Door Creek Church

December Inside Door Creek

Advent Conspiracy in Action
Update from Casey Scheberl, Door Creek Church Missionary

What a privilege it was to visit with you all last month!  Having come to know Christ at DCC when I was only in 8^th grade, it is a very special thing to continue to be connected with DCC as a supported missionary.  It has been amazing to watch how God has used this body of Christ not only to grow me in my own walk with Him, but to now work together to bring His hope to needy children in Guatemala and Liberia.  I’ve written a brief report on the work we are doing together, thank you all for your love, prayers, giving and service.

~ Casey

LIBERIA
Liberia is a small country on the west coast of Africa. This country is still recovering from a civil war that ended in 2003. War and government corruption led to the collapse of Liberia’s vital infrastructure, including healthcare, education and basic amenities, such as electricity and clean water.  For children who live outside of the capitol city of Monrovia, attending school is increasingly difficult. Often the nearest public school is several miles.  Not only is this walk very long for small children, but it can also prove to be very dangerous crossing major roads and highways, and passing through towns where corruption, violence and abuse of children are prevalent.

In the community of Howein, in the capitol city of Monrovia, Door Creek Church and VisionTrust have come alongside of Pastor Matthew  Gonkerwon who began Salem Evangelical Free School.  Nearly 100 children are currently receiving teaching in how to read and write and are hearing about the God who loves them and has a plan for each of their lives. 

Door Creek Church has been a huge blessing to the children of Salem Evangelical Free School, as $10,000 of 2010 Advent Conspiracy donations were given to purchase land for the school and to help construct the first stages of a building for these children.  It is our prayer that we can continue to partner together to complete the building and begin a feeding program in the near future.

GUATEMALA
Despite its captivating culture and mountainous landscape, Guatemala remains among the poorest and most war-torn nations in Central America. The country is devastated by organized crime and corruption and most of the population lives on less than two dollars a day.  Mayans make up half of the population, living in isolated villages and avoiding outsiders due to the exploitation and abuse they have suffered. Illiteracy, child mortality and malnutrition are common problems amongst the Mayan people.

In the village of El Yalu, Guatemala, Door Creek Church and VisionTrust are partnering with Oscar Chiquito and Los Olivos Church to care for 50 of the poorest children in that community.  The VisionTrust Learning Center is a beacon of hope for these children, providing them with a Christian education, medical attention and the love and discipleship of Jesus Christ.  Children whose families once sent them to the fields to work are now being sent to receive an education and hope for a better future.

Door Creek Church has made this Learning Center possible through the sponsoring of over 20 children and also with a $10,000 donation from the 2010 Advent Conspiracy Campaign.  Through these funds we have been able to hire teachers and run the Learning
Center.  It is our prayer that we can continue to partner together to love these children and to add an additional 50 children in 2012.

Funds raised for Advent Conspiracy will support local and global outreach. To find out more, visit: Advent Conspiracy

December Service Schedule
 Advent Conspiracy Offering
The Advent Conspiracy offering will be taken the weekend of December 17-18. You can also give online during the month of December at: doorcreekchurch.org/giving  If you’d like to learn more about how the money collected in this offering will help those struggling with poverty within our community and abroad, visit:  Advent Conspiracy

Christmas Eve Services
We’re excited to offer several Christmas Eve service times this year. Childcare will be available for birth through two years of age. Older children are encouraged to attend this family friendly service with their parents. All services will have something for everyone, including singing, a special time for kids and a short message on peace. Services at Sprecher Road Campus will close with candlelight worship followed by cookies, cocoa and coffee in the Activity Center. It’s a perfect time to connect with others. This is a great opportunity for our church family to reach out. Pray and consider who you can invite to come with you to this uplifting experience. Look for printed invitation cards next week at the welcome center and in the bulletin.

Sprecher Road Campus
· Thursday and Friday, December 22-23 at 7 pm
· Saturday, December 24 at 1, 2:30 and 4 pm

North Campus
· Saturday, December 24 at 4 pm

Childcare Service Opportunity
We are looking for volunteers to help provide childcare for children ages 0-2 for each of the five Christmas Eve services so parents can worship freely.  If you are able to serve, please contact:
Tracy (Sprecher Road Campus) at:
Candy (North Campus) at: 

Christmas Service
Since Christmas falls on a Sunday this year, we’ll be offering a single service at Sprecher Road Campus. There will be no Video Café, Classic or North Campus Services on Christmas Day.

Sprecher Road Campus
Sunday, December 25 at 10:30 am
(no North Campus service on Christmas Day)

New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day Services
New Year’s Day we’ll be offering two services at Sprecher Road Campus and one at North Campus.
There will be no service New Year’s Eve (Saturday).

