Thanks all Who Helped Make XFest Possible

Several hundred kids and their families enjoyed X-Fest at the Skate Park Thursday, Friday and Saturday, July 10-12, even with all the rain Saturday!

Thanks to the many churches, pastors, and business leaders who work together as teammates to connect with and serve our community!

This was a huge community effort. A great BIG thank you goes to our X-Fest Sponsors without whom the weekend could never have happened! Newton is enriched by having such great corporate and community citizens like the Best Western Red Coach Inn, Sonic, Pizza Hut, Long John Silvers, Dairy Queen and Jackie Chens III. Arlis Electric, Becky Wheeler RE/Max Real Estate, Mark Frazier and Edward Jones Investments, Farm Bureau Insurance, Master Plumbing, J & H Farm Equipment, Claassen Harware & Lumber, Grabers Ace Hardware, Hutton Construction, Esch Landscaping, Bud & Steve's Auto, Hendrickson Chiropractic, Hinz Motors, Conrade Insurance, Grant McKinney & Simmons Optometrists, The Chronicle Newspaper and NextGen Productions. The excellent support of the Newton Rec Center, Newton Medical Center, Newton Police, Fire/EMS and the Harvey County Sheriffs Department, the National Guard is also so appreciated, and the support of many anonymous individuals!

Eight churches supported the event: First Church of God, Grace Community Church, Hillcrest Community Foursquare Church, Kingdom Life Ministries, Koerner Heights Mennonite Brethren Church, New Life Assembly of God, Stone Creek Community Church and Newton Christian Church. Working together made greater things possible. Thank you to each and every one!

“XFest” ~ July 12, 2008 ~ Newton Skate Park

Purpose Statement: To provide opportunities for youth to explore life options, choices, and careers through positive peer and adult relationships in a fun “XGames” atmosphere of skating, biking, games and music at the Newton Skate Park.

Many in the Newton business community and eight area churches are working to help make XFest possible.

Just the Facts:

Sponsor: The Missional Church Network, Newton.

Team: Area business and Community leaders, Newton Rec. Commission, Police,

Eight area churches, Sheriff, Churches.
Time: 2:00-6:00 p.m. Games, food, treats, booths, music. (Career & Choices Booths)

6:30 p.m. Pro Skate Demo with the Untitled Skate Team, Prize Drawings.

8:30-10:00 p.m. Celebration Concert with Repentance, from Wichita.
Place: Newton Recreation Commission Skate Park,

415 N Poplar St, Newton, KS 67114

Xtreme Careers: Police, Fire/EMS, Sheriff, National Guard/Army.

Xtreme Choices: Drugs & Alcohol or Not?

Premarital Sex or Not?

Ten Commandments or Not?

Contact: Timothy Conner: 316-284-0997; 316-215-1082 cell.

The Pro Skate Team will be working with area Kids the two evenings before XFest. Thursday to build relationships and “hang out.” Friday the pro team coach area kids in a skate clinic. Saturday provides the venue to show off area kid’s skills with a high powered skate and BMX “Jam Session.” This year: the band will be joining Friday evening as well – hanging out, building relationships, sharing musical tips and helping coach! The whole atmosphere will be positive, uplifting and inspiring.

Retreat Centers for Pastors and Missionaries

A selection of retreat centers available if you are planning a retreat this summer of fall - or anytime!

Anchor Missionary & Pastor's Retreat
On beautiful Table Rock Lake, Kimberling City, MO
Contact person: Dr H L Goodman Founder/President
Website http://www.anchor-retreat.com/index.html
Email - drhlgoodman@cebridge.net

Wonderful Family atmosphere. Branson MO. nearby; Silver Dollar City (20 min. away); Family Shows (Branson); Table Rock Lake (Bass Pro holds many of their fishing tournaments here).
One-on-one time for pastors (if desired) with Dr Goodman, Counseling (if needed & wanted). Quiet and secluded.
Located in the beautiful Tri-Lakes area of Missouri and only 45 minutes from Eureka Springs AR. As much (or as little) as one would like to do while getting the much needed "R & R."

