"Career Ministry Connection"
Connecting People of Faith. Building Communities for Work.
Greetings from WorkForce Ministry!
Greetings from WorkForce Ministry. In this month's edition of our newsletter, we would like to introduce the Career Coordinator's Corner! Here you will hear about the latest happenings in the WorkForce Ministry community from our Career Coordinator, Lisa Turner.
As summer approaches, it brings with it the anticipation for change and new opportunities, career opportunities. In May we hosted our first partnered Job Fair with Apostolic Church of God, Bishop Arthur Brazier is their Sr. Pastor. It was a huge success. It was wonderful to see over 600 people take out the time in their busy schedules, to speak with employers and apply for the many job opportunities that were available.
WorkForce Ministry would love to partner with your Church to host a Career Fair as well. Please feel free to contact me at lisa@myworkforceministry.com or (888) 849-7481 x3. I would be more than happy to assist your Church's Career Ministry.
Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up their sleeves, some turn up their noses, and some don't turn up at all. --Sam Ewing
I encourage you to strive to live a happier life. To be the best YOU, you can be to allow yourself to flourish in your chosen work.
Lisa R. Turner, Career Coordinator, WorkForce Ministry
Now, on with the newsletter!
Don't forget, you can ===>Click headline to view current and archived editions of our newsletter at any time!
Announcements
We are proud to announce the newest church to join the WorkForce Ministry community, Poplar Creek! Visit them on the web at http://www.poplarcreek.com.
To learn more about becoming a member, email us at moreinfo@myworkforceministry.com.
Featured Ministry
Apostolic Church of God
Sr. Pastor Arthur M. Brazier
Evangelist Katherine C. West
6320 South Dorchester Ave.
Chicago, Illinois 60637
Main Office (773) 667-1500
Please visit ACoG's career portal, acog-cdm.myworkforceministry.com.
Evangelist Katherine C. West received the baptism of the Holy Spirit and became saved in March 1985. She has been employed at ACoG since November 1995, and was appointed to be the Apostolic Church of God�s Career Development Ministry Manager in September 2004.
"I have found much joy and see many rewards in assisting people with their career paths. Whether it is counseling them to their next career/job, recommending or providing classes to further their growth, providing leads for job opportunities or praying for them; it is very rewarding and they leave our ministry has never being the same. We assist everyone that needs help, regardless of being a member or not. The quandary of volunteers that serve in this capacity are a great asset to the deliverance of ministry as well. We recently held our 8th Annual Career/Job Fair. It was definitely a blessing for those in attendance. We had 34 Employers who participated and talked to over 400 candidates that were seeking employment. Everyone was excited and extremely pleased with the overall assistance, organization and opportunities that were available. We are just blessed to serve and to see the people blessed and look forward to greater works in the Lord."
Apostolic Church of God's Sunday Worship Services
8:00 am
TV Broadcast: WCIU TV 26
8:00 am
Sunday Morning Bible Study
9:10 am
Worship Service
9:10 am
Children's Church (1st - 4th Sundays)
11:40 am
Worship Service
11:40 am
Children's Church
4:00 pm
Afternoon Worship Service
A Word From WorkForce Ministry
When making a career change or facing a tough transition, the most important and perhaps most difficult thing to do is keep focus and faith. We are often distracted or discouraged, but to be successful and faithful we must keep His plan in our thoughts. The articles in this month's newsletter talk about organizing your workspace and trusting in yourself in difficult times. These are two ways that you can bring your own life and career to their fullest potential.
It is it important to do these things for ourselves in times of transition or hardship, but it is also important that we encourage our fellow colleagues, friends and parishioners when they are in need. Aside from sharing job leads and networking, sometimes the best thing an employment ministry and its members can provide are the simplest: faith and support. Providing these seemingly small things can have a powerful positive impact on your community.
At WorkForce Ministry we encourage our members and churches to thrive by promoting and encouraging Lifelong Career Management, but also a strong sense of community and faith, in all aspects of their members' lives. Sometimes this means taking a moment to reflect on one's accomplishments and clearly define goals for the future. Other times, it simply means being there for those in need.
Building and facilitating these philosophies are how we plan to continue our mission of Connecting People of Faith, Building Communities for Work.
To learn more about us, please call us at (888) 849-7481 x6 or send an email to moreinfo@myworkforceministry.com.
Featured Columnist
Spring Cleaning: 4 Steps to Organize Your Workspace
By Jennifer Swanson
If you spend much of your day in your office, it's worth taking time to get it better organized and more comfortable. Investing this time can result in a variety of benefits, including:
* Efficiency (find things faster and meet deadlines more easily)
* Less stress and illness
* Making better impressions on clients/customers
* Confidence of those who depend on you
* More free time outside the office
The first step is to plan. Set aside uninterrupted time to organize your workspace, and start somewhere. The best place to start is the area that will make the biggest daily difference in your work. Usually that�s your desk. Decide what you absolutely need on your desk, and find other �homes� for everything else.
The second step is to sort. Pull out a recycling bin, trash can, and a container to go to document destruction. Systematically work your way around your workspace until you�ve sorted everything that�s already out in the open. Once your desk is clear and functional, you�ll free up space to work on what�s hidden inside the drawers and file cabinets. Use sticky notes to identify what�s in each pile�especially paperwork, where the piles must ultimately become files.
The third step is to arrange; to create a consistent place for everything. Once you�ve done the work of sorting, keep it that way by using drawer dividers, small baskets or boxes, magazine holders, and mugs. Position your furniture in such a way that it�s easy for you to access what you need most frequently. If you share files with others, put that file cabinet close to the door so they don�t have to interrupt you to get what they need. For everyday projects and reference materials, create a desktop file system using a small file box or step rack. If stacking trays take up too much desk space, try wall-mounted pockets.
The fourth step "the key to staying organized" is to maintain the system. Labels help keep you accountable in your own space by making you think twice before stashing things where they don�t belong. They also reduce the chances of someone else putting something where you won�t find it. Allow time at the beginning of the day to plan your work, and at the end of the day to make peace with your checklist. Put everything away so you can return in the morning to an uncluttered workspace.
The purpose of getting organized is not to find ways to increase your workload. Rather, the ultimate goal is to become more efficient so you can take your full lunch break, get home in time for dinner, relax on the weekend, and focus on what�and who�is most important to you.
Jennifer Swanson is an organizing consultant and speaker with a unique, faith-based perspective. For more tips on getting control of your clutter, paperwork, and schedule�so you can have more time for what you love most�visit www.jenniferswanson.com.
Featured Article
Trust in the moment, and trust in yourself
By Charlie Badenhop
Do you often get yourself upset and feeling less than fully confident, as part of your preparation for facing a daunting challenge? You can improve your performance if you let your somatic intelligence lead the way.
"You move too much to be effective." Tamura sensei softly shouted at me. "You need to give your opponent a clearer target to strike at."
We were in the middle of studying how to defend ourselves from multiple attackers in an Aikido class for senior students in Japan.
Five young college students rushed at me once again, and once again I struggled to cope with them.
"OK, take a break." Tamura sensei said. "In order for the five attackers to actually hit you they have to first reach you. Your job is NOT to run away from them. You need to create a spacing that leads them to all try and grab or hit you at the same time.. Think of the attackers as needing to pass through a gate. If they all try and rush through the gate at the same time they will block each other�s efforts. Move less, do less, and be calm. Give them a clear target that they all reach at the same time."
I had heard similar remarks in the past, but accomplishing this in the heat of the moment requires a moving calmness that takes a while to get the hang of. You know in your head what you are supposed to do, but once your heart starts beating faster and your opponents are bearing down on you, you find it really hard to believe in what you are being told.
"Think of it this way." sensei said. He pulled out a cloth that he used to wipe away his sweat and said, "Here, take this away from me."
As I grabbed for the cloth, he more or less handed it to me. Just as I was beginning to get a good hold on it he let go of the cloth and grabbed onto my wrist and placed me in a painful hold. I immediately let go of the cloth, and he picked it back up with one hand as he continued to keep me subdued with his other hand. "You see." he said, "I am not defending the cloth, I am defending myself. Better to give you the cloth, and then I have both hands free to do as I need."
"When you move less you offer your opponents a clear target. When you offer them a clear target you will be able to understand how they are wanting to attack. They will attack you in the same manner you reached for my cloth. Confident they will accomplish their mission, because you have made it easy for them. At the last moment, just as they begin to strike or grab, take the target away from them. They will be surprised, and you will have the opportunity to do whatever is necessary."
He got up and invited the five students to attack him. He moved very little, and it was as if he was making each one of them thread themselves through the eye of a needle. Just ever so much of a movement made by him, made them just miss their target.
"This is what happens often in our every day life." he said. "You feel like you are faced with a daunting task, and you make your task harder by moving about needlessly and losing your composure. Breathe deeply, be calm, and know the right moment will present
itself to you if you have the faith to wait. Don't force the issue, and don't force the timing. Trust in the moment, and trust in yourself. Take the initiative by doing nothing."
You ARE capable. Give yourself the opportunity to excel by trusting in the moment and trusting in yourself. Wait calmly, and you will find that the necessary answers appear before you. Little by little... with lots of practice... and endless patience. Only move when the moment is right. Breathe deeply and begin at the beginning.
Charlie Badenhop is the originator of Seishindo, an Aikido instructor, NLP trainer, and Ericksonian Hypnotherapist. Benefit from a new self-help Practice every two weeks, by
subscribing to his complimentary newsletter "Pure heart, simple mind" at www.seishindo.org.
Ask The Career Advisor
Dear Career Advisor,
What are the top tips you'd advise for keeping a positive attitude during a tough job search? -- Ambitious Jobseeker
Dear Ambitious,
Actually, I have several; here are four:
* Have realistic expectations about how long the job search might take.
* Get help and support from others.
* Maintain a healthy lifestyle (eating, exercise), and a positive attitude (maintain associations with those employed as well as those searching).
* Understand that failure is an event -- not a person. Success is a process.
Send your career-related questions to careeradvisor@myworkforceministry.com and we will answer them in an upcoming edition of our newsletter!
Spiritual Message
FAITH IN THE WORKPLACE
By Cardinal Rigali
Many people spend the majority of their day at work, giving them ample opportunity to witness to God in the workplace. As the II Vatican Council stated: "The very testimony of ... [the laity's] Christian life and good works done in a supernatural spirit have the power to draw men to belief and to God..." (#6, Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity).
Jesus calls us to live His teachings in our words, thoughts and actions. When we consistently treat our co-workers, clients and others with respect, show compassion toward them and behave in an ethical manner, we are showing that we are truly disciples of the Lord and His light shines through us to the world.
I invite you to consider how you can demonstrate your faith at work today and every day.
May God bless you!
Featured Events
Bible camp season is upon us!
Read below for information on many local bible camps and other youth activities that are happening in the Chicagoland area this summer.
Poplar Creek Church
www.poplarcreek.com
Fiesta VBS Adventure
June 26th-30 from 9AM �11:30AM
All children welcome, up to those who are completing 6th. Grade
Naperville Congregational Church
www.napercongregational.org
Fiesta!
