This is Our Time!  That’s what the women of Capital Christian Center are always saying, repeating, woo-hoo-ing, and living.

We had a gathering of nearly 200 women from every generation on Friday night, just because we are wanting to find out more about this God who has a purpose and a destiny for our lives and we are not afraid to share it with our friends.

There’s something different about women serving together in 2009 that didn’t exist even 10 years go.  I read a great article this week about this very thing, from Leadership Network.  It states that “women across the United States are coming to realize that women’s ministry is on the verge of a massive cultural shift.”  The article goes on to say, “a growing awareness that life is messy business has created a new desire for transparency and approachability at the church, who are longing to connect with others like themselves.”

I know that is what many of us, here in Carson City have been looking for.  It’s a fresh approach, to look at each of us as being followed by someone just a bit younger than we are.  It links us all together, and it seeks to serve forward in the same direction.  We have been attempting to rip apart stereotypes of what a woman is, and who she can be.  The female half of the church is becoming strong and empowered and that benefits everyone! We are just on the verge of seeing what we can do, as women to build the Kingdom through our local setting.

We were able to sponsor 20 Bibles for kids who ride the bus to church every week, and I know that we can do more.  A new ministry of prayer with a tangible twist is bubbling up, starting with Marti, who is teaching women how to bless others with blankets.  People who are ill and in need of a prayer covering, receive these gorgeous blankets, and every stitch has been prayed over.  It’s a beautiful idea, that puts into action the gifts of women who otherwise wouldn’t know how to begin using their talent of knitting for others.

We had women there who volunteer at the hospital, girls from the High School who have been raising money to feed the hungry, women who are growing and stretching in every conceivable way; going back to school, taking on tough Bible studies, and volunteering in new ways.  Entire families are being affected.  Women are experiencing freedom in letting others in their world know that Jesus is real and He has changed their life.

And speaking of sharing…we have a new video project going where we are encouraging women to tell their stories of watching others SHINE.  I’ve already heard from many of you. You’ve told me about a time in your life when you really needed a friend or a touch from God, and through someone else shining the light of Jesus, your life was changed.  I want your stories – you all have them!  So speak up!  When have you seen someone else shine?

Even in this super busy time of year, I want to encourage you – don’t back down from God’s ultimate plan for your life.  You are part of something BIG!  And I’m so proud of this journey we are on, and thankful we will get to discover it together!