Host: The K/1 Leadership Team
Location: The Glen Beach Lake Adalyn Drive South Barrington, IL 60010 US
When: Sunday, June 7, 12:00PM Add to my Outlook Calendar
Phone: 847-382-1901 (Kim Cogswell)
Who: ALL K/1 Volunteers AND their families are invited to our annual ministry year-end celebration! Enjoy relaxing with your family and mingling with your K/1 Promiseland friends in this park-like setting, complete with sand beach and lake perfect for swimming!
WHAT TO BRING?
- Meat for the grill to feed your family
- Grilling utensils
- an appetizer, salad/side dish, or dessert to share
- large blanket and/or lawn chairs
- swimsuits and towels
- beach toys, lawn games, frisbees, whiffle ball, etc.
WHAT IS PROVIDED?
- a large BBQ grill
- handful of picnic tables
- paper products/ plastic ware
- condiments
- beverages
- volleyball net and ball
Please don't let ANYTHING keep you from coming to what has become a much-anticipated year-end tradition here in K/1. If bringing food or something to share is a problem, just bring yourself. There is always plenty to go around. We are honored to have served together all year and want everyone to feel welcome...whether you served ONCE or ONCE A WEEK!
DIRECTIONS FROM WILLOW: Head west on Mundhank Rd, from Barrington Rd. to the first subdivision on the left (The Glen). Tell the attendant/guard on duty that you are with the Willow Creek Picnic. Continue on from the front gate, bearing left at the fork in the road, and follow to the STOP sign. The Beach will be on your right.
PARKING: Please park just PAST the beach on the right side of the street. Please DO NOT PARK before the beach or in front of the beach, in order not to avoid creating a dangerous traffic congestion problem. Also, please DO NOT PARK ON THE GRASS. Thanks!
Thank you so much for serving so faithfully this year in K/1. We couldn't have done it without you, and we're trusting that you were blessed as much as you were a blessing to so many others. We're looking forward to celebrating another great year in Promiseland year with you. Hope you can come!
In appreciation,
The K/1 Leadership Team - 5:30, 9, and 11:15
P.S. RAIN DATE: June 14, same time, same place
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Creating a 100-percent Family
Check out this article writen by Frank Davis, small group leader, gr 1 at 1115. Topic: a family model for giving.
http://lakecountyjournal.com/articles/2009/05/06/49578613/
http://lakecountyjournal.com/articles/2009/05/06/49578613/
Thursday, May 14, 2009
End of the Year Gathering!
The Promiseland team would like to invite you to join us on May 30th for an end of the year Promiseland gathering. We will meet in the Lakeside auditorium from 830-1130. During this time together we will hear the vision and direction for the next ministry year as well as to take part in an eye opening experience that pertains to all who influence the next generation. That's you!
A light breakfast will be included. So come hungry.
See you there!
A light breakfast will be included. So come hungry.
See you there!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Please Pray For Liz!
Liz Abfall served in the Kindergarten room, last year as a 1-on-1 with Jared, a little guy with autism. This year this Liz is serving kids in another way. She is headed to Africa to live in a small farming town called Mpigi. She will live in an orphanage and serve the kids and families in that community. Liz arrived in Africa on Monday and it's been on my heart to pray for her. As I was thinking of her today, I wondered if you would pray for her as well. Check out Liz's story and follow her adventure at:
http://lizisinafricaagain.blogspot.com
http://lizisinafricaagain.blogspot.com
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Children can get involved in the giving process
Check out this newspaper article by our own Frank Davis, small group leader in the 1st grade room at 1115. In this article he offers tips and suggestions about how to involve kids in the giving process.
This article comes at a perfect time since we will begin the Promiseland wide change collecting campaign for clean water in Africa, this weekend. The project is entitled Change to Make a Change and will go through June 6-7.
Enjoy the article.
http://www.lakecountyjournals.com/articles/2009/04/01/70929896/
This article comes at a perfect time since we will begin the Promiseland wide change collecting campaign for clean water in Africa, this weekend. The project is entitled Change to Make a Change and will go through June 6-7.
Enjoy the article.
http://www.lakecountyjournals.com/articles/2009/04/01/70929896/
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Salvation Weekend Kid Stories
Here are a few stories from Salvation Weekend in K.1 Promiseland. I am sure there are many more stories,not listed here, that have yet to be told. Enjoy having a birds-eye view of God's transforming work in the lives of kindergartners, first graders, parents and leaders.
• Kaylie came to me during activity stations and said that she became friends with Jesus last year…when she was 5. She asked if she could explain it to the others. So during small group time while the kids were coloring I asked her to share her story and she did. It was wonderful. 3 of my 7 prayed the prayer tonight. The other 4 said they had prayed it before.
• Charis Joy Franks got it! She admitted, believed and chose. As a Dad it was tremendous to have the help and opportunity to bring our conversations to a head. Thanks, PL!
