Good Moanin' Springfieldians,

"This is ridiculous!"

"How can it cost that much?!"

"Well, I'm just not going to buy pop." (She's still considers herself from Michigan so pop is pop, not soda or sody.)

Those and many (many, I mean, many) others are all comments which Lauren made as I took her down to Nashville, Tennessee last week. She moved down there, and for the first time in her life she's renting her own apartment, having to pay utilities, pay for her Master's program at Trevecca Nazarene University, pay for a broken down car (when you drive a 1993 Ford Tempo that has been driven hard and put a way wet way too many times  broken down seems to be the norm), and pay for all those cleaning supplies and groceries.

It was the cleaning supplies and groceries that caused the most rancor comments to come spewing forth. She just could not believe how much to cost it keep a clean apartment and to eat for a week.

All of her whining did my fatherly heart good. I couldn't help but smile as the reality of adulthood ran over Lauren with all the force of a Hummer. For all these years she must have assumed that food just magically appeared in our cupboards and refrigerator. For all of her 22 years she must have assumed the bottle of Windex was our version of the widow's jar of oil that didn't run dry. (See I Kings 17) But now when she was footing the bill it seemed ridiculous to her.

Her most telling comment was, "I'm not ready to be an adult."

Oh, but she was. Perhaps not quite emotionally ready  but she was ready  she just didn't like the sudden rush of the responsibility rolling over her. She now knew it was up to her. Sink or swim. Do or die.

This is the child who told us, at ten years of age, she no longer needed parents. We had done our job, and according to her, we had been done a fairly good job, but except for the fact that she was too young to get a job, and so she needed us to provide housing and food, she really didn't need parents any longer.

But now 12 years later she was saying, "I'm not ready to be an adult." I felt like the momma bird kicking her baby out of the nest, hoping like mad she was going to be able to fly. Hoping that all that Teri and I had tried to instill in her would hold her steady when the strong storms of life came her way. Hoping that the lessons we not only taught, but hopefully she caught by watching us, would be the anchor she would need when great temptation came her way.

As I drove home my mind drifted back to 22 years ago, and I thought of that Sunday morning when I stood at the altar of the church and Dr. Knight, our District Superintendent, dedicated Lauren to the Lord. And though it seemed like just yesterday when she was this beautiful red headed baby, the reality is - it's today, she's gone, and as I drove down the highway I had to ask myself, "Had I done the job God entrusted to me when He blessed us with a daughter?" Had I done what I promised to do when I stood before the altar of God in that church in Union Lake and promised that I would do everything I could to raise her to know the Lord, to direct her mind to the Holy Scriptures, to protect her from those things and people that could harm her? Had I kept my vow, my promise, my commitment to God? Had I given my daughter the greatest gift a parent can give to their child - a life lived for Jesus?

To the best of our ability, we can answer yes. We did the best we could.

And though Lauren said, "I'm not ready to be an adult", I knew she was ready. It's good to see your children grow up and go on to maturity. It doesn't always "feel" good, but we always know it is definitely good.

If I as a father can say it's good to see my children grow up and go on to maturity, think how much it must please God, our Heavenly Father, when He sees us growing up and becoming spiritually mature. He must smile when He sees us making decisions and choices not based on what we feel in the moment, but based on what it right and based on His Word. His heart must skip a beat when He sees us choosing to sacrifice for the good of another, rather than always focusing on "what's in it for me." We must bring great delight to our Father when He no longer has to deal with us as mere infants, but instead can give us solid food to grow and thrive on.

Remember the desire of God was stated by Peter when he wrote, "Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good." (I Peter 2:2)

Remember the challenge of Scripture is seen in Hebrews 6:1. "Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity."

Just as none of us became mature by simply growing older; we learned, we made mistakes, we fell down and got back up, we sought the wisdom of others; none of us become spiritually mature by just hanging around church for a long time. We need to put God's Word into practice in our life.

Are you bringing a smile to your Father because He knows you're ready, you're spiritually mature; you're walking by faith not feelings; and you're equipped to handle the challenge in your life you're facing right now?

