In His Grip

Christmas Cash

At Christmas time it seems everyone needs little more cash and the church is no exception to this rule.  This year at my church I was the project coordinator for our "Christmas For The Kids" effort.  What this means is we partnered with the school where we meet, Wheatridge Middle School, and they provided us with the information on 72 students in their school that needed some help at Christmas.  Now you need to understand, at our campus we maybe average 80 -100 folks on a Sunday with kids included.  This was going to be a huge challenge.  Our goal was to provide two outfits, underwear, socks, gloves, and a hat along with food to help make it through the two week Christmas break.  In cash, that meant around $70-$80 per student.  Being part of a two campus church, we asked our Olathe campus (600 a sunday) to take 21 students for us which they did, but that still left our little gathering with over 50 kids to help.  We then started asking our folks to step up to the challenge and cover these kiddos as well as other groups we work with.  Wow, can I say Christmas miracle!  Last year our campus supported 5 kids.  Yes, I said 5 and this year we will support 51.  Way to go Indian Creek Community Church Gardner!  As I am not an usher, and have never accepted a cash donation for the church, imagine my surprise when one of the groups helping us with the "Christmas For The Kids" handed me $303 in cash to help cover the project.  Needless to say, my heart is very full this Christmas.  

Christmas Lighting in Gardner

Last night marks the fourth year running for Indian Creek Community Church, Gardner handing out free hot chocolate at the Mayor's Christmas tree lighting.  This is one of the events each year that I just love.  Not only is it the marking of the beginning of the Christmas season, but if you want a midwest, small town Christmas event, you cannot go wrong here.  Bubba Starling, the local star athlete pulled the switch to light the tree, Santa arrived on the fire truck, and fireworks are just a few things that you can always look forward to at Christmas in the Park.  The elementary children sing Christmas songs and one of the high school's ensemble groups are dress in old fashion costumes and singing Christmas carols.  This whole event is very Norman Rockwell-ish.  Commemorative ornaments are handed out by Santa and this is the newest one to add to my "Christmas in the Park" collection.  

Not only do we hand out hot chocolate on a cold night, but we add the extra touch of offering a little squirt of whipped cream too, yummy!

Our table this year was right up near Santa's workshop so we were able to give out more hot chocolate than ever before.  In my estimation, we passed out over 420 cups of hot chocolate.  This is the first time we actually ran out, so I am thinking next year we need to come with at least two more five gallon containers full.  Sometimes serving our community in such a simple way is just stinking fun!  Heres wishing your Christmas season will start out with this much delight.

Trunk or Treat Celebration

Once again, Indian Creek Community Church, Gardner held our annual Truck or Treat event.  This year we wanted to make a change to have our event the night before Halloween so that we could be in our neighborhoods on Halloween night.  The last couple of years the Indian Creekers' doors have been dark because we were doing Trunk or Treat.  In order to serve our community and be present on Halloween night we decided that October 30th was the night.  We were not sure at the time of the decision to make this change how it would affect the turn out.  Well I am here to tell you that we had more folks this year than ever before.  There were 300 in the first 30 minutes and we served 770 children total.  This number does not include all of the adults that came to escort thier kiddos.  I just counted only trick or treat bags.  At one point, I was not sure that the candy would hold out, but it did and boy doggies was I glad about that.  I was not sure how it would go over if we had to turn people away.  This is one of the most enjoyable events that our church puts on. 

We had to do some coaxing to get Mom to dress up, but I think she makes a great kitty.

You gotta have friends that come out each year to make sure our event is a success.  Thanks guys, if I can't be at the same church at least we can serve together.  

Jeff dressed up as a suburban guy passing out candy at a truck or treat event.  Wow, how original. 

Trick or Treat Banner -- Free for the Printing

Here is a Trick or Treat banner that I created for some Halloween events that Indian Creek Community Church will be putting on through out our community on the 31st. The idea is to  "live out" the love of Christ in our neighborhood by having a great trick or treat house that not only passes out candy but is there to greet folks and have a great time.  Each house participating will be giving away a $25 gift card to Amazon.  The house events range from giving out candy along with some kind of raffle for the gift card, to having the TV outside on the driveway so that the Dad's trick or treating can get an update on the game.  Some folks will have their fire pits in the driveway and offer fixings to make s'mores and hot coco.   We wanted to make a banner for folks to download and print that they can hang from the porch, garage, etc.  You can access the file here print and hang the banner in your house.  There are two sizes.  The large size has each candy corn printed on an 8 x10 sheet of card stock and ends up being approximately 100" long with the candy corns 10" high.  

