Saturday, December 12, 2009

Birmingham Invites Us To ... Birmingham!

Avenue I Before
Join Us in Birmingham for a National City-Reaching Conference
Dear Chicagoland Cityreachers,
On March 1-3, 2010 right here in Birmingham we will have the privilege of learning from some of the top practitioners in the city-reaching movement. I am so excited about Birmingham, Alabama being chosen as the host city for the Mission America Coalition National City Impact Roundtable.

During the three day conference on city reaching, you will hear from:

  • George Otis, Jr., Producer of the Transformations videos
  • Dr. John Perkins, Founder of the Christian Community Development Asssociation
  • Dr. Paul Cedar, President of the Mission America Coalition

The National City Impact Roundtable is designed as a learning community where 150-200 leaders from all over the nation will converge to learn from seasoned veterans and from each other about what it would take to see an entire community transformed with the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

You will not want to miss this opportunity to discover more from the top leaders in this movement! Register today at www.cityreaching.com - the early bird registration ends January 15!
Kevin Moore

Kevin Moore, Facilitator - Mission Birmingham

Mission America Coalition National City Impact Roundtable
March 1-3, 2010
Sheraton Birmingham Hotel


Purpose
The Mission America Coalition National City Impact roundtable convenes Christian leaders from all over the nation to continue learning about the process of seeing cities transformed with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The specific focus of this National City Impact Roundtable is to present four identified styles of city-reaching with an accompanying "best practice":
¨ Presence-Based
¨ Christian Community Development
¨ Mass Evangelism
¨ Marketplace Ministry
Practical considerations will be made as we seek to create ways to converge and synergize the community transformation styles within a particular city.


Schedule
Monday, March 1, 2010
12:00 noon Welcome Reception featuring the Mayors of Birmingham and Tuscaloosa

1:30 pm Plenary Session #1: Presence-Based City Reaching Stream presentation featuring George Otis, Jr.

6:30 pm Southeast Regional City Reaching Best Practice Stories featuring Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Little Rock, Knoxville, Atlanta and Orlando

9:00 pm Screening of the new Transformations video featuring George Otis

Tuesday, March 2, 2010
9:00 am Plenary Session#2: Marketplace Ministry City Reaching Stream featuring Bob Varney and Kent Humphreys

12:00 noon Birmingham City-Wide Prayer Rally in Kelly Ingram Park featuring local pastors and community leaders, John Perkins and George Otis, Jr.

1:00 pm Plenary Session #3: Christian Community Development City Reaching Stream featuring John Perkins

7:00 pm Plenary Session #4: Special Session featuring John Perkins and honoring him for fifty years of faithful ministry and celebrating his 80th birthday

Wednesday, March 3, 2010
9:00 am Plenary Session #5: Evangelism Focused City Reaching Stream featuring Paul Cedar presenting a Prayer / Care / Share lifestyle

1:00 pm Plenary Session #6: Convergence - How do these four approaches work together in city movements so that the whole church takes the whole gospel to the whole city?


Quick Links...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Contact Information
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Kevin Moore, Mission Birmingham Facilitator
email: kevinmoore@smic.org phone: 205-978-6012
Register today for the National City Impact Roundtable at www.cityreaching.com!

===> 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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Thursday, December 03, 2009

Chicagoland Transformation Fellowship

Chicago Transformation Fellowship

Greetings!

The recent Prayer Summit that was held at Wheaton Christian Center that featured Pastor John Mulinde, Pastor Mark Daniel and Pastor Joyce Nantongo of World Trumpet Mission has been so uplifting and challenging. We have also had the joy of Joyce Nantongo staying in the Chicagoland region these past 5 weeks teaching on prayer and leading many prayer meetings. There is such a sense of growing breakthrough. God has such a huge heart for our region.

