to the digital Midweek Catalog.

FALL 2016
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I
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E
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WEDNESDAY
NIGHT
SCHEDULE
7 p.m.
WORSHIP
Lakeside Auditorium
7:30 p.m.
TEACHING
Lakeside Auditorium
CLASSES & WORKSHOPS
Locations vary; see monitors.
7-9 p.m.
MIDWEEK FOR KIDS & AWANA
Ask a guest host for directions.
CLASSES & WORKSHOPS
Some listings begin at 7 p.m.; see monitors.
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FALL 2016 TEACHING
TEAM + HOSTS
LAKESIDE
WORSHIP +
TEACHING
RICK SHURTZ
Discipleship Director
7 p.m. | Lakeside Worship
7:30 p.m. | Lakeside Teaching
STEVE CARTER
Teaching Pastor
THE CENTERED LIFE
Finding Peace through the Book of Daniel
Ever been knocked off-center by your circumstances?
What does it look like to live a centered life—a life that
is powerful, that maintains peace and strength in the
midst of trying circumstances? Daniel, a follower of
God from the Old Testament, lived this kind of life.
He and his friends put centered living on display even
during the hardest of circumstances, and the book of
Daniel offers a road map for us to do the same.
This fall, strengthen your spiritual core as the
Midweek Teaching Team brings depth of insight
into this vital and practical portion of Scripture.
CLARY BUTLER
Young Adults Pastor
DR. GARY BURGE
New Testament Professor,
Wheaton College
JOSIE GUTH
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Care Center Director
Midweek Host
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LIFE AROUND
THE TABLE
5–7 P.M. DINNER
Atrium & Harvest Food Court
Enjoy a meal around a table with family or friends in the
Atrium. Bring your own dinner or purchase food from
Harvest Food Court, which offers a wide selection of items.
MARK YOUR
CALENDAR!
ALL-WORSHIP NIGHTS
7–8:15 p.m. | September 7, November 23
Engage in powerful worship led by our Midweek team,
followed by a brief message. Consider bringing your kids
for a family worship experience! (Note: No childcare is
available on all-worship nights.)
NO MIDWEEK
TAKE THE
NEXT STEP
Growing as a follower of Christ isn’t measured by
how much of God’s Word you know; it’s measured
by how you live out your faith in your relationships,
day-in and day-out. Midweek is all about helping
you engage with God holistically—in every
relationship in your life.
Where will you take steps to
grow in your relationships —
with God, with others, and
with yourself?
December 21 & 28
To accommodate Christmas services and Christmas break,
no Midweek worship, teaching, workshops, or childcare are
held on these dates. Our regular Midweek schedule
resumes January 4.
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Learn more about upcoming workshops at
willowcreek.org/workshops.
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MIDWEEK
FOR KIDS +
AWANA
6:40–7 P.M. | CHECK-IN
7–8:30 P.M. | PROGRAM
8:30–9 P.M. | PARENT PICK-UP
Children experience a fun, encouraging environment
designed specifically to help them grow in their
faith—while their parents engage in Lakeside worship,
teacing, workshops, small groups, or self-study.
willowcreek.org/midweekforkids
MIDWEEK FOR KIDS
Infants–preschool/age 5
Babies, toddlers, and preschoolers experience safe,
nurturing childcare while their parents attend
Lakeside teaching, classes, or workshops.
AWANA
Kindergarten–grade 5
Kids experience a fun, encouraging environment
designed specifically to help them grow in their faith.
Through large-group teaching, small-group conversations with skilled leaders, and age-targeted tracks like
art, drama, and team-building games, kids increase their
biblical knowledge and build confidence in their faith.
Take-home workbooks and Scripture memorization
augment this purposeful, powerful program.
Registration and a small fee for materials required.
