If you'd like to meet some other guys from the area, a few of us will be having coffee in the Atrium (8-8:30am). Look for us by the big sign on the column that has our neighborhood listed.
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Joe Ehrmann is a pastor, founder of Building Men & Women for Others and a former All-Pro with the Baltimore Colts. He was the subject of a New York Times best selling book entitled: Season of Life and featured in Parade Magazine as The Most Important Coach in America.
He will be speaking on What it Means to be a Man.
This is one talk that you do not want to miss!
Men's Breakfast - Willow Creek Community Church
Saturday, January 31st, 8-10 AM
Cost - $10 (covers light breakfast and speaker)
Registration - http://www.willowcreek.org/mens/breakfasts.asp
Feel free to pass this along to any guy you know
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Dave Ramsey at Willow Creek - Feb 28th & Mar 1st
Here is a little Willow Creek insider information...
After Kate Gosselin comes in the beginning of February to help us raise the value of family in our church, get ready for financial guru & FOX television personality Dave Ramsey as he comes to speak at our weekend service Feb. 28th & Mar. 1st to help us navigate the financial aspects of life.
I have seen his show many times and have been very impressed with his financial worldview. This would be a great invite to friends and neighbors.
Check http://www.willowcreek.org/ in the future for more info.
After Kate Gosselin comes in the beginning of February to help us raise the value of family in our church, get ready for financial guru & FOX television personality Dave Ramsey as he comes to speak at our weekend service Feb. 28th & Mar. 1st to help us navigate the financial aspects of life.
I have seen his show many times and have been very impressed with his financial worldview. This would be a great invite to friends and neighbors.
Check http://www.willowcreek.org/ in the future for more info.
Jon & Kate Plus 8 - at Willow Creek Church
Coming the weekend of January 31st and Feb. 1st. Kate Gosselin will be joining us at our weekend services. Kate has a tremendous following from her television show Jon and Kate plus 8.
Please invite a friend or neighbor who would identify with Kate as we continue to elevate family values in our current series "Families at their Best". Visit http://www.willowcreek.org/ for more info on weekend services.
Please invite a friend or neighbor who would identify with Kate as we continue to elevate family values in our current series "Families at their Best". Visit http://www.willowcreek.org/ for more info on weekend services.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Promiseland - Family Challenge Card
A couple weekends ago at the service at church we were given these cards that we used to rate our family on about ten different values we experience in our home. Things like respect, responsibility, and communication, etc.
This was a great conversation starter for Shoji and I. Well I didn't realize that Promiseland had given the children a similar condensed version of it. It had 4-5 questions that you rank from "a little"------- to "a lot", kind of like:
1. I feel treasured
A little ------------------------ A Lot
2. My family talks and has fun together
A little ------------------------ A Lot
3. I feel special
A little ----------------------- A Lot
4. We read the Bible and pray together
A little ----------------------- A Lot
So a week must of passed and as we were going through some papers we found my daughter, Priya's card that she filled out. So I am looking it over and thinking this ought to be pretty good, I think we have some pretty good children, a regular chip off the old block. So I start reading through the list and the first one she marks "a lot". I think "yes!! that is my girl you are treasured!"
Then number 2, and again Priya marks "a lot" and again I rejoice (I think I heard angels singing). Then number 3 and once again this bright young child of the Most High, marks "a lot". I think we are going for the spiritual grand slam! Finally, the last and easiest question of them all about reading the Bible and praying together and she marks... "a little".
A little!! I thought what the...? A Little? Are you kidding me! I mean, I am a pastor and my wife is a Licenced Christian Counselor with an MA, LCPC and a whole bunch of other letters I can't remember, because by now I am getting a little upset. So I start thinking bye, bye bedtime stories, hello KJV, that little girl is going to bed with the good old King James Bible and a memory verse for the rest of her life! I start justifying all the ways I am a good parent and how we pray at dinner and bedtime, I keep thinking how can she mark "a little"?
Well then reality struck. Facts are our friends. The fact is that she marked "a little" and that is what she feels and thinks. I can't argue or deny that is how she sees it. It was very humbling and we as a family started to examine our life. Were we reading the Bible together enough? Do we pray together enough? Then I realize that my little girl may want to read a Bible story more often but maybe I am too busy or impatient. But what a wonderful thing it is to have your child indicate that perhaps they would like to connect with you and God more. That is truly a gift.
Is God speaking to you? Take a little time this week and talk about the sermon with a friend or family. Or stop and listen to your children, perhaps God is talking to you.
This was a great conversation starter for Shoji and I. Well I didn't realize that Promiseland had given the children a similar condensed version of it. It had 4-5 questions that you rank from "a little"------- to "a lot", kind of like:
1. I feel treasured
A little ------------------------ A Lot
2. My family talks and has fun together
A little ------------------------ A Lot
3. I feel special
A little ----------------------- A Lot
4. We read the Bible and pray together
A little ----------------------- A Lot
So a week must of passed and as we were going through some papers we found my daughter, Priya's card that she filled out. So I am looking it over and thinking this ought to be pretty good, I think we have some pretty good children, a regular chip off the old block. So I start reading through the list and the first one she marks "a lot". I think "yes!! that is my girl you are treasured!"
