FMSC 2009 - The Video

Here it is! The First video brought to you by DC.TV
Check it out!

Do Hard Things - Book

Written by two twin 19 year olds, you can learn so much from the book - "Do Hard Things" by Alex & Brett Harris

"rebelution" - is probably a new word to you, it is a combination of rebellion and revolution to form an entirely new word for an entirely new concept: rebelling against rebellion. More precisely defined rebelution is "a rebellion against low expectations" especially in teenagers

One Hour a week!

Have you ever longed to serve the community locally? This Fall Willow Creek is partnering with Kids Hope USA. Kids Hope is an award winning national mentoring program that works exclusively through local churches, teaching them to engage their members in one-on-one relationships with at-risk public elementary school children.

Our hope is that Kid's Hope that will train and develop mentors to build into the lives of vulnerable students. Then we hope to have mentoring partnerships with schools in Cary, Fox River Grove, Carpentersville, Algonquin, Sleepy Hollow and the Dundees

The commitment for a mentor after our Willow Creek/Kids Hope training is to give one hour a week (before school, during the school lunch hour or after school) to one child. School personnel consistently report that many children involved with a Kids Hope trained mentor exhibit significant change in academic performance, attitude, attendance and behavior. Check out this video:



So, if you have the desire to make a huge difference in the life of an at-risk child, come to our mentor training at Willow Creek on Saturday, October 16th from 8:00-11:00AM. Registration is through classes. Go to https://classes.willowcreek.org/default.aspx?page=3258&profile=3672&eventid=3672&pageid=3240&sort=Date&pprofile=102

Monday Morning Men

If you know of any men who would like to try out a small group, the Monday Morning Men's Group that meets at Benedict's Restaurant in East Dundee might be a good option. On September 7, we are kicking off a 6-week study of "The Hole In Our Gospel," the book that Bill handed out at a weekend service.

We meet every Monday Morning from 6:45 a.m. - 8:15 a.m., 52-Mondays each year. This promises to be a rewarding series! lnterested guys should give me a call to discuss. I can be reached at 847-571-5784.

Thanks,
Jack Gallaway - jack.simply@gmail.com

Administer Justice - Power of 10 Dinner - Tony Evans

Thursday, November 4 is the night of Administer Justice's celebration banquet and Dr. Tony Evans is the guest speaker. The event is a fundraiser but there is no cost to attend.

I hope you'll be able to join me in supporting the great work of this organization that intervenes on behalf of thousands of low-income individuals caught in our court and government system so they can receive justice.

Date: Thursday, November 4, 2010
Time: 6:00 - 9:00pm
Place: The Seville 700 Barrington Road
Streamwood, IL

Learn more and register at: http://www.administerjustice.org/

Leadership Summit and Lunch Discussion

Last year we had lots of people from our area take advantage of our Leadership Summit lunch and discussion. This year I have again been able to reserve a nice, private room for both Thursday and Friday of the Summit.

We can help you with a sandwich, chips and drink lunch for about $5 or if you already have a lunch you can just bring it with you. We have room for about 25 people, very convenient and affordable. No leaving the campus, no fighting the traffic, no worrying about lunch and you get to hang out with some great people.

Location: Room 3000 of the Staff Center – Building A – the building nearest Algonquin Rd. entrance. Room 3000 is on the third floor, lakeside of the building.

Cost: $5 for lunch

Just RSVP me by - Aug. 3rd - which days you want to come:

Thurs. - Aug 5th - indicate Lunch or No Lunch

Friday – Aug 6th - indicate Lunch or No Lunch

email: Ryan Boldt

Love thy Neighbor Serve - 7/31/10

It looks like things are winding down on the Navajo house we worked on last month. We have been asked to help wrap things up on the project, probably with a bunch of punch list items. I don't have all the details, yet but will forward more information as it becomes available.

For right now, please check your 7/31 date - hope you can make it. This will be very similar to our last serve. We will be having a Construction Ministry meeting at Willow beforehand (7-9 AM) and will travel from there to the job site (probably on-site by 9:30).

The address of the site is:
265 Navajo, Carpentersville (look for a blue gray, bi-level with new siding on the corner).

This is a great project and a terrific way to meet fellow servants from other teams and churches. Hope you can save the date and join us.

Question or involvement call Bill at: 847.637.7257 or email Bill

~

Join a Men's Breakfast

This month we’re learning from the strength given to Samson. He came into the world under unique conditions, was committed by his parents to be set apart for God, and lived a life that exposed his strengths and his weakness. Look at how God uses both, for His purposes.