Sprecher Road Campus
Sunday, January 1 at 9 am and 10:30 am
(no Video Café or Classic Services)

North Campus
Sunday, January 1 at 9:30  am

Children’s Ministry
Upward Basketball
Door Creek’s basketball ministry for elementary-age kids returns to the court in January! This outreach-oriented program combines skill training and character development with an “every child is a winner” approach to learning and playing basketball.  Registration has begun, and mandatory player evaluation will be December 2 or 3. Practices and games start in January. For more information, or to register HERE, go to the website under connect/children’s ministry. We are also looking for volunteers to join our Upward Ministry Team, so if you’d like to coach or assist a coach, referee, help behind the scenes, or help with concessions, please contact Wayne at the church office.

Make a Difference
Door Creek’s ministries to children (birth-grade 5) are fueled by a volunteer team who serve in various ways with different levels of time and commitment. In just a few hours per month, you can join a growing team of people who are committed to reaching the next generation for Jesus Christ. Opportunities during weekend services, our mid-week Awana clubs, or in Upward basketball include: caregiving, teaching, greeting, leading a small group, helping behind the scenes, coaching, listening to verses recited, singing, and shadowing a special needs child. Contact the Children’s Ministry staff team at the church office to learn how you can make an eternal difference in the life of a child.

North Campus Update
I’m often asked how things are going at the North Campus.  I get a big smile on my face and find myself talking about people connecting with each other and with Christ.  I hope you enjoy some of the comments we often here at Door Creek North:

· I opened the door of my heart to Jesus
· This church has changed my life
· I now feel connected to the people at my church
· I love having my work and community world intersect with my church world
· I don’t have to fight with my kids anymore about going to church
· It’s easier for me to invite my friends to church now
· I like the fact that I get to see the kids I go to school with at my church
· I like the fact we get to meet in one of our public schools
· I’m more involved in my church through volunteering and small groups
· I feel the presence of the Lord here, it feels like a healthy place to be
· Thanks for your continued help and prayers in making the North Campus a great place to connect others but especially with Jesus Christ!

Student Ministries
Rock Bell Ringing
Wednesday, December 7th
Come Rock your bells by serving at the Rock Bell Ringing on Wednesday, December 7th from 6:15-7:45 pm.  We will be serving those in need in our community by adopting Salvation Army Kettles around the community.  You can pick your serving location by going to the Rock page on our website and clicking on the Bell Ringing event.  Parents need to provide transportation to and from your serving location.  This is an offsite event and there will be no regular Rock.  Don’t forget to dress warmly!

Rock Christmas Party
Wednesday, December 21^st
Come have a Rockin' good time at the Rock Christmas Party.  We will be having a gift exchange that evening.  This event is during our regular Rock time.  Gift exchange: Give the gift of junk!  Be creative in finding something broken, useless or random to give away.  Remember that if you would not want to receive that gift it is perfect to give away!

Rock Game Night
Wednesday, December 28^th
Get your game on at the Rock Game Night from 6:30 – 8:30 pm!  Video games on the big screen, hang time with your friends, and fast food items at the snack shop.  What more could you ask for?!

Xtreme Christmas Party
Wednesday, December 21^st
Have an Xtreme Christmas with food, fun and friends.  Who knows what Xtreme things will happen that night!

Xtreme Games
Wednesday, December 28^th
6:30-8:30 pm
Are you ready for some Xtreme games?  Xtreme will be having a game night at the Sprecher Road Campus in the Quads.   Come on down to have some fun and bring your friends too.  There will be no small group that evening!  

Summer Mission Trips Parent Meeting
Sunday, December 4 at 11:45 am
Come and hear Student Ministry plans for the summer of 2012 from Paul and Kyle.  Other than working on their tans, Paul and Kyle are looking at making a difference in the lives of people near and far.  Come hear the details and be first in line to reserve a spot.  Your student is welcome to join you for this meeting.  We will be meeting in Quad 3. 

The Rock and Fusion Service Project
Did you know… that 20% of families with children and up to 35% of single parent families struggle and suffer from food insecurity? 
*stats by Feeding America, 2010

On November 16th, about 130 middle school students (The Rock) from Door Creek Church took on the challenge to fight hunger and feed people.  Students canvassed local neighborhoods collecting food for the Bread of Life food pantry here in Madison.  The students were able to collect 3,000 pounds of non-perishable food which is enough meals to feed 750 families. 

The young adults group (Fusion) from Door Creek Church followed up the collection by delivering, sorting and stocking the shelves at the food pantry.  Thank you to the many students, parents, young adults for your hands on serving.  Thanks also to Boomerangs Resale Store for the use of the truck and to Target for the use of  shopping carts. 