Pastor Mark Daniel, the WTM American Director will be joining us on Friday Dec. 11th at 10:00am to continue to share on the vision and purpose of going deeper into prayer. He will also be talking about the "Prayer Altar" vision and strategy as well. He will also be at the WCC Solemn Assembly Prayer Meeting that will be held at 7:00pm on Friday the 11th. Both meetings will be held at WCC, 610 E. North Ave. Carol Stream, 60188.

Please join us. We are expecting the Lord to continue to build us here in Chicagoland into a unified team of Prayer Warriors to see His redemptive plan and purpose come forth more fully.

Blessings,
Joe Manahan


You have r

===> 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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Wednesday, December 02, 2009

God Is At Work In Cities Across the Nation

Dear Cityreaching Friend:

We are pleased to announce that the web-based registration is now open for the National City Impact Roundtable (NCIR) and the Mission America Coalition National meetings scheduled for March 1-4, 2010 at the Sheraton Hotel downtown Birmingham, Alabama!

www.cityreaching.com or www.missionamerica.org Check out the schedule and other info on the brochure (PDF).

Come interact and network with some of the most effective city-reaching movements in America!

Engage strategically with national and regional leaders from your area of ministry interest and calling!

Monthly Cityreaching Conference Call December 17th at 10am Central.

Special Guest is Eddie Smith from the US Prayer Center! Mark your calendars and make plans to join us for a powerful closing to the year 2009!

Reply to info@cityreaching.com requesting the dial-in number.


Mission America City/Community MInistries



===> Check out http://www.BlessYourBlock.org for a creative strategy to get your congregation out of their seats and into the streets ...
---> Receive periodic updates on new One Great City postings: Email phil@nppn.org / Subject: OGC Updates
---> Type keywords in the "Search This Blog" box above

God Is At Work In Cities Across the Nation

Dear Cityreaching Friend:

We are pleased to announce that the web-based registration is now open for the National City Impact Roundtable (NCIR) and the Mission America Coalition National meetings scheduled for March 1-4, 2010 at the Sheraton Hotel downtown Birmingham, Alabama!

www.cityreaching.com or www.missionamerica.org Check out the schedule and other info on the brochure (PDF).

Come interact and network with some of the most effective city-reaching movements in America!

Engage strategically with national and regional leaders from your area of ministry interest and calling!

Monthly Cityreaching Conference Call December 17th at 10am Central.

Special Guest is Eddie Smith from the US Prayer Center! Mark your calendars and make plans to join us for a powerful closing to the year 2009! Reply to this email requesting the dial-in number.

Mission America City/Community MInistries



===> Check out http://www.BlessYourBlock.org for a creative strategy to get your congregation out of their seats and into the streets ...
---> Receive periodic updates on new One Great City postings: Email phil@nppn.org / Subject: OGC Updates
---> Type keywords in the "Search This Blog" box above

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

All Together in Lake County

baton handoff


"Something amazing is happening here in Lake County", one participant commented to me during last week's Catalyst Forum. I agreed.

Over 350 people from more than 50 different churches, ministries and community organizations come together for a time of spiritual refreshment and relationship-building. No crisis necessary; no other affinity point beyond the beautiful name of Jesus Christ. It was remarkable to see people from their 20's through their 70's, men and women, many ethnic groups, all together under one roof praying, laughing, worshiping, learning, eating and talking. A good number of the churches represented have come together in recent years to do all sorts of service projects in the county; others gather for prayer. But the Catalyst Forum is a unique opportunity for all sorts of Christ-following people to simply be together as a body.

A church staffer said,"I made some amazing connections and really heard God's voice with clarity about my own heart and life before Him."

A ministry leader added, "What a blessed day it was for me to hear God's word and hear keynote speakers, and get fired up about what God is doing in Lake County." Another church staffer told us, "It's energizing to see the church coming together to restore His reputation!"

Yes, it is.