Scholarships available. willowcreek.org/midweekforkids
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MARRIAGE +
PARENTING
BUILDING STRONG MARRIAGES
6:30 p.m., Fridays | September 9, October 7, November 18
This monthly marriage-enrichment gathering, sponsored by
Willow’s Marriage Ministry and Section 208 @ 11:15, explores
John Gottman’s book, The Seven Principles for Making Marriage
Work. Evenings include dinner, an inspiring message, and
small-group table discussions. Register: willowcreek.org/marriage
RESTORE | Reconnect in Your Marriage
All marriages go through hard seasons. Learn about RESTORE on
page 16. willowcreek.org/restore
LÍMITES PARA NUESTROS HIJOS
7–9 p.m. | los miércoles del 14 de septiembre al 2 de noviembre
Aprende a establecer límites sanos con tus hijos mediante este taller
basado en el libro Límites para Nuestros Hijos del Dr. Henry Cloud y
del Dr. John Townsend. willowcreek.org/casadeluz/capacitacion
VULNERABLE CHILDREN | Understanding the
Challenges of Safe Families, Foster Care, and Adoption
7:30 p.m., Wednesdays | September 28, October 26
Discover how you can care for children in need when their birth
parents cannot—from short-term roles to opening your home. Learn
best practices and hear from others committed to encouraging,
welcoming, and caring for vulnerable children in our community.
willowcreek.org/workshops
September 28 | Empowering, Connecting, Correcting
October 26 | Facilitating Behavioral Change
SCREENAGERS | Help Your Kids Navigate the
Digital Age
7:30 p.m., Wednesday | October 19 in the Chapel
Parents: Watch the documentary Screenagers: Growing Up in the
Digital Age, and gain suprising insight from brain scientists who offer
workable solutions for helping your kids navigate social media, video
games, online homework, and internet addiction. Bring your teens
(grade 7 and older)! willowcreek.org/workshops
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THEOLOGY
+ GROWTH
NOW WHAT?
How to Begin Your Christian Journey
7:30 p.m., Wednesdays
September 14–October 26
“Now what?” might be the question you’re asking if you’ve recently
made the decision to follow Jesus. This class is for you! Explore the
basics of the Christian faith, such as how to read the Bible, why
forgiveness matters, and how to navigate suffering and temptation.
willowcreek.org/workshops
MERCY TRIUMPHS | A Beth Moore Study on
the Book of James
7:30 p.m., Wednesdays | Beginning September 14
Dive into an in-depth, video-based Bible study taught by
Beth Moore, followed by small-group table discussion.
Explore themes like joy, hardship, faith, reversal of
fortunes for rich and poor, wisdom, gifts from above,
single-mindedness, the dangers of the tongue, humility,
and prayer. Purchase your James: Mercy Triumphs
workbook in Seeds Bookstore prior to class.
willowcreek.org/workshops
LEADERSHIP, JOSHUA-STYLE
A Working-Women Bible Study
7:30 p.m., Wednesdays | September 14–November 16
Through studying the Old Testament book of Joshua and engaging
in small-group discussion, you can learn how to apply biblical
principles of leadership into the regular rhythm of your life. Bring
your Bible!
willowcreek.org/workshops
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DISCOVER YOUR SPIRITUAL GIFTS
7:30 p.m., Wednesdays
September 14, October 5, November 9
God has given each of us specific talents, spiritual gifts,
and a holy discontent for bringing good to this world.
In this one-night class, you can gain clarity around
where these three align—and how to unleash them to
make a difference in our church, community, and world.
willowcreek.org/workshops
ALPHA
7 p.m., Wednesdays
September 21–November 16
Alpha is a nine-session series of gatherings that explore
the meaning of life. It’s a place for anyone curious about
faith or new to Christianity. Alpha includes dinner, a brief
talk, and casual conversations around a table where you
can share your thoughts and ask questions.
RSVP: willowcreek.org/alpha
ANCHORED | Five Core Beliefs that Secure Your
Life in the Midst of Uncertainty
7:30 p.m., Wednesday | October 12
Explore five core beliefs of the Christian faith and learn how staying
anchored in those beliefs helps you withstand any storm or season
of uncertainty.
willowcreek.org/workshops
CHAIR TIME
The Nuts & Bolts of Spending Time with God
7:30 p.m., Wednesday | November 9
Spending 15 minutes a day in a favorite chair reading the Bible,
praying, and connecting with God can be one of the most catalytic
times of your day. But what does this 15 minutes actually look like?
