Elgin Blitz Build 2008

The weeks leading up to the Elgin Blitz Build was unpredictabe to say the least. The original home scheduled to be rehabed was sold to a different owner with the request of the City. This left the group scrambling for a new home. Northern Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity were able to acquire a different house on 524 Bent St. Little did they know that this was the plan all along, just not their plan.
The neighbors have been praying for this house for years. This house was shut down by the city several times because of drugs, gangs, shootings, and it once housed illegal immigrants. Everyone feels that the hand of God directed this. The neighbors prayers have finally been answered.
The permits and permisions were not finalized until the day before the start of the build. The owners, C.J. and Andy did not find out they were going to get this house until Friday night, the night before the build. They were very excited and thankful for this.
The week of the Build was very exciting. There were surprises all around. A busted pipe that emitted an odor that no one wanted to be around. The house was considered a historic building so there had to be a plan b. It had sunk about an inch and had to be jacked up and reinforced. A Funk & Wagnall's Literary Digest dated February 12, 1927 was found. The neighbors were extremely happy with what is going on that they also lent a hand. There was also great food served each day from different restaurants in the area and homemade entres and goodies from different volunteers. There were some minor injuries but all in all, it was a successful and rewarding week. Thank you to all who participated and prayed for the team.
The project was too big to be finished in one week and help is still needed to finish it. If you are interested, please click here and sign up. To read and view more pictures about this build and other communities, go to the official Blitz Build blog.

Another Beautiful Sunday for Baptism!

The rain stayed away as always and we celebrated with 722 baptisees. Special mention to our very own community members Kristen Jordan, Kim Parsons and Matt Breen who publicly declared their faith that day. The heavens celebrated along with us!
Our Community tent was a big success and it was easy for everyone to find us and fellowship with us. We hope to have more people meet with us next time.

Swing Batter!!!

On June 6th & 7th, the newly formed ACTivity group enjoyed a couple of Kane County Cougars games at Elfstrom Stadium in Geneva, IL. The first night Donna, Arne and Nancy, and Eric and Kristen enjoyed a 4-1 lead after the first inning created by 2 Cougar's home runs. Mike and Melissa joined us in the 2nd inning because of work schedules, and I do not really want to talk about the sad 7-4 loss that night, because I am afraid I will get my blog posting privileges suspended. Between innings we were able to enjoy the silly antics of Myron Noodleman, assisted by both teams, the umpires and fans from the crowd. That night was concluded with a delightful 15 minute fireworks display, and despite the loss everyone left full and happy. The next night enjoying the ball game were Lois, Mike and his son Matt, Kim and Jessica, Mike, Romana, and again Eric and Kristen (we love baseball). While watching this game we were able to enjoy a 5-4 victory. After the game was complete we marveled the flips and flops presented by the Jesse White tumblers. Again that night was capped off by another 15 minute fireworks display with the King singing background. On that night I was successful in talking most of the group into ice-cream and we stopped off for a few more minutes of fellowship while enjoying the offerings from Colonial. I would hate to call anyone out, but a certain father/son duo walked out with a bumper sticker in hand, because they were able to finish off the kitchen sink. Here are a few pictures of the fun, and please try to join us for our next ACTivity.

Community Weekend News

This Sunday afternoon, the lake will be a place where hundreds of people publicly declare their faith & trust in the gift of grace through Jesus’ blood shed for us on the cross. If you are ready to take the step, email us and join Kim, Kristen, & Ricardo being baptized by our Area Pastor. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets to the South West Communities tent. It will be a great time to celebrate baptism as a community.

Blitz Build projects at Elgin & Riverwoods begin Saturday and continue through next week. Please join your neighbors and friends from the South West Communities serving at these projects. Click here to sign up.

Dad's Fest 2008

South West Community Life had our own display of Vintage John Deere tractors and a red hot convertible Corvette. Thanks to our Area Pastor LaVerne Weber, our community was able to take part in this great event.

Willow Serves in Costa Rica - Serve today

In March 2008, Mars Manderico (middle picture, middle), who is part of our
local Willow family, went on a serving trip to Fraijanes, Costa Rica. The
team of 12 was charged with digging trenches three feet wide by four feet
deep for the foundation of a new church and rehabilitation facility. Once
they got started, it was no stopping them. They finished about 90%. of the
perimeter of the church portion. They not only were involved in this hard
labor serving, but they had time for fellowship, and, of course, they
zip-lined through the jungle and hiked among waterfalls. That week was
just a glimpse into the adventures that lie ahead for all eternity.

During the week of June 21-29, more from Willow will be serving in Costa
Rica, the Gulf Coast, and locally. You still have time to sign up for
Blitz Build 2008 to meet needs and change lives in our South West Community
-- Elgin and St. Charles.

Arne Ness Baptism Story

Listen to how God got Arne's attention in a way he could not ignore. Then think about what God is trying to tell you.
If you are considering baptism, please visit Willow Creek Baptism website.