I'm grateful to serve Him together with each one of you. Have a blessed Thanksgiving
,

Michelle Van Loon
Michelle Van Loon, Director of Communications, Catalyst

==> 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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Tuesday, November 03, 2009

Flag Your Praying

Pray4YourBlock LOGOCatalyst Logo 5-08
Dear Phil,
Into Flame Workshop
I'm not sure if you have seen the www.Pray4YourBlock.org site lately, but the simple act of posting a flag on the site's map to show your commitment to praying for your neighbors is slowly spreading across the country. There are even flags posted in Canada and the Dominican Republic!

Part of the reason is that Christian leader Ed Stetzer blogged about it last week while in Chicago (Read Ed's blog here).

Let's continue to encourage one another to pray for our neighbors:
  1. If you personally have not "raised your prayer flag" yet - please go to the site and do it now. There are resources on the site that can guide you as you continue (or begin) praying for your block.
  2. AFTER you have done this yourself, start inviting others on the leadership team at your church. Visit the site to see the neighborhoods around your church fill up with flags.
  3. After your core leaders are committed, invite your whole congregation to join in. Contact us if you'd like a bulletin insert you can share with your congregation.
  4. Continue praying, and watch for God at work in your community!

Praying for Revival & Renewal,
Debbie Stackhouse

Director of Renewal, Catalyst


>>>Note: For a few additional resources on how to move from Prayer to Care to Share click headline ...


===> Check out http://www.BlessYourBlock.org for a creative strategy to get your congregation out of their seats and into the streets ...
---> Receive periodic updates on new One Great City postings: Email phil@nppn.org / Subject: OGC Updates
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Saturday, October 31, 2009

First Friday ~ 24 Hour Prayer

EHOP 24hr Flyer.png

===> Check out http://www.BlessYourBlock.org for a creative strategy to get your congregation out of their seats and into the streets ...
---> Receive periodic updates on new One Great City postings: Email phil@nppn.org / Subject: OGC Updates
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Thursday, October 29, 2009

Get a Missional Perspective

THINK ABOUT ATTENDING “PERSPECTIVES” MISSIONS CLASS
... and see from a new perspective.

Discover Biblical, historical, cultural and strategic perspectives on God’s global purposes, His mission in the world and what it means for YOU. “Perspectives on the World Christian Movement” is coming to West Chicago (Wheaton Bible Church), Thursdays, Jan. 14–April 29, 2010, 6:30-9:00 pm.

For more information, click the headline or contact Becca Martin 630-207-2638 rlmartin15@gmail.com Register by Dec. 18 and receive a $15 discount.



===> Check out http://www.BlessYourBlock.org for a creative strategy to get your congregation out of their seats and into the streets ...
---> Receive periodic updates on new One Great City postings: Email phil@nppn.org / Subject: OGC Updates
---> Type keywords in the "Search This Blog" box above

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Ed Dobson at Christ Church of Oak Brook


Revered Author to Speak on New Book Chronicling Year-long Journey

Ed Dobson at Christ Church of Oak Brook, Wednesday, October 28, 2009; 7 p.m.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., October 7, 2009 – Ed Dobson, highly touted author and pastor, will be the featured speaker at Christ Church of Oak Brook on Wednesday, October 28 at 7:00 p.m. This free event is part of his national speaking tour launching his book, The Year of Living Like Jesus (Zondervan).

Chronicling his year-long journey of living like Jesus, Dobson’s writing and speaking hold back little, resulting in a platform that is frank and honest. Dobson spent his year living, eating and praying as Jesus did, observing the Sabbath, attending Jewish festivals and reading the Gospels repeatedly. Dobson was a former pastor of a large church in Grand Rapids, Mich. More information about his book can be found at www.livingjesusly.com

“With dignity and humor, the author addresses his personal struggle with ALS, seeking to model a prayerful response to his degenerative illness on Jesus’ approach to suffering and healing. Dobson’s strong faith, open mind, humility (“I’m a confused individual!”) and compassion infuse this offering from a self-proclaimed follower of Jesus.” – Publishers Weekly

Dobson’s book will be available for purchase at the event. Media interviews with Ed and review copies of the book are available upon request.

