Don’t you love that word? FLOURISH! The WORD and CONCEPT of FLOURISH is rooted in God’s Word as a way to convey an idea. “FLOURISH” biblically means “to put forth anew.” It is a key biblical theme that traverses both the Old and New Testaments. FLOURISHING conveys concepts such as peace, blessing and maturity that reveal God’s loving purpose for people to experience the very best form of life.
This summer (and again in the beginning of the fall season), we will be launching a study called “FLOURISH” in all of our churches.
FLOURISH is an extended, simple, relative, personal (or shared study) that calls all persons – either new or long-time Christian, to a higher standard of living – A spiritual study that roots us in the Word of God and the love of Jesus. It can be a study for just one person, or you can optionally decide to invite others to join you in this year-long journey as you do it yourself, or invite someone to join you… it becomes a richer experience when two or more casually link up and travel together in the study so that you both can FLOURISH IN GOD’s WORD AND STUDY.
The study book FLOURISH presents an invitation for Bible study in a simple, but refreshing new way and format that presents a model that moves us from simply recycling our own opinions and, instead, opens the pages of scripture to let it in from our living. This book helps us to see how God wants to change us to His Word and through the godly relationships with which He’s gifted us. That’s why this book and study was created. Originally, it was created for women. But, it now can be used for anyone who wants to be encouraged to make a commitment to follow God and His word in a systematic means of growing in the faith.
What is at the heart of FLOURISH? FLOURISH is the most beautiful spiral-bound book that wholeheartedly shares the love of Jesus. Its aim is to help us view our lives and circumstances through the lens of scripture.
The FLOURISH STUDY contains six, six- to eight-week studies divided into the six sessions whose topics cover: (1) Investigating the beauty and power of God’s WORD, (2) Prayer, (3) Discovering our IDENTITY as a follower of Jesus, (4) Our Calling, (5) Our Kinship as a part of the Family of God, and finally, (6) Gratitude!
We will be spending one Sunday morning during worship in June, looking at FLOURISH and making the FLOURISH BOOKS available to anyone who chooses to be a part. This FLOURISH STUDY makes it possible to “link people together” in doing the study and finding a time to get together and to share your reflection about the impact the study has had in your life. We feel that this study can have a major impact in the life of our congregation in the year ahead. It provides an easy pathway for a quiet time with Jesus and being rooted in the Word. It provides an opportunity to help us see the beautiful promises connected to being in the Word and hiding it in our hearts. And, finally, this study offers tools to help us create a habit of spending time in God’s Word.
If you have an interest in learning more about this FLOURISH STUDY or obtaining a book, starting or joining a study group, please contact the pastor who will put you in contact with persons that can help you secure one of the FLOURISH study books. A quantity of these have been ordered and are available for purchase. Please feel free to contact the pastor on Sunday morning, or at 515-418-0807, or email phildicks@gmail.com. We have set up contact people at EACH CHURCH to help get you started and get you a FLOURISH BOOK as we grow in moving forward. Say “YES” to beginning on this journey into a new life – Go be the church!
