This Sunday will be Kid Focus' first Shop Day. For the last 3 months, the kids have been accumulating points for showing up to Kid Focus, memorizing a bible book name or a bible verse, bringing a friend and not getting any strikes. These points are redeemed for tickets on Shop Days and they can purchase various items. Some examples are Pez Dispensers, coloring books, Christian-themed temporary tattoos and whoopie cushions (yes whoopie cushions!).

One thing I like to think about myself is that I'm a fairly optimistic guy.  So take the following comments in that light.  The question Du Jour (for me) is: "Is there hope for this thing called The Church?"  Here's what makes me ask the question.  In The Church (speaking of the church everywhere) I have run into some of the most troubling people I've ever met.  Some quick words that come to mind are: Judgmental, hypocritical, hyper-sensitive, and above all: LEGALISTIC. 

It's time to continue the vision God laid on Pastor Tom's heart.  We need to keep making a difference in the lives of the people in our community. 

Tomorrow... from 10am on at Roger's Bulk Candy Shop on 9 Mile & