We are underway with our city-wide evangelistic meetings in Chicagoland. The first series began on April 16 at the Gurnee Church with evangelist Emmanuel Baek. This past weekend meetings began in several places including Crystal Lake, Burbank, Joliet and Southwest.
Mark Finley is preaching in two locations: North Shore and Hinsdale. Between those two sites about 2000 people were in attendance on opening night. At North Shore there were almost 200 people in the overflow space in the gym watching on a projection screen. At Hinsdale the sanctuary, the youth chapel and the fellowship hall were all filled. About half of those in attendance at these two locations are visitors.
This weekend 40+ seminarians will be arriving at a number of sites around Chicagoland. Some of them will be speakers for meetings being held in churches around the city. Others will be assisting Dr. Ron Clouzet in the series he is preaching at the North Aurora Church beginning on May 7.
Meetings will be held in several Hispanic churches including Central Hispanic Church where the speaker will be Elder Armando Miranda, general vice-president of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. That meeting will begin May 15.
Yesterday at our Illinois Conference Executive Committee we heard exciting stories of what the Lord is doing in and through the members of this conference.
Tuesday I finally had an evening off. I chose to spend it attending the meeting at Burbank and hearing evangelist Charles Bursma. I almost didn’t go, but I was so glad that I did. I heard a faith affirming sermon and I had the opportunity to fellowship with others.
I encourage you to attend one of these 32 series. Join in and help out where needed, hear a good biblical message. Your heart will be warmed by the message and your presence may be a real inspiration to someone else, too.

Upcoming Events

Broadview Academy Alumni Weekend

BVA ANNUAL REUNION will be Friday, April 30, at 7:30 p.m. and Sabbath May 1st at 9:30 a.m. at the North Aurora S.D.A. Church, 950 Mooseheart Road, (corner of Randall and Mooseheart Roads), in North Aurora. Speaker is: Pastor Ron Kelly (’82). There will be a potluck lunch immediately following the Church Services. Please bring a dish to pass at the luncheon. At 3:00 p.m. there is a musical program. If you would like to contribute to the Musical Program, please call. This is open to all classes. Any questions, call Julie or Ed Gutierrez: 630-232-9034.

Chicagoland Convocation

Plan to attend the Chicagoland Convocation on May 22. It will be a celebration of the evangelism going on throughout our conference. Mark Finley will be our featured speaker. We will be meeting once again at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois.
Meal tickets for the Illinois Convocation, are going fast. Remember that meal tickets will not be sold on Sabbath. Deadline is May 3. Please contact the meal coordinator of your church for tickets. Adults $6.00 Children 3-7 half price $3.00.
We are looking for volunteers in all areas for the Chicagoland Convocation: children’s program, security, and event staff. If you would like to get involved and give a hand, please contact Shona Cross at the conference office (630) 856-2880 or email adminsecretary@illinoisadventist.org

Akita Campmeeting

This week long event at Camp Akita is the perfect event for the family looking for an inexpensive vacation that incorporates spiritual growth and family fun. The dates for Akita Campmeeting are June 13 – 19. Visit the conference website for more information: www.illinoisadventist.org.

Survivor Day Camp

Survivor Summer Day Camp is an 8 week program (June 7 – July 30) that Hinsdale Adventist Academy runs for young people ages 3 – 12 yrs. Every two weeks, campers will enjoy a different SURVIVOR theme. For more information check out the website: www.haalittlelambs.org or contact Cherie Jackson at 630-323-9220, email: cjackson@illinoisadventist.org. Registration is due by May 10.
Cruise With A Mission
Cruise With A Mission will sail December 12-19, 2010. This will be a vacation with a purpose: a mission trip, a spiritual retreat, a meaningful adventure on a Caribbean cruise, all wrapped up in one. Book now to hold your place. The mission starts at $849 + taxes. www.cruisewithamission.org or phone 1-800-YOUTH2U or 269-471-8380 at the Center for Youth Evangelism.

