times, To respect is to demonstrate that you value someone's interests, values, or feelings.

Regard, or to be concerned with something or someone, is defined  in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20-"Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body."  Regard for our minds, health, and most importantly our relationship with The Father, are all paramount as we grow in Him.

Unrequited love, or basically loving someone who doesn't love you back, seems to be most challenging for most of us.  However, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 gives us the exact instruction for loving unconditionally :"Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things hopes all things, endures all things" 

We are just a few days away from "In Full Bloom" and learning what it means to press in and move closer to the plans that God has for us.  It seems so fitting that we will begin our journey together during this month of March.. A month  defined by a flower with attributes that capture the essence of who we can all be in Him. 

Get Ready to Blossom!

One week from today we will be celebrating "In Full Bloom"!  Just what does that mean?  Well it promises to be a night of worship, praise, and laughter!  Our Women's Ministry is launching to new heights as we walk into God's promises for our lives.  This is an exciting time in the lives of the women at Christ Church! Child care will be provided, so just make sure you get there in time to get a seat.  You will also have time to sign up for our women's ministries including "Women of the Word" and "Moms In Prayer".

Get ready as God does a "new thing" in the lives of the women in our area!

Modesty, Faithfulness, February?

The name "In Full Bloom" seems to be so fitting for the women's ministry. When you think of flowers and how precious and beautiful they are, you can equate that with God's love for us.  We are designed like flowers; beautiful, strong, fragrant, precious.  These are just a few of the words that come to mind when one thinks of flowers and the female species.  

In fact,  each month of the year has a specific flower, and each flower has a description.  For instance, the month of February is represented by the Violet.  The meaning of the violet is this: modesty, faithfulness, virtue/young love.  These are all of the characteristics that God wants for us: 

Gal.5:22-23  "But the fruit of the Spirit is, charity, joy, peace, patience, benignity, goodness, longanimity, mildness, faith, modesty, continency, chastity."

(The Douay-Rheims translation)

As you continue to seek God's grace and direction in your life, take a look at your own birthday month and flower and its meaning.  Can you see God's handprint on your life in the description of your flower?

  "Lord, we seek your direction as we define our selves as you see us and as you have created us.  Help us to see ourselves as you see us-as beautiful, blooming flowers-strong, steady, fragrant and beautiful.  Amen"

Welcome to In Full Bloom!

Welcome to In Full Bloom!  Join the women of Christ Church as we journey together to discover what God has designed for our lives!  Check back frequently for posts about our upcoming March 2nd In Full Bloom launch service and our conference/retreat that will happen on May 4-5, 2012.

 Journey with us as we become "Polished Petals" and seek the hand of God!