        WHO Ed Dobson, author of new Zondervan release, The Year of Living Like Jesus.

        WHAT Ed Dobson will speak about his journey during the year he lived like Jesus.

    WHEN Wednesday, October 28th, 7 p.m.

        WHERE Christ Church of Oak Brook, 31st and York Road, 630.654.1882

===> Check out http://www.BlessYourBlock.org for a creative strategy to get your congregation out of their seats and into the streets ...
---> Receive periodic updates on new One Great City postings: Email phil@nppn.org / Subject: OGC Updates
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Friday, October 16, 2009

Prayer Training Sessions


Compass Regional Training Center

Fall Classes

BEING AN ARMOR BEARER: How to be an armor bearer for your pastor, church or ministry leaders and their families. Learn how to better support your church and pastor’s vision in prayer. Class will be Thursday, October 29, 10:00-11:00 am or 7:00 – 8:00 pm. Please register by Oct. 22, $10.00. Facilitated by Rebecca Crow EHOP Team

PASTORS / PRAYER LEADERS MINI CONFERENCE:

“Prayer that Changes Churches and Communities”

Tuesday, .November 17, 10:00 am - 2:30 pm, $25 registration includes lunch.

Facilitated by Rev. Phil Miglioratti the National Facilitator Cities /Communities Ministries for Mission America Coalition and Director National Pastor’s Prayer Network. Register by November 10

SCHOOL OF PRAYER: “Intercession A-Z,” A series of classes on intercession the 1st Tuesday of each month, Classes 10:00-11:00 am, 2:00 – 3:00 pm or 6:00 – 7:00 pm. Facilitated by Sheila Straka, Director of Light and Life Ministries. An offering will be taken for the ministry.

SOZO SEMINAR: November 14 and December 12. “Appropriating our Freedom in Christ,” Ron and Valerie Coltman, Kingdom Sending Center. Come experience the fullness of Christ’s forgiveness, healing and deliverance in your life. Class from 9 am - noon and is a pre-requisite to receiving ministry from ministry team. Registration for class $10, sign up for ministry see Stephen Carter Light & Life Staff

HARP & BOWL SEMINAR: Discover the values and mechanics behind the interactive flow of music

and prayer in worship at EHOP. This seminar is a requirement for all EHOP worship team participation

Thursday, Dec. 3, 7:00 – 9:30 pm. Registration $10.00

Facilitated by Stephen Carter, Director of Worship, Light & Life Ministries

Compass Regional Training Center is a Light and Life Ministry and is located at 270 E. Chicago Street, Eagle's Nest Building, Elgin, Illinois

Phone 847.695.5133 or info@light-life-ministries.org or web lalm.org

Please register at Light and Life Ministries 9:00 am – 1:00 pm or 7:00 – 9:00 pm, Monday – Friday or mail registration fee (checks must be made out to Light & Life Ministries) to 560 Robertson Road, South Elgin, 60177 with your name, address, email, phone, class title and time of class you are attending. Checks must be received by class registration deadline.


===> Check out http://www.BlessYourBlock.org for a creative strategy to get your congregation out of their seats and into the streets ...
---> Receive periodic updates on new One Great City postings: Email phil@nppn.org / Subject: OGC Updates
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Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Breakout! Chicago 2009


Hey, Everybody!

I was bummed when I left the Willow Creek Association right after we finished all the planning for this year’s Group Life Conference. I was more bummed when they decided to bag all the breakouts and do a TV-only event. It will be a GREAT event, no doubt, but what about all those great breakouts? Where is the skill training? The networking opportunity? The COFFEE?