Then number 2, and again Priya marks "a lot" and again I rejoice (I think I heard angels singing). Then number 3 and once again this bright young child of the Most High, marks "a lot". I think we are going for the spiritual grand slam! Finally, the last and easiest question of them all about reading the Bible and praying together and she marks... "a little".
A little!! I thought what the...? A Little? Are you kidding me! I mean, I am a pastor and my wife is a Licenced Christian Counselor with an MA, LCPC and a whole bunch of other letters I can't remember, because by now I am getting a little upset. So I start thinking bye, bye bedtime stories, hello KJV, that little girl is going to bed with the good old King James Bible and a memory verse for the rest of her life! I start justifying all the ways I am a good parent and how we pray at dinner and bedtime, I keep thinking how can she mark "a little"?
Well then reality struck. Facts are our friends. The fact is that she marked "a little" and that is what she feels and thinks. I can't argue or deny that is how she sees it. It was very humbling and we as a family started to examine our life. Were we reading the Bible together enough? Do we pray together enough? Then I realize that my little girl may want to read a Bible story more often but maybe I am too busy or impatient. But what a wonderful thing it is to have your child indicate that perhaps they would like to connect with you and God more. That is truly a gift.
Is God speaking to you? Take a little time this week and talk about the sermon with a friend or family. Or stop and listen to your children, perhaps God is talking to you.
Latest from "Love Thy Neighbor" team
This past weekend, a team of LTN volunteers (including many first time volunteers) continued serving one of our neighbors by pitching in to fix her home. Here's a recap of their activities...
Makes you feel like the "Extreme Makeover" team came through!
Skilled labor volunteers needed and unskilled volunteers can/will be trained!
Email Mark for info: merganian@sbcglobal.net
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Pregnancy Center - The Life Center
The Life Center provides free pregnancy testing for women in unplanned pregnancy situations, we now provide free ultrasounds!
Last month alone, our numbers of visitors more than doubled and the number of ultrasounds performed have tripled from the previous month. Pregnant women can now witness the beauty and wonder of the child within. It’s is exciting to see how the Lord is working in the hearts of the mothers who visit. Not only are more choosing life for their babies, but more are hearing the Good News of Jesus Christ and are choosing “new life” for themselves. People are visiting us who would never step into a church, however, now are coming to our clinic for help. We are able to share the love and forgiveness of our Savior with these many times hurting and broken people. Friends, this is an exciting time! God is moving!! We have a very qualified medical team who are proficient in performing ultrasounds and love Jesus and want to share His love with the families who visit.
We are planning an Open House on Thursday, January 22, 11:30a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at 825 Dundee Ave. in Elgin. We will have a brief time of prayer and later will serve a luncheon of hot soup, sandwiches and cookies for dessert. We hope that you will be able to see our wonderful new medical facilities and meet our medical staff.
We are looking forward to meeting with you on the 22nd and will be following up with a phone call and e-mail. Please R.S.V.P. by calling (847)622-1235 and ask for Mary or Ericka or e-mail us at hope4lives@sbcglobal.net.
Yours “For Life”,
Vivian Maly,
Executive Director, The Life Center
http://www.yourlifecenter.org
Last month alone, our numbers of visitors more than doubled and the number of ultrasounds performed have tripled from the previous month. Pregnant women can now witness the beauty and wonder of the child within. It’s is exciting to see how the Lord is working in the hearts of the mothers who visit. Not only are more choosing life for their babies, but more are hearing the Good News of Jesus Christ and are choosing “new life” for themselves. People are visiting us who would never step into a church, however, now are coming to our clinic for help. We are able to share the love and forgiveness of our Savior with these many times hurting and broken people. Friends, this is an exciting time! God is moving!! We have a very qualified medical team who are proficient in performing ultrasounds and love Jesus and want to share His love with the families who visit.
We are planning an Open House on Thursday, January 22, 11:30a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at 825 Dundee Ave. in Elgin. We will have a brief time of prayer and later will serve a luncheon of hot soup, sandwiches and cookies for dessert. We hope that you will be able to see our wonderful new medical facilities and meet our medical staff.
We are looking forward to meeting with you on the 22nd and will be following up with a phone call and e-mail. Please R.S.V.P. by calling (847)622-1235 and ask for Mary or Ericka or e-mail us at hope4lives@sbcglobal.net.
Yours “For Life”,
Vivian Maly,
Executive Director, The Life Center
http://www.yourlifecenter.org
FOCUS - Group Life Gathering - Sessions online
Below is the link to listen, watch, or download the FOCUS sessions.
The Sessions are labeled as "Week 1" and "Week 2." It needed to be this way in order to place it where it is so leaders could have three options to choose from of how they'd like to listen to it. Please pass it on to anyone who was not able to attend.