For ages 4 � 11
June 19 � 23, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Bethany Lutheran Church
Treasure Cove
July 10 � 14, 9 am � Noon
For Information call 630-355-2198
Grace United Methodist Church
Adventure of the Treasure Seekers
July 17 � 21, 9:00 - 11:30 am
Open to preschool to grade 4
Enjoy games, snacks and more
Call 355-1748
Naperville Evangelical Covenant Church
www.napercov.org
Arctic Edge
Children Ages 4 � going into 6th Grade
Includes T-shirts. CD and crafts
Call 630-369-2741
Naperville Presbyterian Church
www.npchurch.org
Trading Places Vacation Bible School
June 26 - 29
Monday � Thursday
9:00 � 11:45 am
Wesley United Methodist Church &
1st United Congregational United Church of Christ
Market Place People of Promise
June 26 - 29
12:30 - 3:30 pm
Ages 3 years old to entering 6th grade
Call 630-355-1834 ext.12
Fellowship of Christian Athletes
Sports Camps (Soccer or Running)
June 19-23
Monday� Friday
9:00 am � Noon
1st through 5th Graders
Call 630-961-0579
Harvest Church Plainfield
Teen Break at the Lake
June 9- 11
Register online
www.harvestplainfield.com
Christ Community Church
www.ccclife.org
Hot University Jr.
June 20 - 23
Tuesday � Friday
9 - 11:30 am
For kids age 3 through entering Kindergarten
Includes a CD, t-shirt, and family night
Hot University
For kids entering 1st - 5th grades
July 17- 21
Monday - Friday
9 am - 12:30 pm
Includes a CD, t-shirt, and family night
Grace Church of DuPage
www.gracechurchofdupage.org
Vocation Bible School
Son Treasure Island
June 12th � 16th
9 am to 12 pm
Kindergarten � 4th grade
Caribbean Cookout June 16 at 11:30
Ministry Mentions
Visit these churches that are on the leading edge of faith-based career management!
Apostolic Faith Church
jobsource.myworkforceministry.com
Crusaders
www.crusaderswestnaperville.org
Apostolic Church of God
acog-cdm.myworkforceministry.com
Poplar Creek Church
www.poplarcreek.com
Grace United Church
www.peopleofgrace.org
Hillcrest Baptist Church
www.hillcrestonline.org
If you would like to see your ministry or a ministry in your community featured here, please email featured@myworkforceministry.com with the name of the ministry and contact information for yourself and/or someone at that ministry.
Help us spread the Word!
Featured Company
The Neurologic & Orthopedic Institute of Chicago
www.neuro-ortho.org
The Neurologic & Orthopedic Institute of Chicago is the country's first freestanding acute care hospital dedicated exclusively to neuroscience and orthopedic services. It utilizes breakthrough technology and minimally invasive techniques as well as advanced procedures for neurosurgery, orthopedics, pain management, neuro-oncology, sports medicine, and rehabilitation.
The Institute is located on Chicago's north side, near Wilson and Damen Avenues and can be reached via Lake Shore Drive or I-90.
4501 N. Winchester Ave.
Chicago, IL 60640
Main Phone: (773) 250-0000
Orthopedic Services: (773) 250-1000
If your company would like to be featured, please send an email to featured@myworkforceministry.com
Featured Agency
M. Thrailkill & Associates
www.mthrailkill.com
M. Thrailkill & Associates is a recruiting and consulting firm for the hospitality and retail industries providing service nationwide to hospitality and retail corporations and the hospitality and retail work force. Utilizing a custom tailored approach to serving clients, we are uniquely positioned to provide assistance in recruiting the high quality of personnel required in our industry.
With a candidate profile developed specifically to match the needs of each client, every candidate package presented includes a comprehensive interview and professional references. We provide coordination of client/candidate interviews throughout the recruiting process. We are a firm that "partners" with our clients in their hiring goals.
Phone: (970) 225-2655
Fax: (970) 225-2718
Email: job@mthrailkill.com
If your agency would like to be featured, please send an email to featured@myworkforceministry.com
Testimonials
Grant Writing Workshops
Thank you to all that participated! Check back with us in July for this event happening again soon!
I enjoyed not having to go to a location for a class; and the wealth of knowledge that the instructor had. It was great information and I learned quite a bit. Keri you are a great instructor. In my case of never doing grants before, I think I would be able to accomplish that task with a bit of comfort; with only having a couple of hours of teaching. It was excellent! -- Evangelist Kathy West, Apostolic Church of God
It was very straight forward - took the mystique out of the process. The information was very practical. Very helpful to have the workbook to work through with a real live grant. Keri's manner is very personable and supportive. She made the process personal for the participants. --Linda Hairgrove, Career Coach
If you have used our products and have testimonials you would like to share in our newsletters, please send them to us! --testimonials@myworkforceministry.com
Biblical Verses
Chronicles 22:13
You will prosper, if you are careful to observe the statutes and the ordinances which the LORD commanded Moses concerning Israel. Be strong and courageous, do not fear nor be dismayed.
Psalm 1:1-3
How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers.
Proverbs 22:29
Do you see a man skillful in his work?
He will stand before kings;
he will not stand before obscure men.
C 2006 eWorld Employment, LLC
Please feel free to forward this newsletter to your interested associates and friends! It may only be redistributed in its unedited form. Written permission from the editor or original author must be obtained to reprint any information contained within this newsletter. Email us at newsletter@myworkforceministry.com for more details.
WorkForce Ministry, myCoachesConnection and eWomen In Career Transition are owned and operated by eWorld Employment, LLC.
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Tuesday, June 06, 2006
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Karitos: Christian Arts Conference
Don't miss Karitos 06
June 1-3
Wheaton College, Wheaton, Illinois
===>Click headline for the complete line-up of workshops and more. . .
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Tuesday, May 23, 2006
City Transformation Conference Call
Talk with other Christian leaders who are serious about seeing their city or community transformed. Join the National Featured Cities Conference Call (see previous cities listed below).Tuesday, May 30th @ 11am Central
Call: 563-843-7429 / Code: 643706#
Previous Conference Calls:
Albany area, NY -- June 28, 2005 (36.7 MB)
Birmingham, AL -- March 28, 2006 (27.7 MB)
Boise, ID -- October 24, 2005 (49.9 MB)
Boulder, CO -- November 29, 2005 (38.9 MB)
Branson, MO -- November 30, 2004 (47.9 MB)
Charleston, WV -- April 25, 2006 (28.7 MB)
Coachella Valley, CA -- February 28, 2006 (37.6 MB)
Corvallis, OR -- May 31, 2005 (41.5 MB)
Elk River, MN -- March 29, 2005 (39.7 MB)
Little Rock, AR -- September 27, 2005 (39.3 MB)
Santa Rosa, CA -- January 25, 2005 (52.8 MB)
Springfield, MO -- October 25, 2005 (29.1 MB)
Tukwila, WA -- February 22, 2005 (50.4 MB)
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Monday, May 22, 2006
HUB: His United Body
Chicago HUB
===>Click headlne to access website . . .
#1 We are meeting this Sunday night, May 21 at 6:30pm, Holiday Inn Naperville. Back by request, Muriel will lead worship.
#2 HUB MEETING! !!!!! "A Memorial....to remember a special event or person" During the festivities of Memorial Day weekend, why not join us for a memorial for the THE special event and Person, our Beloved Jesus...who is very much alive! Georgian Banov will be at HUB along with Peru Eagle Rock Worship Team...Sunday night, May 28 at 4pm, Holiday Inn Select in Naperville. Light refreshments served. Come have a blast with us as we enjoy the presence of our Lord. Admission is free...no registration required. Just show up thirsty! Overnight rooms available for $79, if needed. Call hotel at 630-505-4900 Call HUB at 847-401-8554
The following was sent out by Georgian's office regarding where he will be in the area. I intend on going. I hope you can catch some of these meetings and that I'll see you there. God bless you this holiday weekend!
May 24 - 25th 2006 Wed @ 7:00 PM, Thurs @ 9:30, 2:00 & 7:00 pm "Heal Your Body, Lord Prophetic Conference" With Jim Goll, Che Ahn, Bobby Conner, Georgian Banov Meetings at: Christian Fellowship Church 3419 Walkup Rd Crystal Lake, IL 60014 815-784-3467 For more info, visit: http:/ /www.ohmint.org/ or write to Tracy: teej1265@yahoo.com (*Conference continues through Saturday, Georgian leaves on Friday)
May 28th, Sun @ 4:00 PM "Kingdom Celebration at the HUB!" Chicago Hub Ministries Founder: Nancy Ma giera Meeting at: Holiday Inn 1801 Naper Blvd Naperville, IL 847-401-8554
Receive periodic updates on new One Great City postings: subscribe@nppn.org / Subject: OGC Updates
===>Click headlne to access website . . .
#1 We are meeting this Sunday night, May 21 at 6:30pm, Holiday Inn Naperville. Back by request, Muriel will lead worship.
#2 HUB MEETING! !!!!! "A Memorial....to remember a special event or person" During the festivities of Memorial Day weekend, why not join us for a memorial for the THE special event and Person, our Beloved Jesus...who is very much alive! Georgian Banov will be at HUB along with Peru Eagle Rock Worship Team...Sunday night, May 28 at 4pm, Holiday Inn Select in Naperville. Light refreshments served. Come have a blast with us as we enjoy the presence of our Lord. Admission is free...no registration required. Just show up thirsty! Overnight rooms available for $79, if needed. Call hotel at 630-505-4900 Call HUB at 847-401-8554
The following was sent out by Georgian's office regarding where he will be in the area. I intend on going. I hope you can catch some of these meetings and that I'll see you there. God bless you this holiday weekend!
May 24 - 25th 2006 Wed @ 7:00 PM, Thurs @ 9:30, 2:00 & 7:00 pm "Heal Your Body, Lord Prophetic Conference" With Jim Goll, Che Ahn, Bobby Conner, Georgian Banov Meetings at: Christian Fellowship Church 3419 Walkup Rd Crystal Lake, IL 60014 815-784-3467 For more info, visit: http:/ /www.ohmint.org/ or write to Tracy: teej1265@yahoo.com (*Conference continues through Saturday, Georgian leaves on Friday)
May 28th, Sun @ 4:00 PM "Kingdom Celebration at the HUB!" Chicago Hub Ministries Founder: Nancy Ma giera Meeting at: Holiday Inn 1801 Naper Blvd Naperville, IL 847-401-8554
Receive periodic updates on new One Great City postings: subscribe@nppn.org / Subject: OGC Updates
Friday, May 12, 2006
Blessed Are Those Who Make Peace
Lombard Mennonite Peace Center (LMPC) focuses on peacemaking education for clergy and congregations. We will be conducting the Mediation Skills Training Institute for Church Leaders at St. Peters United Church of Christ in Elmhurst, Illinois, August 7-11, 2006.
This training is designed to equip church leaders with the skills necessary to deal effectively with interpersonal, congregational, and other forms of group conflict. It also includes a component on congregational intervention and consultation, placed within the context of family systems theory.
The registration deadline is July 10. After this date, the tuition increases from $625 to $700. I have attached a registration brochure for Mediation Skills Training Institute for Church Leaders. Feel free to forward this brochure to others who may be interested. ===>Click headline to access website . . .
Blessings of peace, Erin Dalian
LMPC Assistant for Communications
Lombard Mennonite Peace Center
101 W. 22nd Street, Suite 206
Lombard, IL 60148
ph: 630 627-0507
fax: 630-627-0519
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Thursday, May 11, 2006
1973 Chiacgo Declaration Still Speaks
A CALL FOR EVANGELICAL RENEWAL
Chicago Declaration II---In 1973 a group of evangelical Christians gathered in Chicago to offer a declaration of social concern. In November of 1993, evangelicals sharing the same concerns and convictions gathered again in Chicago to reconsider what they should do in the midst of a worsening social and moral crisis.
We give thanks!---We give thanks for the Christian communities that are living out the sacrificial and compassionate demonstration of the reconciling love of God. Their faithfulness encourages us to follow Christ more closely in the power of the Holy Spirit. While we acknowledge our weaknesses and confess our failures, we take heart from the love of God at work in their lives and communities.