Remember, He hasn't driven off and left you in a strange city all alone, like I did Lauren, He's right there with you, and He wants you to respond in the mature way - admit you still need a Father, and then lean on Him.

Are you ready to be an adult?

Did You Know?

Fran Herwehe was in church Sunday, the first time since her knew replacement surgery.

Jenna Berriman brought her mom and big brother to church for the first time. (First time for Jenna!) She is the daughter of Bill and Erin Berriman and granddaughter of Robin and Dave Buchanan.

Ivan Fink had surgery on his broken leg and is recovering at home. Remember him as you pray.

Alleta Britton, at this time, is still in St. John's Hospital. Keep her in your prayers also.

Jim and Kathy Krell leave this week for an Alaskan cruise.

The next Blood Drive is tomorrow, Wednesday, August 27 from 3:00-7:00 p.m. Contact Pat Fowler for an appointment. There is a critical need for O Positive blood in Springfield.

The next Season of Celebration gathering will be Wednesday, September 3rd. Dinner will be from 5:00  6:00 p.m. the menu will Mostaccioli and Garlic Bread, Tossed Salad, and Cake. And then we will have a great time of praise.

Ladies Craft Connection  Saturday, September 6th. Bring a craft, a snack to share, and a friend; come to the gym for a girl's night out without kids. (Yahoo!) Come any time between 5:00  11:00 p.m.

All Church Workday  Saturday, September 13. Meet at the church at 9:00 a.m. and help spruce up, make small repairs, and clean up the building and grounds. Lunch provided. For more info contact Andy Wubker or Dave Buchanan.

All Church Fellowship right after the morning Worship Gathering on Sunday, September 14th. Light snacks will be served and it is being sponsored by Small Group Ministries. Plan on staying for a few minutes for good conversation; who knows you might start a new friendship.

The Wednesday Night Connection Classes will kick off on Wednesday, September 10. Caravan and Velocity for our kids and teens will begin, and for adults we have a great selection of 6 week classes to choose from:

The Pastors' Prayer Team facilitated by Joan Small. A group of people committed to praying for the pastors of the church and the needs in their lives and for our church. Starting September 10 they will meet from 5:45-6:15 p.m. on Wednesdays.

A Parents' Forum facilitated by Kathy Hedden  this group will look at the central focus of parenting  the Gospel. We need to direct, not simply the behavior of our children, but also the attitudes of their hearts. They will look at some simple parenting strategies that any parent can carry out. They will also spend a significant amount of time in prayer for their children, and learn how to turn to the Father and place every detail of our child's life in His loving and capable hands.

A Ministry of Encouragement facilitated by Mike and Julie Duncan. This is a ministry that writes notes and contacts new people to our church, those who have been missing church services, and those going through difficult periods of time in their life

Financial Sense Class  (10 weeks) facilitated by certified trainers, Tom Hedden, Geoff Sarginson, Larry Hochstetler, or Bob McIntyre. Using the Bible as a guide, this class focuses on learning how to handle finances God's way. Cost is $45 per person, $55 per couple (this covers the cost of the curriculum).

Where is God When? facilitated by Fred Prince. We will explore ways to find God in difficult times. Cost of the book is $8.00.

Self-Defense Class facilitated by Kim Barrington. Basic self-defense techniques will be taught to beginners and more advanced students alike.

"Putting the Pieces Together - Developing a Fully Integrated Biblical Worldview." Facilitated by Andy Peterson. This would be a great class for a new Christian, or the person that has questions about Christianity and why we believe what we believe.

Men's Bible Study facilitated by George Bagley and Jerry Stone. A time of looking at God's Word together, discussion, and the practical application of becoming the men God designed for them to be.

Small Group News: The last training session for all leaders or potential leaders of small groups is this Wednesday, August 27 at 6:15 p.m. Pastor Gregg is facilitating this important ministry.

We are in need of some more volunteers to help staff the nursery both on Sundays and especially on Wednesdays. It may come to the place where we can not offer this important ministry to families if there are not some more volunteers.

