From the folks at 410 Bridge this morning:
Brett
the OATBUP
Dear Family and Friends of the Watermarke Service Team,
I just got off of the phone with our Community Development Manager of Kwambekenya, Andrew. He was with the team this weekend and today. He said that everyone had a great day at church yesterday and the team is doing very well. The team split up in groups to visit different churches yesterday in Kwambekenya, and then met in small groups with some community members after church. Andrew said that the small groups went very well and the community enjoyed the time with the team so much that they met much longer than they had planned for because no one wanted to leave. This is so exciting because small groups are not something that is often done with many congregations in Kenya and it is a great blessing to the people of Kwambekenya for the team to facilitate this time for them to share their lives together and encourage one another in their walk with Christ.
Today the team worked in the nursery schools in the morning, and then on the medical clinic this afternoon. Their time working on the clinic was cut short because it started raining. Nick was not feeling well today, but Andrew called to check on him this evening and said he is doing much better now.
Thank you for all of your prayers and support for this team! Please continue to pray for them... that God would use them in a powerful way as they work alongside and serve the people of Kwambekenya.
In His grace,
Jennifer Ward
Service Trip Coordinator
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Monday, September 15, 2008
Africa Mission Trip Update #2
We heard from the folks at 410 Bridge, and our Watermarke team arrived safe, but tired! They experienced some churches in Kwabekenya yesterday, and today will be working in a nursery school and heading out to the construction site this afternoon. They said our next update should be on Thursday, so check back for more!
Brett
Official Africa Trip Blog Updater Person, or OATBUP
Brett
Official Africa Trip Blog Updater Person, or OATBUP
Thursday, September 11, 2008
A fun way to serve in the Watermarke Cafe!
One of the ways we serve our many Sunday morning volunteers is through our Cafe, a room at church where we serve drinks and snacks and give the vols a place to rest their feet and refuel. We have some great, dedicated folks that come in each week to set up this room and keep the coffee warm, but we need some depth on the team! Below is a message from our Cafe Coordinator, Jodi Drinkard.
The Host Team is looking for energetic people to serve as “Baristas” in the Watermarke Café. This is a fun way to get involved with the church, as you’ll meet many of the hard-working volunteers that make Watermarke come alive every Sunday. If you know how to make coffee, arrange fruit in a bowl and keep sodas cool under a pile of ice, this is your opportunity to get involved!! Time commitment is minimal – Sunday mornings beginning at 8:15 a.m. and you’ll still get to attend the service of your choice. (Oh…and all the free donuts you can eat!)
If you think you can help, or would like more details, you can contact me at jdrinkard@watermarkechurch.com.
The Host Team is looking for energetic people to serve as “Baristas” in the Watermarke Café. This is a fun way to get involved with the church, as you’ll meet many of the hard-working volunteers that make Watermarke come alive every Sunday. If you know how to make coffee, arrange fruit in a bowl and keep sodas cool under a pile of ice, this is your opportunity to get involved!! Time commitment is minimal – Sunday mornings beginning at 8:15 a.m. and you’ll still get to attend the service of your choice. (Oh…and all the free donuts you can eat!)
If you think you can help, or would like more details, you can contact me at jdrinkard@watermarkechurch.com.
Africa Mission Trip Update #1
A group from Watermarke Church is headed to Kwambekenya, Kenya in Africa in about an hour! Look back to this blog for updates over the next 10 days. We will post updates as they come in. Sue wanted you to know their itinerary, as well as a summary of their prayer requests.
9/11 - Leave Atlanta at 4:40
9/12 - Arrive in Nairobi airport at 7:40 pm...staying over night in Nairobi
9/13 - Drive 2 1/2 hours to Kwambekenya. We will be working on the Health Clinic Project....also planting trees and building a fence around the clinic
9/14 - Church in Kwambekenya. We will be going in groups of two to visit several churches. After church, we will be doing games with the kids and small groups with the adults
9/15 - Work on Medical clinic.......part of team in morning will be working in schools presenting a bible story, crafts, songs and games
9//16 - As above but in the afternoon we will be having small groups again as well as visiting homes and helping with chores/housework.