We weep and dream
We weep for those who do not know and confess Jesus Christ, the hope of the world. We dream of a missionary church that, by its witness and love, draws people into a living relationship with our Lord.
We weep over the persistence of racism, the broken relationships and the barriers that divide races and ethnic groups. We dream of churches that demonstrate the reconciling Gospel of Christ, uniting believers from every nation, tribe, and tongue.
We weep over the growing disparity between the rich and the poor, the scandal of hunger, and the growing number of people who live in oppressive conditions, insecurity, and danger. We dream of churches that work for education, economic empowerment and justice, both at the personal and structural levels, and that address the causes and the symptoms of poverty.
We weep over escalating violence, abuse, disregard for the sanctity of human life, and addiction to weapons -- in both nations and neighborhoods -- that destroy lives and breed fear. We dream of faith communities that model loving ways of resolving conflict, and seek to be peacemakers rather than passive spectators, calling the nations to justice and righteousness.
We weep over the brokenness expressed in relationships between generations, between men and women, in families, in distorted sexualities and in cruel judgementalism. We dream of faith communities that honor and protect both our elders and our children, foster a genuine partnership and mutual submission between men and women, nourish healthy families, affirm celibate singleness, work for healing and compassion for all, and for the keeping of marriage covenants.
We weep over the spiritual emptiness and alienation of modern secular society. We dream of a redemptive church that restores personal identity, provides loving community, offers purpose in life, and brings transcendent values and moral conscience to the public square.
We weep over our exploitive practices and consumerist lifestyles that destroy God's good creation. We dream of a Church that leads in caring for creation and calls Christians to serve as faithful partners of God in renewing and sustaining God's handiwork.
In all of these, we have fallen so far short of God's glory and awesome holiness, yet we rejoice that in the incarnation, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and in the power of the Holy Spirit, we are called by God to the obedience than comes from faith.
We commit---Because of the hope we have in the Gospel, we dare to commit ourselves to the kingdom of God and oppose the demonic spiritual forces that seek to undermine the reign of God in this world. Because of our faith we dare to risk and seek the future that God has promised, and we give ourselves to works of love.
We recommit ourselves to grow in the knowledge and the love of God, drinking from the well of worship and praise, word and sacrament. We commit ourselves to sacrificial and loving engagement with God, with all other Christians, and with a needy world.
We commit ourselves to share the good news of Jesus Christ, by living and announcing the Gospel of the kingdom, so that all may come to know, love and serve God.
We repent of our complacency, our reliance on technique, and our complicity with the evils of the status quo. We repudiate the idolatries of nation and economic system, and zealously dedicate ourselves to Christ and his kingdom's values. We turn away from obsession with power, possessions, self-fulfillment, security, and safety, and willingly risk discomfort and conflict as we live our dreams.
In 1973, we called evangelicals to social engagement: this call still stands. We are thankful that more social engagement is emerging, yet tragically it has frequently divided us along ideological lines. Too often recent evangelical political engagement has been uncivil and polarizing, has demonized opponents, and has lacked careful analysis and biblical integrity. Faithfulness to the full authority of the Scriptures transcends traditional categories of left and right.
The Gospel is not divided -- it embraces both the call to conversion and the summons to justice. Obedience to Jesus' teaching and example demands congregations that integrate prayer, worship, evangelism, and social transformation.
We Pray---In the face of such complex and unremitting problems, we claim the promise of God to give wisdom to those who ask. Therefore we ask: Oh God, Giver and Sustainer of life, Holy Redeemer and Lord, comforting and empowering Spirit, teach us your ways, show us your will, give us your presence and pour out your power. Amen. Come Lord Jesus.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Evangelicals for Social Action
10 Lancaster Ave.
Wynnewood, PA 19096 USA
===>Click headline to access website . . .
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Is the Church of Chicago Prepared to Serve in a Disaster?
His Presence in Crisis
When disaster strikes and questions flow from broken hearts, how will you respond?
The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association will be holding a conference for pastors, church leaders, chaplains, crisis volunteers, and anyone interested in learning more about how to bring comfort and hope in Jesus Christ to those suffering in times of crisis.
June 19–22, 2006
The Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove
Asheville, N.C.
Featuring:
• Franklin Graham
• Skip Heitzig
• Dr. Jonathan Olford
• Practical training workshops
Learn, strategize, and fellowship with others in Christian ministry who share your desire to comfort and care for the suffering during times of trauma.
===>Click headline for more information or to register or call toll-free 1-800-950-2092.
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Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Good Stuff for our Good City
In January of 2000 a small group of men from two churches began meeting on the first Saturday of every month for worship, bible teaching, prayer, and fellowship. This would not be unusual except that one church was black and urban, and the other was white and suburban.
How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robes. It is as if the dew of Mount Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life evermore. Psalm 133
Within a few months of the first gatherings the Lord directed them to include women.
In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. Acts 2:17, 18
From the beginning there was something special about this group of believers, young and old, male and female, black and white, Baptist and Christian Reformed. They had all been part of churches, some veterans of numerous attempts at conciliation between ethnic groups and denominations, but there was something different about these gatherings where the focus was on worship, prayer, teaching, and honest and open dialogue. Discussions about the many reasons why Sunday morning at 11am is the most segregated time of the week, and intense listening by the white brethren for the deep struggle that has been the black experience, especially for those that remain faithful to God’s call to remember the poor. In the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Acts 13: 1, 2
These gatherings, now in their seventh year continue to be a unique experience for those who attend. From the vibrant worship of a diverse group, to the prayer and scripture teaching that is a part of each meeting, the School of the Prophets is an opportunity to fellowship with other Christians we don’t normally encounter in our daily lives. This past Saturday, over 40 people from at least ten different churches packed into the humble surroundings of Austin Corinthian Baptist Church on the West Side to be refreshed by the presence of the Lord, and to fellowship and dialogue around the issue of conciliation among Gods people from diverse ethnic, racial, denominational, and economic backgrounds.
This week’s teacher/discussion leader was Mike Ivers, president of Goodcity, ===>Click headline to access webiste . . . an organization that discovers, incubates, and supports start up ministries in Chicago and works to network churches and community organizations for the renewal of the city. I encourage you to look at their web site at www.goodcitychicago.org, to get more information on the great work they are doing and to explore how you might become involved. Mike was a Catholic priest for 27 years, serving most recently as Pastor of St. Agatha Church in North Lawndale from 1988-2000. “Father Mike” is well known in the community because he regularly walked the streets, visiting homes, and worked to build a sense of community among the residents.
Pastor Mike began his School of the Prophets time this past Saturday with an enthusiastic reading of Isaiah 11:6-9. He then reminded us that Jesus saved us, but that we are all going through a constant sanctification. He was very clear several times during his remarks that despite his background he considers himself to be a person of prejudice, and on the road to recovery. Mike admitted that his wife keeps him in “check” and especially so because she is black. Mike grew up on the south side of Chicago at 97th and Throop, his mother German, and his father Irish. His experience with ethnic and racial prejudice began as early as third grade when some other kids from his neighborhood reminded him that he was not as good as they were because he was a mix of German and Irish but they were “all Irish.” As Mike reached his teens during the late 50’s to early 60’s the neighborhood he grew up in changed from all white to all black, yet his family remained. He has a vivid image in his mind of working as a caddie at Beverly Country Club, where the members were all white, and right across the street from the club was Beverly Woods which was all black.
These experiences have given Mike a passion for study and reflection on the problem of racism in America, and prompted him to spend four summers studying at the Institute of Black Catholic Studies at Xavier University in New Orleans, Louisiana. While there, one of his instructors, Thea Bowman, taught him that the United States is millions of islands, and that the work we are to be about is building bridges between these islands. This lesson has stayed with Mike, because that is exactly what he continues to do today through his work at Goodcity.
Mike admitted that he is often frustrated by the way people in economically depressed neighborhoods in the city are characterized by the media, which contributes to continued separation and isolation of people from different racial backgrounds. He says, “It is a very small percentage of people who are causing all of the trouble, the vast majority are hard working and honest.” He also cautioned us to be very careful about passing judgment on poor neighborhoods, because as he puts it, “If you had been in their shoes how would you have turned out? We simply don’t have a clue about what is going on in other people’s lives.” Mike also reminded us that “we must be very careful with what we say.”
The divide between people of different ethnic and racial backgrounds, gender, economic level, and denomination continues to be a major problem within the Church of Jesus Christ. Mike believes that the greatest contributor to this divide may be that we simply don’t know each other, we are not in relationship. The School of the Prophets, which meets just once per month, is an opportunity to take a first step toward building bridges between the islands we all occupy. I encourage you to consider this as an alternative to your normal Saturday morning routine, we will continue to strive to have Spirit led teacher leaders who inspire and encourage us. In fact, if you know of someone who we should consider inviting to lead one of our upcoming gatherings please don’t hesitate to send an email my way.
In Christ’s name,
Bro. Bob Marsh
323 West Chicago Ave., Hinsdale, IL 60521
630-290-2388
bob@marshdesign.biz
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How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robes. It is as if the dew of Mount Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life evermore. Psalm 133
Within a few months of the first gatherings the Lord directed them to include women.
In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. Acts 2:17, 18
From the beginning there was something special about this group of believers, young and old, male and female, black and white, Baptist and Christian Reformed. They had all been part of churches, some veterans of numerous attempts at conciliation between ethnic groups and denominations, but there was something different about these gatherings where the focus was on worship, prayer, teaching, and honest and open dialogue. Discussions about the many reasons why Sunday morning at 11am is the most segregated time of the week, and intense listening by the white brethren for the deep struggle that has been the black experience, especially for those that remain faithful to God’s call to remember the poor. In the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Acts 13: 1, 2
These gatherings, now in their seventh year continue to be a unique experience for those who attend. From the vibrant worship of a diverse group, to the prayer and scripture teaching that is a part of each meeting, the School of the Prophets is an opportunity to fellowship with other Christians we don’t normally encounter in our daily lives. This past Saturday, over 40 people from at least ten different churches packed into the humble surroundings of Austin Corinthian Baptist Church on the West Side to be refreshed by the presence of the Lord, and to fellowship and dialogue around the issue of conciliation among Gods people from diverse ethnic, racial, denominational, and economic backgrounds.
This week’s teacher/discussion leader was Mike Ivers, president of Goodcity, ===>Click headline to access webiste . . . an organization that discovers, incubates, and supports start up ministries in Chicago and works to network churches and community organizations for the renewal of the city. I encourage you to look at their web site at www.goodcitychicago.org, to get more information on the great work they are doing and to explore how you might become involved. Mike was a Catholic priest for 27 years, serving most recently as Pastor of St. Agatha Church in North Lawndale from 1988-2000. “Father Mike” is well known in the community because he regularly walked the streets, visiting homes, and worked to build a sense of community among the residents.
Pastor Mike began his School of the Prophets time this past Saturday with an enthusiastic reading of Isaiah 11:6-9. He then reminded us that Jesus saved us, but that we are all going through a constant sanctification. He was very clear several times during his remarks that despite his background he considers himself to be a person of prejudice, and on the road to recovery. Mike admitted that his wife keeps him in “check” and especially so because she is black. Mike grew up on the south side of Chicago at 97th and Throop, his mother German, and his father Irish. His experience with ethnic and racial prejudice began as early as third grade when some other kids from his neighborhood reminded him that he was not as good as they were because he was a mix of German and Irish but they were “all Irish.” As Mike reached his teens during the late 50’s to early 60’s the neighborhood he grew up in changed from all white to all black, yet his family remained. He has a vivid image in his mind of working as a caddie at Beverly Country Club, where the members were all white, and right across the street from the club was Beverly Woods which was all black.
