Who Is My Neighbor? A Prayer-Care-Share Opportunity

What is "Who's my Neighbor?"
This will be a one-afternoon opportunity to personally interact with some of the families in the housing communities that Riverwoods serves throughout the year. The goal is for 100 people to gain one first-hand experience in the Riverwoods Community Advocacy Ministry.

When is "Who's my Neighbor?"
Tuesday, September 1st from 3:00 pm - 7:30 pm.

What will we be doing?

3:00 PM Meet at Riverwoods / General Orientation
- Basic overview of afternoon
- Distribute Riverwoods Shirts
- Do's / Don'ts in the Community

3:30 PM Break into specific Advocate Areas
- Explanation of Community Specific Programs
- Presentation of Program Registration Forms

4:00 PM Depart to the Elgin & Aurora communities
All groups depart for communities in Riverwoods’ vans with Community Advocates

4:45 PM Door-to-Door Registration in the Communities
Pairs of participants will go door-to-door in each Advocate housing community to meet with families to register kids for fall programs

6:00 PM All groups return to Riverwoods

6:30 PM Casual Dinner at Riverwoods

7:00 PM 30 Minute Debriefing


Dear Friend,

God is doing amazing things in the lives of our kids throughout our communities.
Thank you for considering taking the time to learn "Who's my Neighbor?" here in the Fox River Valley.

As we continue to answer the Lord's call to expand the reach of the Community Advocacy Ministry, we believe that it is absolutely essential for all of our partners to get a deeper understanding of the realities our families are facing in our local housing communities.

"Who's my Neighbor?" will be a one-afternoon opportunity to personally interact with some of the families in the housing communities that Riverwoods serves throughout the year. On Tuesday, September 1st, we will be meeting at Riverwoods at 3pm for a brief orientation and training and then heading out in teams to seven different housing communities. We will be meeting individually with families in their apartments to register kids for our weekly fall programs. This is a great opportunity to learn first hand about the realities of suburban poverty.

There is no cost to attend, adults 21 and older are welcome to participate. To register or for more information please contact : Elizabeth@RiverwoodsChristianCenter.org or call 630-584-2222 x 221.

Blessings,
Jay Curtis, President & CEO
35W701 Riverwoods Lane, St. Charles, IL 60174
630-584-2222
RiverwoodsChristianCenter.org


How Do I Sign Up?
Contact Person:
Elizabeth Whitehead: 630-584-2222 x221
Elizabeth@Riverwoodschristiancenter.org
P.O. Box 4030, St. Charles, IL 60174

What do I need to do to prepare?
Pray that God will prepare your heart for a great experience as you interact with the families in our communities. On September 1st, please arrive promptly at 3 pm so we maximize our time. Please wear casual clothing and limited jewelry.
Volunteer Name: There is no cost to attend, adults 21 and older are welcome to participate. You can mail in the attached registration form or for more information please contact Elizabeth@RiverwoodsChristianCenter.org
or call 630-584-2222 x 221.
Name
Address
Phone
Please give us your shirt size:
Email

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Aurora Churches Celebrate Jesus

Pastors pray for city-wide reconciliation

Comments

August 17, 2009

By ROWENA VERGARA rvergara@scn1.com

AURORA -- They came from both sides of the city and were from all walks of life.

The roughly 250 people who filled First Presbyterian Church's Harkness Center, sang, danced, and prayed together. Though they were strangers, they hugged one another with arms of all shades.

» Click to enlarge image

Kane County Sheriff Pat Perez receives a blessing Sunday during the Celebrate Jesus Together service at First Presbyterian Church in Aurora.
Mary Beth Nolan / For the Beacon News

For two hours, a fraction of Aurora came together for one cause -- Jesus Christ.

Worshippers from more than 20 area churches gathered for the rare chance to step out of their parishes and put their beliefs into action.

As Pastor Randy Schoof of Warehouse Church explains, that one belief all followers of God believe in is to love and respect one another, regardless of faith, race, or language.

"We want the people of the city of Aurora to know that God's people love one another," said Schoof, who also organized the 3rd annual Celebrate Jesus Together city-wide worship.

