Join us for an end of summer gathering at the Desire of My Heart Farm next Saturday night, August 28th from 4pm-9pm. Bring a blanket, lawn chairs, snacks or picnic dinner and enjoy some great music by some terrific musicians for a meaningful effort.

This is a benefit concert to support the Andrew L. Hicks Memorial Fund. Andrew was killed tragically in July from a fall while on a hike with his famiy on vacation in California. At Andrew's funeral, Andy and Karen shared that they were establishing a fund with a primary goal to develop volunteerism/service among the youth of our community, and to support mission work for the youth of the City of Chester. All funds donated will be used for purposes which were meaningful to Andrew: the Youth of the City of Chester and the work of World Impact in Chester, and Henderson High School soccer & ice hockey.

If you would like to contribute directly, contributions can be sent to:

Andrew L. Hicks, Jr. Memorial Fund
c/o Fulton Bank, 116 West Market Street, West Chester, PA 19380.

 Concert location:  111 Hatfield Road, Wagontown (Coatesville for GPS)

As the days of July come to a close and the lingering, sultry, hot, slow days of August approach, I am reminded yet of the constant pulse of seasons and change in our lives. I hear the increasing noise of our busy days. I anticipate schedules and commitments. Yet my heart is calling for a pause. My spirit is stirring and longs for the solitude. My prayers increasingly return to passages that draw me to the heart of God. I want to linger, to saturate, to listen.  

So I'm seeking silence. Solitude in summer. A place of quiet surrender to the tasks that sometimes overwhelm me. I want to linger, to saturate, to listen. 

Jeremiah 29:13 tells us, "And you shall seek me, and find me, when you search me with all your heart." James 4:8 says it this way, "Come near to God and He will come near to you." The water of God's Word keeps us soft and receptive, just as the soil in our summer gardens thirst for watering under the blistering heat. The soil of our soul needs refreshment so that God can counsel us, use us, and ultimately, speak through us to those God has placed in our lives. Can I hear Him speak? Will I linger to listen to His counsel?

Ruth Haley Barton shares about solitude so tenderly, "It is a place where I can give myself with abandon to the lover of my soul, knowing that I am completely safe from anyone else's curious gaze or judgmental glance. Silence deepens our solitude… it creates a space for listening to the knowings that go beyond words, and feeling no pressure at all to put the depths of the human soul into words. We enter into solitude and silence on the basis of our desire for God."

My efforts to find solitude may look different—my efforts may not be so eloquent, they may be clumsy or a bit awkward at first, but they are persistent. I know I need to persist because the noise of life gets louder and will draw me away if I do not. I know I need to persist because I know I need it more. I know I need to persist because I want more of God's voice and counsel. 

I need to persist in seeking solitude because I want to be near to the heart of God when life interrupts.

Last week a dear friend had life interrupt when her oldest son was killed from a tragic fall. In one moment an unexpected end to a family hike. And as we wept and prayed together I saw an inner strength that came from the resources of her soul, her heart for You. And in the tender moments we shared Scripture, the place of healing and assurance. The well was deep, well watered, rich from trust in God's Word. God reminded us of His assurance and strength… Psalms 16:8 says this clearly, "I have set The Lord before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken."

So I will persist in solitude.

Linger in quiet like the slow August days of summer. Look for places of solitude, silence with God. Look into His word. Listen for His counsel. Put Him before you, and you will not be shaken.

We offer our sincere condolences and prayers for the family of Andrew Hicks, who was killed tragically from a fall during a hike with his family while on vacation earlier this week.  Andrew is the oldest son of Andrew and Karen Hicks. Andrew was active in our senior high youth group, and had served twice with our local missions teams to Chester. Andrew was to be a senior at Henderson High School this fall.

Viewing and Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 25th, 3:00-6:00pm in the Chapel here at Christ Community Church. A Funeral Service will be held here on Monday, July 26th, 1:00pm, in the MultiPurpose Room.

Those who know this precious family know their heart for The Lord. We are reminded of the Scripture from Isaiah 45, "I will go before you… and bring treasures out of darkness," and from Psalm 16, "I have set The Lord before me, therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure because you will not abandon me to the grave."

Sometimes you have to go a little bit crazy to discover the life you were meant to live. Following up on the “crazy love” theme after last month’s book of the same name by Francis Chan, July’s book club discussion will center on Quaker Summer, a fiction book written by award winning author Lisa Samson. 