Youth Challenge

If you are High School or College age and are praying for God to guide you into work for Him this summer. Please contact Ron Clark (314) 422-4096, rh_iyc@yahoo.com, or visit www.lightamericayouthchallenge.com. Illinois Youth Challenge magabook canvassing offers life-changing experience, and matching scholarships for Adventist schools.

SEEDS Plus 2010

Last year I encouraged my brother-in-law to attend the SEEDS conference. He came back passionate about church growth and church planting. That has been the experience of several thousand people who have attended a SEEDS conference since its inception. This year SEEDS will be on the campus of Southern Adventist University on June 21 – 23. For more information visit www.nadei.org or call 800-255-7568

ASI International Convention

This year the ASI Convention will be held in Orlando, Florida on August 4 – 7. If you are a business person or a professional that wants to be more intentional about how to be a follower of Christ in the marketplace, there is no better place for you to be than at this convention. For more information and to register please visit www.asiministries.org.

I hope that you will be able to take the time you need for prayer this week too.

Please download PDF for more details.

Due to the week of prayer and Thanksgiving, we will not have the Soup & Salvation Bible study group again until December 9.

I hope you have a wonderful week,

Pastor Joe

A Man For All Time – The Incomparable Christ

Wednesday November 18 @ 7:00 pm: “The Meaning of the Cross”
Thursday November 19 @ 7:00 pm: “It Is Finished”
Friday November 20 @ 7:00 pm: “A Fresh Breath of Hope”
Saturday November 21 @ 5:00 pm: “The Best Is Yet To Come”

1. Prayer ministry
2. Literature ministry
3. Visitation ministry
4. Bible study ministry

If you would like to be a part of any ministry listed you are invited to our home each Tuesday evening at 7 PM. We will provide the soup and God provides the Salvation.
Speaking of soup, The Pathfinders were out on Sabbath and Sunday collecting canned goods and other non perishables for people in need. Now that they are done it is our turn to donate.
Pat Jurinek has asked that I request everyone to bring a generous supply of non perishable food items for community services. There will be containers at each entrance this Sabbath to bring your food offering.
If you would like to assist Pat in any way or have any questions please feel free to contact her.
I hope to see you at our home tomorrow evening at 7PM!
Pastor Joe

]]> http://www.dgsda.org/youth-prayer-group-august-1st/feed/ 0 http://www.dgsda.org/dgsda-news-and-notes-july-31-2009/ http://www.dgsda.org/dgsda-news-and-notes-july-31-2009/#comments Sat, 01 Aug 2009 02:39:57 +0000 Pastor Joseph Arner http://www.dgsda.org/?p=1425 Dear Church Family,

It’s hard to believe that we have already reached the end of July!

Wednesday night Mike Korting walked into the sanctuary and said “It’s been a long time since I have seen the sanctuary like this”. Mike is Pam Dyes brother and they along with others were here when this church was originally built. I must admit that it is exciting to see what God is doing with the building project. It is even more exciting to see what He is doing building relationships and strengthening our church family.

Thank you for allowing me to be a part of it!

There are just a couple of things to let you know this for Sabbath and beyond.
1.We will be in Michigan tomorrow where I will baptize Miranda Richardson. David Holloway will be preaching.
2.There will be fellowship lunch tomorrow picnic style so bring already prepared appropriate food.
3.The church service may be outside weather permitting so throwing in some lawn chairs today might be a good idea.
4.Please continue to pray for those who are having difficulties of some kind.
5.There will be an announcement tomorrow for needs with the renovation in the week ahead. I hope that you are enjoying this special time God gave us.
6.You are invited to stop by the church any time and see what you can do to help.
7.We are not planning to stream live again until we are back in the sanctuary. You can still go to www.livestream.com/downers and access services from the on demand tab.

Thank you for being part our church family here at downers and I hope you have a wonderful Sabbath.

Blessings,
Pastor Joe

UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER:
July 30-Aug. 2 – Single Mom’s Retreat
Aug. 6 – DGAS Early Registration
Aug. 11-16 – International Camporee
Aug. 20 – DGAS First Day of Class
Sep. 11-12 – Youth Leadership Training

NEXT FELLOWSHIP DINNER
August 1  Hostesses: Tina Leonor, Pam Dye, Vera Connolly & Zita Kirsnauskaite.
Note: Please bring picnic food for an outdoor meal to share this day.