Learn more about the many Men's Breakfasts around the suburbs, visit:
http://www.willowcreek.org/mens

West Dundee - 2nd Street on Good Morning America

Wow, this is really cool! I think there are a few other blocks around our area that could challenge for this next year!

Administer Justice - Fun Fair - July 17

You are needed to volunteer (or just attend!) at the Administer Justice Fun Fair. Administer Justice is a local non-profit organization dedicated to providing low cost/free legal services to at risk families and especially children. This Fun Fair is to raise awareness in our community and have something really fun for kids to participate in!

We need volunteers who can help:
1. Step up team (9am-10am)
2. Selling/Collect tickets and supervising games & rides (10am-4pm)
3. Serve Lunch (11am-1pm)
4. Clean up & tear down (4pm-5:30pm)

Saturday, July 17 - 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Randall Oaks Park
Randall Road north of Rt 72

Contact: Saray to volunteer or for any questions:
847-877-0619 (M) or saray@noverini.com

Pastor Hybels with President Obama

Bill was with Obama and introduced the President for his speech on Immigration reform. The President delivered remarks on the need to fix our broken immigration system through comprehensive immigration reform at the American University School of International Service.

The audience of approximately 250 people will be composed of evangelical, business, labor, and community leaders, as well as law enforcement and elected officials.
see more details at: Suntimes Blog

Watch it at: CSPAN

FYI - Willow will be having author Matt Soerens, who wrote "Welcoming the Stranger," at midweek services July 28th - Don't miss it!

Truth Quest Event - Comparing World Religions

TruthQuest apologetics event is this month on Friday, July 30th at 7:30pm.
Hosted in Room 392 which is above the West entrance above the Harvest food court area.

Dr. Harold Netland from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School is our special guest this quarter and will address and compare key doctrinal issues from four major worldviews. This will be an excellent event both for people interested in checking out the claims of Christianity and for Christians to become better equipped. I had Dr. Netland as a teacher at Trinity and absolutely loved his book "Dissonant Voices." An excellent book comparing world religions.

Click here to register: TruthQuest

For any questions email:
Andy Martin

Carpentersville Gargage Sale for the Salvation Army

Neighborhood Garage sale on July 9-11 in Carpentersville, Paul and Carol Holter are raising money for the Carpentersville Salvation Army food pantry and the Feed My Starving Children program. We are still looking for more donations so if anyone has any gently used items that they no longer need, we'd be willing to come and pick them up.

They can call Carol at 847-426-3947. Whatever is not sold will be donated to Goodwill - so eventually everything goes to a good purpose.

Willow Creek Is Open this Summer

Every year, The Holy Observer website resurrects a story with the headline: “Shutdown Season: Willow Creek Community Church Will Close its Doors for the Summer.” None of the information on the site is true.

“Stories and content on The Holy Observer are mostly fabricated and should not be taken seriously. Real names are used on occasion for satirical purposes, but quotations and situations associated with those names are usually fictitious,” claims a statement on holyobserver.com.

Willow Creek is has a full summer schedule with great speakers and events going on!

Summit signup only $99 - till June 29!

The Leadership Summit is filling up, but you can still get the $99 deal until June 29th.

Get info and signup at: www.willowcreek.com/summitwccc

Blitz Build - Home rehab in Carpentersville

Take part in transforming our community as we have an opportunity to rehab a house in Carpentersville. By picking up a hammer, you will build hope and a future for a family. With the stroke of a paintbrush you can do more than paint a wall you will help create a safe haven for a children and a family.


There are a number of projects to choose from the week of June 19-26. Sign up for the Carpentersville Build at: Blitz Build C'ville

For general Blitz Build info visit: http://www.blitzbuild.org/

Used Toy Sale - for kids in Haiti - Results!

Our area community life folks did a great job this weekend with a used Toy Sale for children in Haiti,

Tammy Massey reported the results:"We were at $2900 as of Friday night and decided to sell on Saturday as well... We are currently at $3170 with some toys listed on craigslist. :) Yeah God!"
All proceeds go help children in Haiti via our partner ministry Brighthope.

Engage Online Tool - Beta Testing

I just got more information on what the WCA is looking for next Monday night for the Engage Beta Market Test. We are looking for a cross section of people (teenagers through 60+) who would be interested in coming to learn more about the Engage tool. The meeting in Monday the 21st from 6:30-8:30pm (room TBD). We need 40 people who MUST have and bring their own laptops with wireless capability.

The evening will consist of:
An orientation and vision of Engage tool
Demo of the product
Engagement with the spiritual growth assessment tool/small group module
Feedback discussion (likes, dislikes, confusion, etc)

The purpose of this meeting is to give the WCA user feedback on various aspects of Engage to help them continue to build the product. To that end – we are looking for people who like to be in on the ground floor, who like to test things and like to give constructive feedback. Extensive computer knowledge is not a requirement – but at least the ability to turn on the laptop and connect to the internet is required. Have the interested people send me an email to express their interest and I will make sure they have updated room information. Snacks and beverages will be provided.

