This ONE’s for the girls–a ministry taking flight

Posted by Nancy Leschke

We have a little bit of a reputation with the women who work in the strip clubs. Most refer to us as “the church ladies.” But as they are getting to know us, we are building relationships that are allowing God to move in amazing ways.

Here are three brief stories about how us church ladies are reaching to those women who hunger for Him through a ministry called This ONE’s for the girls:

A young woman approached us recently at one of the clubs where she’d been working. She said that she started attending a church in Green Bay two months ago but felt like a hypocrite and wondered what the other people would think if they knew where she worked.

No Surprises

Posted by Linda Rue, CTR Writers & Storytellers Team

During any crises of world, country or home, I find great comfort in the fact that God is not surprised by any of it.

Let’s be even more personal by saying that he’s not surprised by the job you just lost, the husband or wife that has just left you, the teenage child that has suddenly rebelled and turned into a monster that you don’t know anymore or even the disconnect notice you just received that followed the overdraft notice from the bank.

Some of our personal crises come from sin, money mismanagement, procrastination, and even stuff that is not our fault at all.

On dealing with a mental illness…

Posted by Amy Spreeman

Our family suspected there might be something “different” about the way she dealt with stress. This beautiful, funny, smart little girl was the first grandchild–our little niece–who lit up our lives with laughter and joy.

But early on in her life a divorce and the painful rejection from her biological dad, and the way she tried to save the life of her dying grandfather–the man who’d raised her and loved her– well, that’s enough tragedy for any little girl to handle. Who wouldn’t be affected by these painful events? And yet there was something troubling. We couldn’t quite put our finger on it.

Students bring International Flavor to Christ The Rock

International students from across the Valley come to Christ The Rock for dinner and connections December 3.

International Student Dinner 08 was a great success!  Thanks to all you who helped make it happen.

A special thanks to Becky Hermsen and Kendra Hunt for much of the details.  A total of 47 international students joined us for good times, good food, and good laughs.

We served a traditional Christmas dinner, and the conversations around the table were flavored in Spanish, French and English. The event was emceed by “Bishop” Ben Lenz & “Alter boy” Sean Kelly.

Gifts were donated by several area restaurants: BJ Clancy’s, Jimmy Johns, Olive Garden, Erbert’s and Gerbert’s, Culver’s, HuHot and Mongolian Grill.  After the dinner, the students were treated to an entertaining evening of Random Acts of Christmas, our annual Christmas production.

Click on the photos below to see more of this great annual event, and be looking for them in the near future, and let’s welcome them into CTR if they start attending!

The Greatest is Love

God is love. If we get this right, we get it all right. Jesus said that if we love God with all that we are and love one another as we love ourselves, then we fulfill all the law and the prophets. Instead of giving us 1500 rules to keep, Jesus tells us to love. He’s not talking about the kind of love that just makes us feel good, but the kind of love He demonstrated by loving, accepting and forgiving us. The kind of love that has others best interest in mind no matter what the sacrifice or service on our parts. Love is patient and kind! Oh God, please give us more of your kind of love.

I’m offended

What does that mean anyway? when someone says that, it implies that the other party has done something wrong, and that apologies and sensitivity need to follow. What a joke. I’ve

A national pandemic

Last year, I attended an informational pandemic conference in Appleton  

Community Vision

The Ave

Our dream is to see every one connected in a caring family where they can grow in loving God and others, living out the truth of God’s word and reaching others for Christ. We desire to see people loving, living and reaching where they live and work. We long to see the kingdom of God come to peoples homes and neighborhoods as well as where they work and play.

Imagine if every one in our community had someone praying for them and close enough to know the needs so that no one in our community would go hungry, no one in our community would go on being abused, no one would suffer alone. Imagine strong and healthy families growing in the love of God, the word of God and the heart of God; reaching out to others with Grace and Truth. Imagine marriages and families being supported in the homes with resources that would help them love, live and reach.

Imagine if every follower of Jesus saw their workplace as a mission and ministry. What can we as a church do to encourage and equip you to love, live and reach better at work? How can we better inspire and empower you to bring God’s kingdom to your place of employment. Most people spend 70% of their time at work. We want to resource you and give direction that would enable you to serve God through your employment or business.

Imagine downtown outreach centers in our cities that provide food, shelter and clothing the the under resourced. Imagine every assisted living facility in our community with a visiting team that comes to bring faith, hope and love to the residents and staff. Imagine neighbors reaching out to neighbors with the love of Jesus by offering help, bringing cookies or praying for their needs. Imagine the homeless shelter with too many volunteers. Imagine our schools and teachers being supported with love and help to make our schools the safest and best places for our children to learn.

In the community we will have a community elder lead team made up of former and existing governing elders who will mentor and provide oversight and support for the community elders serving in each city and village. The community elders will be providing care and support for the coaches, ministry and small group leaders in each community.

We believe this new structure of care and support will equip and enable people to love, live and reach more in the home and at work. We want to do everything we can to see God’s will accomplished in our neighborhoods and work places. We are incredibly excited about the possibilities of people being more intentional about bringing Christ to community.

The ship is going back out to sea! Are you onboard? Have you found your place to serve? We strongly encourage you to get on board and put your heart and hands to work. Find your place to connect and do your part in advancing His kingdom by loving, living and reaching.