Saturday, October 31, 2009

First Friday ~ 24 Hour Prayer

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

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Get a Missional Perspective

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

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

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

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

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Ed Dobson at Christ Church of Oak Brook

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Friday, October 16, 2009

Prayer Training Sessions

Compass Regional Training Center

Fall Classes

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

PASTORS / PRAYER LEADERS MINI CONFERENCE:

“Prayer that Changes Churches and Communities”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Breakout! Chicago 2009

Hey, Everybody!

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

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

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

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

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

--
Dave Treat
Chief Innovation Officer
thinkingsmall.net

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

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

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

Thursday, September 24, 2009

http://www.globalmediaoutreach.com

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

1,000,000 Decisions for Christ. Monthly!

Catalyst - November 19

DATE: Thursday, November 19

TIME: 8:30am

LOCATION: Faith Church, Grayslake
COST: Free!

More Info

Register Online

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS:

Robert Odom
M
ike Breaux

Plus 8 Workshops!

The 'Forum' is a gathering of local pastors, community leaders, and change agents with a common vision to see the Church make a greater Kingdom impact across Chicagoland.

There is NO COST to attend the Forum - it is a leadership gift from the Catalyst Partner Churches of Lake County!

Individually we can make a dent... TOGETHER we can make a difference!

Forward email

y.

Email Marketing by

Thursday, September 17, 2009

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

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

By Michael Ireland
Chief Correspondent, ASSIST News Service

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Impacting Chicagoland with, through, by Prayer

"Raising the Level of Prayer"

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

RAISING THE LEVEL OF PRAYER

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

PRAYER SUMMIT REGISTRATION

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

PRAYER SUMMIT OBJECTIVES

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

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

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

PRAYER SUMMIT ACTIVITIES

§ Applied Teaching

§ Praise and Worship

§ Prayer and Intercession

§ Impartation and Vision-casting

PRAYER SUMMIT SCHEDULE

Wednesday, October 28

Evening Session, 7:00 - 9:30 PM

Thursday and Friday, October 29-30

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

Saturday, October 31

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

PRAYER SUMMIT ACCOMMODATIONS

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

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

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

§ Two-Room Suite—$99.00

PRAYER SUMMIT LOCATION

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

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

FOR MORE INFORMATION

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

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

Tuesday, September 08, 2009

Remembering 9-11

a special event

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

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

Dear Pastor,

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

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

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

May God bless you richly in the days ahead!

Sincerely,

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

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

PSA

Event: CRY OUT AMERICA, Nationwide prayer gathering

When: Friday, September 11, 2009

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

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

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

Cost: None

Presented By: Awakening America Alliance

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

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

###

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

Sunday, August 23, 2009

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

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

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

What will we be doing?

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

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

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

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

6:00 PM All groups return to Riverwoods

6:30 PM Casual Dinner at Riverwoods

7:00 PM 30 Minute Debriefing

Dear Friend,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Aurora Churches Celebrate Jesus

Pastors pray for city-wide reconciliation

Comments

August 17, 2009

By ROWENA VERGARA rvergara@scn1.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Friday, August 14, 2009

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

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

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

	Partner with us to minister in needy neighborhoods

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

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

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

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

Warmly, Jay Curtis

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

630-584-2222 x 206

Chicago Parade for Jesus

Save this Date: Saturday – August 22, 2009

ANNUAL ALL CHURCHES PARADE FOR JESUS/CONVENTION

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

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

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

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

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

Senior Apostle/Prophet Emanuel Dada.

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

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Bless Your Block by Paying for Your Block!

.
Raise a Prayer Flag Above Your Home!

P4YB Logo

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

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

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

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

Monday, August 10, 2009

Cataylst Forum - Save the Date

SAVE THE DATE
Mike Breaux

Thursday, November 19th

8:30am - 12pm

Faith Church, Grayslake

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

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

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

Future Prayer-Care-Share Action?