And love was definitely spread. Traditionally, the service featuring gospel choirs and a Hispanic worship band is held at McCarty Park. Although the severe rain pushed the event indoors, the smaller venue was intimate. Pastors from nearly every major church in Aurora were present, and nine pastors offered prayers of peace and unity for Aurora's residents.

Another prayer was made for elected officials. Worshippers created a circle around State Rep. Linda Chapa LaVia, Kane County Sheriff Pat Perez and Kane County Board member Donnell Collins, among others.

"They need us as much as we need them. As we get behind them, Lord give them the wisdom and spirit to move forward," Pastor Pat McManus announced as the circle grew tighter.

And when Pastor Jeff Moore of First Presbyterian stated a confession from all church leaders, a moving display ensued.

"We have failed to grow in faith, and we lack reliance on Jesus Christ as we try to lead this group of followers," he began. "We have made the assumption that we are closer to the Lord than we really are."

Out of the crowds, a man approached the stage and slowly fell to his knees and bowed. A pastor followed him. And then a group five others knelt.

Soon enough, about 25 pastors were on their knees pledging to renew their commitment to the church, the city and the Lord.

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Pastors ~ Perfect Opportunity to Get Out of Your Seats & Into the Streets

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>>>Note: Below is an opportunity for congregations in the Fox Valley to focus their praying, caring and sharing on a specific in-need community. This invitation from the President of Riverwoods is for an eye-opening experience on September 1st - Call Jay quickly to register or ask for more information.


We have had an amazing summer as God has allowed us to serve nearly 1,100 kids over the last eight weeks, more kids than ever before in a single summer! It is very exciting to see God continuing to extend our reach in all of our year-round programs.

	Partner with us to minister in needy neighborhoods

We are "shifting gears" now and are well underway with preparations for our weekly fall programs and Community Advocacy Ministry. When we are in "full swing" this fall, we expect to be serving over 200 kids weekly through our Community Advocacy ministries and Community Partnership Church programs. Thank you for all of your support to help expand our reach in this area of ministry as well.

I have an experience that I hope both of you will part of called "Who's my Neighbor?" On Tuesday, Sept 1st, at 3:00 pm, we will be gathering about 100 of our ministry partners here at Riverwoods for an hour of training and orientation and then we will be heading out in teams to seven of our housing communities. We will be meeting with individual parents in their apartments to register kids for our fall programs and to complete our community needs assessments. The goal is for our leadership ministry partners to have an opportunity to interact with some of our community families and to see our Advocacy Ministry "first hand."

I realize that this can be a challenging time to come out, but I guarantee it will be an experience that touches your heart. I am attaching detailed information. Please let me know if you if have any questions and if you are able to participate.

Again, thank you for your heart for local ministry and for partnering with us as we seek to touch hearts and lives in some very tough communities with the life transforming Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Warmly, Jay Curtis

President & CEO, Riverwoods Christian Center
Jay@RiverwoodsChristianCenter.org

630-584-2222 x 206

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Chicago Parade for Jesus

Save this Date: Saturday – August 22, 2009

ANNUAL ALL CHURCHES PARADE FOR JESUS/CONVENTION

Starting at 10:00a.m. at Laramie & Division.

Finally, a Parade just for Jesus to uplift His Holy Name and wins souls for Him. The Parade for Jesus is a biblical presentation of the Word of God –the Bible. We have many floats, evangelistic teams, praise dancers, church choirs, bands, etc. – ALL to the Glory of God. I will be portraying John the Baptist preaching ‘repentance’ in the wilderness on my float.

This is an outreach program commanded by God to bring unity in the body of Christ, to uplift the Holy Name of Jesus and to win many souls for Him. The Parade starts promptly at 10:00a.m. at the corner of Laramie and Division.

We will parade from Laramie to North Avenue to Cicero to Division and then back to Lafollette Park where we will conduct a high praise Revival Service to win souls for Jesus. Please plan on putting your church van, bus,
evangelistic team, etc. in the Parade - if you do not want to put in a float. The Parade will start with someone carrying a Standing Cross and then a Banner that states ‘Parade for Jesus’. All floats decorated van and cars will also have a sign that states Parade for Jesus.

