Join us for a Book Discussion

You have the capacity to become an extraordinary leader—if you are willing to embrace a deeper definition of leadership and take action to apply it.

In The 4 Dimensions of Extraordinary Leadership, Jenni Catron, executive church leader and author of Clout, reveals the secrets to the kind of leadership found in the Great Commandment: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.”

 

We're all leaders.   At home, at work, in church, or out in the neighborhood--each of you has someplace where you affect other people.  So what do you think it takes to lead well?

Jenn Green and Jan Brooks invite you to read and discuss this book with them.  We've got a cool online assessment to help us pinpoint our personal style of leadership.  Then we'll define extraordinary leadership and discuss tools and strategy to develop leadership qualities within us.  We want to come away with new insights, perspective, and lots of encouragement!

Sunday mornings 9:00-10:30 am
September 18-October 9  (4 weeks)
Maranatha wing of Cross Points Church.  Room TBA

The book is available at Amazon, Christianbook.com,  Barnes & Noble, and Lifeway. Cost for the print book is about $17. 
A digital version is available for about $10 from all vendors plus iBooks. 

Please sign up through the myCrossPoints app or online at the church website.  Here's a link.  

Plan to read the first two chapters before we begin the sessions on September 18. 
 

Summer IF: Tables 2016

 

What is better 

than a bit of time set aside 

for food, 

sweet friends, 

and deep conversation?

What is IF:Table?
A place to gather women and share a simple meal and dive deep with people over real stories and Christ centered conversations. A time for a whole lot of laughter – and maybe a few tears – but time spent that leaves us with glad hearts. Full hearts. Grateful hearts.
We're inviting you to join us right here at Cross Points Church.

The vision is:

6 women

4 questions

2 hours

(Acts 2:46)

Choose: Tuesday or Thursday night.

Tuesday night tables will meet June 21 and again on July 26.

Thursday night tables will meet June 23 and again on July 28.

In August, your table will meet at the time and place that YOU choose.

Let us set the table, pour the water or tea, and provide the questions.   You bring a potluck dish and any girlfriends you can grab.

6-8:30 pm    Cross Points Church Fellowship Hall

Sign up in the app or at our table in the wrap-around after church.

Can't wait to see you!

NEHEMIAH

Bring your Bibles and journals and get ready to dig into the Old Testament book of Nehemiah, the government worker in the employ of a foreign king, who became a building contractor and one of the savviest leaders of all time.   What can we learn from a man who contends with danger, villains, and injustice, and in the process brings an exiled nation home?  What has God put on your heart?

Tuesdays, 7pm, starting March 8
Fireside Lounge
Cross Points Church
5 week Bible Study
No DVD, no additional book to purchase, just bring your Bible.

Jan Brooks, Marjie Myers, Elaine Miller, Amy Mahoney will be leading the discussion and sharing their hearts along the way.

Sign up at the BLOOM! table after church on February 28 and March 6.  Or send an email to bloom4him@gmail.com 

IF:JohnsonCountyKS

The world around us feels like it is crumbling and almost nothing seems certain, until we look to Jesus and see that our Hope is very clear and certain. He didn’t just give us salvation—Jesus is our salvation and the example of what it means to live in the fullness of grace and truth. What the world needs is His redemption, the very redemption and hope that lives inside of us. Rather than shrink back, it is time to love like Jesus loved, serve like Jesus served, pray like Jesus prayed, and pursue holiness like Jesus pursued it. 

IF:JohnsonCountyKS will join this global gathering of women across denominations, generations, and cultures as we come together in the name of Jesus.  We will be simulcasting the IF:Austin Gathering in real time February 5-6, 2016 at Cross Points Church, 6824 Lackman Rd, in Shawnee, KS and we can't wait to see you there!

Doors will be open from 1pm-10:00pm on Friday, Feb 5 and from 8am-5pm Saturday, Feb 6.

Registration fee will be $25 and will include dinner Friday night and lunch on Saturday, catered at the church. We'll be collecting that money online and scholarships are available.  This is a community-wide event and all women are welcome!

Sign up Today!  Registration for IF:JohnsonCountyKS is a two step online process.  First register with us locally so that we're expecting you and order the correct number of meals.  From there, you will be directed to the national IFGathering website where you can register your email and make a donation towards the cost of the expense of the broadcast.  You may donate as little as a dollar or any amount of your choice.  The requested donation is $25.

Register here: http://crosspointschurch.com/if/

Child care will be provided (10 & younger) FRIDAY ONLY.   Your kiddos can be registered at the same time you register so that we know they are coming.