RSVP or if you have questions – contact Amie Carlson at acarlson@willowcreek.org

Baptism - June 27 in the Willow Pond

Get ready for Baptism in a couple weeks. Christ asks his followers to be baptized as a symbol of his work. Being washed of our sins and born to live a new life.

Baptism is the symbol of being a Christian. I know we have numbers of people that have expressed an interest in following Christ in this. Here is how you can!

http://www.willowcreek.org/?p=98

Salvation Army - Serving Opportunities

You may have heard that the Carpentersville Salvation Army location will be a site for the Summer Lunch Program that offers free lunches to kids this summer.

If you would like to volunteer, there will be a training session next wednesday at 3pm in West Chicago.

Please call or e-mail me if you would like to attend. Volunteers are not required to volunteer every day or all summer. The times for the volunteering will be only a few hours around lunch time on weekdays. Any amount that you are interested in helping will be appreciated.

Thank you,
Glenn Moore - email me
847-428-5138

Fishing Derby

Saturday, June 12 at 8 a.m.–1 p.m., at the lake, South Barrington campusWillow Creek Community Church is passionate about reaching out to those affected by physical and developmental challenges. Each year, we celebrate the community of people with special needs with our Fishing Derby.

Sign up to volunteer painting faces, baiting hooks, grilling burgers, donning a Disney costume, and more

Used Toys Feed Children in Haiti!!

Just think if you could leverage all your kid's older toys and allow them to get some new toys all the while feeding children in Haiti! Well you can!

This year's USED TOY SALE FOR CHARITY is hosted at 4 homes in the area.

Here is how you can participate:

1. DONATE YOUR TOYS - On June 7-9 11am-7pm at one of 4 locations, call for drop-off appointment.

*450 Alma Ter, Cary - call 847-462-1764

*9492 Inversness Dr, Huntley 847-669-7832

*1206 Mayfair Dr, Carpentersville, 847-836-2347

*23707 Hearthside Dr, Deer Park, 847-726-2686

Make sure to label each item with a price. Children’s toys, books, games, puzzles, videos, or stuffed animals, etc. all in very good condition.

2. SHOP - June 10 & 11, 9am - 4pm, you and all your friends can come back and shop with your kids for any toys they might want to get.

This event has raise over $4600 in years pasted to help children around the world. This year we plan to raise $3000, enough to feed 75 school children, at the Mayaya School in Haiti, for one whole year!!

Thanks for your part in serving the poor. We hope to see you before or at the sale!

For any questions contact or to volunteer to help:

Tammy Massey - godskds2@yahoo.com

Compassion & Justice Core Gathering

Connect with other people throughout all of Willow Creek who are living out the values of compassion and justice. Be equipped to continue strong in your serving through excellent training. Be inspired through stories, prayer, and God moments as you catch a glimpse of all God is doing throughout our church and ministry partners both locally and globally.

Arloa Sutter, the visionary founder and leader of Breakthrough Urban Ministries in the west side of Chicago, will be sharing with us how God has shaped her to live a lifestyle of Compassion and Justice. (Learn more about Arloa here http://breakthrough.org/general/29/about-arloa)

Saturday, June 5th
7:00-8:30 pm
Room 100 (under the Chapel at Willow Creek-South Barrington)
Light refreshments served

Please register online so we can plan the evening
Click this link to register: http://community.willowcreek.org/eventregister.aspx?event=2893

Blessings,
Heather Larson and the C & J Team

Seed Packing Event Pictures

Summer at the Creek - Guest Speakers

This summer on Wednesday nights we will take a break from Classes and be having some awesome speakers and worship in the Lakeside Auditorium. More details will follow, watch for a summer calendar that will be handed out at up coming weekend services with speaker and date information.

But just to wet your palette get ready for these and more.....
Grant Osborne NT Professor at Trinity - I had him for the Synoptic Gospels and he was great.
Scot McKnight Professor from North Park - I loved his work on the "Jesus Creed"
Matt Soerens - Author of "Welcome the Stranger" a book on Immigration Issues.
Harvey Carey - We love him!
and
Rob Bell - is BACK!! July 14th (I think)

New Baby - The Di Silvio's Sleepy Hollow

Joe and Denise Di Silvio are happy to announce that:

Grace Jean Di Silvio was born on May 1st, weighing 8 pounds 13 oz and was 20 inches long. Mother and baby are all doing well.

