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!