Learn to make the most of your chair time in this one-night class.
willowcreek.org/workshops
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SPECIAL FRIENDS COMMUNITY FOR ADULTS
PRISON & JAIL CONNECTION BREAKFAST
Independent adults with intellectual disabilities spend time in
Bible study, worship, and community in this weekly group.
Leaders build relationships with participants, helping them
unleash their God-given abilities.
New participant registration: willowcreek.org/specialfriends
6 p.m Gather together for dinner (Atrium)
Learn about Willow’s Prison & Jail Ministry, which serves those who
are currently incarcerated, those with an incarcerated loved one, and
those who have come out of incarceration and wish to find a church
home. Whether you'd like to volunteer in a prison or jail or are looking
for reentry support, you can engage in this monthly gathering to learn,
be encouraged, and address issues unique to this population.
A light breakfast is served. No registration needed.
6 p.m., Wednesdays | Ongoing
7 p.m Worship together (Lakeside Auditorium, D20–21)
7:30 p.m.
Engage in a relevant Bible study (Room D154)
SUPPORT
EMPLOYMENT
+ FINANCES
RESTART | Thriving in Your New Life
TYPING, WORD, AND EXCEL | Mastering Your
Computer Skills
6–9 p.m., Tuesdays | Ongoing
Reentry into everyday life can be daunting—for you and the
family members and people around you. Engage in a weekly
gathering that includes dinner, community, and Bible study.
Meet others who understand these unique challenges and
want to encourage and support your journey. Explore the
Bible together, share your struggles, encourage others, and
hear real-life stories of transformation.
willowcreek.org/workshops
CARIS CONNECT
Unplanned Pregnancy Support Group
7:30 p.m., Wednesdays | Ongoing
Are you a single woman experiencing an unplanned
pregnancy? Find friendship, community, and support
in this group led by women from Willow. Explore a Caris
curriculum that covers topics like self-esteem, identity,
boundaries, and relationships—all in a fun, warm atmosphere.
Childcare and snacks provided.
willowcreekcarecenter.org
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10 a.m.–12 p.m., Saturdays | October 1, November 5, December 3
7:30–9 p.m., Wednesdays
September 7–28 and November 2, 9, 16 & 30
Learn keyboarding basics and then move toward advanced
proficiency in Microsoft’s two most in-demand prgrams: Word
and Excel. Skilled instructors help you enhance your
proficiencies, making you more competitive and efficient in
the workplace and everywhere computer skills are needed.
willowcreek.org/workshops
BUDGETING MADE EASY
7–9 p.m., Mondays
September 12, October 10, November 14, December 12
Feeling overwhelmed with your bills? This one-time, two-hour
workshop can help you create a realistic plan for your money.
Learn which bills to pay first and how to craft a plan that works for
your unique situation.
willowcreek.org/stewardship
FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY
7 p.m., Tuesdays | September 13–November 8
Financial Peace University provides nine sessions of biblically based,
common-sense financial education and empowerment through video
teaching from financial expert Dave Ramsey and small-group interaction with trained facilitators. Learn to eliminate debt, save for retirement, pay off your mortgage early, and live in financial freedom.
Register: willowcreek.org/workshops
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MAXIMIZING THE COMPUTER IN YOUR
JOB SEARCH | 1:1 Coaching
7:30 p.m., Wednesdays | October 5, 12, 19 & 26
HIRE-WAYS | Helping Individuals Return to Employment
5–7 p.m., Wednesdays | September 14–November 30
HIRE-WAYS (Helping Individuals Return to Employment—Wise
Advice for Your Search) is more than just a clever name. Statistically,
people who are part of a support team find a new job in half the time
of those who aren’t. Join this weekly group that provides encouragement, structure, helpful tips, and accountability in your job hunt.
willowcreek.org/workshops
JOB-SEEKER INTENSIVES
7:30–9 p.m., Wednesdays
September 14–28, November 2–30
Master the elements of conducting a successful job search. Hear
from human resource professionals and industry experts on current
best practices to find a job that fits your skills and interests.
willowcreek.org/workshops
September 14 | Effective networking in your circles and beyond
September 21 | Job-fair readiness
September 28 | Reforming your career path
November 2 | Writing winning résumés and cover letters
November 9 | Equipping yourself with job-search tools
November 16 | Tips for a strong interview
November 23 | No class. Join the All-Worship Night in Lakeside.