Dr & Mrs. H L Goodman
170 Deckard Lane, Kimberling City MO 65686
Phone (417) 739-1642
"Ministering To Those Who Minister"

http://www.pastorsretreatnetwork.org/

You're fed and blessed. Check it out!
Locations in Texas, Ohio and Wisconsin.

Others to consider:

Free Retreat Centers for Clergy

State	Organization	Website
CO	Eagle's Nest Ranch	www.eaglesnestranch.org

CO	Rocky Mountain Renewal	www.rockymountainrenewal.org
KY	Mary's Place	www.marysplace.org
IL	Deer Ridge Ministries	www.deerridgeministries.org
IL	Oakland Acres Hermitage	www.oaklandacres.org
MI, WI	Broom Tree Ministries	www.broomtreeministries.org
MI	Elim Retreats	www.barnabas.org
MI	Quiet Place Ministries	www.quietplaceministries.org
MN	Camp Lebanon	www.camplebanon.org
OH	Innkeeper Ministries, Inc.	www.hartcoservice.com/innkeeper/

Mission America Selects Newton as "Pilot City"

Through the coalition building work of The Missional Church Network (MCN), in and around Newton, Newton has been invited to serve as a nationwide "Pilot City" for the Mission America Coalition's "Loving Our Communities to Christ" national initiative. Fourteen Pilot Cities were selected by Mission America, the largest coalition of church leaders ever assembled for the express purpose of evangelism. Each city was chosen because they have a proven track record of working to bring the Body of Christ together to love and reach their communities for Christ, and a desire to do even more.

For a year now, MCN affiliated churches in Newton have been implementing what they call Neighborhood Lighthouses. Lighthouses are people who are willing to pray for, reach out to care for, and share Christ with their neighbors using a "Prayer, Care, Share" model. Almost 200 Lighthouses have already formed in and around Newton and Hesston.

Commenting on the selection, MCN Coordinator Timothy Conner said, "The selection is an honor. Having our work recognized as a good model for others is truly an affirmation. But more than affirmation, it will provide a valuable three year consulting relationship with Mission America, a year round opportunity for networking with top national leaders, and also allow us the privilege of sharing our experience to help other communities through Mission America's national platform. We've a long way to go," said Conner, "but maybe we're just a little farther down the road and have something to share."

As one of fourteen cities selected nation-wide, and as the youngest ministry and the smallest city selected by far, Conner points out that Newton has a unique place in the overall effort: "to be a nation-wide model for the thousands of smaller communities who want to increase their ability to serve their community in such a way that the average person on the street would say that 'the churches are the best thing in their communities.'"

Making the selection was the Loving Our Communities to Christ project of the Mission America Coalition.

In response to Mission America's invitation in November 2007, a broad group of community leaders rallied to show their support for MCN to enter into a formal relationship with Mission America, and sent a collective letter of support. At Mission America's national meeting in Boston this month, Newton was formally introduced as one of the Pilot Cities. Conner was able to be there to represent the Newton ministry and begin networking and sharing ideas with national leaders.

Other benefits of becoming a Pilot City include "having our community be intentionally prayed for by hundreds of intercessors connected to the Mission America Coalition," said Conner and, "Lord providing, there may be some initial grant monies available to help build on our local strategy."

The Mission America - is a network of over 450 evangelical denominations and parachurch ministries, many with a national or global presence. www.missionamerica.org, www.missionalchurchnetwork.org.

Six Kingdom Class Awards were presented Saturday, March 8, 2008

Six Kingdom Class Awards were presented Saturday, with a video highlighting each recipient's work. The award was an engraved bronze eagle on a wood base.

Kingdom Class Awards

I am working on getting the ministry videos and keynote on our web site.
I'll let you know when I do.

