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Special Friends Fishing Derby: Catch a Day of Delight“When I was small,

before

we came to Willow, our family could not always go to church together,†says

kson, 22. “Our church did not have a Special Friends ministry for

people like me.†But plans to attend her ninth Special Friends Fishing

Derby at Willow Creek on Saturday, June 11.

" Willow's ministry helps special-needs families like mine be able to go to

church together, learn about God, and have fun. " Born with cerebral palsy, a

sharp mind, and a contagiously joyful spirit, doesn’t let her

wheelchair

slow her down when it comes to connecting with her friends and inviting new

friends to come to the Derby. " I love seeing everybody smiling and having fun at

the Derby, " she says. " I love socializing with my friends and being at our

church. I love the music and the good food. And the volunteers are awesome. "

 

“The Special Friends Fishing Derby is an annual event designed to celebrate

our

community of people with special needs and disabilities,†says Springer,

director of Willow Creek’s Special Friends ministry. “Hundreds of

participants

with disabilities and their families enjoy a day of fishing in Willow’s lake,

music, dancing, face painting, and a free lunch—rain or shine! But the most

incredible part of the day is the atmosphere. The joy radiates from people as

they delight in an atmosphere of acceptance, celebration, and plain,

old-fashioned fun.â€

 

“People underestimate the contributions this community of people makes,â€

says

’s mother, . “And we often underestimate how special-needs people

greatly enrich our lives.†leads Willlow’s Ability Center—teams of

young

adult volunteers with special needs who joyfully serve our church by providing

significant assistance in a variety of ministries.

 

Unexpected Joy on the Journey

Max is a young man with a gift, but there was a time when professionals told his

mother he was a waste of time. Max has autism and a resilient spirit that shines

light on the lives of everyone he meets. His mother, Colson, is a single

mom who has journeyed the darkest days of pain toward an adventure of

perseverance, hope, and triumph. And Max, now 20, has been her tour guide.

 , the daughter of Chuck Colson, founder of Breakpoint Ministries, shares

the unexpected joy she found through Max in her book Dancing with Max. and

her father, Chuck are Willow’s special guests at weekend services on June

11/12.

“Get up and live,†she says. “Break free of the barriers that threaten to

constrict your life—no matter what they are.â€

 

Enrich Your Life

This weekend, families throughout Willow Creek’s neighborhoods—including

many

who have never attended Willow before—will attend the Fishing Derby and church

services, and volunteers are needed to ensure each family is well-cared for and

celebrated. Be a special-needs buddy at the Fishing Derby or a one-on-one buddy

in Promiseland during this weekend’s services. “You’ll be a blessing to

these

very special families,†says , “and they will be a blessing to you! " To

volunteer at the Fishing Derby, check in at the volunteer table. To volunteer at

one of this weekend's services, email specialfriends@....

Midweek

June 8

An author and sought-after speaker around the country,Shauna Niequist shares a

message from her book Bittersweet: Thoughts on Change, Grace, and Learning the

Hard Way. The Weekend

June 11/12

Chuck and Colson

Senior Pastor Bill Hybels welcomes former special counsel to President Nixon and

Breakthrough Ministries founder Chuck Colson and his daughter, . Chuck and

, the author of Dancing with Max, share life lessons and unexpected joys

from loving Max, 's son who has autism. Events

South Barrington Campus

Jun 8   Axis Gathering with Marshall Allman

Jun 10–11   Student Impact PJ Palooza

Jun 11   Catalyst Team Breakfast with Chuck Colson

Jun 11   Special Friends Fishing Derby

Jun 11   Practical Steps to Financial Freedom

Jun 11/12   Baptism information meetings

Jun 18/19   DadFest

Chicago Campus

Jun 12   Child Dedications

North Shore Campus

Jun 21   Bittersweet Book Club

Did You Know?

Weekly Giving: South Barrington

An actor from True Blood, Prison Break, and the upcoming movie version of

's Blue Like Jazz shares his story at Axis this week. May 30–June 5

  Weekly YTD

Budget $560,000 $12,880,000

Actual $579,166 $11,838,901

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Barrington, IL   60010   |   (847) 765-5000   |   Contact Us

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