These experiences have given Mike a passion for study and reflection on the problem of racism in America, and prompted him to spend four summers studying at the Institute of Black Catholic Studies at Xavier University in New Orleans, Louisiana. While there, one of his instructors, Thea Bowman, taught him that the United States is millions of islands, and that the work we are to be about is building bridges between these islands. This lesson has stayed with Mike, because that is exactly what he continues to do today through his work at Goodcity.
Mike admitted that he is often frustrated by the way people in economically depressed neighborhoods in the city are characterized by the media, which contributes to continued separation and isolation of people from different racial backgrounds. He says, “It is a very small percentage of people who are causing all of the trouble, the vast majority are hard working and honest.” He also cautioned us to be very careful about passing judgment on poor neighborhoods, because as he puts it, “If you had been in their shoes how would you have turned out? We simply don’t have a clue about what is going on in other people’s lives.” Mike also reminded us that “we must be very careful with what we say.”
The divide between people of different ethnic and racial backgrounds, gender, economic level, and denomination continues to be a major problem within the Church of Jesus Christ. Mike believes that the greatest contributor to this divide may be that we simply don’t know each other, we are not in relationship. The School of the Prophets, which meets just once per month, is an opportunity to take a first step toward building bridges between the islands we all occupy. I encourage you to consider this as an alternative to your normal Saturday morning routine, we will continue to strive to have Spirit led teacher leaders who inspire and encourage us. In fact, if you know of someone who we should consider inviting to lead one of our upcoming gatherings please don’t hesitate to send an email my way.
In Christ’s name,
Bro. Bob Marsh
323 West Chicago Ave., Hinsdale, IL 60521
630-290-2388
bob@marshdesign.biz
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Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Fore the Marketplace
The 4th Annual Communion Cup Golf Classic
Where the Spirit of Man and Business become a Whole in One
Chicago, IL –
The 4th Annual Communion Cup Golf Classic and Jazz Celebration will be held at the majestic Cog Hill Golf & Country Club on Monday, September 25, 2006. The country club nestled in the Des Plaines River Valley in Lemont Illinois, served as the home of the 102nd PGA Western Open and features 4 regulation golf courses, an exquisite cuisine and a 280 seat banquet hall.
On par to becoming an even bigger stroke of success, this spirited experience brings together some of Chicago’s most influential faith, business, sports, political and community leaders with other influencers from around the US. The 2006 Golf Classic will feature the annual tournament, golf lessons, luncheon and special guest speakers. For golfers and their invited guests, the day will be capped off by a Celebration of Jazz Reception with an intimate performance by an acclaimed and award wining Jazz Recording Artist who will be announced shortly.
Dr. Ray Charles, event founder, Spiritual Coach and Chairman of A Ray of Light Ministries, says “The Communion Cup Golf Classic was created based on the need to bring together a plethora of business leaders and community influencers in a leisurely atmosphere usually reserved for discussing every day business opportunities with colleagues. Our goal is to transcend that energy, while removing the cognitive training that fosters harmful competition. Replace it with the spirit of team work, sense of Oneness with all, and a covenant of The “Whole Man.”
A spirit of unity and purpose among this influential group will result in a “Think Tank” without walls. More important, it could lead to restoration of a faith based belief system, the revitalization within our communities, a re-affirmation of family values and a shifting paradigm for collective business growth.
The Communion Cup® Golf Classic is open to the general public. Corporate partnerships, Philanthropic sponsorship and other donation opportunities are available. Proceeds from the event will benefit The Communion Cup® Foundation. Previous Event Sponsors include Luster Products, Victory Center, Duerson Foods, Shore Bank and Holland Capital Management. A Ray of Light Ministries is a registered 501(c)3 corporation that provides corporate and spiritual coaching services to a variety of high net worth individuals, corporate executives, spiritual leaders and elected officials in the public and private business sectors.
For more information Contact:
Dr. Ray Charles, AROL Ministries Inc.
1-800-809-3523
spiritualcoach@msn.com
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Friday, May 05, 2006
Crusaders Church Presents: Kingdom Harvest Conference 2006
A Time Of Impartation, Activation and Demonstration
Greetings Kingdom Builders!
"Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields, for they are ripe already to harvest!"
We are in a time like never before that a sense of God given urgency must arise within the heart of God's people to fulfill the apostolic mandate given to the church. God is equipping the church for gathering the harvest.
Are you equipped and prepared to be a Harvester in this Kingdom in age?
You are invited to join us for this upcoming conference.
Sponsored by Crusaders Ministries Department of Evangelism
This conference brings together ministry leaders of diverse giftings anointed to bring revelation, impartation and training tools to help you reach your next level of ministry.
LOCATION: Monument Of Faith Church, Chicago
DATE: June 2-3, 2006
TIME: Begins Friday at 7 pm
Crusaders Main Office Phone: (773) 637-2121
Conference Schedule and Description
Friday Harvest Night
Service Begins at 7 pm
All are welcome to this special service entitled "Harvest Night." You are invited to bring many non-Christian guests.
Expect to see the miracle of salvation that comes through Jesus Christ as the Glory of the Lord comes in the midst of His people to bring healing and deliverance
No conference fee required for this Friday evening service.
Saturday Workshops
Ministry Begins at 8:30 am
Knowing the King's Heart
Kingdom Intercession
Kingdom Financing
Kingdom Impact
Workshop registration is only $20.00 until May 26th and $25.00 thereafter.
Special free workshop provided for new Christians entitled "Who Is Jesus."
Personal Ministry Provided - Healing Ministry -Prophetic Ministry -Deliverance Ministry
You may register by mail or credit card by phone. Please call 866-857-9880 for a registration form and detailed conference information. Those in the Chicago area may register in person on Sundays between 9:00 am and 10:15 am at Crusaders Church (AFC), 7859 S. Ashland Avenue, Chicago, Illinois.
Hope To See You There!
Evangelist Darlene Cothron
Crusaders Church Evangelism
email: crusadersevangelism@minister.com
phone: (866) 857-9880
===>Click headline to access website . . .
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Greetings Kingdom Builders!
"Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields, for they are ripe already to harvest!"
We are in a time like never before that a sense of God given urgency must arise within the heart of God's people to fulfill the apostolic mandate given to the church. God is equipping the church for gathering the harvest.
Are you equipped and prepared to be a Harvester in this Kingdom in age?
You are invited to join us for this upcoming conference.
Sponsored by Crusaders Ministries Department of Evangelism
This conference brings together ministry leaders of diverse giftings anointed to bring revelation, impartation and training tools to help you reach your next level of ministry.
LOCATION: Monument Of Faith Church, Chicago
DATE: June 2-3, 2006
TIME: Begins Friday at 7 pm
Crusaders Main Office Phone: (773) 637-2121
Conference Schedule and Description
Friday Harvest Night
Service Begins at 7 pm
All are welcome to this special service entitled "Harvest Night." You are invited to bring many non-Christian guests.
Expect to see the miracle of salvation that comes through Jesus Christ as the Glory of the Lord comes in the midst of His people to bring healing and deliverance
No conference fee required for this Friday evening service.
Saturday Workshops
Ministry Begins at 8:30 am
Knowing the King's Heart
Kingdom Intercession
Kingdom Financing
Kingdom Impact
Workshop registration is only $20.00 until May 26th and $25.00 thereafter.
Special free workshop provided for new Christians entitled "Who Is Jesus."
Personal Ministry Provided - Healing Ministry -Prophetic Ministry -Deliverance Ministry
You may register by mail or credit card by phone. Please call 866-857-9880 for a registration form and detailed conference information. Those in the Chicago area may register in person on Sundays between 9:00 am and 10:15 am at Crusaders Church (AFC), 7859 S. Ashland Avenue, Chicago, Illinois.
Hope To See You There!
Evangelist Darlene Cothron
Crusaders Church Evangelism
email: crusadersevangelism@minister.com
phone: (866) 857-9880
===>Click headline to access website . . .
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Wednesday, May 03, 2006
Uniting a Diverse Chicago
Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
For those who are receiving this announcement for the first time, welcome! The School of the Prophets is an ecumenical group of men and women from many backgrounds who have been meeting together since January 2000. We meet this Saturday May 6, at 7 a.m. at Austin Corinthian Baptist Church at 823 S. Cicero Ave., which is 2 blocks south of the Eisenhower Expressway on the east side of the street next to Marvin’s Soul Food Restaurant.
Our aim is to pursue the unity of believers that Jesus prayed for in John 17:20: “I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”
This Saturday our teaching and devotional time will be led by Mike Ivers. A native of Chicago, Mike obtained his undergraduate degree from DePaul University in 1970. After studies at St. Mary of the Lake Seminary, he was ordained a Catholic priest in 1974. He also spent four summers studying at the Institute of Black Catholic Studies at Xavier University in New Orleans, Louisiana. During his 27 years as a Catholic priest, he made an impact by organizing efforts to combat gangs, eliminate substandard housing, build new housing, and bring new retail stores to Chicago’s West Side. He spent his active ministry in Chicago’s African-American community, lately as Pastor of St. Agatha Church in North Lawndale where he served from 1988-2000, walking the streets, visiting homes, and building a sense of community among the residents.
He co-founded Look to the Future with Commonwealth Edison and other major corporate sponsors to paint the homes of the elderly and disabled in 19 communities. Mike played a key role in the creation of United Power for Action and Justice (250 institutions paying $450,000 in annual dues bringing together diverse people for relational power).
Mike’s leadership in Chicago was recognized when he was named a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International in 1999, and in 2000 when he was named the Distinguished Fellow of Leadership Greater Chicago. Mayor Richard M. Daley appointed Mike to the Board of the Chicago Housing Authority in September 2001. Mike became a board member of Chicago Communities in School in 2002.
Mike has been president of Goodcity (===>Click headline to access website) since May 2001, focusing his energy on building relationships among people, churches, organizations, and civic entities to build a better Chicago.
We will begin our time together at 7 a.m. with worship and prayer. Please pray with Brother Mike as he prepares to bring us a word from the Lord. We will allow plenty of time for discussion and questions.
If you can stay, breakfast will be served at around 8:30 a.m. for a cost of $5.
To the glory of God!
Brother Bob Marsh
323 West Chicago Ave., Hinsdale, IL 60521
630-290-2388
bob@marshdesign.biz
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Henry Blackaby's Prayer for America
ATLANTA (BP)--This 2006 National Day of Prayer on Thursday, May 4, may be one of the most important and significant in our history as a nation. We are facing real threats to our national security and the moral fiber of America. Spiritual decay is causing a great social unrest, including the breakdown of the family. In short, we are facing a national crisis that has the potential to bring about some very dire consequences.
“America, Honor God” -- this is the theme for this year’s National Day of Prayer. In a moment of national crisis in the nation of Israel, God’s covenant people, God announced, “[T]hose who honor Me, I will honor” (1 Samuel 2:30). This promise is clear and short and simple. Yet, it is most profound. When God chooses to honor a person or a people or a nation, it is awesome what happens next!
On the other hand, we should tremble with great fear if we do not honor God. For God also declares in 1 Samuel 2:30 that “those who despise Me shall be lightly esteemed.” Our nation hangs in the balance as we teeter between these diametrically opposing truths.
In the days of God’s messenger, Malachi, the people lived with a false sense of security of what had been a very blessed relationship with God. They continued to “practice” religion while their hearts drifted far from the Lord. Even the priests had “... departed from the way” (Malachi 2:8). The nation became so sinful that God’s Word fell on deaf ears. Hypocrisy, divorce, idolatry and wickedness were the standard for the day. And God pleaded: “Return to Me and I will return to you” (Malachi 3:7).