This coming Sunday, August 31, our wonderful nursery volunteers are: Patti Young with the infants; and Deb Bowman and Theresa Reeves with the toddlers, and Robert Pittman as the floater. This Wednesday, August 27, the nursery will be staffed by Patti Young and Robert Pittman. Thank you!

Upcoming Events: Season of Celebration Service September 3rd

Coffeehouse Comedy

A bulletin board is being put together to help us remember those from the church or family members who are serving in the military. If you'd like to include someone on this board, contact Debi Adams for the info you will need to supply. You can see the bulletin board above the drinking fountain in the hallway going towards the Family Life Center.

Keep using GoodSearch.com, we've earned $24.47 for the year 2008. Remember this is a search engine very similar to Google. You just type in goodsearch.com and then you are able to use as you would Google or other search engines.

ADULT MINISTRIES

The Men's Ministry Group has begun meeting on this Wednesday evening at 6:30 p.m. during the summer. All men are invited to attend, and bring a friend for a time of Bible study and fellowship.

CHILDREN MINISTRIES

The Kidz Store (new location  the Kidz Kitchenette) will be open 9:30  10:15 a.m. on August 31st.

Upward Basketball sign-up will be on Saturday, October 25.

Caravan registration will be taking place on August 31 and September 7th. Children ages 4 through sixth grade are invited to join Caravan, a Christian based scouting program. Cost is $10 per child. Caravan meets every Wednesday beginning September 10 from 6:15-7"15 p.m. See Director Janice Young for more information.

Kidz Expressway has begun collecting Culver Restaurant "Team Scoopie Points" from children's meals (on the side of the bag). The children would like to earn enough points to acquire several pieces of equipment. You can give your points to Gloria Sanguedolce, drop them at the office, or leave them at the Kidz Check-In area. The children appreciate your efforts to help with their projects. You can also continue to bring ion those "Cans for Kids."

TEEN MINISTRY

Oasis is happening on Wednesdays. Earn those points! Velocity will kick off on September 10th.

PRAYER REQUESTS

• Those listed in Sunday's bulletin
• Ivan Fink
• Alleta Britton
• Lynette Heppe
• JoEllen Van Houten
• Rev. Larry Crum

Good Moanin' Springfieldians,

If you are like most Americans, you have been tuning into the Olympic Games. You've been seeing the American quest for Gold and Silver and Bronze. You've been watching "the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat." Me, too. And as I've watched, I've come across a few questions and lesser known facts from the Beijing Olympic Games that in some cases pertain to First Church of the Nazarene in Springfield, Illinois. For instance:

1) Michael Phelps, the Gold Medal Machine, eats between 10 and 12,000 calories a day! A day?!? Wow! That is closing in on the caloric intake possibilities of all who will be at First Naz for our Kick-off dinner on Wednesday September 3rd!

2) With the news coming out of China that during the Olympic Opening Ceremonies some of the fireworks were fake and a little girl singer was deemed to not be cute enough to be seen worldwide (the so-called homely kid was replaced with a more cute, lip syncing replacement), I want to assure the good people of Springfield First that we have never used phony fireworks; but because he's younger, cooler and cuter rumor has it that Pastor Jay will be lip synching my sermon this coming Sunday.

3) How come the guy beach volleyball players are wearing shorts and t-shirts and the girl beach volleyball players are wearing not much more than dental floss? Is modesty only a male event? (Don't ask the male synchronized divers that question--they have their own modesty issues.)

4) We have been kicking around the idea of having a Synchronized Baptism Event at First Naz, but have decided that since we have no underwater cameras, and a small baptistery - we have decided to "tank" the idea (pun intended).

5) If "First Naz Super-Counter" Jim Mills was in China--we would not only know the exact ages of those who "aren't even close to 16 year old" Chinese gymnasts, but we would also know why those little 12 year olds weren't in Sunday School last week.

6) Gossima, Whiff-Whaff, Flim-Flam and Ping-Pong are alternative names for the Olympic event known as "Table Tennis," but at church, until the table was smashed to smithereens, it was known as, "The game that no one can beat Pastor Gregg in."

