IF: Next Step

Christine Caine--IF:Gathering 2015

We worshiped.  We confessed sins of commission and sins of omission.  We prayed.  We hugged.  We laughed.  We got up early and lingered late.  We toasted each other and we listened.  We listened to each other, to speakers with international ministries, and to the Holy Spirit.  And now we're wondering--"What's the Next Step?"


Because you see, the point of the IF:Gathering wasn't to see how many women we could gather and it wasn't to break bread together and it wasn't to write down great thoughts from other women.  The point of IF:Gathering was to hear the Spirit speak into our hearts what we needed:  freedom, release, purpose, forgiveness, love.  And the challenge of the IF:Gathering is now to move forward.  To put our toes into the Jordan that God will allow us to cross and move into our promised land.  So what's your next step?

One of our ladies began an online Bible Study--and God is seriously handing out good times of learning from His word!  And another lady is beginning an IF:Table--she's reaching out to women who have never gathered around her table before!  We've got another Bible Study in the works and I am so excited about what women will do at Cross Points Church and beyond...

My head is swimming with ideas--but I was serious.  If you left a stone with your next step written on it--I want to hear about it.  It's going to be in a clay pot in my garden and I want you to come and visit it and tell me how God is giving you courage, boldness, strength, vision, whatever--to move forward. 

If you didn't get a rock--I've got plenty!  :-)  Come visit me and my garden and tell me what the Spirit is whispering to you.  What's your next step?

Blessings,
Jan

IF: Shawnee at Cross Points Church

 

 The IF:Gathering is a fresh, deep, honest space for a new generation of women to wrestle with the essential question: IF God is real… then we want more than anything to live like it. On February 6-7, 2015, we will gather women all over the world at IF:Austin and at IF:Local gatherings across the globe.

Registration for IF: Shawnee at Cross Points Church is now live! 

 

Women all over the world will be gathering February 6 and 7. This two-day women's gathering will consist of powerful teaching simulcast from Austin, TX by Jennie Allen and the IF: Gathering leadership team. There will also be worship and small group gatherings.   

  

Here in Shawnee, we will be simulcasting the entire 2-day event beginning at 2pm on Friday, Feb 6th and concluding Saturday at 5pm.  Once you register for the event, you are welcome to come and go as your schedule permits.  Our event is a community-wide event.  All women are welcome!

 

This is a national organization and we're asked to register online.  When you register, you will be asked to make a donation to the national IF ministry to help with broadcasting expenses.  You may register for as little as a dollar, or any amount of your choice.  The requested donation is $25.  BLOOM! encourages you to register as soon as possible.  If you need help, come to our table after church on January 18 or 25.  Registration for the Shawnee / Cross Points Church event is located here: 

https://ifgathering.com/gatherings/8650

 

 

Friday, February 6th

Session 1 – 2:00-5:00  A Call to Believe
Dinner Break – 5:00-7:00
Session 2 – 7:00-10:00   Why Don't We Believe?

Saturday, February 7th

Session 3 – 9:00-12:00  How Do We Believe?
Lunch Break – 12:00-2:00
Session 4 – 2:00-5:00  What Could Happen IF We Believed?

MEALS:

Part of the fun of a conference is getting to know each other better during the break times, so we've got some ideas for the two meal breaks.  For planning purposes, after registering, please sign up at our table for one or both meals:

 

5:00 pm Friday night:  Bring $7 and we'll order several pizzas to share.  BLOOM! will provide salad, water, and soda!

 

Noon Saturday lunch.  How about potluck?   We're thinking sandwiches!  Please sign up at the table to bring a sandwich meat, cheese, bread, a salad, or dessert.

 

 

Questions or want help registering?   email bloom4him@gmail.com  or meet us at the BLOOM! table in the foyer after the service on January 18 and 25.

Autumn Recharge: Run the Race

Photo: Autumn by

seved mostafa zamani

used under Creative Common license.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.  Hebrews 12: 1-2

 

 

A Day to Refresh, Renew, and Recharge

Every runner trains for the race.  They stretch, control their diet, and diligently practice under every possible condition.  In I Cor 9, Paul calls us to approach our Christian life in the same way.

But life happens and we find ourselves on the sidelines, out of energy and in desperate need of inspiration.

BLOOM! invites all sisters to a day set apart--a day to renew, to refresh, and to recharge! It's a day of energizing speakers interspersed with quiet introspection.

Come a bit early for coffee and a meet and greet, then be inspired by our virtual speakers, Jennie Allen (founder of If:Gathering and author of Restless) and Shelley Giglio (from Passion Movement and Passion City Church.)  We'll also welcome two exciting live and in-person speakers.  First up is Linda Smith, visionary of Cross Points Church healing ministry. Then our very own Heather Jones (yes, wife of our lead pastor, David) shares her heart and vision for Cross Points Church and the race set before us here in Shawnee.

Cross Points Church / Fireside Lounge

Saturday, October 25

9:30 am until 3 pm

Cost: $10:  Includes Panera sandwich and salad box lunch

Choice: smoked turkey, smoked ham, or Mediterranean veggie sandwich

Child care available

Please specify sandwich type and indicate child care needs when registering.

Ask questions or register at our table in the foyer after the service on October 5, 12, and 19.  For your convenience, soon you can also register online at Cross Points Church.

Bring a Bible, a journal and pen.  There will be quiet times throughout the day.  Feel free to bring anything that you personally use to converse with God such as a sketch pad, a music source and ear buds, or your electronic notepad.  That part will be up to you.  Come expecting to hear God and begin to pray now that God will speak corporately and individually to each of our dear sisters.

Feel free to invite a friend--we'll meet you at the table after church.

Summer Bible Study

• Host:
  BLOOM! Cross Points Church
  913-631-1100 
• Cost of Material
  $10  Pay at the table after church  on June 8, 15, or 22 when you register.  Please register for child care at that time so we can make arrangements.
  

• When:
  Starting Wednesday, June 25 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM for 6 sessions.
• Where:
  Fireside Lounge
  Cross Points Church  
  
  

From a state of fear, weakness, and insecurity, Gideon emerged as Israel's hero, filled with God's presence and His passion for deliverance. Like everything else in the Bible, this is a story about God and His people. It's a story of His love for them, as well as His strength operating in spite of their weakness—even through their weakness. This study will encourage you to recognize your weakness as the key that the Lord gives you to unlock the full experience of His strength in your life.

Join us for six weeks this summer as we study Gideon's life during the week, then come together on Wednesday nights to listen to Priscilla Shirer and share with other women in small groups.  Please register for child care so we can make arrangements.

BLOOMIN' in Martha's Garden

We had a great time, Martha!  Here are some photos of the garden if you want to look: 
http://basketsofsummerfruit.blogspot.com/2014/06/we-loved-you-so-much.html

• Host: BLOOM!

• When:  Saturday, June 14 at 9:30 AM to Saturday, June 14 at 11:30 AM

• Where:  meet at Martha Anderson's Garden
  10400 W 52nd Terrace
  Shawnee, KS 66203

And the Lord God planted a garden in Eden...Gen 2:8

People plant gardens for lots of reasons--for food, for exercise, for beauty, or for relaxation.  And they visit gardens for those same benefits.  No matter the reason for being there, you always learn a little bit about the gardener when you visit her garden. 

Martha Anderson is a long-time gardener and floral designer as well as a member of Cross Points Church.  She's graciously invited us to enjoy her personal garden during its most beautiful period.

Come for the beauty, the fellowship, to learn a little about gardening, or to learn more about Martha.  But please come.  And bring a friend.  We'll have some cool water available, but wearing a hat and some sunscreen would be a great idea.  Come and go as you can.  Martha will lead tours and answer questions.  And we sincerely hope you will enjoy a relaxing morning of sharing what's BLOOMin' in Martha's garden.

BLOOM! into Healthy Living: Exercise with Alvina!

You asked for it, girls, here we go....           

                                                               

BLOOM!  Into Healthy Living

Exercise Class

Get Stronger!  Get Healthier!

A weekly one hour cardio, strength and stretch class.

Starting Thursday, May 15

5:30 pm in the Fireside Room

$5.00 suggested donation to go towards our Capital Campaign fund.

Questions or sign-up—

Call or text Alvina  (913)208-5242

Running late that day?  Come anyway!

Daughters welcome to come exercise with Mom!

BLOOM! Into Healthy Living

Thanks to Tracy, Elizabeth, Elaine, and Alvina for such a fun and information-packed evening!  You all inspire me!  Watch for the next part--an exercise class! 

 

BLOOM! into Healthy Living

• Friday, May 2 at 7:00-9:00 PM
• Fireside Room, Cross Points Church

We're so excited to announce our very first ever Panel Discussion just for us girls--this one on living a healthy lifestyle!  Please join our knowledgeable panelists, Elizabeth Mains, Elaine Miller, and Alvina Young and our moderator for the evening, Tracy Martinez.  We'll have a lively and fun discussion about topics such as:



Get motivated, Get moving!
Creating a restful, peaceful, joyful environment.
Fat Free...It's not all it's cracked up to be!
Exercising with Babies, Toddlers, and Kiddos at home.

Our panelists have made changes and learned what works in their lives--now they're ready to share their strategies and tips with us!  Please don't miss it!

We'll have healthy snacks, child care if you pre-register and we can arrange it, and a ton of fun.

Got a question about nutrition or exercise or just staying healthy?  Ask it in the comment section when you RSVP to your evite and we'll get it to our panelists to answer that evening.  Or send it in an email to bloom4him@gmail.com

We can't wait to see all of you!