November 30 | Utilizing LinkedIn and other social-media platforms
ENTREPRENEURSHIP & SMALL-BUSINESS
DEVELOPMENT
7:30 p.m., Wednesdays | October 5–26
Learn the ins and outs of starting your own business. This workshop
includes panel discussions with entrepreneurs and small-business
experts to help you construct a business-plan framework.
willowcreek.org/workshops
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Taught in Willow’s computer lab, this hands-on workshop provides
one-on-one instruction and feedback on résumé templates and
offers coaching in the tools you need to land a job that fits your skills
and interests. willowcreek.org/workshops
October 5 | Résumés and cover letters, part 1
October 12 | Résumés and cover letters, part 2
October 19 | Job-search tools
October 26 | LinkedIn profiles
WILLOW CREEK JOB FAIR
1–4 p.m., Thursday | October 6
Meet prospective employers from the community who
are looking to fill open positions with great candidates!
Positions in healthcare, manufacturing, administration,
food service, sales, finance, and retail are among some of
the options available. willowcreek.org/workshops
COMPASSION
+ JUSTICE
FIGHT HUMAN TRAFFICKING | Awareness,
Advocacy, and Service
7:30 p.m., Wednesday | September 21
Learn, volunteer, and advocate on behalf of those enslaved by the
sex industry and forced labor. This quarterly forum explores the
battle against international human trafficking and features guests
from Destiny Rescue. willowcreek.org/workshops
REFUGEES | Restoring Futures
7:30 p.m., Wednesday | October 26
The Chicago area is home to thousands of families from all over the
world who have been forced to flee their homelands. Hear a few of
their stories and meet the organizations Willow partners with who
make a world of difference in their lives. Discover how you can
engage with refugees as they work to restore their futures in our
city. willowcreek.org/workshops
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RELATIONSHIPS +
HEALING
RESTORE | Reconnect, Re-engage, and Tackle
Tough Issues Together
REBUILD | Life after Loss
7 p.m., Wednesdays | September 14–November 16
The REBUILD workshop offers comfort, hope, and practical tools
to help you grieve and move toward healing after a significant
loss—such as the death of a loved one, divorce, stillbirth, infertility,
or miscarriage. Teachers: Chrissie Steyn and team. (Note: REBUILD
participants also experience the Handling the Holidays workshop
on November 9.) Register: willowcreek.org/rebuild
7 p.m., Wednesdays | September 14–November 9
Learn practical tools and explore fresh concepts to help you and
your spouse outsmart the relational patterns that keep you stuck.
Resolve nagging issues, acquire new insights, and reconnect in a way
that fosters the healing, intimacy, and growth you desire. Led by
therapists, pastors, and trained facilitators.
Register: willowcreek.org/restore
RECOVER | Overcoming Barriers that Hold You Back
7:30 p.m., Every Wednesday except:
September 7, November 23, and December 21 & 28
We all have hurts, habits, and hang-ups that hold us back. The
powerful teaching and confidential small groups in Willow’s recovery
program help you move toward healing, healthy relationships, and
sobriety. No registration required. willowcreek.org/recover
Casa de Luz recovery workshop in Spanish
RECUPÉRATE | Redime Tu Pasado. Reclama Tu Futuro.
7 p.m., todos los miércoles
Todos tenemos heridas, hábitos, y puntos de dificultad que nos
refrenan. Esta poderosa enseñanza acompañada de grupos
pequeños confidenciales en el programa de recuperación de Casa te
ayudará a movilizarte hacia la sanidad, las relaciones sanas, y la
sobriedad. No se requiere registrarse. Mayores informes:
willowcreek.org/casadeluz/capacitiacion
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CHILD GRIEF SUPPORT
7 p.m., Wednesdays | September 14–November 16
Children (kindergarten–grade 5) find support, receive
encouragement, and learn skills for navigating the
death of a loved one in this safe environment with other
kids their age who have experienced a similar loss.