Volunteer to help with Communion at Willow Creek

SERVE AT THE LORD'S TABLE- Looking for a simple yet meaningful way to serve at Willow Creek?

Join the team that distributes the elements to the Willow Creek congregation. Communion occurs every five to six weeks. Simply check in 15 minutes before the start of service; then prior to and after serving the elements you may sit with your family/friends in the auditorium. Our greatest need is for the Saturday and 9:00 Service. This on-going serve is a simple yet impactful way to honor God and serve our guests. For more information and to register, just click on the following link:

WillowCommunionServerTeam

Men's Group - Monday Mornings

Looking for some guys to connect with?

Monday mornings there is a Men's group studying the book of Romans at Benedict's Resturant in East Dundee (just south of the Dairy Queen).

Time: 6:45am-8:15am
Contact: email Jack Gallaway or 847-571-5784 to attend.

Administer Justice - Conference Table Available

Our partner ministry Administer Justice have a beautifully crafted 10' x 4' conference table with a golden oak finish that might be just what you need. We recently switched over to modular tables that can be moved into different configurations to maximize our office space, and so our treasured board room table needs to go.

Solid wood with round pedestal legs, it comfortably seats 10 if you're using arm chairs, or a few more if your group really likes to bond during meetings.

The legs will come off, and with our convenient ramp exit, it'll be easy to take out of our office.

We are hoping for a gift to our gospel justice ministry in exchange for the table; contact us with an offer or for more information email: Kathy Kiran

Passings - Bernard Idstein

Bernard Idstein died on Monday, April 26 at the age of 71. His son, Robert Idstein, is on staff at Willow Creek South Barrington in Trades. His granddaughter, Meghan Idstein, is also on staff at the South Barrington campus in Information Technology. He is survived by his wife, Judy; his sons, Robert (Barbara) Idstein and Brian (Tammy) Idstein; his grandchildren, Matthew, Meghan, Melissa, Nathan and Emily; his brother, Bill Idstein; and his daughter-in-law, Chris Idstein.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, April 29 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Laird Funeral Home, 310 S. State Street, Elgin, IL 60123.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 29 at 1:30 p.m. at Laird Funeral Home, 310 S. State Street, Elgin, IL 60123.

A luncheon will be held immediately following the ceremony at Rolling Knolls Country Club. Directions will be provided following the funeral service at the funeral home.

Cards & notes to:
Robert & Barbara Idstein Family
409 Scott St.
Algonquin, IL 60102-2863


Donations: The family requests that no flowers be sent.

Area Seed Packing Event - Celebration of Hope

Over 1400 volunteers served over the weekend at our site. We had individual volunteers, couples, families, small groups, friends, and neighbors that served together to accomplish this wonderful event in our community. It was great to partner with Area Pastor John Eiermann and people from the Jacobs/Huntley area. There were seven 2 hour shifts that made up the largest serving site to date as part of Willow’s three week Celebration of Hope 2010 event!

We produced: 229 cases of family packs, equaling 45,800 individual family packs, made up of 229,000 individual seed packs of radish, broccoli, onion, carrots and tomato seeds. During the introduction we talked about the potential of the “mustard seed”, the smallest of all seeds that grows into the largest tree in the forest. The seeds we packed, over the weekend at our site alone, have the potential to produce 45.8 million pounds of food. It is hard to believe – only God.

You the volunteers who served over the weekend never cease to amaze me. Your willingness to donate your time, energy and effort to serve the needs of the poor in such a substantial way is nothing short of a huge win for the Kingdom of God here on earth. In addition to that, you inspire me, inviting family, friends and neighbors to enjoy the gift of participation in service to the Kingdom and its rich blessings.

Thank you to Bob Kuehn owner of Nationwide Freight who donated the space we used for our event. And thanks to all of you, who volunteered, putting your hands and feet to use, working to solve the real issue of hunger for brothers and sisters in our world. Well done good and faithful servants, well done.

Neighborhood Garage Sale - for House of Hope

On Saturday April 24th. We are having a garage sale where all the proceeds will be donated to the House of Hope in Prague. The HOH is community center where the Romani children (the poorest and marginalized cultural group in the Czech Republic) can come to receive an education, have their basic needs met, and learn about the hope they can have in Jesus Christ.

10am-5pm and it's in Carpentersville @ 4060 Stratford Lane, Carpentersville IL 60110. It is near Huntley Rd and Randall Rd, kind of behind Woodman's Shopping Center.

Also, please pray that there will be NO RAIN since there are thunderstorms in the forecast for tomorrow! Thanks again and please let me know if you have any questions!!!

