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August 17, 2008
 Kenya 2008
Families Serving Together
We are very grateful for the opportunity the
Lord provided for our four families to serve with the beautiful people
of Kenya for nine days. We were able to work with the children and
staff of House of Hope Home orphanage in Naivasha.
The women and children of our group loved on the children by bathing
them, changing lots of diapers, giving hugs and smiles, teaching Bible
stories and playing games. Our children showed servant hearts as they
hand-washed clothes and cleaned the orphanage. It was also wonderful to
minister to the staff of the orphanage as we worked with them to cook
and clean, which seemed like a never-ending job! Many of us were
stretched emotionally and physically as we loved these kids each day
and learned some of the stories of how they arrived at the orphanage.
The men of our group (who are not builders by trade) worked with two
Kenyan handymen, who are called "fundi," to construct a roof for a new
classroom building. It was quite an experience as we learned indigenous
building practices by constructing roof trusses from scratch with wood
and nails that were far from straight. But wonderful relationships were
formed with our Kenyan builders!
While intending to bless the people of Kenya, we were blind sided by
the blessing we received from them. Each night was filled not only with
sharing of what God taught us through our serving, but most of all what
God taught us through the people we interacted with. We'd like to
introduce you to a few of these:
Joel—Director of House of Hope. He has developed an orphanage from the
ground up through a deep faith and a vision rooted in God's plan. Faith
in action!
Mama Paul—Works
extremely hard each day, yet always rejoices in the life she has. She
even prayed and thanked God as she picked bugs out of rice. A content
heart!
Ndungu—A
Kenyan staff person working for the missionaries we served. Showed us
how bold he is in his faith and grateful for his salvation. A saved
heart!
Minolin—A
Philippine woman who employs infected women with HIV/AIDS to make
beaded jewelry to sell and gives the profits to charity. A
compassionate heart!
We would like to thank Central and the people who contributed to Faith Promise Giving for the opportunity to serve. In Christ,
Shari and Alissa Visscher
The Bob Soeters Family
The Steve Elenbaas Family
The Chris Hofland Family
Adults
Men's Fraternity Info Sessions
This fall we will be offering two different Men's Fraternity
studies. All men are invited to room D202
during either morning service time this morning to check out this excellent curriculum. Leaders will
be available to answer questions.
Connections Fair
Interested
in getting connected at Central? On Sunday, August 24, take the
opportunity to learn about the many community groups and classes being
offered in the fall. Group representatives will be in the Main Lobby
after each morning service with helpful information about getting
connected with God and others.
Lifemates Community Group
If you are engaged or a young married couple, join us at Tunnel Park
(North Shelter) on Sunday, August 24 at 12:30 p.m. 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. Call Cathy
at 395.3113 if you'd like more information.
Growing Kids God's Way—Preparation for the Toddler Years
For parents of children ages 6 months to 3 years, this class teaches
the practical side of setting reasonable limits with your toddler while
encouraging healthy exploration and much more. You will learn how to
teach your child to use sign language, a tool proven to help stimulate
cognitive growth and to advance communication. We meet Sunday mornings
at 9:15 a.m. beginning September 7. Call 395.3113 for more info.
Growing Kids God's Way
This class is for parents with children ages 3 years and up. Based on
"Along the Virtuous Way," you will learn to reach the heart of your
child with virtues and values that flow from the character of God in a
non-stressful way. We meet Sunday mornings at 9:15 a.m. beginning
September 7. Pre-registration is required. Call 395.3113 for more info.
Hope 4 the Single Again
H4SA is a class 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 10-week
class session begins September 9 at 6:30 p.m. For elementary age
children the Confident Kids program is provided; for younger children,
nursery care is available. Call 395.3109, or register online.
Prayer Shawl Ministry
This group is for all knitters and crocheters who want to bless people
by making a prayer shawl or blanket. Many have been comforted by these
gifts, and we feel God is moving in our efforts each month. Anyone is
welcome, and we meet the third Tuesday of each month in C164 at 2 p.m.
For more info, contact Jean Sybesma at 335.7285.
First Place for Health
This is a Christ-centered weight loss program for women, incorporating
Bible study, prayer, Scripture memorization, balanced eating and
exercise plans. Lisa Duckworth will lead this group, starting
Wednesday, September 10 in The Block. Pre-registration is required. If
you'd like more information, call 395.3113.
The Girlfriends Picnic is Tuesday, August 19 at 6 p.m. at Tunnel Park.
Setting Boundaries with Your Adult Children is a 12-week class
on Wednesdays from 6:30-8 p.m. in A255. This class will empower
families by offering hope and healing through a six-step program to
help you regain balance in your home and in your life. Call 395.3113 if
you're interested.
Students
Student Ministries Kickoff
High school and middle school
ministries will kick off the fall Sunday, September 7 at 9:15 a.m.
Encounter will meet in The Block, and i-Café
will meet in the Student Ministries Room (D309). We'll kick off our
Wednesday events with an Everyday Sunday concert September 10 at 6:30
p.m. in the Chapel.