Let not your heart be troubled. Eric Camfield and Christ Church of Oak Brook are partnering with me to host a one-day event the DAY BEFORE the Group Life Conference CCN broadcast. We’re calling it Breakout! Chicago 2009 and it’s a “two part” event:

SCHMOOZAPALOOZA! A networking event for point leaders (10:00 – 11:30 AM) is Free! (You still need to register online so we can get a head count).
and
Two, 90-minute Workshops (1:00 – 2:30 PM and 3:00 – 4:30 PM) with Alan Danielson, Eric Metcalf, Kaleen Marshall, Judson Poling, Sharon Swing, Jim Egli, Eric Camfield, Daniel Meyer, Greg Ogden, and me!
Workshop pricing: $29 per person OR $250 for a block of 10 tickets (like getting two for free... almost.)

I’ve attached a PDF that you can view, forward, or print as you wish. It’s got a summary of everything on one page, but if you want the full smash, go to the web site: http://thinkingsmall.net/breakoutchicago/

Please forward, blog, tweet, email, and scream news of this event from the rooftops. Invite and bring as many of your peers and leaders as you can. Register right away for SCHMOOZAPALOOZA! At http://breakoutchicago.eventbrite.com and we’ll see you on Friday AND Saturday, October 23 and 24!

--
Dave Treat
Chief Innovation Officer
thinkingsmall.net

dtreat@thinkingsmall.net
http://thinkingsmall.net
Twitter: ThinkingSmall
(847) 567-6961

P.S. Christ Church of Oak Brook and Prince of Peace Lutheran (Palatine) are hosting the CCN broadcast on Saturday, Oct. 24. There are links to their CCN Conference information on the “Other Links” page at http://thinkingsmall.net/breakoutchicago/. Take advantage of BOTH of these opportunities!


===> Check out http://www.BlessYourBlock.org for a creative strategy to get your congregation out of their seats and into the streets ...
---> Receive periodic updates on new One Great City postings: Email phil@nppn.org / Subject: OGC Updates
---> Type keywords in the "Search This Blog" box above

Thursday, September 24, 2009

http://www.globalmediaoutreach.com























===> Check out http://www.BlessYourBlock.org for a creative strategy to get your congregation out of their seats and into the streets ...
---> Receive periodic updates on new One Great City postings: Email phil@nppn.org / Subject: OGC Updates
---> Type keywords in the "Search This Blog" box above

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

1,000,000 Decisions for Christ. Monthly!



===> Check out http://www.BlessYourBlock.org for a creative strategy to get your congregation out of their seats and into the streets ...
---> Receive periodic updates on new One Great City postings: Email phil@nppn.org / Subject: OGC Updates
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Catalyst - November 19




Catalyst Logo Small

Forum Frt 09
DATE: Thursday, November 19
TIME: 8:30am
LOCATION: Faith Church, Grayslake
COST: Free!
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS:
Robert Odom
M
ike Breaux
Plus 8 Workshops!
The 'Forum' is a gathering of local pastors, community leaders, and change agents with a common vision to see the Church make a greater Kingdom impact across Chicagoland.
There is NO COST to attend the Forum - it is a leadership gift from the Catalyst Partner Churches of Lake County!
Individually we can make a dent... TOGETHER we can make a difference!



===> 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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Thursday, September 17, 2009

Naperville Lutheran Church one of many inviting 700,000 back to church

More Than 700,000 Neighbors Invited by Participating Churches across U.S. on Back to Church Sunday

By Michael Ireland
Chief Correspondent, ASSIST News Service

SAN DIEGO, CA (ANS) -- Church members across the United States invited more than 700,000 of their friends and family and created worship services specifically geared toward visitors during the first-ever national 'Back to Church Sunday' (BTCS), held by hundreds of congregations across the country on Sunday, Sept. 13.

Often known as 'Rally Sunday', a media release says participating churches reported surges in attendance, confessions of faith, new members and baptisms.

According to a survey conducted by Outreach Inc. after the event, many visitors were favorably impressed toward the church and the Gospel.