Email: Sara Brunsting
West Dundee Axis MCH

Salvation Army - Serving Opportunities

We, at the Salvation Army: Carpentersville Service Center, (150 S. Rt. 25, Carpentersville - Behind the Tractor Supply Co.) have had good success with the recent change of the hours of our pantry.(which, for those who may not know, is Tuesdays 3 - 5pm). We are now, in our second week, serving an average of 60 - 90 residents of the Carpentersvile community in those 2 hours!

In fact, it's been successful enough, that we are seeking ways to increase our food supply so that we can feed more people as numbers rise. I'm looking for anyone who would be willing to volunteer to drive to our supplier (Northern Illinois Food Bank) in St Charles to pick up free items that are only available by pick-up, and to bring them to our pantry location.

Also, if anyone knows of resources to find additional sources of safe and usable food, or has any other ideas that could help us serve this area, please feel free to share what you know. (Also, if you know of people cannot afford to provide their families with the food they need, please refer them to us--all they have to do is come Tuesdays 3 - 5pm with photo-ID and separate proof of address)

Thank you:- Glenn R Moore III

Day 2 - Food Challenge

Day 2 is here - my family is really crabby, but we were all kind of aware of why. And it led to a great discussion around the table last night of how hard it is for kids and parents in Africa to get along with each other when everyone is hungry and frustrated because there is not enough food. It gives us perspective.

We Pray:
We pray for those around the global who don't get enough to eat, may we have compassion on them and act in ways to help. Stir our hearts for our brothers and sisters around the global in need and may we reach out to those who are far from you and offer a helping hand.

CARS

We are always on the look-out for volunteers but even more importantly we are needing more folks to donate their cars to us. With the shrinking economy our resources are diminishing which limits what we are able to do. Here are some asks to help us while you are talking to folks in the different communities.

We are able to pick up cars of any condition within 24 hours of their call.
Cars, trucks, SUV's, trailers, snowmobiles, jet-ski's, wave runners, motor homes and motorcycles...even tractors have value for us.

Cars that are only good for scrap are worth between $350-$400 so they also have value.
We help folks other than single Mom's. The Mom's may be our typical client but not the only ones.

If you come across someone needing either a car repair or the gift of a car they need to contact the Pastor On Call (they must be a WCCC attendee) We have teams of volunteers serving Monday through Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings. We also have opportunity for folks to serve during regular business hours.

Volunteers can either call the ministry directly or go to the cars website and sign up online, or email at cars@willowcreek.org

Area Seed Packing Event

The Challenge: Help pack 2.5 million seed packets for 500,000 Zimbabwe families to plant family gardens.

The Zimbabwean villages who received meal packs from Willow Creek over the past two years experienced much needed relief from the hunger and malnutrition that had threatened their families’ health and growth. But now how can we continue to support Zimbabwe families in need? Church leaders there have told us, “We must stabilize our communities through renewable food programs. Can you help send us seeds?”

Join the Willow Creek Celebration of Hope this April to provide food security for 500,000 families in Zimbabwe by helping to pack 2.5 million seed packets for family vegetable gardens.

Our area's packing site will be located in at "Elgin - Nationwide Freight" just north of I-90 & off Randall Road, near Burnt Toast, on April 17-18.

The serving opportunities will be announced at the Easter services but I wanted to give you the “inside scoop” so you can register early to ensure your spot. You can register starting on March 26th by clicking on this link. http://community.willowcreek.org/coh.aspx.

Local Impact Students - Mission trip to Zambia!

Our Student Impact House group had a number students leave today for Zambia, Africa. Join us in praying for the health & safety for the team/leaders and may their impact be truly global! Our local Dundee Crown students going are Nick Reedy, Jared Niequist, Kathleen Palahniuk, & Sarah Miles.

There are also a few kids from Crown going to South Africa, but I don't know their names! I'm sure all the parents would welcome prayers.

Neighborhood to Neighborhood - Algonquin to Africa Video Conference

Check out what this neighborhood group is doing! They've partnered with a village in Kenya, Africa, to help give them a "hand up", as the village works to pull itself out of extreme poverty.

On Saturday, 3/13, they will be doing a live, 2-way video conference, from the village of Gambella. The event will take place at the main Algonquin/LITH fire station, and they have invited you to join them!

Check out their blog for details, and RSVP information: http://algonquin4gambella.org/post/428481596/live-video-conference-from-gambella

Perviously posting about this: http://wcccdundeecrownarea.blogspot.com/2009/11/neighborhood-to-neighborhood-algonquin.html

Shelby Bohlin Update

As many of you know Shawn & Lisa Bohlin are members of Willow Creek and Shawn is on staff. Their 7 year old daughter, Shelby, has been battling leukemia for the last several months.