Cookout for High School Seniors
High school seniors are invited to a cookout on August 27 from 6-8 p.m.
at the Seaborns'. This is a great night to connect with Pastor Kujo and
find out what's going on this year and how you can get involved!
Middle School Leaders
We're having a mixer and meet and greet on August 24 at 9:15 a.m. in
the Student Ministries Room (D309). Sunday, September 7 we're having a
training session in the Student Ministries Room at 12:30 p.m. Lunch is
provided.
Kid Central
Important Fall Kid Central Dates
The Kid Central fall season is getting ready to kick off! Here are some important dates for you to remember:
August 24: Early Childhood and Elementary Parent Meeting
September 7: Sunday Fall Kickoff
September 10: Midweek Fall Kickoff
Please plan to join us in the Chapel on August 24 at 9:30 a.m. for
important information for you and your children. Also check out our Kid
Central team opportunities under the Serving section of this eWeekly.
General
Outdoor Baptism This Sunday at 6 p.m.
Celebrate with those being baptized this Sunday night at the southwest pond. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on.
Come see what God is doing in the
Worship Arts Department. We'd love for you to be a part of this
exciting ministry by joining the Worship Choir or Orchestra. Meet Brian
McSee and Roger Byrd in the Main Lobby between services this morning to
learn more.
"Living with Grief" Seminar, August 25 at 7 p.m. in the Chapel
Local speaker and author Nicholas Wolterstorff will share his
personal experience of the loss of his 25-year-old son Eric in a
mountain climbing accident. His book, "Lament for a Son" chronicles his
journey to come to terms with his grief and the "unanswered questions"
of his wounded spirit. This event is FREE and open to the public. For
more info, contact Holly at 395.3138 or
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her.
The World Hope Filipino Children's Choir will
be performing a concert here at Central on Sunday, September 28 at 6
p.m. If you would be willing to host teens or adults overnight after
the evening service, please contact us at
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or 395.3709.
Serving Opportunities
Neighborhood Block Party, August 26
Join us for a fun-filled evening Tuesday, August 26 from 5-8 p.m. in
the Resurrection Life parking lot. We need volunteers for set-up,
clean-up, activities, games for children and preparing and serving hot
dogs. If you'd like more info, call Linda at 395.3085 or
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her.
School Supply Sunday, August 24
Please bring school supplies to church next Sunday and place them in containers located at the
Influence kiosk or the 3rd floor reception area through August 31. If you'd like more information on drop-off locations, click here. If you have questions,
call Linda at 395.3085.
"Plug In" to the Tech Team
The technical team has two openings:
1. Graphics Operator for the 10:50 a.m. service. The commitment is once
every three weeks: Tuesdays from 6:30-9 p.m. and Sundays from 9:30
a.m.-12:15 p.m.
2. Camera Operator for both a.m. services. The commitment is every
third Sunday from 8:50 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Call Karen at 395.3116 with
questions.
Kid Central Volunteers Needed!
Whatever your gifts and abilities, God can use you in Kid Central! We
need people to teach, mentor, make copies, lead crafts, greet, provide
snacks for events and more. There are many opportunities, and Kid
Central is a fun place to be. Contact Colleen at 395.3094 or
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her.
Gathering Grounds Volunteers Needed
We're looking for energetic volunteers for the upcoming year. If you're
interested, please stop by on a Sunday morning and talk to Kate Cowen,
or call 395.3088 and leave a message. All volunteers must be 16 years
of age and older.
Confident Kids Helpers Needed
The Confident Kids program, provided during the H4SA classes this fall,
needs three childcare helpers. This commitment is on Tuesday evenings
from 6:30-8:30 p.m., September 9 through November 11. Childcare workers
are paid $10 per hour. Contact Karen Blakely at 335.3055 or
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her.
Family News
Brian & Lorie King return home this week after serving over a year in South Africa leading the Vox United team.
In Spectrum Hospital: Angie Tallman.
Recovering at home: Jim Bruurersma and Janna Kuiphof.
Dealing with cancer: Lisa VanderZwaag, Linda Lutz, Lisa Wilkinson, Mel Kirklin, Jim Oonk, Peggy Biller, Alice Puente and Ann Hildenbrand.
We extend our sympathy to: Marlene (Howard) Kotman in the death of her sister, Beverly Harper.
For The Record
August 10, 2008
Attendance
Morning Worship 2,337
Community Groups 152
Small Groups 1,014
General Budget
Rec’d Last Week $68,300
Weekly Need $73,597
Rec’d Since 6/08 $858,200
Need Since 6/08 $838,400
Faith Promise for Missions
Rec’d Last Week $10,700
Rec’d Since 6/08 $134,000
Need Since 6/08 $120,600
Jubilee Capital Challenge
Rec’d Last Week $11,300
Rec’d Since 6/06 $1,931,500
External Debt
Current Debt $1,820,000
July 2001 Peak Debt $9,462,000
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