The Garage Door

Mini-Church Boxing

For the the last two years John Kickert and myself have been meeting with a group of high school guys on Wednesday nights.  These are the junior and senior guys from Crossroads and I have to admit I never know what is going to happen from week to week.

Over the course of the last two years our gatherings have brought us to the Tiki Lounge (a fire pit in the woods by Brett's house),  John's garage, my basement and even to the Garage here at church.  In addition to our varied locations, the activity of the night tends to vary.  We have fed the homeless on lower Wacker Dr., read the Word and prayed, helped me move and have experienced a couple of other fun adventures.

 

night after Bible study and prayer one such adventure broke out in the basement of my house.  One of the guys brought boxing gloves and for almost an hour the guys took turns boxing each other.  I have to admit I was nervous about it turning into something more than just a "lets have fun boxing each other match" and more into a brawl. However, the guys had a great time and in the end there was some great group bonding.

I love my mini-church of high school guys.  They challenge me each week to bring them a word from the Word that will have meaning and impact on their lives.   And all the other activities that happen- keeps me wondering what will come next.

David

Can A Cookie Change A Life?

On October 8th, 22 leaders from Student Ministries piled into motor homes and headed south on a Catalyst road trip.  Catalyst is the name of our next generation ministries here at Faith Church, but it is also the name of an incredible conference in Atlanta, GA.  Why incredible you say? It is probably the very practical, yet inspiring speakers, the amazing worship and for me this year - the ability to connect with our team and dream about our future as a student ministries.

I am big believer that events like this are not over until you arrive home.  This was the case for our 12 hour through the night ride.  For the first two hours I was able to sit and brainstorm with one of our student leaders about how to reach the disconnected students at Lake Central High School.  From that conversation, she has pulled together a group of students that are hatching a very cool plan.

The simple plan is this - give each student at LC a home baked cookie once a week for the three weeks leading up to Christmas.  On the third week include with that cookie a simple meaning of Christmas card that will share Jesus.  Is it possible that a cookie will change a life?  I believe that Jesus can use this idea to reach the students of LC.

Even more importantly I am excited that our students are thinking of new ways to reach their peers with the gospel message.  One quote from the conference that has bothered us in a good way comes from Craig Groeshchel.  He has said this, "In order to reach those no one else is reaching we have to do things non one else is doing."  I am not aware of anyone else handing out free cookies at school with the idea of sharing the love of Jesus. 

Anyone want to help bake cookies?