This book is a staggering examination of the Christian conscience. Like most Samson heroines, Heather Curridge is a woman in crisis. Outwardly, her life seems idyllic: she has an unusually handsome, successful and loving husband, a child she adores and the most beautiful home. Inwardly, however, she is coming unhinged. What's wrong with a woman who has everything this secular world offers yet still feels miserable inside? In this compelling read, the author paints an emotionally and spiritually luminous portrait of a soul beckoned by God.

If you find yourself relating to Heather’s position…, comfortable but feeling that there most be more to this life, please plan to join us to discuss this convicting novel on Wednesday, July 21st at 7:00pm at the home of Isabel Pupis, 662 Reservoir Road, West Chester PA, 19380 [610-692-7401]. For planning/seating purposes, we ask that you RSVP to Book Club Coordinator Eve Kramp @ 610-518-0446 or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

You won’t want to miss this opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and explore the “crazy” life God intends you to live!!

Summer has arrived. Schools are out, and long, sultry days and summer travels await. 

I want to encourage each of you to continue to continue to walk with God over the summer months.  Don't let summer travels, lack of schedule or even the heat distract you from your first love. Keep a regular 'appointment with God' - to draw on His Strength to live a growing spiritual life.

In the rush of busy days and sunny summer weeks - remember the encouragement from Colossians 1:10, to "walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God."

Take time to come before God daily, to find a pause in your schedule for quiet moments, to put on the shoes of a wise woman, and to…

...walk with Him daily. 

Do you want some great ideas for summer study and time in God's Word? CLICK HERE for Summer Scriptures DOWNLOAD. 

Keep refreshed and hydrated!

God is LOVE. Crazy, relentless, all-powerful love. Have you ever wondered if we're missing it?

We're stirring up our hearts this summer with our first Featured Women's Summer Book Discussion, Crazy Love by Francis Chan.

In this engaging but relatively short read, Chan challenges us to break free from the status quo and find a hungry, authentic faith that results in a passionate love relationship with Himself. Once you encounter His love, you'll never be the same.

Join us for a great discsusion of this stirring book. Bring a friend!  All women are welcome:

Wednesday evening, June 16th - 7:00-9:00pm

Room 201 at Christ Community Church [PLEASE NOTE LOCATION CHANGE].

We'll be enjoying some great reading all summer… fiction, non-fiction, memoirs… DOWNLOAD a Readers Review of all recommended books for your summer reading. Featured Book Discussion nights include:

June 16:  Crazy Love by Francis Chan

July 21: Quaker Summer by Lisa Samson

August 18:  Blood of Lambs by Kamal Saleem

Questions?  Contact Eve, 610.518.0446

We are seeking wisdom for marriage that is above our own.

We live in a culture that demands self sufficiency. We combat a daily onslaught of media and entertainment that screams independence and immediate gratification. Our families and neighborhoods are filled with brokenness and heartbreak in marriage.

We are seeking wisdom that can only be found from one source—God's Word.  God's Word gives us His plan for marriage and His Word shows us the power to live it out.

Join us as we seek wisdom from the pages of Proverbs, Scripture's Book of Wisdom. We are extending our Wising Up series with Wisdom For Marriage:

A two-week teaching series that focuses on How Wisdom Looks on a Wife and Wisdom for a Wife's Sexuality.

• Tuesday Evenings, June 1st & 8th at 7:00-9:00pm,
• Wednesday Mornings, June 2nd & 9th, 9:15-11:15am,
  
• Thursday Mornings, June 3rd & 10th, 9:15-11:15am [childcare available]

This is a FREE study, but we need you to REGISTER so we can plan seating and childcare.  

Come, bring a friend, and join us as we pursue wisdom for our marriages.

We were delighted to welcome Nicole Johnson last weekend for a special gathering celebrating the women God has placed in our lives. 

Over 800 women joined us with friends, neighbors, co-workers, sisters, grandmothers, young teens… it was truly an intergenerational event!

Nicole challenged us with the definition of LOVE… listed 6th in Websters' Dictionary—the score of zero in a game of tennis. The humble place.

We laughed, were inspired, were moved and challenged to receive the unfailing love of God and extend it to others… to LOVE OUT LOUD.

In the reflection of this special event and all God has done, I'm grateful for the physical expression of His Body—many, many hands working together in more ways than we can mention to provide a unique and memorable gathering. Our senior men's group, high school boys study group, countless women, musicians, AV techs, teens, and a few extra husbands worked in tangible and needed ways to provide one unified. purposeful effort—to express God's love to the women of our body and our community. 

This was more than memorable.

As we shared in this special event together, lives were changed, and women's hearts expressed tenderness toward God. His unfailing love was expressed in so many ways.

And now, we have a girlfriend forever! Nicole touched our hearts and we call her friend.

