This Week at MissionWay...
Momentum series 1
The sports announcer says, "Going into the all-star break, the Chicago White Sox have the momentum." The headlines declare, "Chicago Bulls Gaining Momentum." The coach pumps up his team at half-time by saying, "You have the momentum; the critical need is that you use that momentum and win the game." Positive momentum in any part of our lives is a welcomed addition. This would be especially true in our spiritual lives.  Join us Sunday as we discover how to have momentum in our walk with God.
Quick Links
Series Continues
The Momentum series continues through January. Don't miss the opportunity to learn more about how you can use momentum in your life!
 
Jan. 18: Momentum in My Relationships
Jan. 25: Momentum in My Church
Top 10 Reasons to Join a Community Group
We are forming new groups this month, which will begin meeting in February. We hope you will prayerfully consider what joining a Community Group could mean in your life:
 
community groups 0910. Receive encouragement from other believers.
9. Give encouragement to other believers.
8. Get to know some great people.
7. Understand God's word better.
6. Benefit from having others pray for you regularly.
5. Share openly, without concern of confidentiality being broken.
4. Enjoy occasional service projects alongside your friends.
3. Receive accountability in problem areas of your life.
2. Get off the spiritual island, thinking you're all alone in this.
1. Develop relationships that will last a lifetime.
 
Get plugged in. Join a Community Group today! Visit us online or sign up for a group on Sunday at the Guest Services table. Contact Matt Wilbanks for more information.
Gaining Financial Peace 
Dave Ramsey Financial Peace
 
Did you know the Bible is full of guidance on how to handle our finances? The Bible has many interesting things to say about money, debt, and personal finance. It is important for our church, as well as our community, to understand how to handle God's money God's way.
 
We are offering a 13-week workshop through FinancialPeaceUniversity. This workshop provides a biblically-based accountability curriculum that teaches you how to manage God's money and resources in a godly way. It empowers you to make the right financial decisions to achieve your financial goals, teaching you to eliminate debt, build wealth, and give generously.
 
The workshop will begin on Sunday, Feb. 15, at the MissionWay Office, and will meet on Sundays at 3:30-5pm for 13 weeks.  The cost for the book is $98*. This is a small amount to pay when "on average, families reduce their debt by $5,300 and save $2,700 in just 91 days."
 
We are also looking for several volunteers who could help with the workshops. If you are interested in helping to facilitate the workshop, or if you would like to sign up to participate, contact Matt Kramer  at matt.w.kramer@gmail.com.
 
*If you are interested in participating but need financial assistance in purchasing the book, please let us know by contacting Matt Kramer.
First Week a Success for New Children's Ministry 
children's ministryLast Sunday was the first week of our new children's classes, which include updated curriculum and different locations. It was a great week with nearly 30 people, including kids and workers, participating in the Children's Ministry. We look forward to an exciting year of helping our children learn and grow.
 
"There is a real sense of excitement and unity in the Children's Ministry at MissionWay," said Melissa Woody, who leads the Trekkers (5-6 year olds). "Our new curriculum is full of fun songs, stories, and activities. We are 100% committed to serving the kids. We want them to leave and tell their friends about how much fun they have at church and tell their parents about the important story they learned that day."
 
Jean Turner, who leads the preschool ministry, has been working for the last two years to make sure we are constantly evaluating and making improvements to our program. One of Jean's biggest responsibilities is enlisting volunteers to help with the classes on Sundays.
 
"The Tyke's Peak team is such an awesome group to work with, and we are always welcoming new volunteers," said Jean. "We want to create an environment that is safe, FUN and most of all a place where our children can learn about God and how amazing He truly is. It is so exciting to see growth in our church and to discover new ways to best serve our kids here at MissionWay."
 
Jean's son Josh is 5 years old and is a Trekkers. Last Sunday he came out of his class eager to share his experience with Jean. "Today, we learned about trust and I said that I trusted my brothers," he said. "We made Smores and had a fake fire and everything! It was AWESOME!"
 
Sounds like the excitement is contagious.
Momentum Series: Understanding Momentum
On Sunday we heard Pastor Ron talk about the importance of gaining momentum in our spiritual walks and the kind of impact that could have on us as individuals, in the life of our church, and on the Kingdom of God.
 
We also heard about some steps we could take toward applying what we have learned about gaining momentum. "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us." Hebrews 12:1
 
We hope that you will take some time out this week to consider what God is saying to you about making commitments in your life that will lead to new momentum in your walk with the Lord.
 
MY NEXT STEPS...
--Give God control of your life.
--Pray daily for God's momentum in your life and at MissionWay
--Engage with others in focused intensity by serving at MissionWay
--Join one of MissionWay's new community groups.
Thank You for Your Service
Thank you to all our volunteers who participated in the Christmas Eve worship service at Baptist South. To all of those who came out to carol, set up, bring treats for the staff, take part in the service, and break down: your service does not go unnoticed. The following is a note from a Baptist South nurse:
 
"I want to thank you all so much for the delicious goodie tray that you made for us at Christmas. What a variety you sent and we gobbled up everything. You did a fabulous job and were so creative with the treats. I work night shift and we were excited to see it arrive. Thank you for thinking of us at Christmas and may wonderful blessings be returned to you!"

Last Week @ MWay: January 4, 2009
Attendance: 134
Offering: $3,397.62
Music: God is Great (Hillsong), Marvelous Light (Charlie Hall), Bless Me Indeed (Mercy Me),
Never Going Back to OK (The Afters), Lead Me to the Cross (Hillsong United) 
 
Next Week @ MWay: January 11, 2009
Set-Up: Mark Albert's Team
Food: Diane Quick, Karen Sistare
Offering: Julie Henderson, Jenna Erickson
Crawlers: Janet/John Wilbanks
Climbers: Melissa/Matt Kramer
Explorers: Ashley Wilbanks, Kyle Jensen
Trekkers: Jean Turner, Haley Palmer
G-Force: Walter Newsom, Melissa/Jim Farley