• 3 kids today finally understood and grasped the story of Jesus dying on the cross for their sins.
• 4 Children put their hands in Daryl and I’s and they chose Jesus!
• A boy in my group said that he saw heaven when he was a baby.
• My kids that prayed today, prayed outloud and with confidence.
• I was pleasantly surprised at how many kids choose Jesus as their forever friend.
• Half of my group already knows Jesus
• One of my kids knew the Bible verse (John 3:16) word for word
• Emma accepted Jesus as her forever friend. Emma was brought to tears by her decision.
• One girl kept saying, “God is my forever friend now!”
• My daughter accepted Christ!
• 3 of my kids prayed the prayer.
• All my kids prayed to be God’s forever friend today!
• Kaylie came to me during activity stations and said that she became friends with Jesus last year…when she was 5. She asked if she could explain it to the others. So during small group time while the kids were coloring I asked her to share her story and she did. It was wonderful. 3 of my 7 prayed the prayer tonight. The other 4 said they had prayed it before.
• Charis Joy Franks got it! She admitted, believed and chose. As a Dad it was tremendous to have the help and opportunity to bring our conversations to a head. Thanks, PL!
• 3 kids today finally understood and grasped the story of Jesus dying on the cross for their sins.
• 4 Children put their hands in Daryl and I’s and they chose Jesus!
• A boy in my group said that he saw heaven when he was a baby.
• My kids that prayed today, prayed outloud and with confidence.
• I was pleasantly surprised at how many kids choose Jesus as their forever friend.
• Half of my group already knows Jesus
• One of my kids knew the Bible verse (John 3:16) word for word
• Emma accepted Jesus as her forever friend. Emma was brought to tears by her decision.
• One girl kept saying, “God is my forever friend now!”
• My daughter accepted Christ!
• 3 of my kids prayed the prayer.
• All my kids prayed to be God’s forever friend today!
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
The Service is Online
If you haven't already checked it out, the weekend service is online.
Go to www.willowcreek.org. Then click Growth, Groups & Classes. Then on the right hand side of the page is "Watch Weekend Messages". OR you can insert this link.
http://www.willowcreek.org/MiniSite/story.asp?storyid=3
Go to www.willowcreek.org. Then click Growth, Groups & Classes. Then on the right hand side of the page is "Watch Weekend Messages". OR you can insert this link.
http://www.willowcreek.org/MiniSite/story.asp?storyid=3
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
My Kid-Sized Salvation Story
by Liz Virta
When I was little I went to a school where we went to church every day - yes - every day. Well, I learned in my head that God was awesome but when I started coming here to big church and Promiseland I started learning all these great stories about how God loved us so much that he sent his son Jesus down here to save us. Would you believe that I learned a lot from Promiseland stories, like the ones Mr. Jeff teaches us? It stuck with me that Jesus died for me - really for me! He went from being in just my head but then also in my heart and I knew he would truly be my forever friend.
Being Friends with Jesus is so cool, I know that he is always with me and if I do something wrong and I tell him how sorry I am and that I love him.... he will forgive me. Being friends with Jesus is what brought me to Promiseland. Now I get to be friends with all of you - how awesome is that!
by Liz Virta
When I was little I went to a school where we went to church every day - yes - every day. Well, I learned in my head that God was awesome but when I started coming here to big church and Promiseland I started learning all these great stories about how God loved us so much that he sent his son Jesus down here to save us. Would you believe that I learned a lot from Promiseland stories, like the ones Mr. Jeff teaches us? It stuck with me that Jesus died for me - really for me! He went from being in just my head but then also in my heart and I knew he would truly be my forever friend.
Being Friends with Jesus is so cool, I know that he is always with me and if I do something wrong and I tell him how sorry I am and that I love him.... he will forgive me. Being friends with Jesus is what brought me to Promiseland. Now I get to be friends with all of you - how awesome is that!
Thursday, April 2, 2009
K1 Podcast #3 - I'm Lost
Find a map and join Mr. Jeff as he is lost and finds direction from a very familiar face (or voice, in this case). With Salvation Weekend coming April 18/19 weekend, we'll receive direction on how we can take our own salvation story and put it in a concise and child friendly way. This is a great source to help you understand the basics of developing your story of becoming a Christian to be able to share with our Promiseland friends.
For those folks who are less computer savvy, a podcast is an audio track that you listen to online, without a cd. To listen, simply hit the play button below. This podcast is around 10 minutes long.
Download mp3 file (right-click and "save as")
For those folks who are less computer savvy, a podcast is an audio track that you listen to online, without a cd. To listen, simply hit the play button below. This podcast is around 10 minutes long.
Download mp3 file (right-click and "save as")
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Service at 700
Hey Team-
Just a reminder that the service will be re-broadcast at 700 (or so) in room 173 (right across from the kindergarten room) every Saturday night. Please join other PML volunteers for worship and teaching.