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

Daily Herald story:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Friday, August 07, 2009

Elgin House of Prayer Healing Sessions

SOZO SATURDAYS ~ Appropriating our freedom in Christ

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

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

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

Sign up today:

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

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

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

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

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

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Planting Farms in the City

Black churches hope farmers markets change eating habits in Chicago 'food desert'
Local farmers and urban growers are asked to sell food at churches
By Manya A. Brachear | Tribune reporterJuly 17, 2009

Faith and food

Brittani Wofford (left) and Gerri Glass plant eggplant with William Pollion (background) and his kids, Lauryn and Joshua, at Avalon Park Community Church.(Tribune photo by Antonio Perez / June 22, 2009)

While farmers markets and garden parties might be associated more with upscale wine-and-cheese communities around Chicago, the wine-and-wafer crowds of North Lawndaleand other neighborhoods are now getting in on the action, but more out of necessity than to be trendy.

This month, several churches on the city's South and West Sides have recruited local farmers and urban growers to peddle their produce at farmers markets, filling what organizers called a void in fresh fruit and vegetables in their communities.

Last week, Trinity United Church of Christ on the Far South Side unveiled a weekly farmers market in their church parking lot. On Saturday, Greater Galilee Missionary Baptist Church in North Lawndale will launch a similar open-air market on the West Side.

Trinity and others have planted seeds for a community garden as well.

Related linksSeeds of change in 'food desert' PhotosRev. Paul Robeson Ford, pastor of Avalon Park Community Church, said he wants the Far South Side neighborhood to "be on the front end of this new green economy." Members of his United Church of Christ congregation recently planted tomatoes, spinach, broccoli and peppers.

"This is an exercise that can help us toward healthy eating. It's an exercise toward self-sustained communities," Ford said.

According to a recent report by theMinnesota-based Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, the churches' efforts are in line with a growing nationwide movement within the faith community to promote wholesome diets and encourage Christians to care for and cultivate the Earth.

The healthy-diet initiative also represents an emerging social justice movement in African-American churches in neighborhoods without major grocery store chains -- areas also known as "food deserts."

Some churches plan to donate their homegrown produce to food pantries and soup kitchens. Others intend to offer the harvest to their congregations with recipes to preserve their African cultural cuisine and health.

Charlayne Guy-Moore, health ministry coordinator at Greater Galilee, recalls shopping at the store near her church after learning her daughter was at risk for diabetes.

Disgusted by the withered greens there, she surveyed church members and found that many of them could not afford natural and organic stores and could not commute to open-air markets.

"As African-Americans and Latinos ... we basically eat what's available to us. That's one of the problems," Guy-Moore said.

Many of the churches involved are in food deserts. Researchers have found residents there tend to buy food at gas stations and convenience stores.

The most recent research by Mari Gallagher, a Chicago-based consultant, showed that more than 600,000 Chicagoans live in food deserts, most of them are African-American, and many are classified as working poor without a car.

Gallagher said supermarkets or healthy alternatives such as farmers markets add years to the lives of residents suffering from cardiovascular and kidney diseases and diabetes.

Access is only part of the problem, said Charles Williams, director of faith, community and governmental partnerships for the University of Illinois at Chicago's Healthy Cities Collaborative. In communities with high incidence of obesity, chronic disease and economic disparities, fostering a craving is crucial. Several markets launched in Englewoodand Bronzeville last year did not do as well as hoped. This year, the Bronzeville market moved to Saturdays from Sundays to lure churchgoers who might be shopping for Sunday dinners and potlucks.

To entice customers, Trinity offered demonstrations in vegetarian and raw-food preparation to illustrate how African-American cuisine can be healthy. At Greater Galilee, a nutritionist will explain the value of cooking with fresh ingredients.

Guy-Moore also hopes to establish a relationship with a community supported agriculture program, which delivers farmers' yields to consumers who purchase a share of seasonal production.

Encouraging merchants to accommodate African-American taste buds is also key. Vendors accustomed to selling bok choy might consider offering cabbage and collard greens instead of cauliflower, red beans instead of chick peas, grits instead of couscous.

Williams said eating right means knowing what to eat and why.

"You can look across faith traditions and find scriptural roots for healthy eating," he said, pointing to dietary commandments in the Bible and Quran. "Pulpits are a powerful place ... for not only meeting the needs of the soul but also meeting the needs of the physical body."

Guy-Moore agreed.

"We're supposed to take care of our brothers," she said. "The whole purpose behind what we're doing is evangelism."

Ford said these churches also have a unique obligation to heal the disparities plaguing the African-American community.

"The black community continues to be disproportionately unemployed and undereducated. Here's an opportunity to be involved in this green economy," Ford said. "It could sustain our people individually."

mbrachear@tribune.com

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