About once a quarter, the ACTivity Group goes on an outing. This group is part of the South Elgin Gathering, and the activities are open to everyone. In June, the group went to a Kane County Cougars game. On August 24, after breakfast at Burnt Toast, the group went to Area Pastor LaVerne and Susan's Lake Geneva home for a brilliantly sunny afternoon of boating, tubing, picnicking, and chatting. Everything couldn't have been more perfect -- just ask Eric/Kristen (organizers), Kim, Mike/Matt, Donna, Jo, Nancy, and Romana. Thanks to LaVerne and Susan for their hospitality throughout the day. What a beautiful place to entertain folks in Christ's name!
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Friday, September 5, 2008
Weekend News
It is exciting to hear how many of you are taking specific steps to move forward on your spiritual journey. Classes @ Willow is a path many chose and the fall options begin next week. If you are ready for the challenge, register now. For those willing to expand your ability to come along side others in your group, sign up for “Call to Care” training on Saturday 9/20 or Wednesdays in November.
Recently, people have begun forming a variety of relational groups in their communities. Beginning the weekend of September 13 & 14 at South Barrington, following all services, people will be encouraged to connect with others from their area in the Atrium. After the service you attend, stop by our area in the Atrium and connect with people from the community.
Set aside the evening of October 16 for a free gift of time with Will Miller at Willow Creek. He is one of the speakers at the Group Life Conference and will offer a private session for Willow leaders. He is a unique individual with experiences that will serve you. For those who can attend the Group Life Conference, there is a special $ 67.00 rate for Willow . Register now using Priority Code WCCCA8 by September 9.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Sunday Gathering with Student Impact
We thought we would do something different on our next table gathering. We invited our Student Impact house group to join us! It was a wonderful turn out! We had all ages sharing in the community and we were able to meet new friends. There was swimming, bags tournament and of course the most delicious food. The weather was beautiful and the fellowship was priceless. Thank you for making this gathering a success.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Willow Leadership Summit 8.8.08 Highlights
Speakers again today, led from a calling and passion that is greater than themselves. Their entrepreneurial organizations emerged from Holy Spirit promptings which they took action and developed. Bill Hybel's closing talk chronicled Mother Teresa's life which demonstrated "cart blanch yieldedness" of a leader with a "relentless commitment" to her calling.
This day was filled with conversations over times when the Holy Spirit prompted leaders to step out. Craig Groeschel, Pastor of Lifechurch.TV, Chuck Colson of Prison Fellowship Ministries, Catherine Rohr of Prison Entrepreneurship Program, Brad Anderson of Best Buy, and Bill Hybels all spoke of times the Holy Spirit prompted action in a clear and present way. While it is different for individuals everyone acknowledged the unmistakable presence.
Have you had an encounter with God through the Holy Spirit? What action did you take? What results were produced? How did it mark your life? We would like to hear your story as a comment below.
This day was filled with conversations over times when the Holy Spirit prompted leaders to step out. Craig Groeschel, Pastor of Lifechurch.TV, Chuck Colson of Prison Fellowship Ministries, Catherine Rohr of Prison Entrepreneurship Program, Brad Anderson of Best Buy, and Bill Hybels all spoke of times the Holy Spirit prompted action in a clear and present way. While it is different for individuals everyone acknowledged the unmistakable presence.
Have you had an encounter with God through the Holy Spirit? What action did you take? What results were produced? How did it mark your life? We would like to hear your story as a comment below.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Willow Leadership Summit 8.7.08 Highlights
Looking at notes and reflecting on the day, 4 things were consistent with all speakers.
- Each had a clear call to their mission.
- Everyone was passionate about their calling.
- Through their passion, appeals to the mission were compelling.
Each person shared personal stories that Bill George described as "Crucibles in Life". These significant leaders were close and personal about their lives which drew people to their cause.
If you attended the Leadership Summit, leave a comment telling us which session impacted you most and how.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Weekend News
He executes justice for the orphan and the widow,
and shows His love for the alien by giving him food and clothing.
Deuteronomy 10:18
“Throughout history, God has called his people to care for orphans. With millions of orphans worldwide the task is great, but our God is greater still! He is looking for people who will love, care and advocate for a child without a forever family.
As a mother of two internationally adopted daughters, I’ve had the opportunity to witness first hand and learn about the plight of orphans. It has long been a desire of my heart to be involved in reaching out to these children by providing for them and showing them God’s love.
If you are interested in exploring a group that reaches out to orphans, I invite you to attend an informational meeting on Tuesday, August 19th at 7:00pm in downtown Bartlett. For more information or to R.S.V.P., please contact me, Dina Ackermann, at 630-213-3558 .”
and shows His love for the alien by giving him food and clothing.
Deuteronomy 10:18
“Throughout history, God has called his people to care for orphans. With millions of orphans worldwide the task is great, but our God is greater still! He is looking for people who will love, care and advocate for a child without a forever family.
As a mother of two internationally adopted daughters, I’ve had the opportunity to witness first hand and learn about the plight of orphans. It has long been a desire of my heart to be involved in reaching out to these children by providing for them and showing them God’s love.
If you are interested in exploring a group that reaches out to orphans, I invite you to attend an informational meeting on Tuesday, August 19th at 7:00pm in downtown Bartlett. For more information or to R.S.V.P., please contact me, Dina Ackermann, at 630-213-3558 .”
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
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.
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.
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