See you there!
Erin
Just a reminder that the service will be re-broadcast at 700 (or so) in room 173 (right across from the kindergarten room) every Saturday night. Please join other PML volunteers for worship and teaching.
See you there!
Erin
Salvation Weekend—Fine Tune Your Story
Salvation weekend is on April 18/19. In order to fully equip you for this weekend we will spend the next 3 weeks looking at ways we can be fully prepared to engage our kids & families in the salvation message. Thanks in advance for your diligence in participating in all 5 weeks of material. Because children understand life differently than adults, take some time this week to re-examine your story while considering these key questions:
BC – Is this a condition/lifestyle that a child can relate to? Could it cause pain or distraction? Will a child be able to leave it in your past and not judge you? If no, then simplify, reword or delete.
Your Conversion - Is it clear that I took some action when I accepted Christ? Is what I did understandable and applicable to a child? If no, then reword.
AD – Is the change or impact Christ has made on me simple to understand? If no, reword
Salvation weekend is on April 18/19. In order to fully equip you for this weekend we will spend the next 3 weeks looking at ways we can be fully prepared to engage our kids & families in the salvation message. Thanks in advance for your diligence in participating in all 5 weeks of material. Because children understand life differently than adults, take some time this week to re-examine your story while considering these key questions:
BC – Is this a condition/lifestyle that a child can relate to? Could it cause pain or distraction? Will a child be able to leave it in your past and not judge you? If no, then simplify, reword or delete.
Your Conversion - Is it clear that I took some action when I accepted Christ? Is what I did understandable and applicable to a child? If no, then reword.
AD – Is the change or impact Christ has made on me simple to understand? If no, reword
Friday, March 20, 2009
Skill of the Month
Salvation Weekend - Developing Your Story
Salvation weekend is on April 18/19. In order to fully equip you for this weekend we will spend the next 4 weeks looking at ways we can be fully prepared to engage our kids & families in the salvation message. Thanks in advance for your diligence in participating in all 5 weeks of material. This week take some time to write out your salvation story.
Step 1 – Organize Your Story
For ease of memory and to assure clarity, outline your story based on three distinct periods of time in your spiritual life:
BC - Before becoming a Christian
Your Conversion - The point in time you became a Christian
AD - Your life after becoming a Christian
Step 2 – Write Your Story
On a piece of paper make 3 boxes. Label them BC, +, and AD. Write key words or phrases in response to these questions. Keep it brief.
Salvation Weekend - Developing Your Story
Salvation weekend is on April 18/19. In order to fully equip you for this weekend we will spend the next 4 weeks looking at ways we can be fully prepared to engage our kids & families in the salvation message. Thanks in advance for your diligence in participating in all 5 weeks of material. This week take some time to write out your salvation story.
Step 1 – Organize Your Story
For ease of memory and to assure clarity, outline your story based on three distinct periods of time in your spiritual life:
BC - Before becoming a Christian
Your Conversion - The point in time you became a Christian
AD - Your life after becoming a Christian
Step 2 – Write Your Story
On a piece of paper make 3 boxes. Label them BC, +, and AD. Write key words or phrases in response to these questions. Keep it brief.
Skill of the Month
A Focus on Salvation Weekend
Salvation weekend is on April 18/19th. In order to fully equip you for this weekend we will spend the next 5 weeks looking at ways we can be fully prepared to engage our kids & families in the salvation message. Thanks in advance for your diligence in participating in all 5 weeks of material.
Tips on Telling Your Story with Kids
Be Prepared – write out, read and practice telling your story.
Be Basic – use stories kids can relate to, concrete terms, and
language kids will understand.
Be Brief – children have a limited attention span.
Be Truthful – but avoid inappropriate descriptions of your sins,
single details can be distracting.
Be Joyful – you’re sharing the most incredible event of your life!
Pray & Listen to the Holy Spirit – He is the one doing the work in the heart of each child.
A Focus on Salvation Weekend
Salvation weekend is on April 18/19th. In order to fully equip you for this weekend we will spend the next 5 weeks looking at ways we can be fully prepared to engage our kids & families in the salvation message. Thanks in advance for your diligence in participating in all 5 weeks of material.
Tips on Telling Your Story with Kids
Be Prepared – write out, read and practice telling your story.
Be Basic – use stories kids can relate to, concrete terms, and
language kids will understand.
Be Brief – children have a limited attention span.
Be Truthful – but avoid inappropriate descriptions of your sins,
single details can be distracting.
Be Joyful – you’re sharing the most incredible event of your life!
Pray & Listen to the Holy Spirit – He is the one doing the work in the heart of each child.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Important Dates: Mark your calendars!