Members of Word of Life Lutheran Church in Naperville, IL., gather around their 'Back to Church Sunday' float that they displayed in a local parade on Labor Day.

Some participating churches reported attendance was up by as much as 25-30 percent. One pastor reported his church's attendance shot from an average of 155 to 220 for BTCS. Another reported an attendance jump from 150 to 196, still another from 60 to 70.

"Church was packed out," said one churchgoer. It "hasn't been like that in a long time. I loved it!" Another said, "It was a little challenging getting a parking spot. Praise God!"

"Had a wonderful time with our new church family," one visitor said. "We shared a meal and are getting to know people."

According to the media release, the campaign is ongoing, with some churches holding BTCS events on other days. It is aimed at reaching the "un-churched" and "de-churched" -- people who once went to church, but don't any more.

LifeWay Research, an arm of the Southern Baptist Convention, found that 82 percent of un-churched people surveyed said that they'd be open to visit a church, if a friend or family member invited them. BTCS is stirring congregations to do just that.===>Click headline to access complete article . .


===> Check out http://www.BlessYourBlock.org for a creative strategy to get your congregation out of their seats and into the streets ...
---> Receive periodic updates on new One Great City postings: Email phil@nppn.org / Subject: OGC Updates
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Impacting Chicagoland with, through, by Prayer

"Raising the Level of Prayer"

WTM Prayer Summit, Chicago, October 28-31, 2009

http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs248.snc1/9527_133853184242_84440074242_2410167_1813684_n.jpg

RAISING THE LEVEL OF PRAYER

Pastor Carlton Arthurs of Wheaton Christian Center Church in Chicago will host Pastor John Mulinde (Kampala, Uganda) and Pastor Mark Daniel (Orlando, Florida) of World Trumpet Mission in facilitating a Four-Day Focus Prayer Summit. (Attendees are strongly encouraged to attend all Prayer Summit sessions.)

PRAYER SUMMIT REGISTRATION

The registration fee for the Prayer Summit is $60.00.
Click here to register.

PRAYER SUMMIT OBJECTIVES

§ Establish more connection in existing prayer efforts, more depth in prayer, and expansion to all demographics

§ Practice deeper prayer, intercession, authority, repentance, and anguish over souls

§ Engage in spiritual warfare to obtain victories and breakthroughs in the heavens

PRAYER SUMMIT ACTIVITIES

§ Applied Teaching

§ Praise and Worship

§ Prayer and Intercession

§ Impartation and Vision-casting

PRAYER SUMMIT SCHEDULE

Wednesday, October 28

Evening Session, 7:00 - 9:30 PM


Thursday and Friday, October 29-30

Morning Session, 9:00 - 11:30 AM
Lunch Break, 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Afternoon Session, 1:30 - 4:00 PM
Dinner Break, 4:00 - 7:00 PM
Evening Session, 7:00 - 9:30 PM


Saturday, October 31

*Breakfast Session, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
*Breakfast session is included in the registration fee and will be held at the Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites in Carol Stream.

PRAYER SUMMIT ACCOMMODATIONS

Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites
150. S. Gary Avenue
Carol Stream, IL 60188
(630) 665-3000


The Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites is approximately 1.3 mi from Wheaton Christian Center Church. Special Prayer Summit room rates are available. Please request group code WCC. Room rates include American breakfast.

§ Standard Single or Double Room Rate—$69.00 ($89.00 after October 6th)

§ Two-Room Suite—$99.00

PRAYER SUMMIT LOCATION

Prayer Summit sessions Wednesday through Friday will be held in the sanctuary of Wheaton Christian Center Church (610 E North Ave, Carol Stream, IL 60188; www.wheatonchristiancenter.com).

The Saturday breakfast session will be held at the Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites (www.hicarolstream.com.)

FOR MORE INFORMATION

For more information about Pastor John Mulinde, Pastor Mark Daniel, or World Trumpet Mission please visit the World Trumpet Mission website at www.worldtrumpet.com.

