Orphans Passion

Dina Ackermann talks about God's heart toward orphans and her passion to serve them. Find out how you can be a part of serving orphans living in the U.S. and around the world. Contact Dina for more information about the Willow group that meets in Bartlett.

Weekend News

Southwest Community Life Friends,
Looking for a place to make a difference in the life of a Willow family? Serving is a great way to be the hands and feet of Jesus to people in need. If you like working with your hands, there is an opportunity in Bartlett this Saturday. Below is a portion of a note from Anne Rand at Willow that describes the need.
On a beautiful day like today, it's hard to imagine people are still cleaning up from the devastating floods two weeks ago. But they are--and having had the opportunity to speak with one Willow family directly, I saw up close and personal how lost and overwhelmed they feel. The Bartlett family had 3 feet of water throughout their first floor destroying their kitchen, living room and all the appliances, furnace, etc. This Saturday, October 4 and possible additional days into the future, we could use people who are generally handy with installation of flooring, drywall and a host of other semi-skilled needs.
Bartlett Relief Efforts
Click the link above to sign up for Saturday or come for part of the day. Those who can serve other days, email Eric who is organizing additional times.

Are you applying your INFLUENCE in the lives of others? A great place to begin is in the Atrium at Willow Creek South Barrington after weekend services. Stop by the Bartlett/South Elgin sign and connect with others from the community. Help yourself to free coffee and donuts. More people are coming each week and great conversations take place.

Lake Geneva Outing

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!

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.

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.

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.

Willow Leadership Summit 8.7.08 Highlights

Looking at notes and reflecting on the day, 4 things were consistent with all speakers.

1. Each had a clear call to their mission.
2. Everyone was passionate about their calling.
3. 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.