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July 6, 2008
Three Cosmic City VBS '08 Stories
God truly blessed this year's Vacation
Bible School. We had the help of over 250 volunteers, we shared Jesus
with 904 children and 152 children prayed to receive Christ as their
Lord and Savior. One father rededicated his life to Christ and prayed
with his daughter to received Christ. Thank you for making Cosmic City
'08 a ministry of excellence! Please enjoy the following stories of
praise.
"My family had been attending Central for over a year and still hadn't
connected with a small group. We thought that if we volunteered to help
out at VBS this would help us to do just that. We (my husband, two
children and I) got involved with the children at VBS. We looked
forward to when the children came back each night and, when they saw
our familiar faces, their expressions said, 'oh there they are!' This
was such a good feeling. A few children in our group also gave their
lives to Christ during VBS. What an awesome feeling to introduce Christ
to someone!
Volunteering with VBS did help us all to get connected here at Central,
and we've all become involved in different areas. If you are new or
have been attending Central for a while, but have not yet gotten
involved in an area that God can use you, I'd encouraged you to do so.
You will love it and be so glad that you helped out. I am so glad that
we did VBS Cosmic City!"
"Our son had such a fabulous time at VBS that he has been reenacting
his own VBS programs at home every day. He brings out his puppets, puts
on costumes to retell the Bible stories and spreads out a blanket for a
platform to lead the singing. It brings tears of joy to our eyes to
watch our little boy confidently shout out his faith in God through the
words to these songs. As he was riding home from VBS on Wednesday, he
boldly proclaimed, 'Jesus died on the cross, but He didn't stay dead.
He's alive, and He wants us to be His friends.' VBS helped him learn
more about how awesome Jesus is and how to love and trust Him more. As
a parent, I can't say enough about how great VBS was."
"As a VBS leader, I was able to counsel two young boys who came forward
at the invitation to receive Christ. I must say that it an awesome
privilege to have a part in leading a child to Christ! And the beauty
of VBS is that every person who handed out flyers, taped PVC pipe,
practiced drama and music, prepared snacks and games and loved on
kids—every VBS worker had a part in kids coming to Christ last week.
All of us were using our different gifts and abilities to do something
bigger than ourselves. That's the church in action! I am so grateful
that so many people had the awesome opportunity to serve and have a
part in leading kids to Jesus at VBS. Can't wait for next year!"
Thank you to all the volunteers who helped and those of you who kept us in your prayers that week. God is great!
Adults
20s & 30s Crowd Chicago Getaway
The 20s & 30s Crowd is going to Chicago July 12-13. The cost
will be approximately $75, which includes the hotel. If you are
interested, please call Todd Johnson at 395.3137 or email him at
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H4SA Workshop
Hope 4 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 will take place July 18 (evening) through July 19. Call
395.3109, or register online.
Lifemates Community Group (for engaged and young married couples)
If you are engaged or a young married couple, join us at Tunnel Park
(South Shelter) on Sunday, July 20 at noon for a cookout and lots of
fun. Please bring a dish to pass and your own beverage. Hamburgers, hot
dogs, buns and tableware will be provided. If you would like more
information, call 395.3113.
Girlfriends (women 45 & older)
If you have purchased a Women of Faith ticket, you may pick it up between services on July 20 or 27 at the Women's kiosk. There are
still a couple of tickets available to purchase if you missed out
earlier. If you are interested, please contact Elaine Zwagerman at
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The Blended Families Class, led by Jim and Terry Sprow will be meeting in D202 on July 13 and 20.
Neighborhood Cookout for Park Township Residents
Park Township Residents, come meet your neighbors on July 20 at 5 p.m.
at the South Shelter in Tunnel Park. Please bring a dish to pass and
your own beverages. Hamburgers, hot dogs, buns and tableware will be
provided. Call Gayle at 395.3112 if you have questions or would like to
sign up.
Women of the Word (WOW)
Led by Lynnelle Pierce on the first Monday (7 p.m.) and Tuesday (9:30
a.m.) of the month, we will be continuing on Paul's journey. Topics
are: Philippians (July 7 or 8) and Colossians (August 4 or 5). If you
have any questions, please call Cathy at 395.3113.
Summer Community Groups
Encore (Senior Adults) at 8 a.m. and Life Connections (Single Adults) at 9:15 a.m., both led
by Larry and Bette Johnson, as well as Deeper Roots at 10:50 a.m. will continue to meet throughout the summer
in C161.
Students
Prayer Team
Anyone interested in being a part of a prayer team for Student Ministries should contact Theresa Buhl at
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Big Wednesday Pool Party
Middle school students, we'll be having a pool party this Wednesday at
Pine Trail Camp. Wear your suits and bring your towels! Girls,
full-piece bathing suits or extremely modest tankinis required. We're
meeting at the bus barn at 5:50 p.m., and we'll return to church by 8
p.m. You must have a medical form on file to attend this event!