For more information regarding the October Prayer Summit, please email the Wheaton Christian Center office at info@wheatonchristiancenter.org or contact World Trumpet Mission by email (office@worldtrumpet.com) or phone (407/846-8300).


===> Check out http://www.BlessYourBlock.org for a creative strategy to get your congregation out of their seats and into the streets ...
---> Receive periodic updates on new One Great City postings: Email phil@nppn.org / Subject: OGC Updates
---> Type keywords in the "Search This Blog" box above

Tuesday, September 08, 2009

Remembering 9-11

Love Fox Valley

a special event

Here's an
invitation from
Pam Liesendahl, coordinator for
Kane County
Cry Our America.


Please spread the word about this opportunity to pray with others from the body of Christ in the Fox Valley.


Cry Out America - logo



Dear Pastor,

On September 11 our nation again will pause to remember the greatest "wake-up call" in our generation, the terrorist attacks on 9/11/01. On that infamous day, millions of people cried out to God for His help and protection. While we thank God for His care, we face another crisis today-a moral and spiritual crisis that is undermining the biblical foundations upon which this nation was established. In response, a broad coalition of denominations and fellowships under the Awakening America Alliance is calling upon Christians to gather at their county courthouses on September 11, 2009. This will be a time to reflect on the greatness of our nation and to pray for a spiritual awakening in our churches, communities, and nation.

On behalf of the planning team and many other Kane County residents who are concerned about the issues we face, I want to invite you and your congregation to be part of the Cry Out America! prayer gathering on Friday, September 11. We will convene from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m. at the Kane County Courthouse, 3rd Street, Geneva.

For more information about Cry Out America!, visit www. awakeningamerica.us. If you have questions about the Kane County gathering please call Pam Liesendahl at 630-761-4288, or email at pliesendahl@comcast.net

May God bless you richly in the days ahead!

Sincerely,


Pam Liesendahl
Coordinator, Kane County Cry Out America! Prayer Initiative

--------------------------


PSA

Event: CRY OUT AMERICA, Nationwide prayer gathering

When: Friday, September 11, 2009

Where: Kane County Courthouse, 3rd Street, Geneva, Il

Time: 12PM Noon to 1:00PM Local Time

What: Prayer gathering; focused prayer for community, friends and family and for the spiritual condition of our nation; prayer led by your local county coordinator. For more information go to www.awakeningamerica.us or call 888-9-AWAKE-US.

Cost: None

Presented By: Awakening America Alliance

To learn more about the Awakening America Alliance, how you can get involved in CRY OUT AMERICA, or to become an Alliance partner, please visit us online at www.awakeningamerica.us or CALL 1-888-9 AWAKE US (292-5387).

To sign up to serve, go to www.awakeningamerica.us/cryoutamerica.

###

For interview and information contact:
Matti Stevenson-Botero (719) 360-0586 mattistevenson@comcast.net


===> Check out http://www.BlessYourBlock.org for a creative strategy to get your congregation out of their seats and into the streets ...
---> Receive periodic updates on new One Great City postings: Email phil@nppn.org / Subject: OGC Updates
---> Type keywords in the "Search This Blog" box above

Sunday, August 23, 2009

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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Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Aurora Churches Celebrate Jesus


Pastors pray for city-wide reconciliation


August 17, 2009

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.

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.



===> Check out http://www.BlessYourBlock.org for a creative strategy to get your congregation out of their seats and into the streets ...
---> Receive periodic updates on new One Great City postings: Email phil@nppn.org / Subject: OGC Updates
---> Type keywords in the "Search This Blog" box above

Friday, August 14, 2009

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


===> Check out http://www.BlessYourBlock.org for a creative strategy to get your congregation out of their seats and into the streets ...
---> Receive periodic updates on new One Great City postings: Email phil@nppn.org / Subject: OGC Updates
---> Type keywords in the "Search This Blog" box above