Questions or need help registering? BLOOM! will have a table available after church every Sunday in January to help you with the process.  Stop by then for more information, or email bloom4him@gmail.com

STUCK-- a Bible Study

Join us this fall as Elaine Miller leads us through the study, Stuck.






A lot of us feel stuck. This is not a novel perception- this is human. We are stuck trying to be perfect. Stuck in sadness. Stuck feeling numb. Stuck pursuing more stuff to make us happy. Stuck in something we can’t even name. And most of our stuck places are invisible to the world. Which keeps us from dealing with them.  God has a plan for these spaces inside of us, the places we feel broken, but we have to go to Him.


The study uses projects, stories, and Bible study to engage the mind and heart. There are seven weeks of Bible study. 

7:00pm  Tuesday nights, beginning September 29.  
Fireside Lounge
Cross Points Church

Books are $9.  
Purchase at the BLOOM! table after church on Sunday September 20 and 27.

If you need child care--please let Jan Brooks know.

SUMMER BIBLE STUDY!

Restless, by Jennie Allen

  Restless Small Group Bible Study from Jennie Allen on Vimeo.

Study

Restless explores this important question: “Do I matter?” And Jennie asks, "We live with lots of things, lots of people…but do we live for something?”

Experience

An 8-session, video-based small group Bible study.  Bible study teacher and author Jennie Allen helps you discover a practical plan to identify the threads of your life and how to intentionally weave them together for God's glory and purposes.   Small groups use conversation cards to offer questions for spontaneous and authentic discussion time.

Connect

Cross Points Church / Fireside Lounge
Tuesdays, 7-9pm  beginning June 16 for 8 weeks
Cost of Book: $9.00
Purchase at the BLOOM! table after church services May 31 and  June 7  
Child Care available--please register at the table or email bloom4him@gmail.com with names and ages of children.

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!

Warrior Princess Club (WPC)

Thank you, Tonya McGhee for inspiring all of us to recognize our worth as Daughters of the Most High King!


After the Bible Study this summer and the Retreat this month, many of you have expressed a desire for more opportunities to connect with each other and grow further in The Lord.  BLOOM! is pleased and excited to announce that a women's group will be meeting on Wednesday nights at 7 in the CPC Fireside Room. 

This small group is open to women of all ages and doesn't require any commitment. Come when you can and bring a friend! These meetings will focus on helping us be awake to the Spirit and know who we really are in Christ. We will be talking about Kingdom matters and learning how to step into our rightful places as daughters of the Most High King. Topics will include heart healing, battle training, dream building, and much more! We will tackle real life issues with an eternal perspective--using humor, visual aids, and in a plain-speaking manner. 

If you are struggling with your purpose, if you feel like you are in waiting for your life to begin, if you feel overwhelmed with depression, loneliness, or business in life....this group is for you! If you have any questions, feel free to contact Tonya at 913-523-3817.  If you need childcare--let Tonya know.  We will do our best to have it on an "as-needed" basis.

We have a group page on Facebook.  Please drop by and "like" us so we can tag you in future posts!

Awake...and Dream

photo used under CC license

You made us for much more than this
Awake the kingdom seed in us
Fill us with the strength and love of Christ…

Build Your Kingdom Here 

by Rend Collective Experiment 

BLOOM! invites you to put the world behind for twenty-four hours and come away to Awake...and Dream.  It's time to shake off the slumber, to awaken and refresh our spirits, to seek God and worship Him. Come away to savor the peace of a beautiful Kansas autumn day and the fellowship of like-minded sisters.  Come away to awaken your senses to hear God's voice sweetly whispering His love song to you.  Come away to give yourself time to dream.

Retreat dates: October 11-12
Location: Timber Lakes Camp and Retreat Center1375 Rock Creek Rd ~ Williamsb1 

          1375 Rock Creek Road
           Williamsburg, KS
           785-242-3422
           http://tcamp.worthyofpraise.org/

Cost:  $50 if registered by Sept 29, 2013  After this date the cost will be $55 subject to availability.  Space is limited, so register early.

Total cost includes:
-Motel style rooms with all linens provided.  Average 4 to a room.

-Friday evening dinner,  Saturday breakfast and lunch (all you can eat) served in the dining room.

-Access to the beautiful outdoor surroundings of the retreat center.

-A campfire with s'mores.

Please register at the Bloom table on Sunday mornings in September after the services. 

What to bring with you:

Bible

Notebook and pen

Personal Toiletries

Weather-appropriate clothing

Walking shoes

Snack to share

A heart ready to worship and fellowship!