The small size prints two candy corns per page and ends up measuring around 50" with each candy corn 6" high.  

These Halloween events are not so much about the day itself, but giving each of us the opportunity to get to know those we actually live around.  Halloween is the only day of the year that it is expect to ring every doorbell in our neighborhood and people not only smile but give us a treat.  Let's make our houses a welcoming place and one that folks just might want to hang out for a while and get to know each other.  Happy trick or treating!

Participating in: The Thirfty Home, Blue Cricket Design, My Grilish Whims, Sew Much Ado, Sugar and Dots, {Primp}, Passionately Artistic, Someday Crafts, Momma Hens Coop, Seven Thrity Three, Sweetpeas and BumbleBee, Handy Man, Crafty Woman, Somewhat Simple, Fireflies and Jellybeans, Tales from Bloggeritaville, Gluesticks, Monivore's Dilemma, The Shabby Creek Cottage, Simply Sweet Home, Finding Fabulous, Its Fun to Craft, The Shabby Nest

Grillin' Group Night

Tonight we are headed to our summer small group "Grillin' Group".  This is where we meet for some grilled food and share a little bit of life together.  It has been a great way to meet new folks that you would not otherwise have a chance to get to know just in passing on a sunday morning.  I love this opportunity to try out new recipes.  Tonight we using our Grillin' Group as taste testers of a Garden Medley Salad recipe I came across recently at The Realistic Nutritionist.  The ingredients are all things that we eat a lot of but never together, so I just had to try this one out. I have already done a little testing myself and it is awesome!  You really need to give this one a try!

Thrifty Photo Blocks

I am finally getting back into my crafty self.  Not that I haven't been doing anything creative, I just have not taken the time to take pictures and blog about them.  But this one idea has got to be one of the easiest and most functional things I have made in a long time.  I am the Live Out (outreach) director at Indian Creek Community Church in Gardner.  I wanted a way to display the way our people were living out the love of Jesus and decided to do it through pictures and came up with these blocks.

 
I cut 2 x 4's into squares and then painted them with white satin spray paint.  Easy so far right?

 
I then sanded some of the paint back off and rubbed it with a little watered down brown acrylic paint to give it just a bit of a worn look.  I drilled a hole in the top of each block.  Using my handy Cricut machine I cut out the letters that I needed.  I made them 2 1/2 inches high.

 
Using some of those fancy Christmas ornament hangers, I straighten one end and glued one into the hole on the top of each block.

 
Tah-dah, thrifty photo blocks that I can change out to highlight the Live Out opportunities and events that our people at Indian Creek Community Church, Gardner serve in.  This particular display shows our folks serving our community at our Easter egg hunt we organized, serving over 400 Gardner folks.  Turned out to be the largest event for Easter in our community.  Yeah!

I am participating in the followng linkys:  Today's Creative Blog, Ladybug Blessings, Costal Charm, A Silly Little Sparrow, All Things Heart & Home, Blue Cricket Design, The Thrifty Home

Teacher Appreciation Week

With this week being Teacher Appreciation, the folks at Indian Creek Community Church, Gardner wanted to bless the teachers and faculty at Wheatridge Middle school where we meet for church each Sunday.  One of our people came up with the idea of collecting teacher supplies.  You know, those supplies that teachers use but are not supplied by the school.  Things that they purchase out of their own pocket.  What a fabulous idea, Willie!  For the last month our peeps have been bring in all kinds of supplies, scissors, dry erase markers, page protectors, etc.  But there are others that serve at Wheatridge and we did not want them to get left out of the love.  So some gals and I made rice crispy treats for the entire staff.  Now these were no ordinary rice crispy treats, we made them the size of Texas.  Knowing that all of our children spend so much time at their schools, we depend on these folks to help shape the future of our nation and we at Indian Creek Community Church just wanted them to know that we support them in all that they do for the students they touch each day.