Today, I believe God is sounding the same clarion call for America. Therefore, let us pray for the nation:
"Oh Heavenly Father, You have made Yourself known to us as a nation by Your mighty works throughout our history. From the beginning, You have been with us and through many wars and conflicts Your right arm has saved us. We have been amazingly and graciously blessed.
"Today, we confess our sin of not responding to Your right to rule in our lives and our nation. Too often we have despised and rejected Your will while imposing our own, and are now facing the consequences of our disobedience. Draw us back to Yourself, that you may return to us once again. Without You we can do nothing. You have promised that if we honor You, You will once again honor this great nation.
"That is our fervent prayer, for Your honor and glory we pray.
"Amen."
God will be honored when our relationship with Him is restored. Take time to know Him in a more intimate way, primarily through prayer and the reading of the Scriptures. Believe Him and obey Him thoroughly and immediately. Release your life totally to Him to allow Him to reveal Himself through you. Let others see God’s great salvation lived out in your life. Commit with me to pray for our nation daily. Finally, pray for me as I share such a challenge to our nation on May 4.
For more information about the National Day of Prayer, visit www.nationaldayofprayer.org. For more information about Henry Blackaby's ministry and travel schedule, visit his website at www.blackaby.org, call (770) 603-2900 or contact Blackaby Ministries International, P.O. Box 16338, Atlanta, Ga. 30321.
===>Click headline to access Baptist Press . . .
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Chicago: Surprising Insights from 2006 Congress on Urban Ministry
Roger Johnson, Editor of CityVoices, reports on the recent Congress on Urban MInistry that took palce in Chicago, Phil
===>Click the headline to read the entire edition . . . Samples below...
The 2006 Congress on Urban Ministry took place here in Chicago. If you were unable to join the 650 people who gathered at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place Hotel in Chicago, this edition of CityVoices is for you.
Roger Johnson - CityVoices / SCUPE
(312) 726-12000, roger@cityvoices.com
***************
Rev. Soong-Chan Rah: The Emerging Church
(Rev. Soong-Chan Rah is Senior Pastor of Cambridge Community Fellowship
Church, Cambridge, Massachusetts. He is a contributor to Growing Healthy
Asian American Churches, and was recently appointed to the faculty of North
Park Theological Seminary, Chicago, Illinois.)
Within a decade or so, the majority of Christians in the United States will
be non-white. I can say that with confidence because all the sociological
trends, all the ways the white church is declining and all the ways the
immigrant church, the African American church, the Spanish-speaking church
is growing by leaps and bounds. Within a decade, in every metropolitan
corner of the United States, we are going to see more non-white Christians
than white Christians.
Why is it that the leadership is still all white? Time magazine does an
article on the top 25 evangelical leaders. Twenty-three of those spots are
filled by white evangelicals. Why is it that the face of the "emerging
church" is always white? I look at invitations I get to conferences on the
emerging church, and it's the same old story. They'll have a leadership of
40 people, and one or two will be non-white. The message is that the next
generation of leadership that is supposed to come out of this emerging
church movement is a perpetually 29-year-old blond male with a goatee.
The emerging church is not that 29-year-old blond male with a goatee. The
emerging church is the young black male in the urban setting. The emerging
church is the young Latina female. The emerging church is the
second-generation Haitian American. The emerging church is the child of
Brazilian immigrants. That's the true emerging church. And when we talk
about leadership, we have to see that the leadership of the next generation
cannot be all white because that's what we've had to put up with for the
last 50 years.
The white captivity of the church means that there is time when those of us
coming from the boundaries, not in the existing power structure of the
American evangelical church, need to take on greater positions of
leadership. Even though we might feel we're not up to the task, even though
our self-image tells us we're not good enough, not strong enough, or not
white enough, it's time for us as young Asian Americans, Caribbean
Americans, Native Americans and Latino Americans to start taking on the
mantle of leadership.
Contact: Rev. Soong-Chan Rah, Cambridge Community Fellowship Church, 234
Franklin Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, srah@ccfconline.org
*******************
Rev. Dr. Yvonne Delk: The Beloved Community and Contested Space
********************
Dr. Fred Smith: Shalom - Doing the Unthinkable
********************
Gary Gunderson: Boundary Leadership at the Heart
********************
Grace Lee Boggs: Imagining a New Kind of City
*******************
Jim Wallis: There's a Whole Generation Waiting!
********************
Bishop Philip Robert Cousin: Looking Backward to Step Forward
********************
Claudia de la Cruz: Manifesting God's Justice
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Friday, April 21, 2006
Challenging AIDS ~ A National Initiative
On January 28, 2003 President George W. Bush, in the State of the Union address, spoke these words "Ladies and gentlemen, seldom has history offered a greater opportunity to do so much for so many." President Bush was speaking of the global HIV/AIDS pandemic.
We are writing to invite you to join a select group of national and international leaders who are serving on the National Convening Committee for City AIDS Summits which are planned for November 30, 2006! You are also invited to join with other leaders for a national conference call scheduled for Thursday, April 27th at 10:00am CDT to get an update and for you to ask questions.
HIV/AIDS affects everyone – both in the United States and around the world. It is clear in Scripture that God desires His Church to respond to the needs of people both locally and globally. The HIV/AIDS pandemic both here in our own cities and communities and in distant lands presents an unprecedented opportunity to practice and proclaim the Gospel of Christ!
Every 14 seconds, more than 7000 times a day, someone dies and children are orphaned due to HIV/AIDS. Millions of children have been left behind with little hope for the future. The pace of infection in the United States is growing at an alarming rate with over 1 million people known to be infected already. Our African-American and Hispanics populations have incurred a majority of the new infections.
The Mission America Coalition and other collaborating partners are calling the Church in America together for City AIDS Summits. It is time, past time really, for every Christian leader to learn about HIV/AIDS and take practical steps of engagement with this pandemic.
The Vision: A National gathering of pastors and other local Christian leaders—in their own cities and communities, on the same day—to seek God's wisdom and direction for the church (individually and corporately), in response to the HIV/AIDS pandemic here in America and around the world.
Your Role: the National Convening Committee for City AIDS Summits would be to help call together a national coalition of leaders, who will in turn invite local pastors and other Christian leaders to host City AIDS Summits this fall on the same day nationwide.
The purpose of the summits is to educate, encourage and equip local churches. We hope that this will be a way to engage members of local congregations with those who are currently faithfully serving in response to HIV/AIDS; domestically as well as internationally. At the City AIDS Summits, we will:
· consider collaboration for expanded and focused holistic evangelism and discipleship
· seek to address long-term ministry needs of those impacted by HIV/AIDS with a sustained prayer, care, and share approach.
This massive pandemic necessitates the entire Body of Christ coming together proclaiming the message of Hope in word and deed .
Our plans are to send a brochure (see attached draft or visit www.cityaids.com) and a cover letter requesting the involvement of these convening leaders. Afterward, letters and emails will go out nationwide to local pastors and Christian leaders in cities/communities inviting them to partner in this effort by hosting the summit where they live or work. A smaller National Design/Planning Team will work on organization details for the Summits; however, your leadership is needed to make this vision a reality.
As you prayerfully consider your involvement for the City AIDS Summits, please join us for a nationwide conference call on Thursday, April 27 th at 10am CST to learn more and discuss the role of the committee. The conference call will last approximately 1 hour.
To get the conference call number and to RSVP please reply to cityaids@missionamerica.org or call Jarvis at 601 932 4522.
Together in Christ,
Jarvis Ward Brian Considine
Jim Overholt GAPP
Mission America Coalition
City AIDS Summits ===>Click headline to access website . . .
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We are writing to invite you to join a select group of national and international leaders who are serving on the National Convening Committee for City AIDS Summits which are planned for November 30, 2006! You are also invited to join with other leaders for a national conference call scheduled for Thursday, April 27th at 10:00am CDT to get an update and for you to ask questions.
HIV/AIDS affects everyone – both in the United States and around the world. It is clear in Scripture that God desires His Church to respond to the needs of people both locally and globally. The HIV/AIDS pandemic both here in our own cities and communities and in distant lands presents an unprecedented opportunity to practice and proclaim the Gospel of Christ!
Every 14 seconds, more than 7000 times a day, someone dies and children are orphaned due to HIV/AIDS. Millions of children have been left behind with little hope for the future. The pace of infection in the United States is growing at an alarming rate with over 1 million people known to be infected already. Our African-American and Hispanics populations have incurred a majority of the new infections.
The Mission America Coalition and other collaborating partners are calling the Church in America together for City AIDS Summits. It is time, past time really, for every Christian leader to learn about HIV/AIDS and take practical steps of engagement with this pandemic.
The Vision: A National gathering of pastors and other local Christian leaders—in their own cities and communities, on the same day—to seek God's wisdom and direction for the church (individually and corporately), in response to the HIV/AIDS pandemic here in America and around the world.
Your Role: the National Convening Committee for City AIDS Summits would be to help call together a national coalition of leaders, who will in turn invite local pastors and other Christian leaders to host City AIDS Summits this fall on the same day nationwide.
The purpose of the summits is to educate, encourage and equip local churches. We hope that this will be a way to engage members of local congregations with those who are currently faithfully serving in response to HIV/AIDS; domestically as well as internationally. At the City AIDS Summits, we will:
· consider collaboration for expanded and focused holistic evangelism and discipleship
· seek to address long-term ministry needs of those impacted by HIV/AIDS with a sustained prayer, care, and share approach.
This massive pandemic necessitates the entire Body of Christ coming together proclaiming the message of Hope in word and deed .
Our plans are to send a brochure (see attached draft or visit www.cityaids.com) and a cover letter requesting the involvement of these convening leaders. Afterward, letters and emails will go out nationwide to local pastors and Christian leaders in cities/communities inviting them to partner in this effort by hosting the summit where they live or work. A smaller National Design/Planning Team will work on organization details for the Summits; however, your leadership is needed to make this vision a reality.
As you prayerfully consider your involvement for the City AIDS Summits, please join us for a nationwide conference call on Thursday, April 27 th at 10am CST to learn more and discuss the role of the committee. The conference call will last approximately 1 hour.
To get the conference call number and to RSVP please reply to cityaids@missionamerica.org or call Jarvis at 601 932 4522.
Together in Christ,
Jarvis Ward Brian Considine
Jim Overholt GAPP
Mission America Coalition
City AIDS Summits ===>Click headline to access website . . .
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Thursday, April 20, 2006
100 Christian Motorcyclists Needed for Parade
This year the Puerto Rican Parade will be held on June 17th. This is the signature event for the Puerto Rican community in Chicago. We have secured a spot in the parade and our goal to have over 100 Christian motorcyclists participate with Christian flags on their bikes. This would be a non-denominational event and our intension is simply to promote Jesus Christ in force in the parade. We want to invite all of your churches to participate. Please reply if you have any questions or if you’re interested. I look forward to hearing from you.
Leave No Man Behind, Rico Altiery, Jr., Assistant Pastor New Life Covenant
(773) 384-7113 / rico@mynewlife / http://www.mynewlife.org
===>Click headline to access Biker Blessing webiste . . .
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"Uuprecedented Unity: Black and White Clergy"
On Tuesday, April 25, 2006, our Featured Cities Conference Call will focus on Charleston, West Virginia.
God is at work to unify His Body in the city of Charleston and throughout the West Virginia region! Pastors in Charleston have been praying together for more than 15 years, and now there is unprecedented cooperation between the white and black clergy in the city. For example, the meetings of the Charleston Black Ministerial Alliance include many white pastors in the area, and this diverse group of leaders are commited to seeking God together for their city. Join the call to hear more....