9/17 - The same as 9/15
9/18 - Work on medical clinic and visit homes again in the afternoon.
9/19 - We will be visiting a National Park
9/20 - We will be working at Havilla (home for orphans) . We will be departing for the airport around 5 pm, leaving Nairobi at 9:50 pm.
9/21- Arrive in Amsterdam at 5:30 am with a 5 hour lay over. Leave Amsterdam at 10:20am. Arive in Atlanta at 1:40 pm
9/22 - Sleep :-)
Here are the prayer requests for the trip from trip Director Sue Shook:
9/11 - Leave Atlanta at 4:40
9/12 - Arrive in Nairobi airport at 7:40 pm...staying over night in Nairobi
9/13 - Drive 2 1/2 hours to Kwambekenya. We will be working on the Health Clinic Project....also planting trees and building a fence around the clinic
9/14 - Church in Kwambekenya. We will be going in groups of two to visit several churches. After church, we will be doing games with the kids and small groups with the adults
9/15 - Work on Medical clinic.......part of team in morning will be working in schools presenting a bible story, crafts, songs and games
9//16 - As above but in the afternoon we will be having small groups again as well as visiting homes and helping with chores/housework.
9/17 - The same as 9/15
9/18 - Work on medical clinic and visit homes again in the afternoon.
9/19 - We will be visiting a National Park
9/20 - We will be working at Havilla (home for orphans) . We will be departing for the airport around 5 pm, leaving Nairobi at 9:50 pm.
9/21- Arrive in Amsterdam at 5:30 am with a 5 hour lay over. Leave Amsterdam at 10:20am. Arive in Atlanta at 1:40 pm
9/22 - Sleep :-)
Here are the prayer requests for the trip from trip Director Sue Shook:
- That our hearts will be ready to serve the people of Kwambekenya....that we will be Christ like example in all we do.
- Safety, health and unity for our group
- For the people in Kwambekenya and that we will meet their needs.
- That our hearts will be changed....that we will grow in the Lord
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Small Group for first time Moms
Hello Watermarke,
One of our volunteers, Amy McCreary, is starting a short-term small group for moms this fall. I think it will be a great environment for young moms to learn together and get encouragement from one another. Please read below for a message from Amy about this cool new group!
Brett
Group Life Director
__________________________________________________________________
Hey all you first time mommies I am starting a mom's group in the fall and would love for you to join me and learn a little about yourself, your baby and your purpose.
Just to introduce myself.....My name is Amy McCreary and I have been attending Watermarke Church for 2 1/2 years. I am married to my amazing husband Lare and we have three beautiful children.......Lauren-5years, Ian-3years, and Preston-2months.
When I first became a mom the one element that got me through that first year was knowing that I was not alone. It was important that I had other mom's to talk to that were experiencing the same things I was.
So I invite you to come alongside me and learn about our God given purpose as mothers. To enjoy the company of women and offer our experiences so that we can understand more deeply this honor that God has given us as mommies!
We will meet for 6 weeks every Wednesday morning from 9:30-11:00. We will start on October 1st and end November 5th.
I encourage you to sign up quickly for space is limited. Please email me for more information.
I can't wait to meet you!
Amy McCreary
adianemccreary@comcast.net
One of our volunteers, Amy McCreary, is starting a short-term small group for moms this fall. I think it will be a great environment for young moms to learn together and get encouragement from one another. Please read below for a message from Amy about this cool new group!
Brett
Group Life Director
__________________________________________________________________
Hey all you first time mommies I am starting a mom's group in the fall and would love for you to join me and learn a little about yourself, your baby and your purpose.
Just to introduce myself.....My name is Amy McCreary and I have been attending Watermarke Church for 2 1/2 years. I am married to my amazing husband Lare and we have three beautiful children.......Lauren-5years, Ian-3years, and Preston-2months.
When I first became a mom the one element that got me through that first year was knowing that I was not alone. It was important that I had other mom's to talk to that were experiencing the same things I was.
So I invite you to come alongside me and learn about our God given purpose as mothers. To enjoy the company of women and offer our experiences so that we can understand more deeply this honor that God has given us as mommies!
We will meet for 6 weeks every Wednesday morning from 9:30-11:00. We will start on October 1st and end November 5th.