 
We placed each rice crispy treat in a cello bag with a card attached.  One side said "Thanks."

 
This is what went on the other side of the card.

 
We made 80 GIANT treats for the staff at Wheatridge Middle School.

 
Thanks so much to all the teachers that make our children into the adults of the future.

Christmas in the Park -- Gardner

We attended the 20th Annual Christmas in the Park in Gardner last night.  If you want a small midwest town Christmas experience, this haas got to be one of the best.  It is what you see in the movies, with the Christmas carolers dressed up in old fashioned clothes, the lighting of the mayor's Christmas tree, and of course the star of the show, Mr. and Mrs. Claus who make their arrival on the town's fire truck.  Indian Creek Community Church, Gardner has made this an annual event as well, passing out hot chocolate to all who need a little warming up.

 
This has got to be the most fun you can have doing a service project.  It was freezing cold last night and to offer a nice warm drink with a candy cane and whipped cream on top, who can help but smile and enjoy.  We handed out almost 20 gallons of the creamy chocolate stuff.

 
One of the highlights of any child's evening has got be getting to go into Santa's Workshop, where there is actually a naughty and nice list and elves working on Christmas toys.  Yes, the elf at the door put me on the nice list, even with Jeff protesting. Of course the big guy and his wife are there to see everyone as well.

 
So, is it wrong that I go to see Santa just so I can get the Gardner ornament that they hand out?  I don't know, just asking. 

Three Word Thursday

Halloween night recap

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Trunk or Treat Invite

 

Three Word Thursday

Boo Bash fun!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Group Leader Appreciation

Last Friday night we spent the evening thanking the community group leaders here at Indian Creek Community Church.  Our leaders were greeted with a walk of fame, where each leader was honored with a star of their own.  We honored 104 group leaders over the past year.  (Insert big applause here).  Community groups are where the truth of God's word and the realities of life meet here at Indian Creek.  We heard some great stories of life change and inspiration that were attributed to being part of a group.   

 

 
If you live the in the Kansas City area, it is not too late to sign up for the Fall Semester of community groups here at Indian Creek Community Church.  Click here to find a full listing of the groups available at both the Olathe and Gardner Campuses this semester where you are sure to find something that will fit your needs and season of life. 

Three Word Thursday

24 churches worshiping together!

 
 

 

Christmas in Gardner

Earlier this week the Indian Creek Community Church, Gardner campus passed out hot chocolate at the community Christmas lighting at Cornerstone Park, in Gardner.  Now being a small town, I thought how big of a deal can this be?  Well, was I taken by surprise, this little town goes all out for Christmas.  We arrived in the park around 5:45pm to set up our tent and it was completely dark, the kind of dark that you have to use a flash light to see anything.  As the crowds gathered, we were ready with hot chocolate, whipped cream, and candy canes for all.  The mayor said the word and the park lit up with all of its light as well as a firework display.  About that time, Santa arrived on a fire truck with its lights and sirens on and all was well with the world.  The children from the Gardner schools sang Christmas songs and then all got in line to go through Santa's workshop.  Now, we are not talking just Santa sitting in a chair passing out candy canes, he has a full workshop with elves and everything. He doesn't only give you a candy cane but you get a Gardner Christmas ornament.   I should have known this little town would be the real deal, after all I have been to one of their football games and that should have given me a clue.  Gardner is kind of a big deal when it comes to community fun!

Here is the ornament that Santa was passing out.  No I did not tackle a kid in the parking lot to get one.  I did what any other gal would do who wants something for Christmas.

I sat next to Santa, no not on his lap, and let him know what I wanted.  Yeah!  I am not  too proud.  Besides, I wanted a Gardner ornament and you do what you need to do.   

 

Our Small Group Can Cook, What Can Your Small Group Do?

Tonight our ladies small group from  Indian Creek, Gardner had a super time of  cooking fun.  Instead of doing our normal Bible study, we got together and had a cooking demonstration.  My friend Debra came and showed us how to make some delicious hors doeuvres just in time for our holiday party planning. We made a  Chili-Lime Pecans (these are the best!!!!), Savory Cheese Cake, and Spanikopita. I will definitely be making these for the holidays.  Its amazing how well our small group has gotten to know each other in such a short time and how much each of our lives have been changed by being a part of this group.  Just last Spring we did not even know one another's names.  I love these gals and look forward to continuing on our journeys together in the future.