 

"Your unfailing love will last forever, your faithfulness is as enduring as the heavens."  Psalm 89:2

 

This spring we are digging for wisdom.  We are digging deep in God's Word for truth for each day… wherever life happens! 

Join us for our Women's Spring Study which begins this week, a FREE, ALL NEW teaching by Beth Moore from the book of Proverbs on wise living.  We all need wisdom for the busy, chaotic demands of everyday life. As women, we are relationship oriented, and we set the tone in our homes and establish patterns in our families, the workplace, and in the community.

Come and join us for great teaching on wisdom for living, wisdom with our money, our work and wise restraint. God is going to grow us this spring!

ALL women are welcome to join us.  CLICK HERE to register. Study is offered three different times during the week:

• Tuesday evenings, 7-9pm - May 11, 18 & 25
• Wednesday mornings, 9:15-11:15am - May 12, 19, & 26
• Thursday mornings, 9:15-11:15am - May 13, 20 & 27

There is no homework or cost [childcare is available for a nominal fee during our Thursday morning session] for this study, but your registration helps us plan seating. Questions? Call Louann Rodgers at 610.431.0300x109 or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

We are delighted to welcome Nicole Johnson to Mothers & Others this Friday Evening, May 7th at 7pm, and Saturday Morning, May 8th, at 9:30am.

Nicole Jonnson is a nationally acclaimed author, dramatist, and speaker. Nicole has a gift for connecting to women in a unique and passionate way. We are sure to enjoy lots of laughter, tender moments, inspiration and encouragement.

Tickets are still available for our Saturday morning seating. Call 610.431.0300x109 for seating/tickets.

This is an intergenerational event, for young teens to the wisest among us. We'll enjoy light refreshments, music, gifts, friendships, a few surprises and lots of laughter.

"Your unfailing love will last forever. Your faithfulness is enduring as the heavents."    Psalm 89:2

I had a birthday last week.
A big birthday. Yes, that one.
Alongside of busy days of ministry, school volunteering, mothering and such there was a brief yet reflective pause in my week when the day rolled around to remind me again just how fleeting our youth truly is.

A friend of mine surprised me and announced not just my birthday, but my real age! to a crowd of more than 250 women. So there was just no hiding behind the reality - I had arrived at a milestone. 

Her response was a prayer of blessing, and how thankful I am for that. I'm thankful for friends and family who joyfully celebrate who God made us to be, who point us to prayer, and who remind us that the every day is not the eternal.

I don't really grieve the number of years, I'm thankful for every one of them. If you know me well, you know that God allows me to put a lot into my days. I'm thankful for His generous portion of energy.

I'm thankful that with a few more lines on my face are the remnants of much laughter, some sorrow, but mostly many action packed days of love and life—  years of maturity that brings with it (hopefully), a bit of wisdom, a good amount of humbling, and a portion of graceful tolerance.

I'm thankful for Jubilee because it represents a celebration. In the Old Testament, Leviticus tells us that on the 50th year, the slaves and captives were to be set free,

The Jubilee Year was intended to be a joyful celebration of God's sovereignty in which for His People there was  a celebration of both freedom and justice… redeemed by God, no Israelite can forever remain a slave. The Jubilee was meant to restore equality among the Israelites. The celebration also included raising up those who were in need. God's Providence is for all, so the fruit of harvest and goods of the earth were shared freely for all.
[source: Proclaim the Year of The Lord's Favor, 2000]

JUBILEE. As I read and pondered its original meaning and instructions, I found that there was more than just the celebration of the 50th year. Scripture instructed that in every 7th year there was to be a double portion of rest:

"The Lord said to Moses on Mount Sinai, Say to the people of Israel, When you come into the land which I give you, the land shall keep a Sabbath to the Lord. Six years you shall sow your field, and six years you shall prune your vineyard, and gather in its fruits;but in the seventh year there shall be a Sabbath of solemn rest for the land, a Sabbath to the Lord." [Lev 25:1-13]

Calculating the numbers means that on the 49th year—the very year preceding Jubilee, there was to be the year of the Sabbath, a purposeful intent toward the protection and purpose of rest. This was no mundane year of rest but one consecrated to God, in which His Providence was depended upon for survival and His Lordship recognized in all areas of life. Today this is reflected in our weekly Sabbath, as Christ again commanded us to 'Honor the Sabbath, and keep it holy.'

Like I said, with age comes some humbling. Am I keeping Sabbath as God intended? Am I claiming freedom in all areas of my life?

Truly, our culture moves against spiritual wisdom and reflective rest. We herald independence, ambition and personal achievement, Our world propels itself around beauty and youth, while we all, without exception, ever slowly step closer toward inevitable aging.