Here are the 2008 Awards:

MINISTRY

The very first Kingdom Class Award was given to the Harvey County Homeless Shelter, Penny Dugan director. The Shelter has served over 500 needy people in its 3 years of ministry, ministering the Love and Compassion of Christ to the "least of these." Now, seeking ways to expand their work and become even more effective in helping people not just get a hand out, but a leg up, this ministry is taking steps to truly be able to help people rebuild and restore their lives and truly give them a future and a hope.

MINISTRY INDIVIDUAL
The second award went to Rhonda Case of Heartland
Pregnancy Center for her amazing 17 years of work with young womenat a critical stage of their lives. This ministry is there when things are often scary and decisions of life and death hang in the balance. They have been a steadfast blessing to the community for seventeen years, and just recently have added a bold new direction with ministry especially to Fathers and Daughters and Dads and their Sons. Rhonda Case was originally nominated as a ministry individual, but it soon became evident that while the individual truly is deserving, it is fitting to give this award to the entire ministry. She would be the first to agree

YOUTH GROUP
The third Kingdom Award went to U-Turn Youth Ministry at Hillcrest Church. This is the Skate Park outreach which has led 50 middle schoolers to faith Christ! Although small in size have been mighty in impact. Inspired by a sense of calling from the Lord – they started with a case of water on a hot day, and have become the catalyst for an entire movement in our community that has involved their entire congregation, six community organizations - and - eight other churches – all focused on working together to reach the most un-reached English speaking
people group in our community. Pastor Doug Ingmire presented the award.

YOUTH INDIVIDUAL
Don Reynolds is a young man, open to the whispers of God.
He is a shining example of Paul's urging to Timothy to let no one look down on his ministry because of his youth. He started a bible study for other young men in his youth group. The group then branched out and into the community to reach kids that no one else was reaching by showing up weekly at the Newton Skate Park to take God's word and God's love to un-churched kids on a weekly basis. By being available to the Lord and faithful to His call, this young man has become an instrument the Lord has used to disciple and encourage other young men and women that would never be reached otherwise. Youth Pastor Mitch Boese presented the award.

ORGANIZATION/BUSINESS
The fifth Kingdom Award went to a group which plans the Chisolm Trail Festival Sunday services in the park each year. When planning the events for Sunday, they have always worked hard to make sure that - even as the community was asked to come together and keep the celebration going - Sundays remained an inspiring day for the community to worship together and celebrate faith, family and freedom in the context of the larger weekend events. Pastor Jason Reynolds presented the award.

BUSINESS LEADER
And, the sixth Kingdom Award went to Steve Kelly CEO of Newton Medical Center for implementing Christian principles of ministry at NMC. Steve has positively impacted the community in ways no one but the Lord can truly count.
Exhibiting Kingdom Class qualities in everything he does, his personal touch and Kingdom mindset have given him a wide reputation for Godly wisdom and excellence among the pastors, business, and civic leaders of our community. Fellow businessman Mark Hutton presented the award.

It is obvious that God is doing great things in our community through willing servants who offer themselves to serve the Lord in this, our first mission field.

--
"We pursue God because, and only because, He has first put an urge within us that spurs us to the pursuit." A.W. Tozer

Monthly Leadership Series Simulcast with Erwin McManus

Fourth Tuesdays of each month
~ Beginning FEBRUARY 26th ~ 11:00 a.m.

Join area pastors for

The Missional Church Network's

FREE Monthly

Leadership Series Simulcast

11:00 a.m. Hillcrest Community Church 431 W 12th St, Newton 316-283-5035 (Map) ~ Lunch and discussion following for those able ~

Spiritual leadership is both art and science... so the leader must be both artist and engineer.

The demands that leadership places on spiritual leaders are definitely unique. In fact, too often we try to apply secular models to spiritual work, says Erwin McManus, author, pastor and teacher of CCN's newest leadership training series:

"True leadership affects the soul of the organization and the spirit of the people. The irony is that, while secular leadership has become blatantly spiritual, Christian leadership has become blatantly (and blandly) secular. We need to recapture the invisible aspects of leadership... In the end leadership is nothing less than spiritual."