7) Speaking of "The game that nobody can beat Pastor Gregg in" (Ping Pong), should it even be an Olympic sport? And if ping pong makes the Olympic cut, why not have other basement games like pool, darts, (I'm sure I could medal in dart board holding) air hockey, (another medal for me, after all I was ONU air hockey champion in 1975-76) and foosball (Nathan won't even play me, another medal) and, of course, video games? If video games were an Olympic sport, I know some basement dwelling, Nintendo 360, Wii playing First Naz teenagers who could quite possibly qualify for the 2012 London Games.

8) And while we are adding Olympic events, since Badminton is an Olympic event, why not have other back yard activities like croquet, lawn darts, and, better yet, outdoor grilling as Olympic Competition? I have tasted some of the barbequing of some First Nazarenes and I would say it is "world class" and gold medal worthy. Yum! Who knows -- with a Hibachi, a little practice and just the right marinade maybe I could be an Olympic class Barbequer too!

9) I have other burning questions about some Olympic events that I wish Bob Costas or someone at the NBC studios would answer for me, such as:

a) Isn't "Women's Yngling" missing a vowel? Can't we buy yngling a "U," "O" or an "A" from Pat Sajak? In case you don't know, yngling is a sailing event. There is also a sailing event in the Olympics called "49er." I think a San Francisco football fan had something to do with that name.

b) Why do the synchronized swimmers wear a nose plug? The weird kid in my swimming class growing up wore a nose plug. Don't you think those swimmers should know how to swim without a nose plug? You don't see Michael Phelps wearing a nose plug.

c) Apparently "Men's Trap" has nothing to do with a gold digging woman looking for a "Sugar Daddy." Men's trap is a shooting event. Strange but true.

d) And "Women's Sculls" has nothing to do with anatomy or pirates or poison. Sculls is a rowing event. Who knew?

I might not get answers to my Olympic questions in the sport pages of the newspaper, but there are some life answers in the sport pages of the Bible (You didn't know that there is a Sports Section in the Bible? There is. Check this out:)

In Genesis it talks about "the big inning." In Philippians it talks about hockey and how we need to press on toward the goal. In Acts 27 it talks about throwing the ship's tackle overboard. I've always assumed they were playing football, and the poor guy got too many holding penalties. And in the KJV we're told that Abimelech, king of the Philistines, looked out his window and Isaac was sporting with Rebecca his wife. I always assumed that meant he saw them playing ping pong.

Now Paul did write: "Don't you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step." (1 Corinthians 9:24-26 NLT)

How is your race coming along? Are you running to win an eternal prize? Paul says to "run with purpose in every step!" In other words, make each step of your life meaningful, thoughtful and faithful! Are you running a gold medal race?

Did You Know???

• Ivan Fink broke his leg in two places while at work and will be facing upcoming surgery. Remember him as you pray
• The next Blood Drive will be Wednesday, August 27 from 3:00-7:00 p.m. Contact Pat Fowler for an appointment. Did you see the recent article stating there is a critical need for O Positive blood in Springfield?
• The next Season of Celebration gathering will be Wednesday, September 3rd. Dinner will be from 5:00  6:00 p.m. the menu will Mostaccioli and Garlic Bread, Tossed Salad, and Cake. And then we will have a great time of praise.
• The Wednesday Night Connection Classes will kick off on Wednesday, September 10. Caravan and Velocity for our kids and teens will begin and for adults we have a great selection of 6 week classes to choose from:
• The Pastors' Prayer Team facilitated by Joan Small... a group of people who are committed to praying for the pastors of the church and the needs in their lives and for our church. Starting September 10 they will meet from 5:45-6:15 p.m. on Wednesdays.
• A Parents Forum facilitated by Kathy Hedden  this group will look at the central focus of parenting  the Gospel. We need to direct, not simply the behavior of our children, but also the attitudes of their hearts. They will look at some simple parenting strategies that any parent can carry out. They will also spend a significant amount of time in prayer for their children, and learn how to turn to the Father and place every detail of our child's life in His loving and capable hands.
• A Ministry of Encouragement facilitated by Mike and Julie Duncan. This is a ministry that writes notes and contacts new people to our church, those who have been missing church, and those going through difficult periods of time in their life
• Financial Sense Class  (10 weeks) facilitated by certified trainers, Tom Hedden, Geoff Sarginson, Larry Hochstetler, or Bob McIntyre. Using the Bible as a guide this class' focus is learning how to handle our finances God's way. Cost is $45 per person, $55 per couple (this covers the cost of the curriculum).
• Where is God When...? facilitated by Fred Prince. We will explore ways to find God in difficult times. Cost of the book is $8.00.
• Self-Defense Class facilitated by Kim Barrington. Basic self-defense techniques will be taught to beginners and more advanced students alike.
• "Putting the Pieces Together - Developing a Fully Integrated Biblical Worldview." Facilitated by Andy Peterson. This would be a great class for new Christian, or the person that has questions about Christianity and why and why we believe what we believe.