I'm thankful for the instruction of Scriptures from not often read Old Testament pages. These Scriptures remind us of two fundamental principles…
to honor the Sabbath - not simply to be obedient, but to share in God's provision for us through our full  surrender to his sustaining Lordship,
and to claim freedom - the freedom that God gives us through His grace and the sacrifice of His son, Jesus Christ. The freedom of redemption… undeserved, unmerited favor.

Now THATs a celebration.

Jubliee!

"The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good tidings to the afflicted; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lords favor." [Isaiah 61:1-2]

AN AMAZING CELEBRATION

There are celebrations all around us… we see it in the brilliant colors of new growth and exploding vibrancy across the landscape. We hear it in the sounds of spring sports, school graduations and lawn mowers.

We have had a celebration too! This week we gathered to share all that God has done this year in Women's Bible Study. We shared in worship, friendship and testimony to the power of God's work in our lives, the truth of His Word and our response to His Truth. There were tender moments and joyful moments… but the best moments were the ones that reflected the growth in our spiritual lives and the joy of seeing God's movement among us. Thank you for sharing His joy!

MOTHERS & OTHERS, featuring Nicole Johnson

We are delighted to welcome Nicole Johnson, national best selling author, performer and speaker for this special springtime event. Tickets are still available for Saturday May 8th.

This intergenerational event is designed for young teens to the wisest among us. Our theme this year is Love Out Loud… taking to heart God's greatest gift. Bring a guest and share in some special music, finger foods, friendship gifts, laughter, encouragement and spiritual inspiration.

Tickets $12 ~ Reserved Table Seating.

SPRING BIBLE STUDY...Wising UP!

We need to be wise women. We live in a culture that demands every moment of our time.

Are we using our time wisely? Spending our money wisely? Using wise words and choosing wise friendships?

Let's take the first step toward wisdom by being in God's Word this spring.

Our spring study is a teaching study by Beth Moore from the book of Proverbs on practical, wise living. Study will begin the week of May 10th and be offered Tuesday evenings and Wednesday and Thursday mornings. This is a FREE study with no homework, but we need you to REGISTER so we can plan seating. Bring a friend and let's share some wisdom from the best source we have, God's Word. 

Questions?  Call Louann Rodgers at 610.431.0300 x109 or email.

Something different is happening this spring…  you just cannot miss this unique and purposeful event that will be held during our Spring Celebration Days in April... SPRING BLING!

Our Spring Celebration Days are held during our regular Womens' Bible Study times, and is a great opportunity to come and visit, and perhaps invite a friend.

We'll hear what God has done this year in study, share in some great food and friendship, get a preview of next years' new Bible study choices, and share in our first SPRING BLING:

Fling your 'bling' - quality and costume jewelry, scarves and purses that you are no longer using—our way for the first annual SPRING BLING to benefit Sisters in Service, and TOGETHER let us turn our finery into jewels of a different kind. Donations are being accepted immediately through April 19th.

You can parcipate by donating and shopping:

DONATE: drop off your donations anytime before April 20th at the women's table in the main lobby

SHOP: Spring Bling will be held at the beginning and end of our Spring Celebrations, April 20th, 21st and 22nd. Come early for a great selection…linger afterwards to hunt for some treasures.

Questions?  Contact Deborah, 610.696.0362 or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

The mission of Sisters in Service is to inform, mobilize and equip advocates to extend God's love to women and children through local partnerships in the least reached places of the world. Let's share some sparkle and refine some gems for this purposeful effort.

Pressures of household budgets, single parenting, aging parents, peer pressure, career questions,  raising children, newly married…  the role of a woman in today’s society is demanding, changing, and more confusing than ever. If ever there was a day in which the voices of godly women need to be heard, it is today.

No matter where you find yourself in life, someone has gone before you. Ecclesiastes 4:9 tells us that "...two are better than one, if one falls down, the other can help [her] up." Consider how God might be challenging you in your persnal friendships, in the lives of women God has placed in your life. Consider mentoring.

God calls us to relationships, to encourage one another in purposeful ways. Scripture is overflowing with examples of mentor relationships and spiritual friendships … Moses & Joshua, David and Jonathan, Elijah and Elisha, Naomi and Ruth, Paul and Timothy, Paul and Barnabus, Elizabeth and Mary, Jesus and the disciples! 

All women are welcome to join us for one hour this Sunday for a Mentoring Workshop, March 15th at 10:30am in Room 214. We’ll hear about God’s plan for friendships among women. You will go away inspired and encouraged!

Can't make it to the workshop but want to know more about mentoring? Email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or click HERE to get more information.