Trunk-Or-Treat Success!!!!

The first Indian Creek Gardner Trunk-or-Treat was more than I could have ever imagined.  Jesi, our Kid Alive director, and I had been planning this but quite frankly had no idea how this event would turn out.  We thought we had all of our "i"s dotted and "t"s crossed but when it is a first time event, you just never know.  As the trunkers started showing up with their trunks all decorated  with lights and in costume I knew that something was up.  Now I don't want to over spiritualize it but I had been praying for the success of this event all week and it turns out God does care about reaching out to a community through something like a Trunk-or-Treat event.  Because we served over 500 children and there had to have been double that in adults.  The newspaper even showed up to take pictures.  Thank you to all of the people that helped out and especially to those "trunker missionaries" from the Olathe campus that came and trunked with us.  And most of all, thank you Jesus for caring about our small Live Out event and making it more than we could have ever hoped for!  I know, it's just the kind of God that you are and help me remember that.

Unbelievable School Spirit!

On Friday night, Jeff and I attended the Gardner High School football game.  Never before have we experienced a high school football game with so much team spirit.  Not only was everyone dressed in blue, but we even saw adults with their hair painted blue, oh, and one was a co-worker of Jeff's, ha,ha.  There were 230 elementary school girls there to cheer along with the cheerleaders for the 1st quarter and they were all sporting their "Raise Her a Blazer" t-shirts. Before you entered the stadium there was the booster club selling Gardner Blazer gear, 50/50 tickets, and thunder sticks.  Okay, then you enter the stadium. You can't help but notice the large blowup in one of the end-zones.  As the excitement of the game heightens, you see the team start to enter the field, but before they do they all fit inside the blowup and   as smoke starts to billow out of the large football helmet the teams bursts out.  It was the best team entrance that I have ever seen at a high school game.  If you want to get the experience of a small town totally behind their football team check out a home Garden High School game. 

Sunday -- The Church Has Left The Building

This past Sunday's day of service was so fun!  We had a good turn out in Gardner and the best part of the whole day was the contacts that we had with the people in our community.  I had the great privilege and fun of going to each of the sites to capture some pictures.  I like to call myself the "supervisor" but that might be assuming too much.  Being the armature photo journalist that I am, I missed several great photo ops. Like the whole group worship and prayer at the beginning of our day, and after looking at my pictures after I got home, I did not get a group picture at each site.  I am teachable and will not miss those next time.  The purpose of our day of service was not so promote Indian Creek Community Churchbut to "be" the church to those in our community.  In talking with those that participated, many had ideas of how we can continue to live a life of service to those in Gardner.  I am inspired to intentionally find ways to "Live Out" and put into action what I truly believe.  "The church is only the church when we are being the hands and feet of Jesus." 

Passing Out Popsicles for Food

Last night the Indian Creek Community Church, Gardner campus outreach team passed out popsicles and flyers at the Johnson County Fair letting everyone know that we will be in the parade on Saturday collecting food.  Yes, that is right we have our own parade entry and we will be pushing shopping carts and collecting the nonperishable food items from people along the parade route.  We are partnering with the Gardner Multi Service Center to fill their food pantry for the people of Gardner who need help.  We had a great time meeting people and and telling them about how they can participate in giving a hand to help out in their very own community.  So if you want to have a good time, come on out to Gardner on Saturday at 10:00 am for the Johnson County Fair Parade and bring a some canned goods along and check out our parade waves.

Indian Creek Gradner Campus Picnic

Last Sunday was the first ever Indian Creek Community Church, Gardner campus picnic.  After church, we all headed out to Celebration Park were we had great food and fun.  The weather before church looked very questionable, but by the time church let out we had a great sunny day.  There were over 100 people in attendance. There was a water balloon fight, boccie ball,  and we passed out pop ice to everyone at the park whether they were with Indian Creek or not.  The kids as well as the adults had a great time on the play ground while we all enjoyed the pop ice.  It was so much fun and I look forward to more picnics in the future.  You just can't beat hanging out with great people.