There is a fundraiser going on at Chili's Restaurant on one of the following days: March 12th - 21st, at any of these locations listed: West Dundee, South, Elgin, Algnquin, Crystal Lake, Hoffman Estate & McHenry. With the a fundraiser voucher that you can print below Chili's will put 10% of your bill into a fund for her medical bills.

The voucher(s) can be printed from your browser (or I can email you a .pdf) and be shared with family, friends, and co-workers. They can be distributed anywhere except on the Chilis premises. There's no limit on how often you can go.

Also, there is a fund for Shelby at Harris banks. Feel free to make a donate there to help the family with medical costs. Simply visit Shelby's CaringBridge page for details on how. http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/shelbygrace

Meals for Haiti - Salvation Army Food Packing Event

Saturday, Feb. 20th - Join nearly 5,000 local volunteers in helping to package 1,000,000 meals to be sent to Haiti Earthquake victims. Children 8 and older may participate when registered with an adult who also must participate. Check additional time slots under your selected time so that we can accommodate your youth involvement at the work stations.

This is another great way we can help those in desperate need.

For information and to sign up visit: http://www.salarmyelgin.org/
Phone: 847-741-2304

Earthquake

Wow my first earthquake!! I thought there was a huge snowplow in the parking lot behind my house or I was having a bad dream or something!! Then I was so sleepy I didn't even remember it until someone said there was an earthquake. I have never been in an earthquake. I started thinking about it and it was a little scary with all that has gone on in Haiti recently. Just another reminder that we are not in control!

(CNN) -- An early morning earthquake rattled northern Illinois on Wednesday, shaking an area about 50 miles west-northwest of downtown Chicago, the U.S. Geological Survey said.
The quake was originally reported as having a magnitude of 4.3, but the USGS later downgraded it to magnitude 3.8. It hit just before 4 a.m. CT (5 a.m. ET), with an epicenter about 3 miles underground. The USGS pinpointed the quake between the towns of Virgil and Sycamore, Illinois.

Millions of people felt the temblor, with reports coming in to the USGS from Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Iowa and Wisconsin, as well as Illinois. Members of the public sent more than 10,000 reports of the earthquake to the USGS within the first few hours after it struck.

Join a Group!

The groups season is just getting ramped up. There are a number of open small groups in the area.



Just search at: Join a Group

re(new) - All Leaders Gathering - Feb.13th

All Community Leaders, Group Leaders and Team Leaders in the Community Life Ministry are invited to attend re(new)! A gathering where we will re(fresh) our hearts and re(energize) our leadership.


At the mid-point of the ministry season leaders need a place - and some space - to re(new) our spiritual center, and to re(calibrate) our leadership focus. And, after all, it's February (the most beautiful month of the Chicago winter!) We all need some renewal in the midst of a tough winter and a challenging ministry run!

Date: Saturday, February 13th
Location: Willow Creek Chapel
Schedule: Saturday Morning
8:15-8:50 Coffee & snacks available in Chapel Lobby
9:00-10:20 Renewing our Hearts: Worship- Becky Johnson/ Session - Mindy Caliguire
10:20-10:40 Refreshment Break
10:40-11:50 Renewing our Leadership Focus: with Bill & Ryan
11:50 Dismissal
12:00-1:00 Community Leaders Gathering in 204-206

Registration: http://community.willowcreek.org/eventregister.aspx?event=2086

Habitat for Humanity - Serving Opportunities Carpentersville

Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year so our goal is to do 20 projects. We are planning to complete 10 rehabs and 10 A Brush with Kindness (ABWK) projects. ABWK is a new program for us this year and here's some brief information: The new program will serve low-income homeowners who struggle to maintain the exterior of their homes. Volunteers help homeowners with exterior maintenance which typically includes painting, landscaping, and clean-up. A Brush with Kindness ensures that families live in well-maintained homes. The program is designed to revitalize the appearance of the neighborhood, encourage connections within the community, and most importantly, help preserve affordable housing stock. There is no cost to the homeowner for this program.

We are planning on doing 5 rehabs in Carpentersville, 4 in Elgin and 1 in St. Charles and the ABWK have not yet been selected. So there are many projects with various scopes of work we could really use your help with...please let us know if you'd like to be involved.

Also, if you know someone who would like to apply for a Habitat for Humanity house, please let them know we are having a meeting this Saturday, February 6th at 10 am at First Congregational Church on Rt. 31 in West Dundee.

We still need 4 families for houses for this year. And if you know someone who owns their house but needs a free paint job and might want to apply for the ABWK program, please have them call our office and ask for Justin, 847-836-1432 or justin.lucas@hfhnfv.org.

Thank you.