June 6 – June 7
Small Group Celebration and the last day of the Ministry Season
June 13 - June14
Summer Serve Starts
August 22 – August 23
First Day of New Ministry Season
September 12 – September 13 Move Up Weekend
K/1 kids will not move to their new grade levels until Sept. This will be for all grade levels, EXCEPT grade 5 (They will move up to Elevate at the end of May)
Small Group Celebration and the last day of the Ministry Season
June 13 - June14
Summer Serve Starts
August 22 – August 23
First Day of New Ministry Season
September 12 – September 13 Move Up Weekend
K/1 kids will not move to their new grade levels until Sept. This will be for all grade levels, EXCEPT grade 5 (They will move up to Elevate at the end of May)
Friday, February 20, 2009
K1 Podcast #2 – Road Service
Sit back and relax as you listen to our second K1 podcast. On this edition, Mr. Jeff runs into K1 11:15 coach Liz and SG leader Mary Jo (who also has been known to teach from time-to-time). Join them as they share what serving in K1 is all about and how it has impacted their lives. As you listen, reflect on your serving opportunity in K1 and how God is leading you through your serving journey.
For those of you computer savvy people, you know just what I am talking about. For those folks who are less computer savvy, a podcast is an audio track that you listen to online, without a cd. To listen, simply hit the play button below. This podcast is around 7 ½ minutes long.
Download mp3 file (right-click and "save as")
For those of you computer savvy people, you know just what I am talking about. For those folks who are less computer savvy, a podcast is an audio track that you listen to online, without a cd. To listen, simply hit the play button below. This podcast is around 7 ½ minutes long.
Download mp3 file (right-click and "save as")
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Susan Shadid (and guests) at Your Service!
Hey There Wonderful K/1 Leaders,
You continue to amaze me when I am in your room listening and watching. Your faithfulness and dedication to intentionally engage and learn more about your Awesome Audience – Kdg./1st graders is obvious. Your spirit of openness and hospitality helps create a safe place emotionally, physically, and intellectually – which is one of the first things that your small group needs to experience.
One of my roles, along with Erin and Jeff, is to serve the K/1 team - YOU! We all have different strengths as well as areas where we want to grow .My focus will be on helping each one of you become “Fully Equipped” for your role as a leader in K/1 Promiseland. There are many ways to do that, one of which you have suggested: on-line training. We are finally moving in that direction, starting with this interactive K/1 blog.
So here’s how it will work:
1. Think about your personal skills as a leader and ask yourself the question, “I could be a better leader if I knew how to _________ ? Or, perhaps a situation arose as you were leading your small group and you really didn’t feel you handled it well. You would love to get some advice/input/suggestions so you can do better next time.
2. On this blog sight-in the comments section-write out your question.
3. We will then begin an open dialogue of suggestions that you might want to try to help you grow in your leadership skills as you engage with each kid in your small group.
4. If something works, share it with others on this sight. Rarely does one method work for everyone.
5. From time to time we may invite guests in to give their ideas, too.
Some things to remember before writing your question:
1. All questions are valid. If you are wondering about a certain issue – most likely 50% of other leaders are also asking the same question.
2. Note: We can never change the behavior of another person, the only behavior we can be sure of changing is our own. So as you word the question, try stating it in such a way that will help you as a leader vs. trying to change the behavior of the child.
Looking forward to this wonderful conversation that we can all have together.
The first 3 people who engage and post their questions or comments will receive a gift certificate from Dr. B’s.
Welcome ABOARD to this AWESOME K/1 Learning Community!
Susan Shadid and….
You continue to amaze me when I am in your room listening and watching. Your faithfulness and dedication to intentionally engage and learn more about your Awesome Audience – Kdg./1st graders is obvious. Your spirit of openness and hospitality helps create a safe place emotionally, physically, and intellectually – which is one of the first things that your small group needs to experience.
One of my roles, along with Erin and Jeff, is to serve the K/1 team - YOU! We all have different strengths as well as areas where we want to grow .My focus will be on helping each one of you become “Fully Equipped” for your role as a leader in K/1 Promiseland. There are many ways to do that, one of which you have suggested: on-line training. We are finally moving in that direction, starting with this interactive K/1 blog.
So here’s how it will work:
1. Think about your personal skills as a leader and ask yourself the question, “I could be a better leader if I knew how to _________ ? Or, perhaps a situation arose as you were leading your small group and you really didn’t feel you handled it well. You would love to get some advice/input/suggestions so you can do better next time.
2. On this blog sight-in the comments section-write out your question.
3. We will then begin an open dialogue of suggestions that you might want to try to help you grow in your leadership skills as you engage with each kid in your small group.
4. If something works, share it with others on this sight. Rarely does one method work for everyone.
5. From time to time we may invite guests in to give their ideas, too.
Some things to remember before writing your question:
1. All questions are valid. If you are wondering about a certain issue – most likely 50% of other leaders are also asking the same question.
2. Note: We can never change the behavior of another person, the only behavior we can be sure of changing is our own. So as you word the question, try stating it in such a way that will help you as a leader vs. trying to change the behavior of the child.