Join us on April 25, at 9:00am Pacific time, by calling 563-843-7429 (access code: 643706#).
Co-Facilitated by Dennis Fuqua (IRM) and Phil Miglioratti (NPPN)
International Renewal Ministries
5511 SE Hawthorne Blvd., Portland, OR 97215
503.517.1975
===>Click headline for website . . .
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Wednesday, April 19, 2006
What's the Balance on Immigration?
Leave us a 'comment'... What is the biblical point-of-view? WWJD?
Monday, April 17, 2006
G8 United Fervent Prayer Meeting
April 21st G8 United Fervent Prayer Meeting
Hi Everyone,
Just letting you know that we will be meeting in the same room at Moody Bible Inst. that we met in last April.
The room is 211 in the Sweeting Center. It holds about 95 people.
Here are written directions...
From North...take 90-94 (Edens or Kennedy) south east to OHIO street exit
From South...take Dan Ryan Expressway north to OHIO street exit
From West....take 290 east to 90-94 north to OHIO street exit
From the OHIO street exit....go to stop light (Orleans St)....make a left on Orleans, go north to Chicago Ave (5 streets north from Ohio).
Make a right on Chicago Ave...go east, 2 streets to Wells St...make a left on Wells St...go north on Wells St, 3 streets to Locust, make a left on Locust.
Make a quick left on Locust into the visitor's parking lot or just park anywhere on Wells St.*
Walk across Wells St to the "Sweeting Center" Go in entrance on Wells St. Approach guard station. Tell the guard you are with "Gatekeepers Intercessors" and sign in. Take elevator to 2nd floor.
We will be meeting in room 211
If you need more detailed instructions, please go to Moody Bible Institute's Web site: www.moody.edu. Click on Public relations. Find map.
.... time of and format for the meeting on April 21st... this is a statgic time for our state and our pastor's... let's be there to support
them in prayer
6:30 to 7:00 ... Prayer Leaders report on prayer in their churches and suggestions for prayer requests for same... we will pray for each church's prayer team and prayer needs at the 8:00 to 8:30 section from what is shared here..... all 8 Prayer Leaders
7:00 to 7:30... Praise and Worship... George Mosher..... New Life Community
.... G8 Prayer Leaders lead prayer sections
7:30 to 8:00.... Praying for our G8 Pastors ... Pat Shufford.... Salem Baptist
8:00 to 8:30... Praying for our G8 Churches.... .... Harvest Bible
8:30 to 9:00... Praying for unity in the Body of Christ in Chicago.... that the Kingdom of God will reach every nook and cranny of our city...the church, government , education, market place, each neighborhood, etc.... Tony Danhelka
Love you, Tony and Donna Danhelka
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Hi Everyone,
Just letting you know that we will be meeting in the same room at Moody Bible Inst. that we met in last April.
The room is 211 in the Sweeting Center. It holds about 95 people.
Here are written directions...
From North...take 90-94 (Edens or Kennedy) south east to OHIO street exit
From South...take Dan Ryan Expressway north to OHIO street exit
From West....take 290 east to 90-94 north to OHIO street exit
From the OHIO street exit....go to stop light (Orleans St)....make a left on Orleans, go north to Chicago Ave (5 streets north from Ohio).
Make a right on Chicago Ave...go east, 2 streets to Wells St...make a left on Wells St...go north on Wells St, 3 streets to Locust, make a left on Locust.
Make a quick left on Locust into the visitor's parking lot or just park anywhere on Wells St.*
Walk across Wells St to the "Sweeting Center" Go in entrance on Wells St. Approach guard station. Tell the guard you are with "Gatekeepers Intercessors" and sign in. Take elevator to 2nd floor.
We will be meeting in room 211
If you need more detailed instructions, please go to Moody Bible Institute's Web site: www.moody.edu. Click on Public relations. Find map.
.... time of and format for the meeting on April 21st... this is a statgic time for our state and our pastor's... let's be there to support
them in prayer
6:30 to 7:00 ... Prayer Leaders report on prayer in their churches and suggestions for prayer requests for same... we will pray for each church's prayer team and prayer needs at the 8:00 to 8:30 section from what is shared here..... all 8 Prayer Leaders
7:00 to 7:30... Praise and Worship... George Mosher..... New Life Community
.... G8 Prayer Leaders lead prayer sections
7:30 to 8:00.... Praying for our G8 Pastors ... Pat Shufford.... Salem Baptist
8:00 to 8:30... Praying for our G8 Churches.... .... Harvest Bible
8:30 to 9:00... Praying for unity in the Body of Christ in Chicago.... that the Kingdom of God will reach every nook and cranny of our city...the church, government , education, market place, each neighborhood, etc.... Tony Danhelka
Love you, Tony and Donna Danhelka
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Saturday, April 15, 2006
Demonstrate Christian Unity
Is your flock ready for unity?
The Brothers and Sisters United for Christ Foundation is looking for churches interested in participating in the
“Family Christian Parade”
The BSUC Foundation is dedicated to the mission of bringing Christian brothers and sisters from various denominations together for the cause of Christ:
Date: Saturday August 5, 2006.
Time: 11 AM to 12:30 PM (Setup at 10:00 AM)
Location: Fullerton and Narragansett going east to Central
Our purpose is to break barriers among Christian denominations through unity, love, and understanding. Join us as we celebrate unity with various churches, bands, and singers. If your interested in more information please contact us at:
The Brothers and Sisters United for Christ Foundation
1237 N. California
Chicago, IL 60622
Phone: 773.292.1919
Fax: 773.292.1914
Web: www.bsucfoundation.org
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Monday, April 10, 2006
Christ Awakening Prayer
Donna Danhelka has informed us of the next prayer for a Christ Awakewning throughout Chicagoland . .
Just thought I'd let you know the time of and probable format for the G8 prayer meeting at Moody Bible Inst. on April 21st...
6:30 to 7:00 ... Prayer Leaders report on prayer in their churches and suggest prayer requests for same
7:00 to 7:30... Praise and Worship... George Mosher
.... G8 Prayer Leaders lead
7:30 to 8:00.... Praying for our G8 Pastors ... Pat Shufford
8:00 to 8:30... Praying for our G8 Churches.... Ray and Dorie Lorden
8:30 to 9:00... Praying for unity in the Body of Christ in Chicago and that the Gospel will reach every nook and cranny of our city... Christy Minger
Love you, Donna Danhelka
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Just thought I'd let you know the time of and probable format for the G8 prayer meeting at Moody Bible Inst. on April 21st...
6:30 to 7:00 ... Prayer Leaders report on prayer in their churches and suggest prayer requests for same
7:00 to 7:30... Praise and Worship... George Mosher
.... G8 Prayer Leaders lead
7:30 to 8:00.... Praying for our G8 Pastors ... Pat Shufford
8:00 to 8:30... Praying for our G8 Churches.... Ray and Dorie Lorden
8:30 to 9:00... Praying for unity in the Body of Christ in Chicago and that the Gospel will reach every nook and cranny of our city... Christy Minger
Love you, Donna Danhelka
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Creative Gifts: Global Conquest is Theme for Karitos 2006
Creative Gifts: Global Conquest is Theme for Karitos 2006
One of America's most unique arts events is coming to the Chicago suburb of Wheaton, IL June 1-3. The Karitos Christian Arts Conference is a celebration of
faith and artdesigned to encourage excellence among Christian artists whether they work in the local church or in the arts and entertainment field. The theme of this year's conference is Creative Gifts: Global Impact.
Karitos features workshops, general sessions and exciting evening celebrations. The evenings feature extravagant worship that incorporates a wide array of artistic disciplines as well as performances by well-know artists. A dance, mime, drama and film showcase, an art gallery and coffeehouse give attendees opportunities to share their talents.
With over 100 workshops in nine separate tracks, Karitos offers something for every artist. Many of the more than forty-plus teachers perform and minister internationally. Dancers Yvonne Peters and Pamela Rutherford-Hardy, actress and film producer Diane Wigstone, Christian music veteran Glenn Kaiser, and Youth With A Mission's Larry Hefty are among this group. Hefty, who has trained musicians and artists in such diverse places as China, India, and Pago Pago, American Samoa, aptly fits the term "Musicianary."
Other noted teachers include Rory Noland, author of the popular book, The Heart of the Artist, visual artists Timothy Botts and Richard Hight, and actor Carl Peters. As an added attraction, a twelve-member team of Native American dancers and drummers under the direction of Terry LeBlanc will be teaching and performing. They are part of a growing movement among Native North American Christians who are reclaiming their culture and using it to glorify God.
Workshops will cover theatre, music, dance, mime, film, worship, writing, visual arts and audio/visual technology. Whether you are part of your church worship, drama or dance ministry, or pursuing a career in the arts, Karitos is not to be missed. For registration, showcase or vendor information, call 847/749-1284 or go to
==>Click headline for more inforation . . .
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Thursday, March 23, 2006
Seminar for Educators & Parents
DISCOVER Your Children's Gifts
A Seminar based on the book by Don and Katie Fortune
Parents and educators will learn how to:
* Recognize children's gifts
* Appreciate each child's uniqueness as a blessing from God
* How you parent depends on your gifts
* Handle conflicts with children effectively
* Understanding potential occupations and ministries for your children
* Find out how they learn
* Develop child's self esteem
* Minister to children with wisdom and insight
Speakers: Dr. Jim Clapper D.C., C.T.G.
Colleen Clapper M.S., C.T.G.
and FAMILY
" It has freed me to develop personally and spiritually as God
intended, has revolutionized my marriage, and has informed my
relationships with our children and other family members. I highly
recommend it!" ~ Rev. C. Greenwald, Dahlonega, GA
FRIDAY, MAY 19 6:00-9:00
SATURDAY, MAY 20 9:00-3:00
Location: Flavors of North America in Geneva, Illinois
Registration fee: 80.00 per person 40.00 for spouse (fee includes ALL materials and catering provided by Panera Bread)
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: May 5
For registration form or questions contact Jim and Colleen Clapper at
(630) 485-8334 or e-mail
blueprint4U@gmail.com
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A Seminar based on the book by Don and Katie Fortune
Parents and educators will learn how to:
* Recognize children's gifts
* Appreciate each child's uniqueness as a blessing from God
* How you parent depends on your gifts
* Handle conflicts with children effectively
* Understanding potential occupations and ministries for your children
* Find out how they learn
* Develop child's self esteem
* Minister to children with wisdom and insight
Speakers: Dr. Jim Clapper D.C., C.T.G.
Colleen Clapper M.S., C.T.G.
and FAMILY
" It has freed me to develop personally and spiritually as God
intended, has revolutionized my marriage, and has informed my
relationships with our children and other family members. I highly
recommend it!" ~ Rev. C. Greenwald, Dahlonega, GA
FRIDAY, MAY 19 6:00-9:00
SATURDAY, MAY 20 9:00-3:00
Location: Flavors of North America in Geneva, Illinois
Registration fee: 80.00 per person 40.00 for spouse (fee includes ALL materials and catering provided by Panera Bread)
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: May 5
For registration form or questions contact Jim and Colleen Clapper at
(630) 485-8334 or e-mail
blueprint4U@gmail.com
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Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Let's Begin Again With Jesus!
Christ Awakening ~ a concert of prayer featuring David Bryant
An Awakening to Christ for ALL that He Is
Sunday, March 26,2006
6:00 pm
The Moody Church
1630 North Clark
Chicago, Illinois 60614
• Discover how a larger vision of Jesus revitalizes Christian discipleship.
• Recover the dynamic power of a hope focused on the supremacy of Christ.
• Confront and cure the greatest hindrance to triumphant Christian living.
