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January 4, 2009
January is National Mentoring Month
January 1, 2009
Dear Central Wesleyan Church,
When asked to explain the remarkable growth of Kids Hope USA, I always give the same response: “It’s a God-thing!” There is no other way to explain the growth of Kids Hope USA from three programs reaching 54 children in 1995 to 705 programs embracing over 9,000 children in this country and Australia today. The growth of Kids Hope USA is truly a God-thing!
Hundreds of schools are asking for a Kids Hope USA partnership with a church like Central Wesleyan. I will never forget the challenge one elementary school principal gave to a pastor: “If your members are not able to form relationships with the children, will they please just stand on the edge of our playground once each week and wave at the children I point out to them. They will make a profound difference in the lives of these children. Just wave!”
Your members do not stand on the edge of Van Raalte playground and wave at the children. Instead, they have entered the school, week after week after week and literally occupied the hearts of the children. Your mentors, supported by their prayer partners, have made it possible for these children to feel that someone loves them.
The children don’t always know what to call the mentor. When asked what he liked best about Kids Hope USA, a second grader said, “I like Miss Mary. She’s my tormentor.” But even if they don’t know what to call the mentors, they know without question that these caring adults from your church think they are just about the best kids in the whole world. For many of these children, that incredible feeling is very new and it will last as long as hope endures. Forever!
Teachers tell us that over 99% of the children who have a relationship with a Kids Hope USA mentor show improvement in academic skills and the motivation to learn. We know that these children will be more likely to stay in school, stay off drugs and stay out of prison. Thank you, mentors and prayer partners, for making a difference in the lives of these children.
It is our privilege to be your partner in this life-changing ministry. Kids Hope USA at Central Wesleyan Church is truly a God-thing!
For the children,
Dr. Virgil Gulker
Kids Hope USA Founder
Adults
"Esther" by Beth Moore
If you've ever felt inadequate, threatened or pushed into situations
that seemed overpowering, join us for this
10-week, in-depth study of Esther. We meet Wednesday nights starting Jan. 7 from 6:30-8 p.m.
Cost is $20. Register at the Adult kiosk. For more
info, contact Cathy at 395.3113 or
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her.
Letters from Dad
Men: Letters from Dad is coming to Central on Saturday, Jan. 17 from 7:30–9:30 a.m.! Come hear Greg Vaughn speak with other dads, grandfathers and/or husbands and learn how to bless those you love with one of the most powerful tools in the world—the pen and the written word. Cost for the morning is $5. Stop by the Letters from Dad kiosk
Still don't know where the bathrooms are?
Are you new to Central or have you been here awhile and are wondering
how to get more connected? Join us for Discovering Central on Jan. 18
& 25 at 10:50 a.m. You will learn about opportunities and
ministries that are offered and how you can take next steps in
connecting with others. To sign up for this two-week class call Laura at 395.3705.
Family Builders for Parents of Teens
Join us Jan. 18 for a class brunch at 9:15 a.m. in C167. You will enjoy the fellowship of other parents going through the similar joys and challenges of raising teenagers in a positive way.
Crossroads Career Network
Are you at a crossroads in your career? Then come explore with us.
Crossroads Career Network classes look through a biblical lens at
career transition and training. If you would like more info call Linda
at 395.3108.
H4SA Weekend Workshop, Jan. 16 & 17
Hope for the Single Again is a workshop for those going through divorce, separation or relationship break-up. It's a time of practical, biblical teaching and small group interaction. Subjects covered are: anger, guilt, fear, forgiveness, contentment and making new memories. Our next workshop is Jan. 16 (evening) and Jan. 17 (all day). Cost is $25. For more info, call 395.3109, or register online.
Lifemates and Family Starters
For engaged and young married couples. Starting Jan. 4, Doug Swink will
be challenging us to choose a word to live by this year. Let's start
the new year learning together how we can be better followers of
Christ. We meet Sundays at 9:25 a.m. in C166.
Married life Live
Couples of all ages, join us in the Chapel on Jan. 23 from 6:30–8:45 p.m. You won’t want to miss this fun night with Kevin and Sherry Harney speaking, Roger Byrd and Brian McSee as the musicians for the evening and Todd Johnson and Chris Hofland as emcees! Free childcare with pre-registration required by the Monday before (Jan. 19). For more info, contact Cathy at 395.3113 or
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her.
Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University
Are you looking for financial peace during these crazy economic times? Starting Jan. 11, 2009 you can learn from Dave Ramsey himself as he walks you through God's way of handling money via DVD. If you'd like more info on this 13-week class, call 748.8575 or 392.3121.
Women's Missionary Fellowship
We are meeting this Tuesday, Jan. 6 from 1–3 p.m. in D201. For more info call Delores at 392.3411.
Kid Central
Pray for Kid Central!