Barbara Beckman - Executive Director
Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley
20 S. Grove Street,
Suite 201,
Carpentersville, IL 60110
p. 847-836-1432 f. 847-836-1495
http://www.hfhnfv.org/

Passings - Werner S. Roeding (Ina Blogg's Father)

Werner S. Roeding was Born Dec. 22, 1923 in Rathenow, Germany, the son of Wilhelm and Elise Roeding, he died Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2010, at his home.

Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Elisabeth Roeding, whom he married on May 25, 1951; his brother Gunther Roeding of Berlin, Germany, his son Wolfgang (Lisa) Roeding, of Sea Level, NC, his daughter, Ina (George) Blogg of West Dundee, IL, and his three grandchildren, Russell (Molly) Blogg of Princeton, IL. Stephanie Blogg, of Arlington, VA, and Christina Blogg, of Iowa City, IA.

Cards to:
Ina & George Blogg
501 Lisa Rd
West Dundee, IL 60118

Welcoming the Stranger - Book on Immigration

Author Matthew Soerens spoke to the Willow Creek staff a couple weeks ago about his book "Welcoming the Stranger" (co-authored with Jenny Hwang). The book brings an evangelical approach to the hot topic of immigration.

Matt is a Wheaton graduate and has worked with "World Relief" organization and the issues surrounded undocumented people. The book covers issues of why people enter the country illegally (undocumented) and what the legal process for entry into the US looks like. Also, Matt answered questions about undocumented immigrants paying taxes or receiving social benefits.

Then he looks at what the Bible says about the topic and how we can best understand the tension between the Old Testament passages of aliens/foreigners and the New Testament passages like Romans 13 and submission to the authorities and laws of the land.

I've looked at parts of the book it really looks good. A very even handed and non-political approach. The book was give out to Willow Creek members at the all members meeting last weekend.

Passings - Andrew Selep (Dan Selep's Father)

Andrew Paul Selep died on Wednesday, January 27 at the age of 71. Andrew’s son, Dan Selep is on staff with Willow Creek South Barrington in the Trades department. Andrew is survived by his children, Daniel (Kristianna), John and Edward Selep; his grandchildren, Edward Jr., Daisy Diane and Jamie Joy Selep; and his siblings, Tom (Connie) Selep and Julieann (John) Shaver.

A visitation will be held on Friday, January 29 from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. in the Willow Chapel.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, January 29 at 11:00 a.m. in the Willow Chapel.
A burial service will be held immediately following the funeral at Woodlawn Cemetery, Forest Park, IL.

Cards & notes to:
Dan Selep and family
208 North Street
East Dundee, IL 60118

Members Only Meeting - DVD

If you are a Willow Member and missed the all members meeting after last weekend's services you should be able to get the materials at Guest Central (near the Promiseland waterfall). If you'd like to see Bill's talk you should be able to request a DVD from seeds.

Dancing with the Stars - 1st Place!!

Well...it's done! You can watch our dance by clicking here, then click on Part-1 on the right-hand side.

http://www.youtube.com/user/RonDittmer

Officially, we tied for 1st place, receiving $5,614 which transforms into 5614 votes. $3,634 received from people like you in advance, and the rest from the attendees voting with their donations immediately after the competition had completed. Unofficially, we won, receiving $30 more than the other winning couple, but it was too close to declare a single winner. We are very happy to share in the honor of "Winner".

Now we have to go back next year and perform the dance again. But for an exhibition to warm up the crowd, not for competition.

Just in-case you forgot who benefits this, it's PADS (Public Action to Deliver Shelter) of Elgin here: http://www.blogger.com/www.padsofelgin.org

Thanks to all who made a contribution in supporting us in this cause.
Ron and Irene Dittmer

Soul Care

Our area's own - Mindy Caliguire is speaking at session one of our re(new) leader's gathering in a couple weeks at Willow Creek. Mindy has spoken many times at Willow Creek and has a great minstry called Soul Care.

Soul Care helps you live from a healthy soul and wisely lead others towards authentic transformation--Spiritual Formation--into the character or likeness of Jesus Christ.

Check out Soul Care at: http://www.soulcare.com/

Love Thy Neighbor Serve - Jan 23rd

Urgent Painting Project--One of our Love Thy Neighbor leaders just called me to let me know about a pressing need. We have a major painting project happening at the Larkin Center in Elgin next Saturday, January 23 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 20 Volunteers are needed.

If you are free, like to paint and love to make a difference in the life of a child, this project has your name written all over it!! (Larkin Center is a full service live-in residential treatment center and school program for kids who are abused or suffering from severe emotional, physical or mental trauma. The children will not be present as the work is being done to protect their privacy under State guidelines. Because they have to be relocated to a safe location while this work is being performed--the project must be done on Saturday, January 23rd).