Worship led by Melissa Morales

     Melissa began worship ministry at the age of 14.  She has ministered in several churches across the country, and served with Youth With a Mission in Nashville, Tennessee, ministering as well in Latin America and Southeast Asia.  She currently lives in Johnson County with her husband of 16 years, Robby, and their four children. 

Conference Speaker: Tonya McGhee

     Tonya McGhee was raised in a small town and dreamed of a life of magic and meaning.  A sometime actress, poet, singer, and songwriter, she settled down to raise a family and make a home.  Years later, she has found that life of meaning in the most unexpected place...as a daughter of the Most High King!  Now she is on an epic quest...searching for truth, love, and kindred spirits while battling the fierce foes of fear, worry, and regret.  She has been freed from the spell of the Enemy, and her duty now is to share the keys of the Kingdom with others.

More questions?  Contact us on Sunday mornings in September at the BLOOM! table or send us an email:  bloom4him@gmail.com

Want to read something while you're waiting for the Retreat?  May BLOOM! suggest Waking the Dead: the Glory of a Heart Fully Alive.  By John Eldridge.

Come set Your rule and reign
In our hearts again
Increase in us we pray
Unveil why we're made
Come set our hearts ablaze with hope
Like wildfire in our very souls
Holy Spirit come invade us now
We are Your Church
We need Your power
In us
Build Your Kingdom Here 
by Rend Collective Experiment

Anointed, Transformed, Redeemed, A Summer Study of David's life.

David was Anointed....but he made mistakes.  And though he was redeemed--still he grappled with the choices he made.
But he was transformed--and we can be, too.

Anointed, Transformed, Redeemed

3 Authors
3 Generations
3 Perspectives
1 Bible Study.

Join us on Tuesday evenings, beginning June 18 for this study featuring Beth Moore, Kay Arthur, and Priscilla Shirer.

Cost is $12 for workbook, payable at the first class.
We will enjoy a video presentation by each author as they explore the life of David, followed by small group discussion.
Guided by Tracy Martinez and Jan Brooks.

Child Care will be provided--but you must pre-register.
Please respond here with the ages and names of your children, or meet us after church in the foyer at the BLOOM! table June 2nd or 9th.

We will order workbooks on June 10--please respond before that time in order to receive a book at the first study meeting.

Responding "yes," means we WILL order a book for you.
Please let us know if you have questions.

An Evening of Worship with Lori Harris

Lori's been a sister, a friend, and a worship leader with a knack for speaking just the right word into our hearts at just the right moment-- 

Spend an evening of worship with Lori Harris and BLOOM!  
Friday, April 5th 
7pm
Fellowship Hall
Cross Points Church
Love offering will be taken.


 

"As the day blows shadows away my love speaks to me...arise my darling...
awake...
come away...
see winter is past and the rains have gone...
flowers are here...can you hear birdsong...
come away... come away."

-Lori Harris, from "Come Away on her lift*ed album.

March Kindnesses

Well, this is just too good--another snow event scheduled for Thursday night, March 21st.  And we've collected enough to put together a lovely box of treats for the men and women who will be up all night treating the roads.  Check it out: 

Chock full of muffins, fruit snacks, popcorn, jerky, hand lotions, candies, individual antibacterial wipes, and fruit juices--we'll deliver it in time for them to have it for their overnight shift!  Great job Cross Points!   Next week--the staff at Sweet Life will feel our love! 

Looking to bless the city of Shawnee this month?  How about spreading a little love to the Field Operations division of the Shawnee Public Works Department?  These men and women worked 12-hour shifts night and day to clear the snow and ice during those February snowstorms.  The rest of the time they maintain curb, gutters, and sidewalks, storm water drainage, and are responsible for street sweeping. Here's a link to their website.

We also plan to bless the staff at the Alzheimer's and Memory Care Unit of Sweet Life at Shawnee.  These people provide comfortable residential care in a safe environment designed to stimulate recognition, recall and wellness.  This website tells a little more about them. 

HOW TO GET INVOLVED:
On Sunday, March 17 and 24, BLOOM!  will be collecting pre-packaged treats and snacks, along with personal notes of appreciation and thanks.  We encourage you to get the kids involved and have them draw a picture of the snow or simply write thank you.  Some suggestions for treats might include wrapped candy or cookies, microwave popcorn, pretzels, or how about a sample-sized hand lotion?  For the snow removal team wouldn't Sno-Caps candy, hot cocoa, Hot Hands packs, or cough drops be appropriate?   Please use your imagination and bring your contributions to the BLOOM! table either before or after church.  We'll see that these local heroes receive your love and support.

Thanks,  BLOOM!