DUE TO SANCTUARY REMODELING
We will not be having church services in the sanctuary on August 1, 8 and possibly the 15.
Those Sabbaths we will plan to meet for church outside or in the Fellowship Hall.

Click here for a link to the trail map:
http://www.kaneforest.com/recreation/trails/maps/greatWesternTrail.pdf

All single moms and their children are welcome to the retreat at Camp Akita, July 30-August 2. Cost is $55 per adult and $15 per child. Register on line at www.campakita.com, click on “Summer Camp”.
Registration closes July 20; space is limited so register early.
For questions, email Judy Neal at:

The Downers Grove Seventh-day Adventist church is pleased to host a God centered cosmic presentation on July 24 and 25.
July 24, 7:00 p.m. – “The Orion Connection”
July 25, 6:00 p.m. – concert by “Orion’s Door” gospel group.
July 25, 7:00 p.m. – “Eternal Universe, Eternal Love.”

The Orion Connection

“The Orion Connection” is a self-supporting ministry headed by Victor Martinez. The ministry is offering a superb Power-Point presentation which explores facts from astronomy, the bible, and the spirit of prophecy in search for the dwelling place of God and angels. It consists of astronomy pictures, MPEG animations, Bible verses, and Spirit of Prophecy quotes.
A second presentation, “Eternal Universe, Eternal Love”, explores the glory and vastness of the universe, space travel, intelligent beings on other planets, and God’s eternal love for mankind.  These presentations are spiritually-uplifting, inspiring, informing, and personally challenging to faithfulness in daily living as we prepare the world for Jesus’ soon coming.
Along with the presentation, a gospel concert by “Orion’s Door” brings heart warming bluegrass gospel, praise and contemporary Christian music. This is one of those Sabbath services when you should bring the whole family!

Note:
Please bring light refreshments such as fruit, pretzels, crackers, cookies, etc. to share after the concert on July 25. If you are willing to help with serving please contact Cheryl Fierce

Dear Church Family,
Here is a note from Josh Leonor about the upcoming white water rafting trip:

June is right around the corner and with it comes the church white water rafting outing to West Virginia. This will be a unique experience and one not soon forgotten. Both the New River and the Gauley River are some of the most popular whitewater rafting spots in America.

For our trip we will be venturing down the Lower New River Gorge. The day will be filled with fun and yes…lots of water. The trip itself will be through Ace Adventure Resort. (To see amazing photos and video of what will be experienced, feel free to check out their website at www.aceraft.com)

The video and photos on the site boast of the powerful class III-V rapids which we will encounter during our river ride. Throughout the day we will have time to stop and swim in calmer areas and even boulder jump for those more adventurous. Lunch is included in the package and vegetarian options are provided at this lunch.

The Plan:

Our plan is to leave at approx. 8 am on the morning of June 20th. Our mode of transportation will be by car. If anyone would be willing to drive please let me know. (This is not set in stone. If renting a van seems more logical we may do that, once the number of participants is known.)  Mid-day we will stop for worship and eat our sack lunches and then continue on. The trip is about 9.5 hours plus the time difference we should get to the Holiday Inn in town at around 8pm. Sunday our trip will start in the morning and last about 7 hours. After which we will jump in the cars and head home arriving late in the night. We hope that many of you will be able to make it since there will be no need to take off a weekday.

The trip will run approx. $160 per person (Assuming 4 people/room & 5 people/car, not incl. tax).
This includes:
River Trip – Adult $95, Youth $85
Holiday Inn – $119/night
Gas – $25/person
+ Food
(To fit the life vest a minimum chest size of 24 inches is required. Also a minimum height of 56 inches is required for safety reasons.)

There are as many rafts available for as many would like to go on this trip. A payment date of May 10th is required so that we can reserve our spot on the river. If you are interested in going on this adventure or would like to know more please let me know . God Bless and have a happy week.

Joshua Leonor