Looking forward to this wonderful conversation that we can all have together.
The first 3 people who engage and post their questions or comments will receive a gift certificate from Dr. B’s.
Welcome ABOARD to this AWESOME K/1 Learning Community!
Susan Shadid and….
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
I Want to Ask You a Favor
Please take, literally, 1 minute to read the following article from Today's Children's Ministry. The article is written by Erin Staal (anyone remember that name?) age 11.
http://www.christianitytoday.com/childrensministry/servingfamilies/iwanttoaskyouafavor.html
Enjoy!
http://www.christianitytoday.com/childrensministry/servingfamilies/iwanttoaskyouafavor.html
Enjoy!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Join us on Feb 7th & 8th!
Small Group Volunteers,
You’re invited to...
Unraveling the Mysteries of a Kindergartner and First Grader
YOUR MISSION, SHOULD YOU CHOOSE TO ACCEPT IT
IS TO ATTEND THIS 40 MINUTE BRIEFING.
WHEN February 7/8, 2009
WHERE Room 176 (1st Grade Room)
TIME Saturday 4:00-4:40 p.m.
Sunday 1:15-2:00 p.m.
RSVP Erin Dutter at 224 512-1290 or
edutter@willowcreek.org and/or
sign up on weekends
When you confirm your attendance, you will receive a mystery package that contains clues related to the mission. You may open the contents of the package ONLY when away from Willow property - in the privacy of your own car or home. Otherwise it will self-destruct. Your task is to explore all the clues in the package to begin unraveling the mysteries.
P.S. Bring your Promiseland Lanyard
You’re invited to...
Unraveling the Mysteries of a Kindergartner and First Grader
YOUR MISSION, SHOULD YOU CHOOSE TO ACCEPT IT
IS TO ATTEND THIS 40 MINUTE BRIEFING.
WHEN February 7/8, 2009
WHERE Room 176 (1st Grade Room)
TIME Saturday 4:00-4:40 p.m.
Sunday 1:15-2:00 p.m.
RSVP Erin Dutter at 224 512-1290 or
edutter@willowcreek.org and/or
sign up on weekends
When you confirm your attendance, you will receive a mystery package that contains clues related to the mission. You may open the contents of the package ONLY when away from Willow property - in the privacy of your own car or home. Otherwise it will self-destruct. Your task is to explore all the clues in the package to begin unraveling the mysteries.
P.S. Bring your Promiseland Lanyard
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Raitz Family donation update
Below is the newest update on ways to support the Raitz Family. Both Jason and Tracie are on staff here at Willow. Bobby, their 2nd child, is a 1st grader who attends the 1115 service in Promiseland.
Thank you to everyone's tremendous generosity with the Raitz family. The Raitz family has been innodated with the wonderful request of "How can we help you." They were encouraged by their friends to put together a list. Since the Raitz family is starting over, it makes sense that they've registered at Target. If you're interested in getting something for them off of
Here's the info for the Target stuff...
- www.target.com
- Gift Registries
- Target List (on the far right)
- Type in "Jason Raitz" for first and last name
- Go-a-shoppin'
- When you are ready to ship just make sure you click his new address, already in there and ready to go
If you are interested in donating to their fund, please make checks out to "Jason & Tracie Raitz Fund". Deposits can be made by mailing, and dropping them off to the
address below:
Jason & Tracie Raitz Fund
c/o Harris Bank/Jessica Smith
1680 W. Algonquin Road
Hoffman Estates, IL 60192
(847) 756 5760
Or wire money to:
Routing #: 071025661
Account #: 4804010483
Again, thank you all for being the hands of Christ to the Raitz family!
Thank you to everyone's tremendous generosity with the Raitz family. The Raitz family has been innodated with the wonderful request of "How can we help you." They were encouraged by their friends to put together a list. Since the Raitz family is starting over, it makes sense that they've registered at Target. If you're interested in getting something for them off of
Here's the info for the Target stuff...
- www.target.com
- Gift Registries
- Target List (on the far right)
- Type in "Jason Raitz" for first and last name
- Go-a-shoppin'
- When you are ready to ship just make sure you click his new address, already in there and ready to go
If you are interested in donating to their fund, please make checks out to "Jason & Tracie Raitz Fund". Deposits can be made by mailing, and dropping them off to the
address below:
Jason & Tracie Raitz Fund
c/o Harris Bank/Jessica Smith
1680 W. Algonquin Road
Hoffman Estates, IL 60192
(847) 756 5760
Or wire money to:
Routing #: 071025661
Account #: 4804010483
Again, thank you all for being the hands of Christ to the Raitz family!
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Please pray for the Raitz Family. They are a Willow family, and have a son in 1st grade at 1115. Jason is on staff in Elevate and Tracie in Promisetowne. Here is a piece of their story. If you are interested in serving this family in anyway, please let me know.
