Lets Say Thanks to Our Troops

XEROX IS DOING SOMETHING COOL

If you go to this web site, http://www.letssaythanks.com/Home1280.html you can pick out a thank you card and Xerox will print it and it will be sent to a soldier that is currently serving in Iraq. You can't pick out who gets it, but it will go to a member of the armed services.

How AMAZING it would be if we could get everyone we know to send one!!!

It is FREE and it only takes a second.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if the soldiers received a bunch of these?

Whether you are for or against the war, our soldiers over there need to know we are behind them.

This takes just 10 seconds and it's a wonderful way to say thank you.

Please take the time and please take the time to pass it on for others to do. We can never say enough thank you's.

Thanks for taking to time to support our military!

http://www.letssaythanks.com/Home1280.html

Feeding the 600

Greetings Everyone!

Who are you inviting to your Thanksgiving table this season? Would you set a plate for those the world has forgotten? Have you ever thought about the Lord’s command to visit the prisoner?

This is your unique opportunity to show love to the incarcerated men of Division 14 @ Cook County Jail. For the 2^nd year in a row, the Willow Creek team has been called on to serve these men a traditional Thanksgiving meal on Thanksgiving Day complete with turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing and a nice cup of coffee. Without your gift of compassion, these men would receive the same jail diet.

The challenge: Feeding the 600

1. 20 men and women are needed to serve this Thanksgiving meal
• Must be 18 years old and older
• Location: 31st Street & California Ave.
• A commitment of 4 hours is required on Thanksgiving day from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM
• Needs to register with Gaius Cosman no later than Monday November 16^th.
• Email name, driver’s license number, birth day and address to gcosman@foxvalley.net

2. $5,339 needs to be raised to cover the meal

· $8.89 will purchase one Thanksgiving meal

· All gifts are tax deductible

· Checks payable to Willow Creek Church – Cook County Jail meals

· Must be be collected by a CCJ team member

Last year the team was challenged to bring such a meal to the Division and the result was simply amazing. By God’s grace and providence, the Willow Creek team has grown in favor with God and the jail officials.

In 2009 we were permitted to double our team’s size and allowed to look for innovative ways to deliver the Gospel to the Glory of God. Praise the Lord!

From Thanksgiving 2008

"Giving all honor and glory to God through Christ Jesus! … we feel blessed that you wonderful people took time out of your holiday to prepare and bring us such an inspirational message and a delightful meal. Your thoughts and prayers are with those who are less fortunate to achieve and receive such blessings on that special day. We are also thankful and grateful to Willow Creek volunteers. Your selfless act of kindness will never be forgotten.”

“We the men who live here at Cook County Correctional Division 14, building 4, 2^nd floor would like to thank God in the name of Jesus. We give Him our praise because of your time, money and efforts shown in love to us. Your gift really helped us have a happy and peaceful Thanksgiving which set a joyous tone for us all day long. God’s love was expressed through you all and we thank you.”

"Gracias porla comida atentamente." - Oscar G.

"Serdeczne Bog Zaplead!!!aqnot; from Polish inmates "God bless"

Please consider taking part in this effort by participating, giving and praying and this Thanksgiving Day you will have one more reason to be grateful!

- Gaius Cosman

gcosman@foxvalley.net

312-545-8676

The House That Grace Built

The House That Grace Built
~Transitional Living for Women Coming Out of Incarceration ~

Each year the Lake County Jail releases approximately 1,080 women back into our community. A random re-entry survey of 100 women found that 76 women were identified as needing housing. Of that 76, 34 women (45%) were classified as homeless. 59% do not have a high school diploma. Without intervention many of these ladies will return to the street economy drugs and prostitution to survive.

The House That Grace Built provides intervention for these women at the critical time of being released from jail and provides them with options that include a safe place to live, job and office skills training, personal and spiritual growth and development, parenting skills, financial management and coping skills that will allow them to become self-sufficient and independent of the welfare system.

Please click on the link to their website to learn more. http://www.thehousethatgracebuilt.com/