WNI 10-7-09--Chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream cake celebration

Last night was another great night at WNI.  It was another week in our "DO HARD THINGS" series.  We have a fun challenge for a game. . .how many crackers can you eat in one minute without water?  The winner downed 4.5.  The music was good.  We had a good practice.  I think the band continues to improve.  I tried to do a better job of putting students in leadership last night.  Andrea helped with the game.  Kevin and Ashley did the welcome.  Amanda & Eric worked the welcome table.  Taylor and Kristen did announcements.  Sebastine helped Larry do the sound.  Tessa ran the computer.  Am I forgetting anyone?  They all did a great job!

Jonathan Colgan taught the lesson last night.  He challenged us to raise the bar and strive for excellence.  He had to tolerate some hecklers early on, but he pressed through  and did a great job.

At the end of the night we had a celebration of our attendance last week.  We had 45 students which is the highest this school year.  So I picked up a couple of ice-cream cakes from Cold Stone to celebrate.  Chocolate-chip cookie dough!

The only down part of last night was our attendance.  We went from 45 last week to 28 this week.  Ouch.

Christmas in October?

Our service project for October is “Operation Christmas Child.”  This is an opportunity to give Christmas to needy kids all across the planet with shoeboxes filled with gifts.  I challenge every student and adult to pack at least one box.  The instructions can be found at https://www.samaritanspurse.org/pdf/PackABoxwithLabels.pdf or you can find a link at the blog and facebook page.  All boxes need to be brought to church by October 26^th.  On Wednesday, November 4^th, we will have a packing party and deliver the gifts to Spirit Fm in Camdenton.  

You are the proud parent of. . .

Last week we adopted a child from Compassion International.  His name is Jose Antonio Garcia Lopez.  He is from Mexico and is four years old.  His birthday is October 27.  Our boy will be five!  Can you believe how fast he is growing up!  We should get a pic of him online in the next week.  Remember all donations given at the Sunday morning breakfast go to support Jose.  

Another great week

Last week was another great week for our student ministry.  Last Saturday, We went swinging at Doenigg Swings in Ozark, MO.  Madalyn did the “superman” by herself.   I have never seen her so frightened.  After some thrills we went to Lambert’s, “home of the throwed rolls.”  I am still amazed at how much food they give you.  It is definitely over the top.  It was a great afternoon and evening together.  We should have some pics on the blog and facebook page by the end of the week. 

Last week’s WNI (9-30-09) was outstanding!  Amanda did a great job challenging us to get out of our comfort zones.  We had some fun playing a large group version of Cranium.  And we had 45 students for the first time this year!  I’m thinking a special celebration is in order this Wednesday.  Our next goal should be to break 60!  This week should be just as good.  Jonathan Colgan is teaching about DOING HARD THINGS with excellence.