As we kick off the new ministry year this fall, we are simplifying some of our ministry names. We hope that all of our ministries are a life-giving place for you to grow, change and impact others. We also want you to know that everyone matters! No matter what your age and stage in life, we want to help you grow in your walk with Christ. To reflect that heart and mission, our ministries are now called Kid Life (birth to 5th grade), Student Life (6th through 12 grade), and Group Life (Growth Groups, Go Groups, The Fight Club and Women’s Link.) To learn more about this change, check out the video at https://vimeo.com/183839960 and you’ll see our new ministry names are easy enough for a first grader!
NEW ELDERS
Thank you to everyone who attended our Annual Meeting on Sunday evening! We hope you were able to catch the vision for 2017 and understand some of the changes to staffing structure this year. We want to welcome two new elders, Jasen Beste and Mike Wangler! They will join our current elders: Jeff Holtz, Seth Kaufman, Kent Neal, Larry Sault, Randy Smith, Ronn Smith and Hector Soteno. We appreciate Gilbert Russell, who is stepping down after completing his term as an elder.
SURGE
Are you longing to connect with God through a time of deep worship and prayer? Join us the first Wednesday of each month at Surge, which is an extended worship service designed to help us step out of the busy pace of life and Revive, Regroup and Recharge. We are changing the format of Surge this year to give us the freedom to worship in a less structured setting. We will no longer have break-out sessions. Surge is at 7 p.m. Oct. 5. We will have childcare for birth to fifth grade.
BAPTISM
If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and you would like to be baptized, participate in one of our regular morning worship services at 9:30 and 11 a.m. Oct. 2. Sign up at the Info Table.
FALL FEST
Mark your calendars for Fall Fest, from 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 22! Don’t miss this exciting family event, featuring an incredible show by balloon artist, Smarty Pants! We’ll also have a free taco bar, caramel apples, crafts, games, inflatables, prizes and tons of fun for the whole family! Due to the anticipated popularity of the Smarty Pants show, we are asking that you reserve your free tickets as soon as possible for either the 6 p.m. or 7 p.m. show. We will open registration to the community on Oct. 1. Reserve your tickets here: http://thesanctuaryfallfest.eventbrite.com. If you would like to help with this event, please consider donating pumpkins or a bag of candy, or sign up to volunteer at the Info Table.
WOMEN’S LINK
Women’s Link seeks to connect women as they grow in their journey with God through events, discipleship relationships and book discussions for women of all ages and stages in life. This fall, women will be going through Believing God by Beth Moore. The study will meet at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday mornings, beginning Sept. 28.
Ladies of all ages, be refreshed both physically and spiritually at Soup for the Soul at 6 pm. Oct. 1. Bring your favorite soup or a salad to share as we explore what keeps us from vulnerably living the whole-hearted life.
Mark your calendars for the Women’s Christmas Tea on Dec. 2. Contact Cheryl Lynn Cain, [email protected].
FIGHT CLUB
Men of The Sanctuary meet Saturday mornings for breakfast, Bible study, discussion and accountability. They also meet one Friday a month for Friday Night Fights, an evening gathering, with guy food and guy talk on relevant topics. Men meet every other Saturday, from 7:30 to 8:45 a.m. in the Community Room. The next Fight Club is Oct. 1. Friday Night Fight events are at 7 p.m. Oct. 7, Nov. 4 and Dec. 9.
15-YEAR ANNIVERSARY
We are so thankful for all that God has done in our church body during the past 15 years. We will enjoy a time of community and fellowship at a potluck after second service on Oct. 2. Please sign up here to bring a dish and join us for lunch to celebrate 15 years of changed lives.
MOVIE NIGHT
Kids in 4th and 5th grade are invited for an evening of fun, games and a movie on Oct. 7! We’ll also serve dinner before the movie! Plan to meet in the Community Room from 6:30 to 9 p.m. and bring a friend!
THE HOLY SPIRIT
God promises to dwell within us through His Holy Spirit, when we confess and believe. Yet our beliefs about and experiences with the Holy Spirit in the church differ. Join us for this seven-week study starting Oct. 9 at 9:30 a.m. as we look at what the Bible has to say about the encouragement of the Holy Spirit and learn how to live daily with Him. RSVP here or sign up at the Info Table.
WORLD FOCUS
Travel along with one of our short-term mission teams on their trip to Honduras this past summer. Hannah Davis gives some of the highlights of the trip and her heart to spread the name of Jesus to other parts of the world. Read more on The Sanctuary blog.
JUNIOR HIGH AND HIGH SCHOOL
Our junior high and high school ministries meet from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Mondays for student-led worship, large group teaching, small group discussion and tons of FUN! Feel free to arrive at 6:30 for hangout time.
Practices are in full swing for a co-ed football tournament the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Pack a lunch and come dressed for practice from 12:30 to 3 p.m. Sundays at Freedom Park 1600 Park Pl, Bolingbrook. Students who don’t want to play can still come and watch! For more info, contact John Jou or Carl Fisher.
YOUNG ADULTS
Our college and young adult group, meets Sunday nights from 7 to 9 p.m. (with the exception of the last Sunday of the month) Please contact Steven Cruz at 630.687.4045 for more info. You can also email us at [email protected].
DOWNLOAD OUR NEW APP
Did you know The Sanctuary now has an app? This is your one-stop to watch the latest sermons, find all the details on upcoming events, read the Slice, find the #sundaysetlist, fill out the connect card, give your offering and MUCH more! Go to the app store, and search for “The Sanctuary Church IL” to download the app!