I encourage you to sign up quickly for space is limited. Please email me for more information.
I can't wait to meet you!
Amy McCreary
adianemccreary@comcast.net
Monday, August 11, 2008
Africa Update - Praising God for His perfect timing!
"Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time." 1 Peter 5:6
How amazing! As I am writing this, I realize that I will soon be calling 410Bridge and verifying that YES we are going to Kenya and our tickets will be purchased! A little over a month ago, I had to call 410Bridge and tell them that we were not able to send them half of our deposit ($17,000). By God's grace, they extended our deadline. Again, three weeks ago, I had to ask for another extension....we still had $18,000 to raise. Last Friday was our initial FINAL deadline but again it was extended to today........we had approx. $4,000 more to raise. I must admit, from my perspective, it seemed like a huge amount to raise in such a short period of time. But God's timing is not ours. His methods are usually unconventional. But what we can know is that He is faithful to come when we call!
Quite honestly, if we had raised the money according to "our plan", then we would have felt it was aresult of OUR efforts....... now we can only say that HE did it!! It was so exciting to see the body of Christ pull together and give with open hearts......working together as a community. What an impact it will have, not only on us, but on those outside the church who hear the amazing story of how God provided. And yes...it was at the last hour.....when we were still $600 short that someone came up and wrote a check for $1,000!!! God not only gave us 100% but even gave us more which will start a mission fund for our church. Praise God!!!!
THANK YOU for listening to the Lord, for giving so freely. Thank you for being a part of this wonderful opportunity to go as a church and help the people of Kwambekenya. To HIM be the glory!
Asanti Sana!
Sue Shook
Kenya Trip Coordinator
"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more then all we ask or imagine" Eph. 3:20
How amazing! As I am writing this, I realize that I will soon be calling 410Bridge and verifying that YES we are going to Kenya and our tickets will be purchased! A little over a month ago, I had to call 410Bridge and tell them that we were not able to send them half of our deposit ($17,000). By God's grace, they extended our deadline. Again, three weeks ago, I had to ask for another extension....we still had $18,000 to raise. Last Friday was our initial FINAL deadline but again it was extended to today........we had approx. $4,000 more to raise. I must admit, from my perspective, it seemed like a huge amount to raise in such a short period of time. But God's timing is not ours. His methods are usually unconventional. But what we can know is that He is faithful to come when we call!
Quite honestly, if we had raised the money according to "our plan", then we would have felt it was aresult of OUR efforts....... now we can only say that HE did it!! It was so exciting to see the body of Christ pull together and give with open hearts......working together as a community. What an impact it will have, not only on us, but on those outside the church who hear the amazing story of how God provided. And yes...it was at the last hour.....when we were still $600 short that someone came up and wrote a check for $1,000!!! God not only gave us 100% but even gave us more which will start a mission fund for our church. Praise God!!!!
THANK YOU for listening to the Lord, for giving so freely. Thank you for being a part of this wonderful opportunity to go as a church and help the people of Kwambekenya. To HIM be the glory!
Asanti Sana!
Sue Shook
Kenya Trip Coordinator
"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more then all we ask or imagine" Eph. 3:20
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Starting the Year with Family Ministry
For families of school-age children/students, the start of school is similar to celebrating the New Year. Heading back to school means developing new routines for your family. While you’re developing your family’s routine for the next 10 months, we’d like to help you develop some routines that will help your family have the best experience possible in our family ministry at Watermarke Church.
1. Consistency: Whether you are the parent of a one-year-old or a sophomore in high school, consistency will make a HUGE difference in your child’s church experience. Our family ministry is built on the principle that life change happens in the context of relationships--relationships between leader and child/student, as well as relationships between peers. When a child/student consistently attends their environment, they have a greater opportunity to develop relationships with their leaders. For Waumba Land and UpStreet-aged children, it is also important to attend the same hour each week so that your child will spend time with the same leader. We believe that one thing every child/student needs is another voice in their lives saying the same things that the parents are saying. Consistent attendance helps small group leaders develop that kind of relationship with their small group
2. Activities: For UpStreet, Xtreme, and Inside Out, we have designed activities that give students additional time to spend with their small group leaders outside of Sunday morning. Nothing develops relationships faster than having fun together. In UpStreet we have KidVenture twice a year. Our next KidVenture will be at Woodstock AMF lanes on August 23rd from 10:00 to 11:30 am. You can purchase tickets beginning this week in UpStreet. For Xtreme and Inside Out, Vertical Reality offers students the chance to spend a weekend with their small group leader and be spiritually challenged. Inside Out will attend Vertical Reality October 3rd to 5th, and Xtreme will attend October 10th to 12th. Registration details will be available shortly.
