| Update on Axis July 2, 2006 www.generationaxis.com/ImNew/axisupadate.asp For 10 years, Axis services have been devoted to helping the Next Gen connect with God through high- intensity weekend services with relevant teaching, worship and art that brings faith into a clearer focus. But, as you know if you’ve been hanging out at Axis for any length of time, it’s about much more than a weekend service. It’s about the heart you have to make a difference. It’s about community. I know that every week there are groups from Axis reaching out to help the homeless, reaching people in prison and serving the under-resourced in our neighborhoods. Whether it’s within the walls of Willow, or out in the world, Axis is devoted to giving back and to getting involved. Axis is real people really doing life together. For several months The South Barrington Leadership Team and the Axis team have been partnering together asking God to lead us to a new vision for Axis. This weekend I spoke to Axis about the next evolution of our church and of Axis. One of the key distinctives we see emerging in our church is a heart for a healthy, diverse church with an intergenerational vision. To live this vision out, we are committed to serve and embrace the 20-something community as well as the distinctives of the Axis services. Axis is not ending, but the weekly expression of the Axis service is. The vision to reach 20-somethings has not changed, but how we reach them is changing. BBQs, gatherings, and events are planned for the summer, built around the Saturday evening service meeting time. So, the next generation of the Next Gen ministry is evolving. But before I go any further, let me assure you that Willow’s commitment to 20-somethings is firm. What will that look like for you? For starters--- Beginning next weekend, (July 8), Axis is invited to do church in the main auditorium. Sections 202 and 203 in the Mezzanine will be the sections where Axis will sit. Axis will have monthly Hangout/Go-out times after the service. (July 8/Aug 19th) We’ll Hang out on the patio and BBQ, and then Go out to participate in different interests or activities. Axis will get together on August 5. House Groups, Interest Groups and Serving Groups aren’t going anywhere. During the summer, they’ll continue just the way they are. Sixty of you have signed up to serve at Habitat for Humanity’s Blitz Build on July 22-29. I’m humbled by your commitment to serve and I think you will bring energy to the rest of Willow as we make the shift to an intergenerational church. I also spoke to a key staffing change for Axis. For the last two years, Darren Whitehead has led the Axis ministry. Starting this summer, he is going to devote 100% of his energies to leading our High School ministry, Student Impact. In the interim, Steve Gillen will lead Axis during through this time of transition. The vision to reach 20-somethings has not changed. How we reach them is what’s changing. I hope you are as excited about the future here at Willow Creek as I am—because you are a big part of it! In this together— Gene Appel Lead Pastor www.willowcreek.org |
living for an audience of ONE...
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