Join CCN for this all-new monthly training experience led by one of the most creative and innovative leaders of our time.

Since the day that Erwin McManus came to faith in college, he has not followed the typical road of so many contemporary church-goers. Rather, He chose another "less civilized" one, following the path of Jesus in a passionate journey full of mystery, danger and untamed faith. This has been the vision and the passion fueling both his ministry and leadership.

Each monthly session is designed to give you and your leadership teams the spiritual nourishment that you need to sustain the demands of leadership and reconnect with God's vision and purpose for your life and ministry.

You'll receive:

• Fresh, insightful, biblical teaching.
• Powerful, real-life examples and applications.
• Keys to unleashing your creativity to serve the world.
• Encouragement for living with passion and purpose.

Recharge and renew each month with The Erwin McManus Leadership Series on CCN!

Erwin McManus is a writer, futurist, activist, artist and spiritual and cultural leader. He serves as the lead pastor and Cultural Architect of Mosaic in Los Angeles. Known around the world for its spiritual creativity and cosmopolitan diversity, Mosaic is a community of followers of Jesus Christ committed to live by faith, to be known by love, and to be a voice of hope. Erwin is the catalyst behind Awaken, a collaboration of dreamers committed to creating environments that expand imagination and unleash creativity. He is the author of An Unstoppable Force, a Gold Medallion Award finalist; Chasing Daylight; Uprising: A Revolution of the Soul (also companion The Uprising Experience life storyboard); The Barbarian Way; Stand Against the Wind and Soul Cravings.

Tuesday February 26	Soul Cravings
Tuesday March 25	Chasing Daylight
Tuesday April 22	The Barbarian Way
Tuesday May 20	Uprising
Tuesday June 24	An Unstoppable Force

Kingdom Class Awards Ceremony & Banquet Dinner.

Really, really exciting news:

Please mark your calendars: Sat., March 8th

A First Annual
Kingdom Class Awards Ceremony & Banquet Dinner.

The Kingdom Class Awards will honor people, businesses and ministries in Harvey County who in the past year
have modeled a Kingdom spirit: inter-denominational cooperation and "Be good news / Share good news" community impact.
The awards will be featured and presented at the banquet.

(It is also be a low key fund raiser for our work together through MCN)

When: Sat. March 8th, in the evening, time still to be determined
Where: First Church of God Family Life Center
Why: To celebrate the work of individuals and organizations who have demonstrated working together toward a Kingdom Class Community! and to lift the vision for more God-honoring work in the years ahead.
How: Celebrate all finalists, select one award winner in each category to be revealed at the banquet:

- Church of Ministry
- Individual Adult at large
- Youth Group
- Individual Youth
- Business or Organization
- Individual Businessman or woman / organizational leader

Would you be interested in nominating people from your congregation or the community?
Please help us lift up the people you know who exemplify "Kingdom values" in their work for the Lord.
They will be encouraged and be an encouragement to many others!
Just email me with your ideas - - that is all it takes to get the ball rolling!

Mark Hutton of Hutton Construction, Wichita will be the Keynote Spreaker.
Mark lives out his strong faith as a businessman in ministry and shares the vision for Kingdom Class Community.
Hutton Construction is well known in Newton for construction projects at Grace Community Church, Trinity Heights Church and Newton Medical Center to name a few. Those who have dealt with Mark and Hutton Construction can testify to his integrity and passion for Christ.
An inter-denominational worship team of pastors and worship leaders from as many as six churches will lead in a time or worship through song. Very exciting!

More details to follow on what promises to be an amazing evening of celebrating what the Lord has and can do.
Mark those calendars!
And to protect the date, mark your church calendars as well!

--
Timothy >

Psalm 139:17 "How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them!."