Empathetic leaders help them process their grief
through games, art, journaling, and storytelling as they
experience God’s love and move toward healing.
willowcreek.org/rebuild
REBUILD | Handling the Holidays
7:30 p.m., Wednesday, November 9
This one-night workshop provides helpful strategies for navigating
the holidays after the death of a loved one, divorce, stillbirth,
infertility, miscarriage, or similar loss. Highly practical!
Teacher: September Vaudrey. No registration required.
willowcreek.org/rebuild
CHILD GRIEF SUPPORT | Handling the Holidays
7:30 p.m., Wednesday, November 9
In this one-night workshop, children (kindergarten–grade 5)
explore a variety of proven approaches for navigating the
holiday season while honoring the memory of a loved one.
willowcreek.org/rebuild
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WOMEN’S
DAYTIME CLASSES
9:30–11:30 A.M., WEEKDAYS
SEPTEMBER 13–NOVEMBER 18
Engage in teaching and group discussion for women of all ages
and stages of spiritual growth. Childcare available by
registration for a small fee. Register: willowcreek.org/women
Tuesdays
BEGINNINGS: STUDYING THE BOOK OF ISAIAH
Peggy Walding
Study the book of Isaiah—and dive deep into God's message of
salvation. Note: This class is open to men and women.
LIFE AS MOM | Jane Englund
Moms in the crazy-busy season of raising preschool to preteen
children gather to be enriched and equipped through practical,
biblical teaching that helps them thrive in their family lives and
multifaceted roles.
Wednesdays
DRESSING FOR SUCCESS | Patti Kulpinski
SPIRITUAL FORMATION | Joan Kelley &
Gail Donahue
Explore the journey of spiritual formation through the study
and engagement of a variety of spiritual practices.
Fridays
LIFE IN CHRIST DISCIPLESHIP | Suzy Mazur
Looking to be mentored and discipled? This study explores
God’s word and invites transformation to help you reflect
Christ in your heart, home, marriage, parenting,
relationships, work, and ministry.
MOPS—MOTHERS OF PRESCHOOLERS
9:30–11:30 a.m., Fridays | September 2 & 23,
October 7 & 21, November 4 & 18, December 9
In today’s culture, women have all kinds of ways to dress, from
casual to formal. The apostle Paul uses a clothing word picture to
describe just what we need to “put on” to be ready for the
day—the armor of God. Explore how this imagery can help you
prepare for living life to the full!
MOPS is an international grassroots movement that
believes moms are world-influencers. Connect with fellow
moms of “littles” (birth through kindergarten) with whom
you can laugh, cry, and embrace the journey of
motherhood through relevant teaching, discussion, and
refreshments. Invite fellow moms from your neighborhood!
Thursdays
Register your child in a safe, loving childcare environment.
Space is limited.
Register: willowcreek.org/MOPS
MOMS WITH TEENS | Carole Pye &
Jennifer McLysaght
Join a community of moms with preteen, teen, and college-age
kids who share biblical community, encouragement, parenting
wisdom, and current information about raising Generations Y
and Z.
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WEEKEND SERVICES
5:30 p.m., Saturdays | 9 and 11:15 a.m., Sundays
Main Auditorium • Atrium (via live-feed video)
willowcreek.org
PROMISELAND
Infants–grade 5
5:30 p.m., Saturdays | 9 and 11:15 a.m., Sundays
Doors open 30 minutes before service times.
willowcreek.org/promiseland
ELEVATE
Grades 6–8 | Activity Center
5:15 p.m., Saturdays | 8:45 and 11 a.m., Sundays
iamelevate.com
STUDENT IMPACT
Grades 9–12 | Lakeside Auditorium
11:15 a.m., Sundays
studentimpact.com
CASA DE LUZ
Spanish-language service | Chapel (entrance B)
9 & 11:15 a.m., Sundays
willowcreek.org/casadeluz
WILLOWCREEK.TV
Watch Willow Creek services online.
willowcreek.tv
MIDWEEK SERVICE
7 p.m., Wednesdays | Lakeside Auditorium or
Atrium (via live-feed video)
willowcreek.org/midweek
@WILLOWCREEKCC
#WILLOWMIDWEEK