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"The Other Way" Ministries' E-News
January 2010
In This Issue
2009 Review & Thank You
Winter Family Camp
Race for "The Other Way"
Did You Know...

On average, we serve 146 families each month through the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry at "The Other Way"?

For a list of Pantry needs, click here.

Weekly at TOW

Monday
Food Pantry  12:15 - 2p
Mid. School Group  3 - 5p

Tuesday
Food Pantry  12:15 - 2p
GVSU Nurses 8a- 3p
D-Groups 3 - 7p

Wednesday
Food Pantry  12:15 - 2p
Women's Group  9a-12p

Thursday
Food Pantry 12:15 - 2p
GVSU Nurses 8a- 3p
ESL Classes 6 - 8p

Friday
Office closes at 12p
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What We're Reading...

"The Next Evangelicalism" by
Rev. Dr. Soong-Chan Rah

 
The Next Evangelicalism

Since being first introduced to Professor Rah at the Christian Community Development Association Conference in Cincinatti back in October, our staff has been contemplating his message and teachings on the future of the Church.

In his book, "The Next Evangelicalism," Rah talks of the seeming decline of the Western church and the cultural captivity it finds itself in. But he offers hope for a brighter more diverse future.

Rah encourages us to break free from this cultural captivity and embrace the cultural diversity that will define the Church from this point on. In his own words, "It's a done deal".

You can listen to Professor Rah's Martin Luther King Day presentation from the January Series by clicking here.

Find more information on Professor Rah at his website by clicking here
Greetings!

2010 is not only a new year, it's a new decade. Certainly a time for New Year's resolutions; but I don't make them.

Not that I'm too old to change. My mostly young staff is good for me; they remind me that change is the new normal, whether climate change or technological change.

It's just there are some things I don't want to change! Like the message of God's daily grace and your faithful partnership with "The Other Way".


Thank You and 2009 Review

A friend popped a pair of questions: "How are things going at 'The Other Way'?"  My answer was "Great! I'm having a good time!"

Then, "How are you doing financially?" Answer: "God is good! We finished 2009 in-the-black."  

I wanted you to know that too, and the pie graph below pictures how it happened. It includes a few sweet "legacy gifts" that are encouraging us into the Family Development challenges of 2010, as we meet hungry neighbors, offer Family Wellness Classes and Family Coaching. 

Funding Sources













So as I look back with thanks and ahead with hope, the one thing I don't want to see change is your faithful partnership. Thank you in advance for walking with us into 2010 toward God's goal of stronger, Christ-centered families in Westown.
Winter Family Camp

Last weekend, 8 families were represented at our annual Winter Family Camp. Eleven adults and twelve children enjoyed the weekend at Cran Hill Ranch near Rodney, MI.

Family
Each Family Camp gives neighborhood parents the chance to discover shared values and helps to foster community between families. The families that attend share a deep desire to 'get away' and spend quality time together - and Family Camp may be their only vacation of the year.




Sledding

As usual, the most popular activity of the weekend was sledding, especially with the  kids!




We praise God for this opportunity to build community and enjoy His creation. To see a video of last year's Winter Family Camp, click here.
Race for "The Other Way" in 2010!

Are you planning to participate in any races in 2010?  Maybe the Fifth Third Riverbank Run in May or the Millennium Triathlon in August or the Grand Rapids Marathon in October?  
racefortow
If you are, please consider racing for
"The Other Way".

The website FirstGiving.com gives people the opportunity to raise money for their favorite not-for-profits by creating your own Fundraising Page. The set up and management is quick and easy and in no time you'll have another reason to reach the finish line!

In 2009, two members of our staff were able to raise over $1,500 for "The Other Way".  We hope you will consider helping us raise even more in 2010. 

For more information or to set up a fundraising page for "The Other Way", click here.  If you have any questions, please e-mail Kyle (kvanstrien@theotherway.org).

Thanks for reading and staying involved in the work of "The Other Way". I invite and appreciate your feedback on our E-News. Please e-mail me at
lroossien@theotherway.org and let me know if there are other things you'd like to see in the next e-mail!
Fam Dev Logo
Sincerely,
 Fam Dev Logo
Lou Roossien
"The Other Way" Ministries