It's a Ball Update

We're having a great summer of family connection and fun! I have been amazed at the volunteer support for our events so far and have watched volunteers touch the lives of the unchurched and interact with our own Central Wesleyan families.

Our purpose for this summer was to minimize events where parents would just drop off their kids, and instead encourage families to experience our events with their children. At Crazy Bounce I had a conversation with a dad who has just moved into the area. He was having a great time bouncing, but I think he appreciated the breather to chat a few minutes. During our conversation, I learned he was job hunting. Another mom shared with a volunteer that they have lived in Holland for 10 years and thought they should consider attending church now with their young kids.

These events are providing great opportunities to share with friends in our community. Jesus didn't say, "I know the way, the truth and the life;" rather, he said, "I am the way the truth and the life." I am pleased that our volunteers are working at being Christ to the many unchurched who are checking us out this summer.

We still have more events to come. On Thursday, August 5, Jana Alayra and her band will be here with us for an awesome concert. While we served in southern California, we would often see Jana effectively ministering in large settings with kids. Though this is normally a ticketed event with a cost, this time it's FREE! Please make every effort to bring your kids and grandkids to this great night.

On Thursday, August 19 we will have the Outback Jamboree by our pond, a fun-filled evening of games, ice cream and other surprises. This event is also FREE!

At Kid Central, we are attempting to build strong relationships with families. Our goal is to create experiences where families will know they are loved. On this foundation we can create opportunities to present Jesus to families who do not know Him. As we look forward to the fall, we are preparing for our Sunday and Wednesday programs to be effective and life-transforming. Thank you for your amazing support of the things we are attempting. The future of Central may lie with young families from a variety of cultures. We are praying for the Spirit to lead us as we continue to discover the best ways to connect with our community.

Jay Hostetler
Life Stage Pastor

Adults

New to Central?
Are you new to Central or have you been here a while and wondering how to get more connected? Join us this Sunday, July 25 at 10:50 a.m. in D202 for Discovering Central. You will learn about opportunities and ministries that are offered and how you can take next steps in connecting with others. To sign up, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Marriage Mentoring Small Groups
We are offering Small Group opportunities for engaged and young married couples with or without children. Four or five couples will meet regularly with one seasoned married couple for guidance and mentoring. You'll gain insight and receive sound, biblical advice as you navigate your way through the journey of marriage. For more info, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

GrandParenting...GrandLoving
As a grandparent, you have an opporunity to form young hearts and direct young minds in ways that will help them for a lifetime. If you would like to connect with others in this great journey of grandparenting, join us for an eight-week DVD study called GrandParenthood Sundays, September 19-November 14 at 8 a.m. TO sign up, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Crossroads Weekend Class
Normally Crossroads is a seven-week, two-hour class. Because of heightened interest, we will be holding a weekend class Friday, July 30 (evening) and Saturday, July 31. If you're interested, please call 395.3108 as soon as possible to sign up, or go to the kiosk in the Main Lobby after either morning service this Sunday, July 25.

Prayer Shawl Ministry
Anyone is welcome in this group for all knitters and crocheters who want to bless people by making a prayer shawl or blanket. We meet the third Tuesday of each month in C164 at 2 p.m. For more information, call Karen at 296.751.5263 or Jean at 335.7285.

Kid Central

Jana Alayra Concert, August 5, 7 p.m.
This is a great energetic, totally engaging concert for families with kids age 2–5th grade and the kids are invited to join Jana on stage to sing with her. She has given worldwide concerts for thousands of people. See her at janaalayra.com and then invite your friends and neighbors to come with you.

Students

Last iCafé of the Summer
Middle school students, this Sunday is the last iCafé of the summer! We look forward to seeing you on September 12 when we kick off a brand new year!

General

Church Forum, July 25 & August 1
All of Central is welcome at any of the following Church Forums in the Chapel. We'd love to have you attend this Sunday, July 25 at 9:15 or 10:50 a.m. or August 1 at 9:15 a.m., 10:50 a.m. or 6 p.m. We will be looking at the recently updated campus master plan and would value your input. Your attendance at one of these meetings is critical if you're intersted in the future of Central Wesleyan and where we feel God is leading us. A short presentation will be made of the master plan, and there will be an opportunity to ask some questions and time to take a short survey so we can gain your input on the master plan.

Joseph Series Prayer Room
This room is open from 7 a.m.–8 p.m. daily through the end of August and is located on the 2nd floor to the left of the red dune buggy (across from Gathering Grounds). Stop in to enjoy a unique quiet time with God by yourself or with a friend or family member.

District Conference Rally, July 30, 7 p.m.
The West Michigan District of the Wesleyan Church is meeting July 30 for their annual conference. This year, we're doing things a bit differently so as to celebrate the commissioning of the new District Superintendant. We'd love you to join us at 7 p.m. for this fun celebration and for the reception afterwards at 8:30 p.m. It will be held at First Wesleyan Church in Battle Creek (14425 Helmer Road South, Battle Creek, MI). See you there!

All-Church Picnic & Baptism Celebration
Join us for this special occasion August 8 at 4 p.m. We'll gather at the pond by the Gazebo and celebrate baptism with many from our fellowship who are taking this important step of faith. Immediately following the baptism service, you are invited to a free picnic for everyone on the church grounds near the Gazebo. Enjoy grilled hot dogs, salad, chips, beverages and dessert! Bring lawn chairs or blankets and your friends and family. Let's celebrate!

