Around the Leaf

Our staff just returned from a three day planning and strategy retreat – an event we do every summer called Staff Advance.  We laid out our focus for the coming school year and every ministry made a presentation to the rest of the team.  We walked through the calendar as well.  Here’s five things that are coming this year.

1.  The Man Games is going to be a huge event for men.  We’re planning for 500 men – competing in ten manly events like wing eating, bench pressing, cage fighting (yes, really), darts, and more.  The grand prize event comes with a $1000 cash prize.  The date is October 24 and registration will begin about a month before that.  The Man Games joins The Egg Drop and Action Week as our three giant events designed to invite the community to church.

2.  Christmas Eve Eve will return on December 23.  This community Christmas service is packed with music and fun, and there will be a Christmas message as well.  We’ve got a great location for this event.

3.  We are focusing on groups – in kids, student and adult areas.  Groups are going to function like little churches, led by leaders who act like little pastors.  This is a huge initiative – one that will help our church grow and be more healthy.  If you’re interested in being trained as a leader, let me know.  We have training coming up on Tuesday nights in August.

4.  Our student ministry has planned some great events:  The Longest Day this fall, a trip over Christmas break, a spring break mission trip, a spring weekend event with another local church and a summer camp.  All of these events will support Fuel, the weekly student service that will happen on Wednesday nights at the House of Rock.  More of this will be unveiled to parents on September 12, at an OPEN HOUSE.

5.  Family ministry is organizing around small groups.  Parents and children will meet their small group leader at an OPEN HOUSE on September 12.  At that event, you’ll also hear about the plans and events for the coming year.  I’m really excited about what our family ministry team is planning.