• Be equipped to become a “Messenger of Hope” to your family and church.
• Learn how to ignite fresh passion for God’s Son in yourself and others.
• Celebrate your place in the ground- swell toward a national awakening to Christ.
Uniting the Christians of Chicagoland
You are invited to join us for this important Christ Awakening—a concert of prayer led by David Bryant.
God will be honored as we spend a challenging evening in instruction, prayer and worship, uniting our hearts in the presence of God. This is an opportunity for the church of Chicagoland to be the church—standing in the presence of God in
behalf of our churches, our city, our nation and the world.
Together, spanning denominations, race, and economic class, let us lift up the name of Jesus with one accord. Your presence will encourage and bless others.
Date: Sunday March, 26, 2006
Time: 6:00 pm
Location: The Moody Church, 1630 N. Clark, Chicago, IL 60614
Who: All followers of Jesus Christ
Cost: Free!
Parking: Available at Moody Bible Institute’s garage on the corner of Wells Street and Institute Place. Shuttle service will be provided. For more information call: 312-943-0466 ext. 1005.
You are Welcome to Join Us!
The following pastors are a part of the welcoming committee, inviting you to participate in this special occasion:
Rev. Michael Allen, Uptown Baptist Church
Dr. Carlton Arthurs, Wheaton Christian Center
Rev. Scott Chapman, The Chapel
Pr. Jackson Crum, Park Community Church
Pr. Dale Davenport, Hillcrest Baptist Church
Pr. William Gates, Living Faith Church
Rev. Wilfredo de Jesus New Life Covenant Church
Rev. Mark Jobe, New Life Community Church
Pr. Nick Kim, New Life Community Church
Tom Kubiak, South Loop Community Church
Dr. Erwin Lutzer, The Moody Church
Dr. Sajan Mathews, New Life Bible Chapel
Rev. Phil Miglioratti, National Pastors Prayer Network
Pr. Donald Moy, Chinese Christian Union Church
Pr. Phuoc Nguyen, Uptown Baptist Church
Pr. Roy Patterson, New Life Baptist Church
Pr. Don Sharp, Faith Tabernacle Baptist Church
Pr. Jim Shedd, Edgewater Baptist Church
Dr. William Thrasher, author, “Victorous Praying”
Rev. Al Toledo, Chicago Tabernacle
Let’s Begin Again With Jesus!
Together we seek His blessings for Chicagoland
David Bryant is giving leadership to what has been called a “National Campaign of Hope” uniting a coalition of leaders com-
mitted to a spiritual awakening to Christ throughout America.
David has played a widely visible role in the emergence of an unprecedented, worldwide prayer movement.
Many testify, however, that his key contribution to this movement always has been to help set its primary agenda: the hope of a God-given awakeningamong God’s people to the full extent of the supremacy of God’s Son and strategic implications of
this for the renewal and mission of God’s people.
Major goals: to proclaim, to awaken, to empower, and to equip.
*Please note:
On Monday, March 27, in Sankey Auditorium of The Moody Church, David Bryant will be conducting a special Christ Awakening Summit based on his book, titled: Christ is All!!! Let us learn how to unleash a “Campaign of Hope” that can transform our Lives, our Churches and our Region.
Many are saying that this seminar has radically changed their view of Christ and revival. Others have said that their ministries will never be the same again.
If you are a pastor or lay Christian worker, please bring a friend and join us on Monday from 9am until 3pm.
Cost is only $20 which includes lunch and a copy of David Bryant’s book, Christ Is All ($30.00 value).
Complimentary Parking is available.
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One Neighborhood - The Birmingham Strategy
Featured Cities' Conference Call -- Birmingham, AL
Next Tuesday, March 28, our call will feature what God has been and is doing in Birmingham, Alabama. The Church in Birmingham has focused their resources to serve one neighborhood in a holistic manner. Together they are serving the community known as the West End in many ways, including: spiritual revitalization, healthcare, economic empowerment, crime prevention, and technology training. Join us next Tuesday to hear more!
Join us on March 28, at 9:00am (Pacific time). The number to dial is 563-843-7429 (access code: 643706#).
Dennis Fuqua (host) & Phil Miglioratti (co-host)
International Renewal Ministries
5511 SE Hawthorne Blvd., Portland, OR 97215
503.517.1975
===>Click headline to access website . . .
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Anne Graham Lotz Speaks at Salem Baptist Church
Experience A Call to Personal Revival!ANNE GRAHAM LOTZ
Wednesday, March 22 at 7 p.m.
Drawing from her newest book, I Saw The Lord, Anne, the daughter of Billy and Ruth Graham, will challenge you to hear God’s wake-up call for your life!
Doors open at 5 p.m.; prayer begins at 6 p.m. Anne will speak just after 7 p.m.
Attend this free event at
SALEM BAPTIST CHURCH - HOUSE OF HOPE
752 E. 114th Street
Chicago, IL 60628
773-568-8350
===>Click headline to access website . . .
Books available at event. www.ISawTheLord.com
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One Great City postings: subscribe@nppn.org / Subject: OGC Updates
Monday, March 13, 2006
Elgin House of Prayer & School of Worship
A Light, a Compass, and a Hand on the Road of Life
Watch of the Lord~
Each hour, teams of instrumentalists, singers and intercessors seek the Lord in praise and prayer asking God to restore His church and fulfill His promise and give the nations to Jesus as His inheritance. The Watch of the Lord is the centerpiece at Elgin�s House of Prayer. Our goal is to be open 24/7 for any person or group that wants to worship and pray individually or corporately. You are invited to drop in or stay for several hours!
Formats~
Intercession - In this prayer format, we use the prayers of the apostles or prophetic promises to engage in intercession. We use the apostolic prayers to intercede for revival (general outpouring /visitation of the Spirit) on the whole church across the city (region) that the Lord highlights.
Prophetic Worship - This prayer format is designed to facilitate united group participation in worship so that we might receive the ministry of the Holy Spirit in specific ways. Our goal is to reach the highest experience of corporate worship, including ministry times for healing and deliverance.
Worship with the Word - This prayer format is designed to function as a discipleship program that provides mentoring and training in the Word. In other words, to function as a �singing seminary.� The worshipper is trained while on the job. Our desire is to raise up singing theologians or �theologian worship leaders.�
Devotional - This prayer format is designed to provide an anointed atmosphere for individuals to meditate on the Scriptures as they linger long in the presence of God. The worship songs and music style are devotional in focus so that we may sit at the feet of Jesus as Mary of Bethany did.
Weekly Meetings
Quiet Prayer Thursday, 11:00am � 12:00pm
Anna Intercessors Friday, 11:00am � 12:00pm
Monthly Events
Pastor�s Prayer Shield 1st Wednesday 11:00am � 12:00pm
24 Hour Prayer Watch 1st Friday 6:00am � 6:00am
Harp & Bowl Seminar 3rd Saturday 10:00am � 12:30pm
Call for complete schedule
Elgin�s House of Prayer is a ministry of Light & Life Ministries
270 East Chicago Street Elgin, IL (Eagles Nest Building)
847-695-5133
--->Cick headline to access website . . .
•Compass Regional Training Center (CRTC)
School of Worship - Davidic Dance Class begins Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Davidic Dance - Beginner 1, (8 weeks) - School of Worship
Davidic dance is praise and worship dance that combines Israeli folk and contemporary worship music to choreographed dance. Students will be learning basic steps such as the Mayim, Tcherkezi, the Yemenite and dances such as the Hora,Tzadik Katamar, Miserloo, Lo Ahavti Dai, Kibutz, and Baruch Ha Ba.
Instructor: Ann Rothmaler
Location: Light & Life Ministries, 3rd Floor
Day/Time: Tuesday 4:00 – 4:45 pm
CRTC classes are free-will offering based. Students are encouraged (but not required) to contribute finances that will help cover building costs, instructor honorarium, administrative expenses and ministry needs.
Please register at the first class, Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Compass Regional Training Center is a ministry of Light & Life Ministries and is located at 270 E. Chicago Street Elgin, Illinois (at Eagles Nest & Community Worship Center) Light & Life Ministries, 847- 695 - 5133
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STRATEGIC PRAYER- Protect Marriage Illinois
Phil,
Could you please pray for the Protect Marriage Illinois campaign to collect 283,111 signatures by April 20? Our greatest opportunity to date is getting volunteers out on March 21 to gather signatures at the polls.
The following are my prayers for God to do for the Christians and churches of Illinois what only He can do.
1. That God would open our eyes to our responsibilities as citizens.
2. That we would recognize that our voice in government is a stewardship given to us by God.
3. That God would raise up 24,000 volunteers on March 21 to collect signatures.
4. That God would raise an issue in the primary election that would bring record numbers to the polls.
5. That God would give us a beautiful day to bring out the voters.
6. That churches and pastors would stand for the truth of God's word even when it is divisive.
7. That God would restrain the gods of tolerance and unity who prey on Christians' ignorance of, and Churches' compromise of, God's truth.
Thank you, Dan Musick
===>Click headline to access website . . .
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Sunday, March 12, 2006
Impacting Chicagoland for Christ
•Three Nationwide CIty Transformaiton Calls
>You are invited to the cityreaching call next Thursday, March 16th at 10:00 a.m. central time. Our special guest will be Pastor and Author Francis Frangipane whose most recent book is A House United: How Christ-Centered Unity Can End Church Division. Dr. Frangipane will be our keynote speaker at the City Impact Roundtable in Cedar Rapids, Iowa April 3-5. To participate in this call, email info@cityreaching.com requesting the dial in #. ====>Click headline for complete information . . .
•Annual City Impact Roundtable
April 3-5, 2006
The City Impact Roundtable (CIR) is a network of like-minded men and women, working in partnership with City Community Ministries of the Mission America Coalition, committed to bring kingdom leaders together in cities to engage in earnest prayer, collaborate evangelism and social justice. Cityreachers, representing varying streams of a growing paradigm of transformational change, want to see impact of God's kingdom on society that is both measurable and sustainable. ====>Click headline for complete information . . .
•Cityreachers lead the way in internet blogging
Neil Cox, Phil Miglioratti and Joe Walsh are leading the way as cityreaching bloggers. Neil’s http://indychristian.com/ invites us to consider IndyChristian.com as a “Daily Internet Starting-line” Look for a button labeled “How to use this site." You will want to take advantage of their workshop at the CIR in Cedar Rapids. ====>Click headline for complete information . . .
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Thursday, March 09, 2006
Prayer Summit Brings Us Together in Christ
The Chicago Prayer Summit is April, 17-19, 2006! We are looking forward to seeing you there. But first we need you to register. The summit is going to be at St Mary of the Lake Conference Center in Mundelien, IL. Jody and Dan Meyhew will be the facilitators for this summit. Jody has been a facilitator at many of our summits in the past and Dan has facilitated a summit for the Servant Leadership team and many other summits around the country. Below is all of the basic information for the summit. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.
We all hope to see you there.
Adam Shields and the Chicagoland Prayer Summit Servant Leadership Team
______________________________________
The when, where, how, and how much page. Here you will find all the practical info you need concerning the upcoming prayer summit. If you have any further questions, feel free to drop us an email at: info@chicagoprayersummit.org or ===>Click headline to access website . . .
When?
The Prayer Summit is scheduled for Monday, April 17th through Wednesday, April 19st. The summit will end on Wednesday at 8:00 PM.
Where?
The USML Conference Center in Mundelein, IL. Men's and Women's Prayer Summits will run simultaneously in separate locations on the grounds of the Conference Center and will join together periodically for times of prayer and worship. Please note that women and men, including spouses, will sleep in separate locations unless a request for shared space is made.