Salvation Army Food Pantry Collection
Please bring a generous donation for the Salvation Army’s Food Pantry to weekend services December 3^rd and 4^th.  The need this year is greater than ever and your generosity is greatly appreciated.  If you, your family or life group would like to join fellow Door Creekers as we serve Saturday night dinners twice a month at the Salvation Army, please contact Cathy Pelletier at 244-5004 or email:

Young Adults Ministry
Fusion – Young Adult Ministry
Thursday nights from 7:30–9 pm
Fusion Focus large group study is held on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month.  Fusion Focus will alternate with a women’s Bible study and men’s activity/study on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month. More info and events are available online.

Fusion Open Gym
Friday, December 16^th 7-10 pm
at Sprecher Road Campus
Join other young adults in an open gym at the church for pick-up games of volleyball, basketball, or dodge ball.  There is a wide range of skill level, so whether you are a high school star athlete or just someone interested in playing the game, you are welcome to show up ready to play! 

Fusion Christmas Party
Saturday, December 10^th, 7:30 pm
It wouldn’t be December without a Christmas celebration with Fusion!  Join us at Tyler and Kate’s for a Christmas party. There will be a White Elephant exchange so bring an old item you don’t use anymore, an item you’d like to re-gift, or anything else you’d like to part with. Please also bring a dessert, snack or a drink to share!  Visit the Fusion page on our website for directions.

Missions Café supports our Door Creek Mission Teams
Please stop by and make a purchase at the Missions Café in the Sprecher Campus Atrium.  All profits go to support volunteers from Door Creekers who are going on short term missions trips in the US and around the world. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Workout at Door Creek!
For those of you looking to get a little exercise during the winter, Door Creek is open to walkers in all our public areas,  Monday thru Friday during business hours.  It’s warm, quiet and has lots of stairs, halls and the Activity Center to get your blood and heart pumping.  Bring a friend.

Financial Peace - Learn how to avoid debt and save for the future.
Saturdays, 8:30-10:30 am
Beginning January 7^th
Financial Peace University classes meet Saturday’s at Door Creek Church each week for 13 weeks-January 7^th through March 31^st, during which time the average family pays off $5300 in debt and saves $2700.  Stop worrying about money, and start your journey to
Financial Peace today.  Register HERE.

Boomerangs – Fire Update
These are exciting times for everyone involved with our Door Creek Resale Store Ministry.  We have  reopened in a different storefront just a few stores down from our old location at Northgate Mall.   We are always in need of good quality furniture and housewares but we cannot accept clothing at this time due to space limitations.   For more information and store hours go to: www.boomerangsresale.com

Meanwhile work has begun on rebuilding our old store.  We have a new roof, walls are going up and ductwork is being installed.  We hope to see it reopen in January, bigger and nicer than before.  Be sure to watch the bulletin and website for details on the grand reopening at our original site.

The Boomerangs Collection Truck is Coming!
Please bring your clean and good condition donations the first weekend of every month to the Sprecher Road Campus.  The Boomerangs truck will be parked in the lot and open for donations 30 minutes after every service.  A pickup at the North Campus will be announced soon.
Boomerangs pickup - December 3th and 4th - after each service

Local Outreach
Missions trip to New Orleans
Door Creek is planning a short-term mission trip to New Orleans the week of January 22, 2012.  Volunteers will be helping to build a new ministry center for Castle Rock Church whom we’ve been working with since Hurricane Katrina. Skilled workers, general laborers and office help are needed as they add this facility to share Jesus Christ with the entire city.  To sign up, or to receive further information, contact Juli at:

Annual Hat and Mitten Collection for the Madison Police Department
This will mark our fourth year collecting new hats and mittens for the Madison Police Department. 

This annual event is greatly appreciated by the MPD who keep the hat and mitten sets in their squad cars for distribution to children without warm clothes that are on their way to school as well as the homeless and accident victims.  Last year we collected 400 sets, please place your donations at the Welcome Center of either of our church locations or you can make a cash donation in the offering and mark ‘hats and mittens’ in memo line.  Adult sets are especially needed.

Salvation Army—Bell Ringers Needed
The Salvation Army is one of our outreach partners. This faith based ministry works with the homeless and those in need within our community.  If you can spare two hours to assist them by manning a red kettle during the holiday season please sign up at www.RingBells.org or call 608-250-2235.  Many shifts at a variety of locations are available.  This is a great activity for a
family or a LifeGroup.

