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.