Jesus’ Great Commission demonstrates His extravagant and sacrificial love. The Great Commission Fund (GCF) helps the Alliance family share this love with a lost and dying world.

When you give, you partner with Alliance workers who shine the light of Jesus into the lives of those living in spiritual darkness. Through GCF-funded medical outreaches, micro enterprise projects, community centers, and church planting, The Alliance is obeying Christ’s command to “make disciples of all nations.”

At Center Pointe, you can give on Sundays. Just designate on your check, or use a Giving Envelope available on the info table, how much you would like to give to the Great Commission Fund.

Here are a couple of the transitions that are going to be taking place.

ADULT LEADERS. Bruce, Angel and Justin Noland have been leading the charge as adult leaders of the Student Ministry, and I believe they have been doing a great job and have my full support. They love your kids more than I can express. In order to help support their ministry and bring some new creativity and excitement, I will also be helping out on Wednesday nights with the Student Ministry. In fact, I was there this past week and had a BLAST! I’m looking forward to getting to know the next generation of Center Pointe Students.

SCHEDULE. Over the past months the normal schedule for our Wednesday night meetings have been alternating between youth group format, small group format and service projects. In order to build momentum and make the most of the gifts of our leaders, beginning this month, the schedule will be Youth Group on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Wednesdays and a Service Project on the 4th Wednesday of the month.

OUR PROMISES TO YOU AND YOUR STUDENTS. For the rest of this year we want to focus on 3 specific things:

1. We want to 7-8pm on Wednesday nights to be the most fun night of the week of students. We promise to do everything in our power to create an exciting, inviting atmosphere during our meetings.
2. We want to create an environment that is safe for students to ask questions and to learn.
3. We want to challenge students to take the next step in their spiritual journey, not just learn more Bible stuff.

COMMUNICATION. Our plan is for this to be the beginning of on going communication with you so you can know ahead of time what our Student Ministry is up to.

WHAT YOU CAN DO. We promise to do everything we can build up the momentum of Student Ministries, but there’s some ways you can play a part too.

• Encourage your students to come. If you have students that are between 6th and 12th grade, help them make Center Pointe Student Ministry a priority during their week.
• Feed the animals. If you could help provide a snack during our Wednesday gathering, reply to this email and let me know. Snacks could include: chips and dip/salsa, brownies, soda, ice cream, cake, pizza, fried chicken, Taco Bell, etc…
• Buy a van. I’m not kidding! We will be planning events that happens “off campus” and we’ll need drivers for these events. If you’re in the market for a car, think about buying a van so you can help serve the Student Ministries. Trust me the drivers have just as much fun as the passengers (eg. The Great Turkey Chase).
• Talk to us. If you ever have any questions or concerns about Student Ministries, PLEASE talk to us! We want to be partners is seeing your kids grow spiritually and vibrantly in the life of Jesus!

Thanks for taking the time to read this. See you students on Wednesday!

Josh Franks and the Center Pointe Student Ministry adults leaders

Click here to listen to messages in this series

When: April 22nd

Where: Northridge Hartford Elementary School gym (10843 Foundation Rd, Croton, OH)

Who: Men and women of all ages. Parents, please use your best judgment when determining if your child is old enough to participate.

Course Descriptions:

ROOTS: Discovering the Essential Beliefs and Behaviors that Keep Us Centered on Jesus

Instructors: Josh Franks & James Baden

This class is essential for every person that calls Center Pointe Church their home. Learn the six foundational beliefs and the behaviors that flow from them.
Note: Successfully completing the ROOTS Course is required to become part of the Servant Partnership Team.

6 WEEKS
Tuesdays, Jan 10—Feb 14 | 7-9pm
Cost: $20 adults/$10 students (register by 1/3)

Good Tree Growth Focus: Roots

Financial Peace University

Instructors: Dave Humphrey
Financial Peace University is a 13 week study that teaches families how to beat debt, build wealth, and give like never before!

13 WEEKS
Tuesdays, Feb 21—May 15 | 7:30-9:30pm
Cost: $100 per family* (register by 2/7)

Preview Session: Tuesday, Jan 18 | 7pm

Good Tree Growth Focus: Trunk

*scholarships available

Discover Your S.H.A.P.E.

Instructors: Josh & Jennifer Franks

This workshop will give you the tools you need to discover and develop the unique SHAPE that God has given you to use in service to him and others.

Prerequisite: Participants must have successfully completed Roots course.

4 WEEKS
Tuesdays, Feb 28—Mar 20| 7-9pm
Cost:  $20 (register by 2/21)

Good Tree Growth Focus: Branches

Embracing a Glocally Missional Life

Instructors: Josh Franks & Dennis Turner

This class will cover:

• How to share your faith story with others
• The history of Christian missions
• The history of Alliance missions
• How to be involved in missions both locally and globally

5 WEEKS
Tuesdays, May 1—May 29 | 7-9pm
Cost: $20 adults/$10 students (register by 4/24)

Good Tree Growth Focus: Fruit & Seeds

The first stage of planting a church is the same as planting a flower or tomato plant. YOU TEST THE SOIL (Mark 4:1-20). So on Wednesdays, beginning October 26th, I’ll be spending the day in Newark testing the soil. I’ve begun to compile a list of friends and family of people that I know and I’ll be contacting them, getting to know them, and asking them two simple soil-testing questions:

1. Do you think God wants to do something in Newark?
2. Do you want to be a part of it?

While testing the soil is is the first stage in planting a church, the first work is prayer. I can assure you that the Elder Team has been praying for a while now for direction and open doors. I want to invite you to pray as well. Could you carve out some time every Wednesday, beginning October 26th, to pray that God would open doors for the gospel to be heard and His kingdom to advance in Newark?

Also, if you know anyone in the Newark area that might be interested in learning more, let me know!

Thanks Center Pointe for being kingdom-focused!

Finding a Growth Pointe is Easy.

1. Enter a search criteria.
2. Look through the search results.
3. Contact the group leader.
4. Get approved, and join!

1. Enter a search criteria.
2. Look through the search results.
3. Contact the group leader.
4. Get approved, and join!

A challenge for women of all ages to complete a marathon for the body and soul in six weeks.

How Does It Work?

By following these 3 fitness steps you will be on your way!

STEP 1

Fill out the registration form online atwww.busybabesmarathon.com and complete the physical and spiritual fitness tests. There is online payment that is available to you or instructions on mailing in your registration fee.

STEP 2

Form a team.  Find a partner or group to run/walk with and set up a time to get together throughout the week.  Split up your 26.2 miles however it works for your team (5 miles per week gets you there with time to spare).

STEP 3

Make a commitment to spend the next six weeks gaining physical and spiritual health and build relationships. Use the online discussion questions to build your relationship with God and your team while you walk/run each week.

What Will We Do?

Learn to connect your to-do-list, your passions and God’s unique  purpose for your life.  Use busybabesmarathon.com as a spiritual fitness coach to get you running in the right direction!

Learn what your next step is in discovering your unique purpose in life.  Use the weekly encouragement and discussion questions with your running partner or group during your weekly walking/running time.  You will find six topics, one for each week, on busybabesmarathon.com to get your conversations started as you walk/run with your team.