High School Sunny Sundays
Starting July 13, Encounter will be meeting out at the Gazebo at 9:15
a.m. Bring a beach towel or chair to sit on! In case of rain, we will
be hanging out in the Block.
High School Beach Night at Tunnel Park
On July 13 we'll be hanging out at Tunnel Park from 6:30-8 p.m. We'll
be meeting at the volleyball courts. There will be ultimate frisbee,
beach volleyball, swimming and much more!
Six Flags for College Crowd
The College Crowd is going to Six Flags (outside of Chicago) on July 9.
The cost is $45 plus money for breakfast and dinner. If you want to go,
contact Todd Johnson at 395.3137 or email him at
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Whitecaps Game for College Crowd
We're going to a Whitecaps game July 12. The cost for a ticket is $5. Interested? Contact Todd Johnson at 395.3137 or
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Kid Central
Kidz Blitz Live Rescheduled
This event has been moved to Monday, August 3, 3008 at 6:30 p.m. Don't miss this high-octane, interactive family event that uses fun
games to illustrate important biblical truths. This event is geared for
kids through middle school. Tickets are $5 per person and can be
purchased at the Kid Central kiosk in the Main Lobby on Sundays or in
the office Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m.—3 p.m.
General
Summer Lovin', July 13, 20 & 27
Based on the book of Proverbs, Summer Lovin' is a series on God's plan
for sexuality. Join us on Sunday mornings at 9:15 and 10:50 a.m. as we
separate fact from fiction regarding God's plan for sex. Led by Kevin
Harney, this series is appropriate for the whole family.
You're not as weird as you think.
Our counseling center, New Direction, provides counseling services from
a biblical perspective. We offer family, marriage, depression and
crisis counseling among others. For more information or an appointment,
call 395.3083. Let's talk.
Check Out Our Website!
Be sure to visit our homepage for news and information about all of Central's ministries. We have classes, community groups, volunteer opportunities, missions and much more! Be sure to tell others about the eWeekly and the website!
The Gazebo Isn't Just for Weddings!
The Gazebo is available to Central attenders/members who'd like to use
it. We have a fire pit and a charcoal grill as well as picnic tables.
It's a great location for a summer party! Call Nickie at 395.3092 for
more information or to reserve.
Cleaning Position Available
Facilities is in need of a person to work two days a week, 6 1/2 hours
a day. Tuesday, Thursday or Friday are the days that are available. If
you are interested or would like more information, please call Nickie
at 395.3092.
Serving Opportunities
Food Distribution, July 8, 5:30 p.m.
Come join us Tuesday, July 8 as God uses food as a tool to reach those
not walking with him. This is a wonderful opportunity for families to
serve together! Distributions will occur the second Tuesday night of
each month. Volunteers need to arrive at 5:30 p.m. to set up, and we
serve food from 6-7 p.m. This event will take place on the corner of
40th Street and South Washington. Call Linda at 395.3085 to volunteer.
Half Mile Kids
Each Tuesday and Thursday from 12—2
p.m. we will be hanging out with kids in the Half Mile area. Tuesdays
will be at Harbor Village and Thursdays at Meadow Lanes. Come spend
time doing crafts, playing kickball and building relationships with
kids. Anyone is welcome to volunteer! Call Chris at 395.3102 to sign up.
Nurses, Doctors & EMTs Needed
Are you a nurse, doctor or EMT who willing to use your gift on a
Sunday? We are in need of volunteers who are willing to be on call once
every four to six weeks during a Sunday morning service. If you are
interested in being a part of the medical response team or would like
to be a substitute please contact Mike Murphy at 335.5741.
Volunteer with Senior Adults
Get to know the residents at Lakeside Vista Senior Center down the
street from the church. They are in need of volunteers for various
activities as well as bus drivers. Contact Chris at 395.3102 for more
information or to volunteer.
Ride to Second Worship Service
A lady who lives near Beeline and Lakewood Blvd. is looking for a
family to pick her up on Sunday mornings to attend the second service.
If you are able to help out once or twice a month in this way, please
call Linda at 395.3085.
Family News
Recovering at Home: Steve Steggerda, Marlene Veele and Web Dalman.
Dealing with cancer: Lisa VanderZwaag, Linda Lutz, Lisa Wilkinson, Mel Kirklin, Jim Oonk, Peggy Biller and Ann Hildenbrand.
Birth Announcement: Griffin James born to Jeff and Kylie Leeuw.
For The Record
June 29, 2008
Attendance
Morning Worship 2,487
Community Groups 459
Small Groups 1,014
General Budget
Rec’d Last Week $91,900
Weekly Need $76,255
Rec’d Since 6/08 $374,500
Need Since 6/08 $381,300
Faith Promise for Missions
Rec’d Last Week $15,100
Rec’d Since 6/08 $65,700
Need Since 6/08 $48,100
Jubilee Capital Challenge
Rec’d Last Week $8,400
Rec’d Since 6/06 $1,870,600
External Debt
Current Debt $1,820,000
July 2001 Peak Debt $9,462,000
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