If you are available Please contact Patrick at 847.812.3533 or email him at phillippi1@gmail.com
Project Address:
Larkin Center
1212 Larkin Avenue
Elgin, IL 60123-6042

Patching--On a side note, if you happen to be good at patching walls--and are free on Thursday/Friday, January 21/22--Patrick could use a few extra willing hands doing that as well.

Efrem Smith at Willow this Weekend Jan. 16/17

Join us this weekend as Efrem Smith, a fantastic communicator and an expert on multiculturalism will be bring the message at Willow Creek Church. We will also be remembering the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Please come on time and have your heart prepared. We all need this injection of truth and inspiration.

Willow Creek - Post service members meeting

When you made a commitment to be a participating member, you said you were All In at Willow Creek. You said you want to be a part of the Willow Creek family and you trust us to follow God’s leading for this church.

On the weekend of January 23/24, at all of our Willow campuses, following each service, you are invited to a 30-minute meeting as Senior Pastor Bill Hybels gives you an insider’s look at Willow Creek.

If you’re a new member, or even if you’ve been around for years, you may be asking: How is the church run and who is in charge? How are we doing financially? What key concerns will impact us this year? How do we plan to support the spiritual growth of our congregation? And most importantly—what is my role here at Willow Creek? Our hope is that you come away from this members’ meeting with fresh energy for living out your faith and a renewed passion to be a part of the Willow Creek family.

Mark the date on your calendar right now. You don’t want to miss this.

Willow Creek - Time Magazine Article

Time Magazine has an article on Willow Creek Church. It is in the January 11 issue and the article details our efforts to be more racially inclusive. Below is a link to the online version of the article.

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1950943,00.html

I would encourage you to find time to read it sometime this week since this issue continues to be extremely important to our church and because there is a good chance you will have others in our church body and community asking you about it.

Josh Hamilton Texas Ranger Outfielder at Willow Creek - Jan 9-10

Addiction to drugs and alcohol threatened to destroy Josh Hamilton’s career, his marriage, and his life. But the Texas Ranger All-Star outfielder found help and healing from his faith and from his family.

This weekend, hear a live interview with Josh Hamilton during weekend services. Following the interview with Josh Hamilton, Bill Hybels discusses dating and God’s design for marriage. Gain practical, relational tools that can positively impact your most vital relationships.

Dancing with the Stars - PADS event

Dear Willow Creek Community Church Family,

We are one of six couples mainly in charge of raising money for PADS through our competing in "Elgin Stars Dance for PADS" at the "Winter Harvest for the Homeless" event.

Check it out the details at http://www.padsofelgin.org/news_events.html This is a fundraising event for a charity called PADS, Public Action to Deliver Shelter, which provides safe shelter and support services to the homeless in Dundee, Elgin, and Hanover Townships. All proceeds from this event will go to PADS, a Willow Creek Partner Ministry.

Your support would be greatly appreciated. On-Line donation using your credit card here: https://www.events.org/creg.aspx?e=23954&m=10#items There is a minimum of $10 for on-line donations. Be sure to select Team 5, Ron and Irene Dittmer and put the entire amount you would like to donate, in the box next to our names to vote for us. Each dollar donated counts as one vote and gives help to someone in need.

The 6 dance teams will be judged in two categories.
1) Receiving the most donations
2) The best dance performance

Cost to attend the event is $85 per person, with $37 of it covering cost of the event, and $48 going to the cause. 100% of the Silent Auction proceeds, go to the cause. You must order your tickets through us or call the PADS office at 847-608-9744 . Tables are round and seat 10 people. You my request to be seated with others in your group. Voting can also be done at the event.

If you know of anyone who has a heart for the homeless, and might be interested in supporting us in our cause, please forward this on to them.

Saturday, January 23rd, 2010
5:30pm to 7:00pm - Silent Auction
7:00pm - Dinner
8:30pm - Dance Competition Six couples will be competing .
(Irene and Ron Dittmer are couple #5)
Social Dancing with a DJ for all afterwards

Location:
Stonegate Business and Conference Center
2401 W. Higgins Rd.
Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
It is on Higgins, Route 72, two blocks east of Barrington Road. It is on the south side of the street.

God Bless,
Irene and Ron Dittmer, West Dundee

Baptism - Jan 16/17

Christ followers take an important step of obedience to Jesus and the teachings in Scripture when they publicly profess their faith in Him through Baptism.

If you have made a decision to make Jesus Christ the leader of your life and have not yet been baptized, plan to attend an information meeting in Guest Central following services this weekend. Baptism takes place January 16/17.