The Concert of Prayer and Communion was great!  Thanks to all who were involved in worship and programming.  What a wonderful night to pray for one another and thank God for what he has been doing in us and through us in 2009.

Sunday afternoon, a group of the programming team made over 400 sugar cookies and had them ready for students to frost and decorate following the service.  Hopefully everyone walked away with several cookies to help with their studies for final exams.

We will miss the students at CWC over Christmas, but look forward to the New Year in 2010 and the Winter Kickoff of Seven47 on January 17th!

Pastor Thad

This week just before our seven47 service, we will be showing an award winning video on TOMS shoes.  This organization, founded by a member of Mosaic Church in LA, has made a world of difference for children and adults around the globe who have no shoes.  For every pair of  shoes purchased, one pair is donated.

The video may inspire you or encourage you to do more in your community or to get involved with TOMS by purchasing a pair for Christmas.  Following the video, we will give out a promotional code that will allow you to receive $5 off your TOMS purchase.

Video will start at 7:00 PM on Sunday night.  For more information, please contact thad.spring@collegewes.com.

Ladies night was a great time to celebrate the difference that women have made in the history of our faith.  One wonderful example is Dr. JoAnne Lyon, ordained minister and General Superintendent of the Wesleyan Church.

Recently, Dr. Lyon spoke at Taylor University and shared some of her experience leading World Hope and serving as a leader in government.  Check out the information in the following link:

Taylor University Chapel

If you are also wondering more about the role of women in ministry, you can read up on a case study by Dr. Scot McKnight in his book The Blue Parakeet or Dr. Ken Schneck’s blog.

Pastor Thad

All women are invited for this special evening.  The first 60 will receive a free t-shirt.  Door prizes will also be given out.

As we have gone through Rise of the Faithful this semester, every person of faith was a male, until you get to Hebrews 11:31 where we hear about Rahab.  Women have played significant roles in the history of our faith and this night we will celebrate those women and encourage this generation to play their part!

Steve Chance did a wonderful job speaking at seven47 on the 18th of October.  Although Steve has always suffered from cerebral palsy, his wonderful humor mixed with his heart for Jesus encouraged all of us to remain faithful no matter what we might face.  I love his quote from his book, God is Not a Vending Machine, “The goal of a Christian is not to follow Jesus to the ends of the earth, but to follow him to the cross.”

Thanks Steve!

Preached yesterday on Fate vs. Promise from Genesis 15 and Galatians 3.  Someone sent me this video short on Fate, and it helps to describe what people question and think when there is no God who intercedes.  Fate is the idea that all that we do leads to a certain outcome and to change the outcome, we work very hard to do things right.  Promise is the act of God for those who have either done it right or those who have not.  Salvation is God’s promise, not based on what we do but on what God has done for us…

What is Fate?

Tell me what you think…

Thad

Here is an awesome poem written by one of our students during the service this week.  May it be a blessing to you!

Seven47 The Rise of the Faithful (Abel–Genesis 4, Matthew 23, Hebrews 11)

What does it mean to give God your best?
Do you serve him and in him find rest?
He didn’t cut corners, he carried out his task.
He spoke truth never hiding behind a mask.
Are you presenting an offering a gift?
What part of your life to God do you lift?
Christ wants your all, plese don’t hold back; For he is the one who keeps your life on track.
Humbled may we come into your presence tonight.
For you are our God, we want to reflect your light.
May you use this generation, Lord will you please; May you use us in the States and over seas.
May our lives be a sacrifice acceptable to you.
Lord rejuvinate us and make us new!

Laura Stonitsch
September 20, 2009
Written During Seven47

September 6th is a welcome back party at College Wesleyan at 7:47 pm to 9:00 pm!  Nachos, new friends, old friend, games and more…

September 13th we launch our weekly services at 7:47 pm in the Great Room at College Wesleyan!  Plan to join us each week for the new series: Rise of the Faithful!

Several new initiatives have begun in the Wesleyan Church which include college students and the opportunity to minister to those who are suffering from human trafficking.  Check out the following links for more information on what is happening:

IWU Students Help Fight Trafficking

Wesleyan’s Stand Against Trafficking

Seven47 comes to a close for the Spring semester and finished in style.  For the last three weeks, we have been meeting at the Gray Barn in Upland, IN and had a wonderful time.  Thanks to all the students who led in worship and participated in this new venture.  Production is already happening on next fall’s seven47 series at College Wesleyan.  All students and incoming freshmen will be invited to a social event on September 6th to “get to know” each other and celebrate the new school year.  We will kick-off seven47 Sunday nights on the 13th of September and will be planning once-a-month Saturday services in Upland beginning with the 19th of September.  Hope everyone has a great summer.  Please stay in touch on our facebook group (747) and if you are in the area, join our College Wesleyan 20thirty Window for a young adult connection!

God Bless,

Pastor Thad