How Much Does it Cost?
Only $175. This covers lodging, all meals, transportation, and programming costs. Note that all contributions over $175 will fund partial scholarships to pastors and ministry leaders who could not attend without your help.
Registration is due by April 10, 2006. Late registration will be accepted, but for planning purposes please register early. Don't let the cost keep you away; if you need financial assistance, please let us know when you register. We have very limited scholarships this year.
What Should I Bring?
Prayer Summits are informal, and you are encouraged to dress casually. There will be opportunities for you to walk around the grounds, so bring appropriate clothing. Bedding and towels are provided. Bring your bible, personal items, and a heart hungry to seek the Lord.
Food
In order to keep costs low we will only have breakfast and dinner prepared for us. There will be snacks and sandwiches available for lunch. The site is also close enough to go out for a quick lunch some days as the schedule allows. If you have any food restrictions please contact us.
How Do I Get There?
This year we will carpool instead of use a bus. Please contact us if you would like to drive. You are free to drive directly to the summit, but please indicate how you are getting there on the registration page. If you would like help arranging a car pool from a site other than the two designated please email info@chicagoprayersummit.org and we will assist you. Direction to the Summit can be found at the bottom of the page or by going here.
>Designated Car Pool Sites
• North "Park & Ride" Location:
* Carpool leaves at 11:00 AM on Monday
Salvation Army
8354 West Foster (at Cumberland)
Norridge, IL
(708) 456-6220
• South "Park & Ride" Location:
* Carpool leaves at 10:00 AM on Monday
Lorimer Baptist Church
14801 Lincoln Ave
Dolton, IL
(708) 849-1630
Note: please arrive at the car pool locations at least 30 minutes early to check in.
>Directions
•From South/Chicago & O'Hare:
Take I90 East ramp towards Chicago Loop. Merge onto I190 E. Take the I294 North exit. Take I294/I94 W Exit IL 176 (Rockland Road). Turn right onto IL Route 176 to USML. Once on the grounds, follow University Drive. You will come to two forks in the road – bear to your left both times. Continue to "Center Parking". Follow the stairs to the campus buildings – the Conference Center is on your left; the Residence Building (guestrooms) is on your right.
•From North/Milwaukee:
Take I94 East towards Chicago/Indiana. Merge onto I94 East. Take the IL 21 Milwaukee Avenue exit. Turn right onto IL Route 176 to USML. Once on the grounds, follow University Drive. You will come to two forks in the road – bear to your left both times. Continue to "Center Parking". Follow the stairs to the campus buildings – the Conference Center is on your left; the Residence Building (guestrooms) is on your right.
•From Chicago/Midway:
Take the I90 West ramp. Merge onto I90 W/Kennedy Expressway West. Take I90 West/NW Tollway towards Rockford/Milwaukee (I294N). Take I294 North ramp towards Milwaukee. Take I94 West to IL 176 (Rockland Road). Turn right onto IL Route 176 to USML. . Once on the grounds, follow University Drive. You will come to two forks in the road – bear to your left both times. Continue to "Center Parking". Follow the stairs to the campus buildings – the Conference Center is on your left; the Residence Building (guestrooms) is on your right.
•Entrance on Route 45:
Enter the Campus from Route 45 just north of Route 176. Once on the grounds, turn right at the first stop sign. Continue a short distance to "Center Parking". Follow the stairs to the campus buildings – the Conference Center is on your left; the Residence Building (guestrooms) is on your right.
*Receive periodic updates on new One Great City postings: subscribe@nppn.org / Subject: OGC Updates
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Report from First Saturday Meeting in Austin Community
Arloa Sutter, founder and Executive Director of Breakthrough Ministries ====>Click headline to access . . on Chicago’s north side was our speaker/discussion leader this morning. Arloa grew up on a dairy farm in Iowa where her family belonged to a church she describes as “fundamentalist Christian and almost entirely German American.” Many years after coming to Chicago and attending Moody Bible Institute, Arloa discovered her “whiteitis” when she opened a storefront to serve coffee and sandwiches to homeless people who were attending her church. She decided to simply listen to the stories of those who came in. Her typical assumptions about people of color were quickly broken down as she listened to these dear people speak of their journey with God, some having drifted away, some with a deep faith, and still others that did not know the Lord at all. Arloa spoke personally about her journey on the road of recovery from the persistent white/Eurocentric superiority so many of us struggle with, which includes many assumptions about others that we are often not even aware of. She was clear that she is a “work in progress” and that she must continually fight the temptation to fall back to seeing herself as the solution to all the problems around her.
Arloa has been in true communion with people of color since the early 1990’s when Breakthrough Ministries began. During that time she has had many experiences that have given her first hand knowledge of some of what it is like to be black in America. She recalled a time when she was driving a group of black men from an event at Trinity University back to the north side of Chicago. When she saw police lights behind her she automatically assumed that it was probably about her expired registration sticker and she would simply explain the situation and they would be on their way. Instead, she and her friends were told to get against the car with their hands and legs spread apart and it was then that she realized they were being pulled over simply because the car was full of black males. Arloa’s words to us today were backed by significant personal experience and genuine humility and awareness of her own struggles. She gave no sense to the group that she has things “figured out.”
Those of us that could be there this morning were blessed, encouraged, and uplifted by the powerful worship, which was inspired to even greater heights by young Jeremiah, who at eight years old is a worship leader! We are now left with the challenge to take what we experience and learn on the First Saturday of every month with us wherever we go. We must ask how these experiences of being together in this unique and powerful gathering will make a difference in our families, our places of work, our communities, our schools, and in our churches. Let us not take lightly the power of God working through a gathering that brings together Christian disciples from such diverse backgrounds. It is God’s will that this be the norm rather than the exception. Read and be reminded of God’s vision for His Kingdom from the book of Revelation 5: 9-10.
And they sang a new song:
"You are worthy to take the scroll
and to open its seals,
because you were slain,
and with your blood you purchased men for God
from every tribe and language and people and nation.
You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God,
and they will reign on the earth."
To the Glory of God!!
Bob Marsh
323 West Chicago Ave., Hinsdale, IL 60521
630-290-2388
bob@marshdesign.biz
Receive periodic updates on new One Great City postings: subscribe@nppn.org / Subject: OGC Updates
Arloa has been in true communion with people of color since the early 1990’s when Breakthrough Ministries began. During that time she has had many experiences that have given her first hand knowledge of some of what it is like to be black in America. She recalled a time when she was driving a group of black men from an event at Trinity University back to the north side of Chicago. When she saw police lights behind her she automatically assumed that it was probably about her expired registration sticker and she would simply explain the situation and they would be on their way. Instead, she and her friends were told to get against the car with their hands and legs spread apart and it was then that she realized they were being pulled over simply because the car was full of black males. Arloa’s words to us today were backed by significant personal experience and genuine humility and awareness of her own struggles. She gave no sense to the group that she has things “figured out.”
Those of us that could be there this morning were blessed, encouraged, and uplifted by the powerful worship, which was inspired to even greater heights by young Jeremiah, who at eight years old is a worship leader! We are now left with the challenge to take what we experience and learn on the First Saturday of every month with us wherever we go. We must ask how these experiences of being together in this unique and powerful gathering will make a difference in our families, our places of work, our communities, our schools, and in our churches. Let us not take lightly the power of God working through a gathering that brings together Christian disciples from such diverse backgrounds. It is God’s will that this be the norm rather than the exception. Read and be reminded of God’s vision for His Kingdom from the book of Revelation 5: 9-10.
And they sang a new song:
"You are worthy to take the scroll
and to open its seals,
because you were slain,
and with your blood you purchased men for God
from every tribe and language and people and nation.
You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God,
and they will reign on the earth."
To the Glory of God!!
Bob Marsh
323 West Chicago Ave., Hinsdale, IL 60521
630-290-2388
bob@marshdesign.biz
Receive periodic updates on new One Great City postings: subscribe@nppn.org / Subject: OGC Updates
Thursday, March 02, 2006
Unifying Leaders in Chicagoland
The School of the Prophets is an ecumenical group of men and women from many backgrounds who have been meeting together since January 2000. We meet this Saturday March 4, at 7 a.m. at Austin Corinthian Baptist Church at 823 S. Cicero Ave., which is 2 blocks south of the Eisenhower Expressway on the east side of the street next to Marvin’s Soul Food Restaurant.
Our aim is to pursue the unity of believers that Jesus prayed for in John 17:20:“I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”
This Saturday our teaching and devotional time will be led by Arloa Sutter, the founder of Breakthrough Urban Ministries in Chicago. In 1992, Arloa opened a storefront room owned by the First Evangelical Free Church on Chicago’s North Side and began serving coffee and a hot lunch to the street people who were coming to the church for help. The ministry has grown to provide shelter, supportive housing opportunities, employment counseling and recovery treatment for homeless men and women, recreation, academic tutoring and Bible studies for youth, and a street outreach to women in prostitution. Services are concentrated in the Edgewater/Uptown and East Garfield Park neighborhoods of Chicago. Arloa is a graduate of Moody Bible Institute, has a BA in Sociology from Western Illinois University and an MA in Urban Mission from Lincoln Christian Seminary. Breakthrough also has a leadership development program called BUILD (Breakthrough Urban Institute of Leadership Development ===>Click headline to access . . .) which is a transformative adult learning program fostering cross-cultural understanding and urban ministry effectiveness. BUILD brings together small groups of individuals from diverse backgrounds to read books and articles and discuss issues of race, class, justice, urban mission and theology.
We will begin our time together at 7 a.m. with worship and prayer. Please pray with Sister Sutter as she prepares to bring us a word from the Lord. We will allow plenty of time for discussion and questions.
If you can stay, breakfast will be served at around 8:30 a.m. for a cost of $5.
To the glory of God!
Bro. Bob Marsh
323 West Chicago Ave., Hinsdale, IL 60521
630-290-2388
bob@marshdesign.biz
Receive periodic updates on new One Great City postings: subscribe@nppn.org / Subject: OGC Updates
Our aim is to pursue the unity of believers that Jesus prayed for in John 17:20:“I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”
This Saturday our teaching and devotional time will be led by Arloa Sutter, the founder of Breakthrough Urban Ministries in Chicago. In 1992, Arloa opened a storefront room owned by the First Evangelical Free Church on Chicago’s North Side and began serving coffee and a hot lunch to the street people who were coming to the church for help. The ministry has grown to provide shelter, supportive housing opportunities, employment counseling and recovery treatment for homeless men and women, recreation, academic tutoring and Bible studies for youth, and a street outreach to women in prostitution. Services are concentrated in the Edgewater/Uptown and East Garfield Park neighborhoods of Chicago. Arloa is a graduate of Moody Bible Institute, has a BA in Sociology from Western Illinois University and an MA in Urban Mission from Lincoln Christian Seminary. Breakthrough also has a leadership development program called BUILD (Breakthrough Urban Institute of Leadership Development ===>Click headline to access . . .) which is a transformative adult learning program fostering cross-cultural understanding and urban ministry effectiveness. BUILD brings together small groups of individuals from diverse backgrounds to read books and articles and discuss issues of race, class, justice, urban mission and theology.
We will begin our time together at 7 a.m. with worship and prayer. Please pray with Sister Sutter as she prepares to bring us a word from the Lord. We will allow plenty of time for discussion and questions.
If you can stay, breakfast will be served at around 8:30 a.m. for a cost of $5.
To the glory of God!
Bro. Bob Marsh
323 West Chicago Ave., Hinsdale, IL 60521
630-290-2388
bob@marshdesign.biz
Receive periodic updates on new One Great City postings: subscribe@nppn.org / Subject: OGC Updates
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