Sign Up to Be Baptized
If you have accepted Christ as your Savior and Lord and if you have never been baptized as an adult or a teen, we encourage and invite you to sign up to be baptized. Attend a brief info meeting this Sunday, July 25 or August 1 or 8 after either morning service at the front of the Worship Center. You must also register online.

Sierra Leone Mission Team
A team is being formed to serve in Sierra Leone, September 30-October 9. This group will be involved in the current ministry there and helping create a bond between our congregation and the people of Bombali Bana for future ministry. For more details about the trip, check out the Global page.

Physically Challenged Ministry Picnic
Everyone is invited to enjoy a night of family fun on Saturday, July 31, starting at 4 p.m. at the farm of Doug and Vivian Verhoeven, 5734 143rd Ave. in Holland (a half mile south of Tulip City Airport on 143rd Ave.). Events include a BBQ dinner, gospel music, hay rides, fishing and many more surprises! For more information, call 392.9794.

Harrington Anniversary, July 31
Central Wesleyan family, you're invited to help Ed and Becky Harrington celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary and Ed's 80th birthday! join us in the Main Lobby on Saturday, July 31 from 3-5 p.m. There will also be a short program at 3:30 p.m. We will honor this long-time Central couple as they observe these great milestones in their lives!

Serving Opportunities

Jana Alayra Concert Help Needed!
We need your help for this fun concert on August 5 at 7 p.m.! If you'd like to be a greeter or usher to help welcome our guests to this fantastic family concert, please This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

August 8 Picnic Helpers Needed
An all-church picnic is being planned for the evening of August 8 right after we celebrate baptism at the pond by the Gazebo. If you would like to help at the picnic with set-up, serving and clean-up, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Outback Jamboree, August 19, 6:30-8 p.m.
Can you run a game with enthusiasm, help kids carefully fish or serve snacks with hospitality? Can you help set up or clean up? Sign up this Sunday to help with the Outback Jamboree at the round table in the Main Lobby or online. You can make a difference!

Ride Needed on Sundays
If you or your family has room in your car for a single lady who lives on East 16th Street, please let us know. We'd just need to get her an occasional ride to church on Sunday mornings. To sign up, call Laura at 395.3705 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Supplies for Holland Public Schools
Start watching the advertisements for sales! Last summer we were humbled to bless each HPS elementary school with school supplies—thanks to your generosity! This year, too, we will be collecting new backpacks, paper, pens, crayons, pencils, glue, erasers, markers, rulers and scissors. You can drop the supplies off (either in a backpack or in your shopping bags) in the collection bins at the Influence kiosk or the Information Desk. We will be collecting from August 8-29. Call Chris at 395.3102 with any questions.

Kid Central Tech Help Needed
Do you enjoy working with computers, PowerPoint or AV equipment? Kid Central needs your help! Opportunities include: creating a PowerPoint presentation for children or running equipment on Sunday mornings or Wednesday nights. We'll give training with specific equipment. Call Colleen at 395.3094 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more info.

Middle School Mentors Needed
Jefferson 67 is a new mentoring opportunity for you to be a friend to 6th and 7th grade students. We're looking to build better relationships and help kids have better lives through friendship, academic support and mentoring. Superintendant Brian Davis and Jefferson's Principal, Rick Muniz have both communicated this need to us, and we want to help! Contact Chris at 395.3102 and keep checking back for dates on an information meeting coming in August.

Family News

Dealing with a serious or long-term illness: Lisa VanderZwaag, Mel Kirklin, Leon Rithamel, Connie Jordan, Margaret Gonder, Sue Wathne, Sandy DeWys, John DeWys, Linda Kars, Nellie Timmer, Laura Stannis, Loie VanDis, Anne Chamberlin, Michelle Bosman, Andrew DeWitt, Lola Weerstra, Jim Oonk, Marie Johnson, Roger Byrd, Abby Miedema, Ruth Bruursema, Don Gebraad, Jim Looman, Mark Ortiz, Janet Weisiger, Diane Grossi, Velma King and Don Shields.

Recovering: Jodi Lokker, Abby Miedema, Jan Parrott, Dakota Shelley, Bill Hill, Mark Ortiz, Steve Green, Ed Bouws, Janet Weisiger, Lola Weerstra and Jayne Elzinga.

Birth Announcements: Mariah Faith born to Lesa & Travis Geerts; Mariah Faith born to Trish & Jay Luhmann; Zachary Paul born to Nelia & Paul Perkins (grandparents are Donna & Dick Perkins); Marlo Helena born to Jonnie & Brett Wright (grandparents are Bette & Larry Johnson).

For The Record

July 18, 2010
Attendance
Morning Worship 2,441
Community Groups 84
Small Groups 570
General Budget
Received Last Week $60,700
Weekly Need $81,200
Received Since 6/10 $515,600
Need Since 6/10 $550,500
Faith Promise for Missions
Received Last Week $10,800
Received Since 6/10 $76,200
Need Since 6/10 $82,900
(RE)NEW Stewardship Challenge
Received Last Week $9,100
Received Since 6/10 $191,900
External Debt
July 2001 Peak Debt $9,462,000
May 2010 Debt $495,000
Current Debt $272,500