Christmas Poem by an Algonquin Neighbor

LIGHT OF THE WORLD

His star was shining brightly
High in the eastern sky,
A sign from God to tell the world
The Savior had arrived.
Born of the Virgin Mary,
He came to us in love,
The prophecy had been fulfilled
God sent His only Son.

The Wise Men came to see Him,
They showered Him with gifts
Of gold and myrrh and Frankincense
Fine treasures they did give.
The people gathered round Him
And praised the Holy One,
Great hope He brought
For peace on earth
And everlasting love.

The Son of God a teacher,
Was known throughout the land
His lessons taught, His message heard
He shared the Father’s plan.
He mentored to the chosen,
They walked with Him, they prayed,
They lived the Word and shared His love
With passion every day.


The Son they called Messiah,
Lives in our lives today,
He touches every heart and soul
He guides and leads the way.
The blessings He has given,
To each and everyone,
A symbol of His love for us
We celebrate the Son.

©2001 - Linda Jeanette Liverett - Algonquin, IL

Memorial Service for Bob Buhrow of East Dundee

Today I was part of the memorial service at Willow Creek for Bob Buhrow who passed away December 12 after a long battle with cancer. Bob served in Guest Ministries along with his wife, Marti.

It was such an honor to be part of the day, seeing all the friends and neighbors come together to celebrate the life of Bob and his love for Christ and the church. Blessings to Marti, Beth, Patrick, Sara, and the entire family. Bob is will be missed here but he is enjoying his new home.

Cards to:
Marti Buhrow and Family
8 Summit Drive
East Dundee IL 60118-1028

REVEAL Study - Weekend Message

See Willow Creek's Senior Pastor Bill Hybles and Executive Pastor Greg Hawkins talk about the book REVEAL and it's relevance to the church:

http://www.willowcreek.org/weekend/Reveal/default.html

Algonquin - Cedarwood Christmas Table Event

Here are our friends from the Cedarwood Neighborhood having a great Christmas celebration.

Great job on the video!!

Imagine Christmas Tickets at: 82,000!!!

There have been more than 82,000 ticket requests for Imagine Christmas!!! It seems that there are people who may have made multiple requests. Can you please check with your friends and Willow neighbors who may have extra tickets to turn in so that we may be able to accommodate more people.

Ticket Exchange/Return

Dundee Crown Women's Basketball - Bringin the Noise

If you are a women and want to help our area women's basketball team make some noise, join them in the new year on Friday nights for fun, exercise and connection with other ladies from the area. Click: Dundee Crown Women's Basketball to sign up.

The Story in 2008 -A New Approach to the Bible

The new year is almost here and with it comes the start of a brand new series at New Community. On January 9, we’ll begin a study of The Story, taking us through the entire Bible in the course of one year. The Story is designed to read like a novel, telling the overall story of God’s great plan and love in a clear and compelling way.

Using Today’s New International Version (TNIV), The Story takes actual Scripture passages and pieces them together chronologically to convey the essence of the Bible from Genesis through Revelation. In doing so it allows the Bible’s stories, poems, and teachings to read more like one complete narrative full of intrigue, drama, conflict, and redemption.

It’s a study that’s designed to help you grow in your understanding of the Bible overall. Toward that end, the church will be providing curriculum for personal study, group bible study, group discussion questions and a monthly family activity.

There’s also a version for children, The Story for Kids, so that your entire family can learn together. Both versions will be available (at discounted rates) in Seeds in December. New Community meets on Wednesdays from 7 - 8:30 p.m. in the Main Auditorium. If you’d like to join me and others from our area, we sit 207.

Hope to see you there!

Bringing Your Light to the Table

Thanks to everyone who brought their light to our Neighborhood Christmas Table last Wednesday night in room 100 at church. It was a great night of food and stories and connecting of lights for your neighborhood.