3. Resources: We firmly believe that what happens at home is more important than what happens on Sundays because parents have exponentially more time with their children/students than we have. That’s why we want to resource you so that you can lead your children/students spiritually. In Waumba Land, we send home “Small Talk” cards each week with the memory verse, the bottom line, and a learning activity so that you can continue the learning begun on Sunday morning throughout the week. In UpStreet, the “Refrigerator Door” cards provide parents with the monthly virtue, monthly memory verse, weekly bottom line, and conversation starters. Because we want children to begin to set aside special time to spend with God each day, we also send home “God Time” cards. As motivation to help children begin this habit early, we give each child who returns to UpStreet with a completed “God Time” card an airhead. In middle/high school, it becomes more difficult to send flyers home to parents, so we will use this blog to let parents of students know what we are discussing in Xtreme and Inside Out. Please come back here regularly for updates.
As a family ministry staff, we are excited about what is in store for us this school year. This year, we want to “Live out Loud!”--to show Christ’s love in our actions to one another, to the children/students in our care, to your families, and to the community. We truly hope that these tips will help your families experience an amazing year in the family ministry of Watermarke Church. ~ The Family Ministry Staff
1. Consistency: Whether you are the parent of a one-year-old or a sophomore in high school, consistency will make a HUGE difference in your child’s church experience. Our family ministry is built on the principle that life change happens in the context of relationships--relationships between leader and child/student, as well as relationships between peers. When a child/student consistently attends their environment, they have a greater opportunity to develop relationships with their leaders. For Waumba Land and UpStreet-aged children, it is also important to attend the same hour each week so that your child will spend time with the same leader. We believe that one thing every child/student needs is another voice in their lives saying the same things that the parents are saying. Consistent attendance helps small group leaders develop that kind of relationship with their small group
2. Activities: For UpStreet, Xtreme, and Inside Out, we have designed activities that give students additional time to spend with their small group leaders outside of Sunday morning. Nothing develops relationships faster than having fun together. In UpStreet we have KidVenture twice a year. Our next KidVenture will be at Woodstock AMF lanes on August 23rd from 10:00 to 11:30 am. You can purchase tickets beginning this week in UpStreet. For Xtreme and Inside Out, Vertical Reality offers students the chance to spend a weekend with their small group leader and be spiritually challenged. Inside Out will attend Vertical Reality October 3rd to 5th, and Xtreme will attend October 10th to 12th. Registration details will be available shortly.
3. Resources: We firmly believe that what happens at home is more important than what happens on Sundays because parents have exponentially more time with their children/students than we have. That’s why we want to resource you so that you can lead your children/students spiritually. In Waumba Land, we send home “Small Talk” cards each week with the memory verse, the bottom line, and a learning activity so that you can continue the learning begun on Sunday morning throughout the week. In UpStreet, the “Refrigerator Door” cards provide parents with the monthly virtue, monthly memory verse, weekly bottom line, and conversation starters. Because we want children to begin to set aside special time to spend with God each day, we also send home “God Time” cards. As motivation to help children begin this habit early, we give each child who returns to UpStreet with a completed “God Time” card an airhead. In middle/high school, it becomes more difficult to send flyers home to parents, so we will use this blog to let parents of students know what we are discussing in Xtreme and Inside Out. Please come back here regularly for updates.
As a family ministry staff, we are excited about what is in store for us this school year. This year, we want to “Live out Loud!”--to show Christ’s love in our actions to one another, to the children/students in our care, to your families, and to the community. We truly hope that these tips will help your families experience an amazing year in the family ministry of Watermarke Church. ~ The Family Ministry Staff
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