Click: Watch or listen to FOCUS
The Sessions are labeled as "Week 1" and "Week 2." It needed to be this way in order to place it where it is so leaders could have three options to choose from of how they'd like to listen to it. Please pass it on to anyone who was not able to attend.
Click: Watch or listen to FOCUS
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Baptism - Jan 24th-25th
I an very excited that a number of people from our community that I have spoken with are considering being baptized at the next opportunity... well here is the next opportunity!
http://www.willowcreek.org/baptism/
Baptism is an outward expression of an inward belief of our faith in Christ. All Christ followers must go public with their faith and Baptism is a marker of that!
Mt. 28:19 - "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit..."
http://www.willowcreek.org/baptism/
Baptism is an outward expression of an inward belief of our faith in Christ. All Christ followers must go public with their faith and Baptism is a marker of that!
Mt. 28:19 - "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit..."
Monday, January 12, 2009
Groups for a Season - G4S
To help people take next steps in their spiritual journey, Community Life is launching a new Groups format called Groups for a Season.
What is Groups for a Season?
Groups for a Season are small group studies designed for people with common interests lasting 8-12 weeks. The first cycle begins the week of February 15.
Groups for a Season will run three cycles per year: spring, fall, and winter. The first cycle of • Groups for a Season will offer Men’s, Women’s, and Couples groups within each geographical high school area.
Each group type (Men’s, Women’s, etc.) offers identical Bible-based curriculum, bringing shared experience and learning to participants throughout the church.
How Can I Get Involved?
Join a group! If leading isn’t right for you at this time, we still encourage you to register online for a Groups for a Season group near you.
Lead a group! Hundreds of people will be trying out groups for the first time or re-engaging in groups after a time away—so we need lots of leaders, like you! Your eight-week commitment could make a world of difference in someone’s life. Consider team-leading with a friend or spouse. (Training, support, and curriculum are provided.)
To lead a group, contact me at rboldt@willowcreek.org
Registration for Groups for a Season will begin January 24.
What is Groups for a Season?
Groups for a Season are small group studies designed for people with common interests lasting 8-12 weeks. The first cycle begins the week of February 15.
Groups for a Season will run three cycles per year: spring, fall, and winter. The first cycle of • Groups for a Season will offer Men’s, Women’s, and Couples groups within each geographical high school area.
Each group type (Men’s, Women’s, etc.) offers identical Bible-based curriculum, bringing shared experience and learning to participants throughout the church.
How Can I Get Involved?
Join a group! If leading isn’t right for you at this time, we still encourage you to register online for a Groups for a Season group near you.
Lead a group! Hundreds of people will be trying out groups for the first time or re-engaging in groups after a time away—so we need lots of leaders, like you! Your eight-week commitment could make a world of difference in someone’s life. Consider team-leading with a friend or spouse. (Training, support, and curriculum are provided.)
To lead a group, contact me at rboldt@willowcreek.org
Registration for Groups for a Season will begin January 24.
Key points from “FOCUS” Group Life Event
Here is a list of your thoughts from the morning sessions with Bill and Bill which we compiled at the lunch session of the FOCUS group life gathering:
· Luke 15: reminds us that when something/ someone is lost, nothing else matters
· It’s all about people
· O+OOO > it’s about moving on the spiritual continuum and growing Deeper (more Christ like)
· Greg Parman commits to leading a group of four guys… just like Bill Hybels’ group
· Group Life will NOT be cookie-cutter in approach… highly customizable care and development
· Key Values: Biblical Community, Care, Justice/ Service
· Combining Proximity (“Where”) and Affinity (“Who”)
· Small Group life is highly valued at Willow Creek
· Increased options of Next Steps and Connection Points
· Introduction of “Groups for a Season” to offer a taste of community
· Suggested list of neighborhood leaders including the ministries they serve in and their spiritual giftedness
· Luke 15: reminds us that when something/ someone is lost, nothing else matters
· It’s all about people
· O+OOO > it’s about moving on the spiritual continuum and growing Deeper (more Christ like)
· Greg Parman commits to leading a group of four guys… just like Bill Hybels’ group
· Group Life will NOT be cookie-cutter in approach… highly customizable care and development
· Key Values: Biblical Community, Care, Justice/ Service
· Combining Proximity (“Where”) and Affinity (“Who”)
· Small Group life is highly valued at Willow Creek
· Increased options of Next Steps and Connection Points
· Introduction of “Groups for a Season” to offer a taste of community
· Suggested list of neighborhood leaders including the ministries they serve in and their spiritual giftedness
Sunday, January 4, 2009
PREPARE - Stock the Storehouse Recap video - BJB
They are back!!! BJB productions! Check out their recap video from our Christmas "Stock the Storehouse" event. Now, before you faint because of how good this is, just remember these guys are in 9th grade! (okay, now faint)... Check it out...
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