Willow Creek Sponsors Fishing Derby

Posted on: 06-10-2010
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Willow Creek Community Church is passionate about reaching out to people affected by physical and developmental challenges. “One (of many) ways we celebrate the community of people with special needs is by hosting our Fishing Derby,” says Pat Cimo, director of Willow Creek’s Family Life ministries, which sponsor the derby. “The fishing derby is an annual event for children and adults with special needs—and their families and caregivers. The event isn’t just about fishing; it’s about creating a memorable day of fun for each person, including the hundreds of volunteers and their families, who join in the festivities.”

 

Despite the rain, the fishing derby took place from 8 a.m.–1 p.m., Saturday, June 12, on the shores of Willow Creek Lake on Willow Creek’s South Barrington campus (67 East Algonquin Road, South Barrington, Illinois). The pond was stocked with fish, and the surrounding lawn bustled with family friendly activities: face-painting, Disney characters™, prizes, and more. People fished 8–11:30 a.m., and a free barbeque lunch was served from 11:30 a.m–1 p.m. indoors (because of rain).

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Promiseland Summer Serve Begins June 5

Posted on: 05-19-2010
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Kids matter at Willow. Since the first days of Willow Creek, children have been nurtured and taught on weekends at Promiseland, the children’s ministry. Volunteers are crucial to caring for kids, doing everything from checking them in at a welcome desk to leading small groups, to being a one-on-one buddy with a child who has special needs.

 

In the summer, Promiseland gives their regular volunteers time off so they can return in the fall refreshed and ready to serve God.  Summer Serve, operating during the months of June, July, and August, calls on other Willow Creek members and attenders to step up and fill in the gap. No training is required and volunteers serve in a broad assortment of roles. Serving at one or more services during the summer months allows volunteers to hang out with kids and show their appreciation to weekly volunteers.

 

Promiseland is available to infants through grade 5 and Elevate, Willow Creek’s junior high ministry, is available to students in grades 6-8.

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Pineapple Mayhem Comes to Willow

Posted on: 02-24-2010
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Elevate, the junior high ministry of Willow Creek Community Church, launches its biggest outreach event of the year: Pineapple Mayhem. Aimed at middle school kids who are ready for spring but stuck in the dwindling cold of winter, Pineapple Mayhem offers a night of raucous fun,  including gigantic inflatables, a DJ, obstacle course, black-light dodgeball, illusionist Jared Hall, and a BMX aerial stunt show by Outcast.

Elevate students invite lots of friends to Pineapple Mayhem, many of whom have not been to Willow before. “This annual event drew almost 1700 kids last year,” says Elevate Director Scott Rubin, “and the momentum is swelling. It’s a great way to connect with junior high kids right at their level, at a time of year when they are ready to burn off a little energy. And it takes a couple hundred energetic volunteers to pull it all off.”

Volunteers help get kids checked in, run the many activities, and help make middle schoolers feel welcome at Willow Creek.  Interested in a little tropical escape—for a great cause? Sign up to volunteer at pineapplemayhem.com.

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Category : Celebrations, Connecting, Elevate, Evangelism, Games, Serving, Sports, Upcoming Events

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