All Church Work Day: September 13, 9:00 AM. We'll be sprucing up, cleaning, trimming, repairing, etc. We need all the hands we can get. Lunch will be provided.

Small Group News: All leaders or potential leaders of small groups are invited (expected) to be a part of three training sessions at 6:30 p.m. on August 13, 20, and 27. Pastor Gregg has been asked to facilitate this important ministry.

Let's remember our students as they many have started school this week, and others will begin in the very near future. Also, for many of our college students this past Sunday was their last Sunday here before they leave for the new semester. Let's remember them in prayer, and especially the freshman who are just starting their college careers.

The new Pastors' Prayer Team has begun to meet. All are welcomed to join this team of people who are praying for the pastors of our church. They will meet each Wednesday, during the summer from 6:00 -6:30 p.m. and during the rest of the year from 5:45 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. You can still be a part of supporting our pastors by joining the Pastors' Prayer Team.

We are in need of some more volunteers to help staff the nursery both on Sundays and especially on Wednesdays. It may come to the place where we can not offer this important ministry to families if there are not some more volunteers.

This coming Sunday, August 24, our wonderful nursery volunteers are: Bonnie Patterson with the infants; and Robin Buchanan and Elizabeth Bott with the toddlers, and Delaney Workman as the floater. This Wednesday, August 20, the nursery will be staffed by Patti Young and Brytani Young. Thank you!

Upcoming Events:

Season of Celebration Service September 3rd

All-church Fellowship in the gym September 14th following Morning Worship

Coffeehouse Comedy November 8 & 9

The next Blood Drive will be Wednesday, August 27 from 3:00-7:00 p.m. Contact Pat Fowler for an appointment. Did you see the recent article stating there is a critical need for O Positive blood in Springfield?

Keep using GoodSearch.com, we've earned $23.82 for the year 2008. Remember this is a search engine very similar to Google. You just type in goodsearch.com and then you are able to use as you would Google or other search engines.

ADULT MINISTRIES

The Men's Ministry Group has begun meeting on this Wednesday evening at 6:30 p.m. during the summer. This is a switch from the Thursday evening when they previously met. All men are invited to attend, and bring a friend for a time of Bible study and fellowship.

CHILDREN MINISTRIES

Caravan Leaders/Volunteers Cookout will happen coming Sunday, August 24th immediate following the Worship Gathering. It will happen at the home of Janice Young. This is for all leaders and volunteers. If you've never been involved in this great ministry to children this would be a great opportunity to learn more about the ministry. Bring a dish and a lawn chair, meat and table service provided.

The Kidz Store (new location  the Kidz Kitchenette) will be open 9:30  10:15 a.m. on August 31st.

Upward Basketball sign-up will be on Saturday, October 25.

Caravan registration will be taking place on August 31 and 7th. Children ages 4 through sixth grade are invited to join Caravan, a Christian based scouting program. Cost is $10 per child. Caravan meets every Wednesday beginning September 10 from 6:15-7"15 p.m. See Director Janice Young for more information.

