September In Review

WOW! September flew by so fast we almost didn't get anything posted during the month. Some of this month's highlights include the launch of Small Groups, Awana, Greenhouse, and several outreach opportunities - which will get their own posting.

Awana Launch - September 12th:
Talk about excitement!!!! Awana's first meeting had 119 kids in attendance. Leadership has had to close out two age groups until they get more help. What an amazing start for only our second year. If you're interested in getting involved, contact Commander Dave Hansen.



Quadrant Gatherings - September 14th:
The remnants of Hurricane Ike washed out all our plans for quads cookouts celebrating the end of summer on September 14th. I understand that several of the scheduled locations were completely under water! But don't worry, there will be other opportunities to get together with the people in your area. This is not just a summer thing.


Greenhouse Began September 21st:
Greenhouse is back in session, with a couple of minor changes. Rather than trying to fit all class offerings between the morning services, we're experimenting with a flex schedule. Classes start between 9:00-10:30am. You can pick up a Greenhouse Schedule at the Info Booth which lists current topics, locations and times.

We have also upgraded our coffee service on Sunday mornings. In addition to the flavored syrups, you'll notice donation boxes amid the setup at the kitchen service window. Profits from the coffee donations will go to missions. Grab a cup of coffee on your way to class and help support missions at the same time.

Small Groups Are Starting Now:
We're starting the fall season with 16 small groups and six prayer groups. Leadership hopes to announce more groups throughout the year as new groups are formed. You can pick up a current Small Group list at the Info Booth. And if there is something exciting happening at your group, please email or call the church office and let us know. We'd love to post the news here.

Missionaries in Residence:
The end of September has brought us some familiar faces. Jim & Rita Cmolik will be staying in the Missions House while on sabbatical from Hills & Hollers Ministries. The Cmoliks are part of our family and we're thrilled to have them home with us for a few months.

Not the type of people to sit around doing nothing, Jim & Rita are already starting a small group that begins on Thursday, October 2nd. Jim calls it a "consideration group" that will discuss "The Shack" by William Paul Young. If you've heard about this book, or have already read it, you'll want to attend. (Books will be available through the church.) Since the first portion of the book is a set up for Mack's visit to the shack, discussion will begin with chapter 6. The group will meet at the Mission House at 7:00pm on Thursdays.