Connectuary's Last Days

Recently during a discussion, someone mentioned to me that a building was constructed in the 80's. I responded, if that is the case the building wasn't really all that old, forgetting it's already 2011. Then I did the math. At best the building is at least 22 years old, or maybe even 31. Time always seems to go so fast. Days go by quickly, weeks fly by, each month seems almost over about the time it starts. Even when the month is 59 days long.

Connectuary is Silver Creeks revision to the traditional calendar. Combining January and February, challenging each of us to look for more ways to Connect with each other, during these first 59 days of the year. There are some great stories of people getting away on short vacations together, groups gathering for dinner, many conversations of coffee and board game nights (my personal favorite).

As we move into March and April we will begin to adjust our focus to reaching out, into our community and inviting people to discover what we've found to be true about Jesus and the help that Silver Creek can be in developing a life based on Jesus. The events we host will be huge, last years Egg Hunt/FUSiON saw over 900 people on campus. The spiritual implications will be enourmous as we celebrate Easter. There will be much effort and energy given by most of us to successfully invite our community.

All of the this effort and energy will leave little time for us to get together just to connect and spend time with one another. It's important that we use these last days of CONNECTUARY to make that happen. Even though I may sound like a furniture sales announcer, these are the final days, don't delay, make it happen today, deals like these won't last forever. Ok, maybe a bit dramatic and the deals thing was a little to much. But really, take advantage of these last days of February and spend some time with others from Silver Creek.

Enjoy the rest of your week and hope to see you Sunday,

Brent

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!

It's not Christmas but for many of kids and students this weekend the winter wonderland they dream of will be a reality. About 40 campers and 20 adults are headed to Leavenworth for our two winter retreats, Escape and BreakAway. You might be staying here where the ground is clear but you can play a huge role in making the weekend a success. Here are some important ways you can be praying for the retreats.

• It's a winter retreat and there will be snow. That's great news for everything except the driving. Pray that God will keep our drivers alert and all the vehicles safe as they travel.
• Paul Charles, our ISA head coach and summer Intern is traveling back from Philadelphia to be our speaker. He will be challenging both camps with practical ways that they can be Changing Our World. Pray that God will speak to the hearts of all that attend.
• There will be lots of inner tubing and games in the snow. Pray for fun and safety as campers enjoy all that camp has to offer.
• Pray that all adults going will get plenty of sleep. Oh, who are we kidding, just pray that the adults going can function with little to no sleep.
• These camps are a part of our January and February focus on CONNECTUARY. We design camps to develop and strengthen relationships that will carry over to daily living, helping each of us become stronger in our lives with Christ. Please pray the Connections will take place.
  

We appreciate all your prayers and will praying for a fantastic Sunday morning at Silver Creek.

Pastor Brent and Pastor Elizabeth

Oh Baby!

Child dedication is a statement and a commitment made by the parents. A commitment to raise their child in a way that will instill godly principals and character in the child’s life. Parents that choose to have their child dedicated are saying "God we want to be the best parents we can be." "God we want You to make us and mold us into the parents our child needs us to be." Their commitment is to not only bring honor to Christ in the way that they live but that they will demonstrate what it means to live daily for Christ.

To the Church, the parents are saying, "we are going to do our best but we desire your help." "Please model for our child what it means to people of integrity, grace and mercy. Please volunteer to help in Children’s ministry, so that our child is equipped to become an adult that loves and serves God." As a church it's important we tell the parents with our actions that we will support them as they raise their child.

Child dedication is a special moment where the church and parents stand together, unity in their desire to bring up the child to love Jesus. Silver Creek cares about all individuals at every stage of life. At the same time we see the huge importance to begin training and teaching kids at a young age, how much Jesus loves them and desires to have a relationship with them.

Thanks for partnering with Silver Creek to help this happen for children.