Would you join us for prayer for our children, our team of Kid Central volunteers and ministry as we desire to impact young lives for eternity? We need parents, grandparents and anyone with a heart for prayer. Join us by emailing
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for a prayer list or stop by D224 on a Sunday morning just off Main Lobby from 8:50–9:15 a.m.
5th@Central Chill Out, Jan. 10, 2 p.m.
Fifth graders, join us for our Chill Out with bowling at Century Lanes and ice cream at Cold Stone Creamery! Parent helpers are needed. Cost is $14; register by Jan. 7 at the Elementary Check-In desk, the Kid Central kiosk in the Main Lobby or online. If you have questions, call Colleen at 395.3094.
Students
ignite
Middle school students, ignite is back this Wednesday from 6:30–8 p.m. in the Student Ministries Room (D309). We’ll see you there!
F.N.L. (Friday Night Live)
Middle School students, the next F.N.L is this Friday, Jan. 9 in the Student Ministries Room (D309)! You can expect flippin’ sweet competitions involving anything from sk8, pool, b-ball, Guitar Hero and who knows what else! There is no better place to hang with your friends and ignite leaders! Doors open at 6 p.m., and we’re done at 9 p.m. sharp!
LateNight e759
High school students, this Wednesday we’re meeting in the Chapel from 8–9 p.m. for an evening of incredible hosts, surprise guests, amazing talent and so much more! Bring your friends and tune in to LateNite e759!
General
Perspectives on the World Christian Movement class
We live in a unique time in history. God has given us a call with both global and local dimensions. The Perspectives on the World Christian Movement class will help you understand that call and your specific place in it. Discover for yourself how to find your particular assignment within God’s ageless plan! Grab a brochure at the Influence Kiosk. For more info and to register visit perspectives.org. *Discounts are available for all Central Wesleyan attendees.
The Truth Project
In this class you will learn to better understand and live the Christian worldview in daily life. You will also learn the nature and character of God and recognize His design for all of life. We start Jan. 7 at 6:30 p.m. For more info, call 395.3085.
Elder for 2009
In preparation for the
coming year, the Elder Board is soliciting names of qualified
individuals to fill one vacant position on the Elder Board for the
coming year. This individual may be male or female, but must be a
member of Central Wesleyan. Please submit your nominations for this
position to Joey Obbink by calling 395.3127 or
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her no later than Monday, Jan. 12.
Nickie Reeves is retiring!
Please join us to celebrate her 28 years of dedicated service at Central! There will be an open house with dessert Jan. 8 in C161 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Serving Opportunities
house 446
Central's house 446 ministry to half-mile kids will begin again on Wednesday, Jan. 7. If you love kids and are looking for a way to volunteer, this may be the opportunity for you! For additional info, contact Linda at 395.3085 or
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.
Food Distribution, Jan 13
Our next Food Distribution will be Tuesday, Jan. 13 at 5:30 p.m. If you would like to help, circle “F.” For questions or more info, call Linda at 395.3085.
Sewing for Mexico
Come donate your time and gifts to sew quilts for the
orphanage we support in Mexico. We're meeting Thursday, Jan. 8 from 9
a.m.-3 p.m. in C165. For more info, call Vivian at 392.9794.
Mexico Mission Trip
Openings are still available for those interested. Join us Sunday, Jan. 11 between the morning worship services in A242 for more info and to apply.
Family News
Dealing with cancer: Angie Tallman, Lisa Wilkinson, Lisa VanderZwaag, Mel Kirklin, Jim Oonk, Dick Weeks, John Cheney, Sandy Cheney, Leon Rithamel and Connie Jordan.
Recovering at home: Mary Blystra, Morrie James, Dick Perkins and Sue Herweyer.
Recovering at rehabilitation facility: Roy Stewart.
In the hospital: Elaine DeYoung, Linda Henton, Sandy Cheney.
We extend our sympathy to: Jim (Judy) Grassmid and Bob (Alma) Grassmid in the death of their mother. Heather Grassmid, Jill (Jason) Lencioni, and Jennifer (Chad) VanRhee in the loss of their grandmother. Gary (Jodi) Poynter in the death of his sister. Lloyd (Jean) Brink in the death of his mother. Pearl (Lee) Beyer in the death of her son Kim Naber. Jeff (Carol) Beyer, Nick (Karen) Beyer, Lisa (Kurt) Drooger, Linda (Randy) Kuipers in the death of their brother.
For The Record
December 28, 2008
Attendance
Morning Worship 2,462
Community Groups na
Small Groups 830
General Budget
Rec’d Last Week $159,600
Weekly Need $116,153
Rec’d Since 6/08 $2,593,500
Need Since 6/08 $2,604,100
Faith Promise for Missions
Rec’d Last Week $25,000
Rec’d Since 6/08 $451,500
Need Since 6/08 $433,400
Jubilee Capital Challenge
Rec’d Last Week $25,200
Rec’d Since 6/06 $2,250,700
External Debt
Current Debt $1,450,000
July 2001 Peak Debt $9,462,000
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