Luau Refunds - After service July 20th
We regret having to cancel the annual Luau, but full refunds are being given for the tickets at the Desk near the front door of the Lobby after service. Any unclaimed refunds will be used to offset costs for the September 7th End of Summer/Back to School event.
Summer Serve
The Great Commission ... starts in our own backyard. God gave birth to this church in order to transform thousands of lives--those of our children and young people, our friends, neighbors and co-workers, the homeless, the struggling among us. This church would cease to exist without the commitment of hundreds of dedicated volunteers. If you’ve been thinking about volunteering, but sitting on the sidelines, consider this a personal invitation to “test the waters” this summer. Check out the Summer Serve opportunities below. They’re an easy way to get connected at Willow Chicago while you “let your light shine” on others. Serve as little as once a month. Indicate your interest on the Connect Me tear-off in the program or contact the person listed directly:
• Promiseland—place God in the hearts of our youngest members. Assist with set-up, greet new families, be a classroom helper. Email Beth at bhall@willowcreek.org.
• Impact/Elevate—lead a team helping young people navigate the choppy waters of their middle and high school years (you must be 25 or over for these roles). Attend an informational meeting with Pastor Steve after next Sunday’s service (May 18th) or contact Esther at echae@willowcreek.org
• SEEDS—CD’s and DVD’s of Willow services are a source of inspiration and healing, and very often a first introduction to the hope of Christ--a bit of time before and after the service is all it takes. If you’re always buying messages to share, this is a great spot for you—your first one each week is free. Email Kerry at kpersichitte@willowcreek.org.
• Parking—Just spend time before and after the service at the parking voucher desk and your own parking is free. Email Kerry at kpersichitte@willowcreek.org.
Feed My Starving Children Update – Posted June 30th
GLOBAL CONNECTIONS UPDATE: ZIMBABWE
MANY OF US HAVE HEARD THE TROUBLING REPORTS THAT CONTINUE TO EMINATE FROM ZIMBABWE. ONGOING ECONOMIC COLLAPSE AND THE IMPENDING ELECTION HAS LED TO A SERIES OF UNUSUAL AND DISTURBING ACTIVITIES. SEVERAL HUMANITARIAN ORGANIZATIONS HAVE BEEN HAMPERED IN THEIR ABILITY TO CARRY AID TO THEIR CONSTITUENTS IN RECENT DAYS. A TRUCK CARRYING AID SUPPLIES WAS REPORTED TO HAVE BEEN COMMANDERED BY GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND DISTRIBUTED TO LOCAL SUPPORTERS TO SECURE VOTES.
GLOBAL CONNECTIONS HAS BEEN IN COMMUNICATION WITH FEED MY STARVING CHILDREN AS WE LEARN OF THE ACTIVITIES DISRUPTING AID INTERVENTIONS. AS YOU RECALL, THE 3.62 MILLION MEALS THAT THE WILLOW COMMUNITY PACKED DURING CELEBRATION OF HOPE IS DESTINED FOR ZIMBABWE PARTNERS TO FEED SCHOOL CHILDREN.
HERE IS THE CURRENT PLAN.
THE CONTAINERS LEFT THE U.S. ON JUNE 9TH AND WILL TRAVEL OVER THE OCEAN WITH AN ESTIMATED ARRIVAL IN ZIMBABWE IN EARLY AUGUST. THE PARTNERS WHO WILL RECEIVE THE FOOD TO DELIVER TO THE SCHOOL CHILDREN ARE WORLD VISION AND JOINT AID MANAGEMENT. WORLD VISION HAS OPERATED IN ZIMBABWE SINCE 1975 AND JOINT AID MANAGEMENT IS A SOUTH AFRICAN CHRISTIAN RELIEF AND DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION WITH 23 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN SUB SAHARAN AFRICA. THEY WILL BE THE DECISION MAKERS REGARDING WHEN IT IS PRUDENT TO SEND THE FOOD IN COUNTRY. THE PLAN IS TO MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO GET THE FOOD TO ZIMABAWE AND NOT DIVERT IT TO ANOTHER COUNTRY. THEY MAY DELAY THE SHIPMENT IF DEEMED APPROPRIATE BUT ZIMABAWE IS STILL THE TARGET.
GLOBAL CONNECTIONS FEELS COMFORTABLE WITH THE PLAN AND TRUSTS THE JUDGMENT OF THE EXPERIENCED PARTNERS TO MAKE THE RIGHT CALL. NEVERTHELESS, THESE ARE UNUSUALLY UNSETTLED TIMES NOT ONLY IN ZIMBABWE BUT IN MANY COUNTRIES SUFFERING DUE TO THE FOOD CRISIS THAT IS UPON OUR GLOBE. WE MUST NOT REFRAIN FROM SUPPORTING THIS INITIATIVE IN PRAYER. WE MUST ALSO PRAY FOR THE DESPAIR TO GIVE RISE TO HOPE IN ZIMBAWE WHERE PEOPLE HAVE SUFFERED ECONOMIC COLLAPSE AND HUNGER HAS BECOME A DAILY REALITY FOR SO MANY.
WARREN BEACH
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