"HEAR ME ROAR ~ A Study of the Book of Daniel" Sermon Series

"Surviving the Culture" ~ Daniel 1:1-7

We will begin our study of the Book of Daniel by looking at the historical context in which the book was written, and see how 4 young men were 'torn' from their culture, and planted in another.  King Nebuchadnezzar took them captive, with the goal of 'brain washing' them to conform to the Babylonian culture and forget about their God and the culture they were from.  We will begin looking at what they faced and then conclude by looking at how our culture tries to do the same thing to us by attracting us and trying to get us to turn away from God.  We will also consider that God is the Sovereign in control of all that is happening and about to happen all throughout this book and into the future, until the end of time.

This group will be an extension of the Prayer List in the weekly bulletin, where needs of the church and community are lifted up in prayer.  The group meets on alternate Sundays at 8:15 am in the high school classroom near the front entrance.  Have a question or a prayer request? Contact Judy Bury, Jim Jalowiec, Shawna Reidy or Suzanne Smith.

DGCC has a great opportunity to help two groups of people at the same time!  By participating in the Elim Military Kits campaign (May 4-18), DGCC will provide meaningful work for the clients in Elim's Adult Services Program and will bless our troops serving overseas.  A $30 donation allows Elim's adult clients to assemble and ship an Elim Military Kit with non-perishable food items.  Join us in encouraging our devoted military service members around the world while also providing work for men and women with disabilities.  If you know of someone currently serving in the military and would like to send them and their troop an Elim Military Kit, please provide a complete address to Pastor Howard, Dan Draayers, Cathy Draayers or Shawna Reidy.

If you are interested in joining DGCC, there will be a Membership Discovery Class on Friday evening, May 2, from 7 to 9:30 pm.  Those interested should sign up on the sheet located in the Sanctuary.

Join us for a new discussion group led by Pastor Howard Hoekstra.  The three-part series will meet on Wednesdays beginning April 30 at 7 pm and Saturdays beginning on May 3 at 9 am in the church office  Based on a book by the same name, Pastor Howard will engage participants to choose joy in the midst of life's pains and struggles.  The author, Tim Hansel, starts out by saying, "I want this book to offer some hope to those who suffer, for whatever reason, but I don't intend it as 'advice'."  Books are available at Christian Book Distributors or Amazon.

A new group is forming for young families to get together with or without your children to play, have breakfast, exchange clothes and/or toys.  The first meeting will be held on Saturday, June 7 at 9 am at Jessica's home located at: 160 Springleaf Drive in Bolingbrook. The meetings will continue every other month at another person's home. If you would like more information, or would like to attend, please contact Jessica Ahlers at 815.557.9151.

"ROOTED" Youth Ministry, Youth Room, 6:30 pm

Elders' Meeting, Church Office, 7 pm

Friday, May 2

Membership Discovery Class, Sanctuary, 7 pm

Saturday, May 3

You Gotta Keep Dancin', Church Office, 9 am

Jarod Lindberg Eagle Scout Ceremony, Sanctuary, 1:30 pm