If you haven't heard, on Thursday afternoon a fire started in our garage and took off through the rest of the house. The left side of our house is pretty gutted and the right side is covered in black soot and water from the fire department. The basement filled with 8 inches of water and everything got drenched and then froze in the sub artic temperatures.
I just feel so blessed that no one was hurt. My brother was home at the time and as he was coming down from the upstairs shower he immediately noticed the smoke filing the house. He searched all over and finally looked in the garage where a wall of flames singed the hair off his arms and some off his head. Heroicly he ran to the kitchen sick and filled a container of water to throw on the fire. That didnt' work, so he ran into the garage and started to beat the fire with a rake and it fell a part in his hands. The garage door started to melt and he ran outside in only track pants. After he was outside he realized our family dog, brownie--the sweetest chcoc. lab, wasn't there, he ran back in to get her.
No shoes and no shirt in -10 degree weather. He was outside on the snow & ice for about an half hour before the police got him in the back of their car. He ran out of the house and he called the fire department and he called me. I was in a meeting and didn't pick up at first. Then he called right back. That's our signal if we really need to talk to each other. He was hysterical. I couldn't understand and he sounded horrible. I started to hear him yelling fire, and I immediately grabbed my coat and ran to my car. As I left the church parking lot I could see a tower of smoke coming from our neighborhood. We are so blessed to rent a house in a neighborhood right next to the church. This house has been the most incredible home for us this past year and a half.
As I turned the corner, I was just praying he was ok. As I arrived, it looked like a movie set. The flames were pouring out of the garage and the first & second floor bathroom windows. The fire fighters were spraying water on the fire from the sidewalk, a good 15 feet away. I saw vinyl siding melting and the garage door was already gone. I heard glass breaking because the fire fighters had to break out all the windows.
I saw a neighbor with our dog and I ran to her. She was covered in soot and I put her in the back of my car. Then I ran to the house. I was immediately detained by a police officer and taken to the back of his car. Not a comfortable place, but my brother was there.
He was screaming and crying and going hysterical. He wanted out, he wanted to help with the fire. I remember grabbing him and yelling. Your ok, that's all that matters. He just screamed the house, the stuff. I grabbed him again and said...I love you, you are all that matters. Before we started talking, he had accidentally called my mom's cell phone and when she answered she could just hear him screaming and me trying to calm him down. Imagine the worry of a mother hearing that from her sons and being 6 hours away in Detroit.
The fire cheif (who was incredible) came to me and made sure that no one else was in the house. For some reason I asked if they could retrieve Zack & Madie's medical formula from the front hall closet. Zach & Madie have a PKU ( a genetic disorder) and they need that formual to live. The fire cheif had a fire fighter run and they were able to get all the cans. So blessed!
At that moment Scott & Chris found me. They had (as wel as all my other co-workers) had followed me as they saw me running out of the church. Scott & Chris took care of brownie and immediatley starting helping me sort through everything. I had to meet with the fire inspector and I had to call insurance companies.
I then asked Scott to go get Tracie from work. She works at church in the daycare. He raced to church and went right to Tracie. He firmly said that she needed to come with him. She looked really puzzled and he pulled her aside and told her and she grabbed her coat. I saw them pull up and I will never forget seeing her face when she first saw the house.
I didn't have our renters insurance phone number, and I had remembered that I got it through Geico, and I had that number in my phone. I called them and was put on hold. They really need to have an emergency number! Once I got through to the insurance company I got the needed information I needed because the house would need to be boared up after the fire fighters were done with it.
They took my brother to the hospital. As they did that, a neighbor who we weren't really close with, opened the door to the fire inspectors truck that Tracie and I were in and put money and her phone number in Tracie's pocket and just kept saying...whatever you need. She was also the one who brought my brother shoes and socks and a jacket when we were in the back of the police car.
We needed a place to talk and deal with the flood of phone calls so we went to her house 3 doors down. It was there that Scott found out that her husband is the director of the ER that they took my brother to and he immediately called and made sure they took great care of him. They had 2 doctors and a team of nurses waiting. His feet were look at for frostbite, he was given oxygen and treated for second degree burns on his back and arms. In my mind he is a hero. He tried to put it out, he called the fire department right away and he saved our dog.
At about 930pm we were allowed to enter and I will never forget it. I can't even describe it. Awful. The dad side of me was the most hit as I saw my kids stuff either destroyed by water or fire.
The whole time, Scott...my boss and friend, was at my side. He didn't leave...actually he didn't till Saturday afternoon and we joked it would be weird not to be glued to each other. My parents drove in Friday and my mom called in tears on TH night because our local newspaper ran a story about the house and included pictures. And when she saw them she broke down.