Kidz Expressway will begin collecting Culver Restaurant "Team Scoopie Points" from children's meals (on the side of the bag). The children would like to earn enough points to acquire several pieces of equipment. You can give your points to Gloria Sanguedolce, drop them at the office, or leave them at the Kidz Check-In area. The children appreciate your efforts to help with their projects. You can also continue to bring ion those "Cans for Kids."

TEEN MINISTRY

Oasis is happening on Wednesdays. Earn those points! Velocity will kick off on September 10th.

PRAYER REQUESTS

Those listed in Sunday's bulletin

Ivan Fink

All our students and teachers and school aids as they start back to school

Fran Herwehe  recovering from knee replacement surgery

Lynette Heppe

Jared Klein

JoEllen Van Houten  in Memorial Hospital

Good Moanin' Springfieldians,

Have you been watching the Olympics? Once every four years I become a fan of swimming, and gymnastics, and even fencing and others sports I very seldom or never watch any other time. There's always drama and excitement. Who could watch the 4 X 100 fee-style swim this year and not be excited as the U.S. team won by a fingernail? Who isn't cheering for Michael Phelps as he pursues eight gold medals?

My favorite Olympic story took place in 1992. If you've been watching NBC recently, you've probably seen them using part of the story in a commercial promoting the Olympics. Maybe you saw it when it happened in the Barcelona Olympics. It illustrates perfectly what God wants to do in your life, and what He wants to provide for you.

It was Tuesday night of the 1992 Summer Olympics. It was the 400 meter semi-final race. The sprinters were in the starting blocks. The starter's gun sounded for a race that only takes 45 seconds to run. One runner went down like he had been shot, grabbing his leg and falling to the ground.

His father was watching from the stands, and he felt something sink in his stomach. He lowered his head. And the memory that flashed back was of the park, near the old house, his son was only six then and he was running a race with his dad, and he grabbed his hand and said, "Where's the finish line Daddy? Carry me to the finish line."

The noise of the crowd snapped him back to reality. They were cheering. What were they cheering?

He looked up to see his son, face twisted in pain, rising to his feet on the red oval track, waving off the medics who carried a stretcher. Dereck Redmond, a British sprinter, whose Olympic dream was over, whose right hamstring had just snapped like a popsicle stick, was trying to complete his 400 meter race. He had half the distance to go.

Because he couldn't walk, he began to hop. He hopped like a wounded fugitive. One step. A grimace. Two steps. A yell. The son was crying. Right there in front of the whole world.

The father had to come. He doesn't really remember all the steps down from Section 131, Row 22, Seat 25. He doesn't really remember leaping over the railing or landing on the field, or pushing off security guards who were too stunned to stop him.

The Olympics? He wasn't at the Olympics anymore. Jim Redman was a parent, outside a burning house, hearing a cry through the window. And all he knew was, "That's my son, and I have to get to him." And suddenly he was alongside of him.

"Dad," Dereck said, grabbing him, throwing an arm around his shoulder, and burying his head to hide the tears. "Dad...get me back to lane 5, I want to finish."

And leaning on each other, just like the old days, father and son made their way down the track, while stunned officials looked on frozen, and the crowd, and the whole world watching, got this lump in its throat.

The dad would later say, "If I tried to do it again, I don't think I could."

After he had taken his son where his son wanted to go - across the finish line - the medical staff came up with a stretcher once again - the father barked, "No stretcher."

He knew what his son wanted. He had been there with him all those years. Through the good times, when he made the Olympic team; when he set the British record in the 400. And through the bad times; the four operations on his Achilles tendon, the countless other injuries that left him on crutches, unable to run as late as six weeks before the Games.

"Dereck was at stake out there. If he had been taken off on a stretcher he would have never have run again. We had agreed, no matter what, he was going to finish the race. He was going to say, he got through the semi-finals of the Olympic 400 meters."

"All he needed was a little support. I'm his father. I'm supposed to provide it." And so he did. And when he saw his son was okay, when the hamstring had been iced and wrapped, and the tears dried, Jim Redmond made his way back to his seat, stopping to apologize to every official along the way.