We want to let the world know that this is a PARADE FOR JESUS and we as His body can come together to glorify Him. Hope to see you there. Thanks and God bless.

Senior Apostle/Prophet Emanuel Dada.

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Bless Your Block by Paying for Your Block!

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Raise a Prayer Flag Above Your Home!

What would your neighborhood look like if it was covered in prayer? Do you ever wonder if others are praying along with you?

Help start a PRAYER REVOLUTION in Chicago! The pastors in Lake County are leading the way by committing to pray for their block! Will you join them?

See the VISUAL PRAYER MAP and raise a prayer flag above your house!


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Cataylst Forum - Save the Date

SAVE THE DATE

Thursday, November 19th

8:30am - 12pm

Faith Church, Grayslake

Catalyst will hold the fourth annual FORUM Gathering with guest speaker Pastor Mike Breaux from Heartland Church in Rockford. Mike will take a candid look at the challenges facing churches today, and what it will take to be healthy, fruitful disciples of Jesus.

Stay tuned for additional key-note speaker announcement, and workshops that will help iron sharpen iron. The Forum is desinged for you to bring your entire leadership team.

Price: FREE - its a gift from Catalyst churches across Chicago
Lunch: Suggested donation of $10

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Future Prayer-Care-Share Action?

>>>Note: Along with his preaching (see Daily Herald story below), Luis Palau and several from his team met with pastors and leaders from the Naperville and Aurora areas to discuss a collaborative, region-wide action of praying for lost persons, serving their needs and proclaiming the good news of Christ.

Daily Herald story:

A prominent Christian evangelist known by some as "the Billy Graham of Latin America" spent the weekend preaching at Calvary Church in Naperville.

Luis Palau spent the better part of two services Sunday imploring his audience to accept Christian dogma and "accept Jesus into your lives."

"Would that be a staggering event?" he asked his audience. "You better believe it."

Palau, who began preaching at age 18, had a close relationship with Billy Graham and has been characterized by some as Graham's successor. He had worked with Graham as a Spanish translator, and Graham contributed seed money to Palau to start his own ministry in Oregon.

Palau has ministered in 72 countries around the world and has retained a strong base of support in Latin America.

"He is just an honest man," said Randal Ross, pastor of Calvary Church, who has traveled on missionary trips with Palau to the former Soviet Union. "What you see here is what you get. Just to see how he can impact people with the Gospel is something special."

Much of Palau's nearly hourlong sermon focused on impressing on his audience the power that conversion to Christianity can make on their lives.

"We all have guilt and garbage in our lives," he said. "Many cover it up and don't talk about it, but we all have a story. ... A moment of decision can lead to a lifetime of change."

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Elgin House of Prayer Healing Sessions

SOZO SATURDAYS ~ Appropriating our freedom in Christ

Second Saturdays
August 8
September 12
October 10
270 E. Chicago St. | 847.695.5133 847.695.5133 | www.lalm.org

Sozo is the Greek word for salvation meaning forgiveness, healing and deliverance.

Come experience the fullness of Christ’s forgiveness, healing and deliverance in your life through these powerful ministry sessions.

Sign up today:

1. Take the Class
If you haven’t had any instruction about Sozo, start here. This seminar is from 9am - Noon and is a
pre-requisite to receiving ministry. Registration is $10.

2. Receive Ministry
After you’ve taken the class, you can sign up for a Sozo session at either 9am or 2pm. All ministry is free of charge.

3. Be an Intercessor
If you’re ready to learn how to minister, sign up to be an intercessor. You will be teamed up with an experienced minister. Sessions begin at 9am and 2pm. Please arrive half an hour early.

4. Be a Minister
After receiving training to be a minister and approval from the leadership team, sign up to be a minister. Sessions begin at 9am and 2pm. Please arrive half an hour early.

===> Check out http://www.BlessYourBlock.org for a creative strategy to get your congregation out of their seats and into the streets ...
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