Right now we are living in Scott's family basement and the care and love and support from our church community has been overwhelming. The people I work with have organized themselves in teams. A Clothing team, a furniture team, a gift card team, a money donation team. Scott's family is amazing and we are so thankful for them. Robin, Courney, Leah, Melissa, Chris, Matt, Brandon, Tersea, Nick, Pam and so many others have been so wonderful. It's really hard to think about all the help we are receiving, especially since I don't do a great job asking for it.
That night I called my prayer partner Dave Kurt and I wanted to get him praying. Dave is a guy who lives what he believes and he started praying. He right away started organizing friends and family and really so many people that I don't know who wanted to help us. He set up a facebook page..."People who want to help the Raitz family". And he has been so incredible...texting me scripture and of course the occasional joke. I love him.
Friday morning was really hard because I walked Tracie through the house. It was really emotional and it was hard seeing her process looking at little baby shoes melted to the counter, and the kids projects destroyed and the baby crib covered in soot.
We took our kids through on Saturday and that was hard. Our 4 year was very afraid and didn't go in, our 6 year boy kind of though it was cool...I mean...seeeing a microwave melted doesn't happen all that often...and our 8 year girl cried the whole time. We were able to save her doll morgan...this doll has been with us for 8 years. We gave her a few baths and she still only sort of smells like smoke.
My 6 year boy...who is the most tender little guy, upon arriving at the house, his first thoughts were for our neighbors...he wanted to make sure they were ok. And then he wanted to make that the gentlemen who we rent from would be ok.
I rent the house from a guy who is currently out of the country. His parents came to the fire that night and met with me on Friday morning and assured me that they care most of about my family and wanted us to know they would help in any way. It was so encouraging.
I am just overwhelmed by our church community and our community across the country as well. The emails, cards, texts, phone calls have all been so enouraging. It's so hard to get handed a card with money or gift cards or a bag of clothes, but we have nothing nad it helps so much.
If you would like to pray for us...please pray for a home in the same neighborhood. We would like the kids to be able to stay on the same bus and have a sense of normalcy. Pray for my brother. Pray for rest for all the people taking such great care of us.
Thanks
Jason, Tracie, Rebekah, Robert, Zachary, Madison
If you haven't heard, on Thursday afternoon a fire started in our garage and took off through the rest of the house. The left side of our house is pretty gutted and the right side is covered in black soot and water from the fire department. The basement filled with 8 inches of water and everything got drenched and then froze in the sub artic temperatures.
I just feel so blessed that no one was hurt. My brother was home at the time and as he was coming down from the upstairs shower he immediately noticed the smoke filing the house. He searched all over and finally looked in the garage where a wall of flames singed the hair off his arms and some off his head. Heroicly he ran to the kitchen sick and filled a container of water to throw on the fire. That didnt' work, so he ran into the garage and started to beat the fire with a rake and it fell a part in his hands. The garage door started to melt and he ran outside in only track pants. After he was outside he realized our family dog, brownie--the sweetest chcoc. lab, wasn't there, he ran back in to get her.
No shoes and no shirt in -10 degree weather. He was outside on the snow & ice for about an half hour before the police got him in the back of their car. He ran out of the house and he called the fire department and he called me. I was in a meeting and didn't pick up at first. Then he called right back. That's our signal if we really need to talk to each other. He was hysterical. I couldn't understand and he sounded horrible. I started to hear him yelling fire, and I immediately grabbed my coat and ran to my car. As I left the church parking lot I could see a tower of smoke coming from our neighborhood. We are so blessed to rent a house in a neighborhood right next to the church. This house has been the most incredible home for us this past year and a half.
As I turned the corner, I was just praying he was ok. As I arrived, it looked like a movie set. The flames were pouring out of the garage and the first & second floor bathroom windows. The fire fighters were spraying water on the fire from the sidewalk, a good 15 feet away. I saw vinyl siding melting and the garage door was already gone. I heard glass breaking because the fire fighters had to break out all the windows.
I saw a neighbor with our dog and I ran to her. She was covered in soot and I put her in the back of my car. Then I ran to the house. I was immediately detained by a police officer and taken to the back of his car. Not a comfortable place, but my brother was there.
He was screaming and crying and going hysterical. He wanted out, he wanted to help with the fire. I remember grabbing him and yelling. Your ok, that's all that matters. He just screamed the house, the stuff. I grabbed him again and said...I love you, you are all that matters. Before we started talking, he had accidentally called my mom's cell phone and when she answered she could just hear him screaming and me trying to calm him down. Imagine the worry of a mother hearing that from her sons and being 6 hours away in Detroit.
The fire cheif (who was incredible) came to me and made sure that no one else was in the house. For some reason I asked if they could retrieve Zack & Madie's medical formula from the front hall closet. Zach & Madie have a PKU ( a genetic disorder) and they need that formual to live. The fire cheif had a fire fighter run and they were able to get all the cans. So blessed!
