by Cindy Thomas
Sing, Daughter Zion; shout aloud, Israel!
Be glad and rejoice with all your heart,
Daughter Jerusalem!
These words from Zephaniah 3:14 bring sweet memories to those who attended the Women’s Blessing on Saturday, July 15, 2017. Through the anointing of our Bishop Jim and Mama Shari Hobby, we experienced a captivating three-fold Blessing.
As we participated in The Great Thanksgiving, Bishop Jim led us through a deliberate time of reflection and encouraged personal prayer for each of us, with key questions during the prayers of the people.
Mama Shari celebrated and preached and oh, what a message! I can only recap her message with the beautiful image of God our heavenly Father, who knows us each intimately, joyfully singing over us, in our highs, in our lows, just as we are, with His constant love.
Then came a sweet “fireside chat” with Bishop Jim and Mama Shari in a time of Q & A with the women of their flock. They were most humble and full of grace sharing themselves with us, so we all came to know them better.
This was Women Alive in Christ’s largest Women’s Blessing yet. There were 16 different congregations represented, with 76 of the 80 registrants attending. It was a true delight to come together as the body of Christ to worship Jesus, learn, and enjoy fellowship with sisters and brothers from all corners of our Anglican Diocese of Pittsburgh. Sincere thanks goes to Christ Church, Fox Chapel, where we were hosted for this diocesan event, and to their women who helped make the day so lovely.
I must boast in our Lord’s provision. The Monday before the Women’s Blessing, we had 60 registered to attend. We called the caterer and ordered 65 meals, but by Saturday morning, we had 76 attending. Those of us on team said, well, the Lord will have to multiply the food, and we six just won’t eat. Praise God, He multiplied the food, just like the loaves and fishes, plus there was an amazing amount left over. We sent what was left to Shepherd’s Heart Fellowship to bless them, too.
This is the goodness of our God whom we love and serve!
All Glory Be To Jesus!
WOMEN ALIVE IN CHRIST is the organization for all women of the Anglican Diocese of Pittsburgh. Our purpose is to assist all women of the Diocese to live out the following "Building Stones" in their lives:
- Worshipping the One True God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
- Living in Relationship with Jesus.
- Being rooted in Holy Scripture as guided by the Holy Spirit
- Finding rest and refreshment as we grow in our discipleship in Jesus
- Deepening our fellowship with one another in Jesus.
For more information and upcoming events, visit www.womenaliveinchrist.org.