Unfortunately, cut flowers don't last long. After a few days their blossoms fades; after a week they are brown and wilted. Flowers that I grow in my garden are a lot more work, but also much more gratifying.
If you've ever tried to grow flowers, you know that it's not easy. You have to plant the seeds according the specific directions on those tiny little packages. Care must be taken to water the seeds every day. When the seedlings appear, you must pull up some of them, or the plants will grow too closely together and choke each other. Then of course there is constant weeding and watering. Oh, yes, fertilizer helps too.
It takes months of persistent care for the plant to finally produce a flower. When it does, it is a beautiful thing.
That's why our Women's Ministry is called "Bloom." When a plant reaches its full potential, it bursts forth in color and fragrance. It's a visual display of the healthy growth of the plant. In the same way, when a women is maturing spiritually, she is truly beautiful, bring joy to everyone in her life.
But flowers in a garden don't bloom by chance. And unlike cut flowers, you can't just buy your spiritual maturity next to the hand sanitizer in the checkout aisle at Wal-mart. There's a Spirit-led process that starts with a tiny seed of faith. That seed of faith needs fertilizer: the Word of God, prayer, and the encouragement of other Christians.
The goal of Bloom is to help all women become fully-devoted followers of Jesus Christ. In order for all the women of Rechurch to bloom the way God intends, we have planned events that will help women grow from seed to flower.
Plant the Seeds—opportunities to experience God's love through friendship. Great for women who aren't yet believers or for women who long to take the first steps to get to know other women.
- Bunko the 2nd Thursday of the month, 7 PM, meeting in various homes. We need people to host and provide simple snacks.
Apply the Fertilizer—times for concentrated spiritual growth through small groups, retreats, and conferences where women can dig into God's Word and apply its truth to their lives.
- Ladies' small group on Monday nights from 6-8 p.m.
- Mini-retreat on Saturday, October 16 from 8 to 1 p.m.
Growing the Garden—events and outings to help women connect with other women.
- Shopping trip planned for November or early December. Details to be announced.
Bloom in the Community—opportunities to spread God's love in the community though service projects.
- If you have an idea of how we can do this, let me know!
Whether your faith seems like a tiny seed or you're blooming like crazy, you belong at Rechurch. Together, we are God's incredible garden filled with flowers of every shape and color. Don't let fear or busyness hold you back. Together we can bloom.
What are you waiting for? Come on. Let's grow!
andrea
No comments:
Post a Comment