The Road Home Volunteer Opportunity
We are looking for volunteers for December 12, 14, and 17 as we team with Trinity Lutheran Church to provide shelter and food for homeless families.  This is a great opportunity for parents and children or LifeGroups to serve together.  If you would like to assist in providing care for these families or would like to know more about this program, contact Lisa Marostica at 608-345-5801 or

Serving – It’s What We Do!
Name: Cathy Pelletier
Spouse: Jerry Pelletier
Married: Jerry and I have been married for 39 years.
Children: We have 2 sons and a daughter; we adore our 6
grandchildren, ages 4 - 9.
Where do you live:  For 32 years we’ve lived in the same house near Schenk School.
Profession: Homemaker and former art teacher 
How long have you been attending Door Creek:  After attending a friend’s teenage son’s funeral at DCC in 2001,  I saw God at work in this place and began attending regularly in 2002.
What are your favorite foods: The ones I am eating at the time…except for lima beans! 
Hobbies: Reading, yard work, nature walks, family, a bit of china painting 
Faithfully Serving: Salvation Army Dinner Ministry Coordinator and Women’s Bible Study discussion facilitator
How did you get involved in serving: I realized I couldn’t wait to become a “perfect Christian”.. . it was never going to happen! I discovered what God has gifted me with, prayed and combined it with my passions. After attending a meeting for folks interested in starting outreach ministries, DCC enabled me to use my gifts of cooking, organizing, delegating by trusting me to “go for it” since I had been involved with serving meals down at the Salvation Army anyway. Via the bulletin, I saw that there was a Women’s Bible Study at church.  I was thirsty for God’s Word and female fellowship, so I attended and was so blessed. Not too long after, God was inviting me to share my love of His Word with other women, through the leadership there.     
What do you like best about serving: I find a deep satisfaction when I am investing in God’s Kingdom here on earth. I sense His pleasure. I also am blessed by getting to know the family of God with whom I serve.
Why do you serve? I kept my eyes open in the Bible to see what Jesus did, what He holds dear to His heart, and what He calls His followers to do. He died for us while we were still sinning! He showed me mercy and compassion. He offers me grace to start over everyday. He commands me to love God and others.  I show my love for Him by extending His mercy and grace to a hurting world. I realized I need to do this and put off waiting! I want Him to find me being His faithful servant and obedient daughter when He comes back for me!

Eat this Book!
They say we are what we eat. Join us in 2012 as together we get used to eating God's Book (The Bible) every day.  This year we will join Blackhawk Church and teach through the whole Bible as we read through it together.  This begins January 1 with the teaching starting January 8.  We want to let you know that the reading plan will be available sometime in the next couple of weeks as well as on YouVersion, which is a free app.  For a limited time only (December 1-12), you can download the NIV version for offline use on YouVersion at:
http://support.youversion.com/download-version-iphone/ or iPad: http://support.youversion.com/download-version-ipad/

Lots more details to come-get ready to Eat this Book!

December Special Events—Save the Date! 

Adults
December 1, 15 at 6:00 am
Sprecher Men’s Study

December 1, 8, 15, 29 at 6:00 am
North Men’s Study

December 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 at 10:30 am
Worship Service at The Arbors

December 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 at 6:00 pm
Unchained Support Group

December 1, 15 at 6:15 pm
Dwelling Place—Faithful, Abundant, True
Dwelling Place—Jonah

December 3 at 7:00 pm
Josh Wilson Concert

December 3 at 9:00 am
GriefShare—Surviving the Holidays

December 5 at 6:00 pm
Sprecher Alpha 1

December 5, 12 at 6:00 pm
North Alpha 1

December 5, 12, 19, 26 at 6:30 pm
Stephen Ministry Training

December 5, 12, 19 at 6:30 pm
Financial Peace University

December 6, 13, 20 at 9:00 am
Dwelling Place—Romans Part 2

December 6 at 9:00 am
Dwelling Place—Beth Moore

December 6, 13 at 6:30 pm
DivorceCare Sessions

December 6, 13, 20, 27 at 1:00 pm
GriefShare Sessions at Colonial Club

December 6 at 9:00 am
Dwelling Place—Faithfully  Fit
Dwelling Place—Parables

December 7 at 6:30 pm
GriefShare Sessions 

December 8 at 7:00 pm
MOPS

December 9 at 5:30 pm
Forerunners Christmas Party

December 13, 27 at 6:30 pm
Giving Hope Support Group

Fusion
December 1, 15 at 7:30 pm
Fusion Focus

December 8 at 7:00 pm
Fusion Ladies/Guys Study

December 16 at 7:00 pm
Fusion Open Gym

December 10 at 7:00 pm
Fusion Christmas Party

Student Ministry
December 7, 14, 21 at 7:00 pm
ROCK

December 28 at 6:30 pm
Rock Game Night

December 7, 21 at 7:00 pm
Xtreme Large Group

December  14 at 7:00 pm
Xtreme Small Group

December 28 at 6:30 pm
Xtreme Games

Children’s Ministry
December 6, 13, 20 at 6:15 pm
Awana Club Night