At that moment Scott & Chris found me. They had (as wel as all my other co-workers) had followed me as they saw me running out of the church. Scott & Chris took care of brownie and immediatley starting helping me sort through everything. I had to meet with the fire inspector and I had to call insurance companies.
I then asked Scott to go get Tracie from work. She works at church in the daycare. He raced to church and went right to Tracie. He firmly said that she needed to come with him. She looked really puzzled and he pulled her aside and told her and she grabbed her coat. I saw them pull up and I will never forget seeing her face when she first saw the house.
I didn't have our renters insurance phone number, and I had remembered that I got it through Geico, and I had that number in my phone. I called them and was put on hold. They really need to have an emergency number! Once I got through to the insurance company I got the needed information I needed because the house would need to be boared up after the fire fighters were done with it.
They took my brother to the hospital. As they did that, a neighbor who we weren't really close with, opened the door to the fire inspectors truck that Tracie and I were in and put money and her phone number in Tracie's pocket and just kept saying...whatever you need. She was also the one who brought my brother shoes and socks and a jacket when we were in the back of the police car.
We needed a place to talk and deal with the flood of phone calls so we went to her house 3 doors down. It was there that Scott found out that her husband is the director of the ER that they took my brother to and he immediately called and made sure they took great care of him. They had 2 doctors and a team of nurses waiting. His feet were look at for frostbite, he was given oxygen and treated for second degree burns on his back and arms. In my mind he is a hero. He tried to put it out, he called the fire department right away and he saved our dog.
At about 930pm we were allowed to enter and I will never forget it. I can't even describe it. Awful. The dad side of me was the most hit as I saw my kids stuff either destroyed by water or fire.
The whole time, Scott...my boss and friend, was at my side. He didn't leave...actually he didn't till Saturday afternoon and we joked it would be weird not to be glued to each other. My parents drove in Friday and my mom called in tears on TH night because our local newspaper ran a story about the house and included pictures. And when she saw them she broke down.
Right now we are living in Scott's family basement and the care and love and support from our church community has been overwhelming. The people I work with have organized themselves in teams. A Clothing team, a furniture team, a gift card team, a money donation team. Scott's family is amazing and we are so thankful for them. Robin, Courney, Leah, Melissa, Chris, Matt, Brandon, Tersea, Nick, Pam and so many others have been so wonderful. It's really hard to think about all the help we are receiving, especially since I don't do a great job asking for it.
That night I called my prayer partner Dave Kurt and I wanted to get him praying. Dave is a guy who lives what he believes and he started praying. He right away started organizing friends and family and really so many people that I don't know who wanted to help us. He set up a facebook page..."People who want to help the Raitz family". And he has been so incredible...texting me scripture and of course the occasional joke. I love him.
Friday morning was really hard because I walked Tracie through the house. It was really emotional and it was hard seeing her process looking at little baby shoes melted to the counter, and the kids projects destroyed and the baby crib covered in soot.
We took our kids through on Saturday and that was hard. Our 4 year was very afraid and didn't go in, our 6 year boy kind of though it was cool...I mean...seeeing a microwave melted doesn't happen all that often...and our 8 year girl cried the whole time. We were able to save her doll morgan...this doll has been with us for 8 years. We gave her a few baths and she still only sort of smells like smoke.
My 6 year boy...who is the most tender little guy, upon arriving at the house, his first thoughts were for our neighbors...he wanted to make sure they were ok. And then he wanted to make that the gentlemen who we rent from would be ok.
I rent the house from a guy who is currently out of the country. His parents came to the fire that night and met with me on Friday morning and assured me that they care most of about my family and wanted us to know they would help in any way. It was so encouraging.
I am just overwhelmed by our church community and our community across the country as well. The emails, cards, texts, phone calls have all been so enouraging. It's so hard to get handed a card with money or gift cards or a bag of clothes, but we have nothing nad it helps so much.
If you would like to pray for us...please pray for a home in the same neighborhood. We would like the kids to be able to stay on the same bus and have a sense of normalcy. Pray for my brother. Pray for rest for all the people taking such great care of us.
Thanks
Jason, Tracie, Rebekah, Robert, Zachary, Madison
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
FOCUS
Below is the link to listen, watch, or download the FOCUS sessions. This page is two clicks from the main page - Groups Growth & Classes tab - Group Leader Development. Putting it here allows us to steer leaders to this resource.
The Sessions are labeled as "Week 1" and "Week 2." It needed to be this way in order to place it where it is so leaders could have three options to choose from of how they'd like to listen to it. Please pass it on to anyone who was not able to attend.
http://www.willowcreek.org/spiritualformation/groupleader.asp
The Sessions are labeled as "Week 1" and "Week 2." It needed to be this way in order to place it where it is so leaders could have three options to choose from of how they'd like to listen to it. Please pass it on to anyone who was not able to attend.
http://www.willowcreek.org/spiritualformation/groupleader.asp
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