And folks, that's exactly what your Heavenly Father wants to do for you in those dark times of your life when you think you can't possibly live the life He has called you to live; when you think you can't possibly follow His plan. When that problem seems too great; when the relationship seems beyond repair; when the temptation seems too strong; when it seems like the stronghold cannot be demolished, He simply says, "Lean on me. Struggle with all of my energy. (Colossians 1:29) Let me carry you across the finish line."

He doesn't say, "Here's my plan now just do it or be ready for the wrath of an angry Father." Instead He says, "Here's my plan, now lean on me and I will carry you across the finish line."

Why not try a little leaning today.

Did You Know???

Prime Time Potluck and Fellowship  Tonight, Tuesday, August 12 at 6:00 p.m. in Room #106.

Small Group News: All leaders or potential leaders of small groups are invited (expected) to be a part of three training sessions at 6:30 p.m. on August 13, 20, and 27. Pastor Gregg has been asked to facilitate this important ministry.

Stephen Adams graduates from boot camp this week.

Sunday was Curtis Owen's last Sunday here, (he didn't want to be recognized) for awhile. He has been accepted into Purdue's Ph.D program in chemistry and will also be teaching undergrad courses at Purdue. Way to go, Curtis!

Thanks to Jeff Owen for organizing the Small Group Picnic last Sunday. We had well over 120+ come to the Lake Park. Everyone had a great time! Look for this to be an annual Small Group outing!

For many of our college students this coming Sunday will be their last Sunday here before they leave for the new semester. Let's remember them in prayer, and especially the freshman who are just starting their college careers.

The new Pastors' Prayer Team has begun to meet. All are welcomed to join this team of people who are praying for the pastors of our church. They will meet each Wednesday, during the summer from 6:00 -6:30 p.m. and during the rest of the year from 5:45 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. You can still be a part of supporting our pastors by joining the Pastors' Prayer Team.

Nursery News: We are in need of some more volunteers to help staff the nursery both on Sundays and especially on Wednesdays. It may come to the place where we can not offer this important ministry to families if there are not some more volunteers.

This coming Sunday, August 17, our wonderful nursery volunteers are: Kathleen Hochstetler with the infants; and Julie Bott and Nicole Montalbano with the toddlers, and Breanna Cambre as the floater. This Wednesday, August 13, the nursery will be staffed by Lisa Willoughby and Patrick Crawford. Thank you!

Upcoming Events: Season of Celebration Service September 3rd

The next Blood Drive will be Wednesday, August 27 from 3:00-7:00 p.m. Contact Pat Fowler for an appointment.

Keep using GoodSearch.com, we've earned $23.11 for the year 2008.

ADULT MINISTRIES

The Men's Ministry Group has begun meeting on this Wednesday evening at 6:30 p.m. during the summer. All men are invited to attend, and bring a friend for a time of Bible study and fellowship.

CHILDREN MINISTRIES

Caravan Leaders/Volunteers Cookout will happen Sunday, August 24th immediate following the Worship Gathering. It will happen at the home of Director Janice Young. Janice will supply the meat and table service. Please bring a dish to share. This is for all leaders and volunteers. If you've never been involved in this great ministry to children this would be a great opportunity to learn more about the ministry.

Caravan registration will be taking place on August 31st and September 7th. Children ages 4 through sixth grade are invited to join Caravan, a Christian based scouting program. Cost is $10 per child. Caravan meets every Wednesday beginning September 10 from 6:15-7:15 p.m.

Kidz Expressway is collecting Culver Restaurant "Team Scoopie Points" from children's meals (on the side of the bag). The children would like to earn enough points to acquire several pieces of equipment. You can give your points to Gloria Sanguedolce, drop them at the office, or leave them at the Kidz Check-In area. The children appreciate your efforts to help with their projects. You can also continue to bring ion those "Cans for Kids."

TEEN MINISTRY

Oasis is back on this Wednesday. Earn those points!

PRAYER REQUESTS...

Those listed in Sunday's bulletin

All our students and teachers and school aids as they start back to school

Fran Herwehe  recovering from knee replacement surgery

Lynette Heppe

Jared Klein

JoEllen Van Houten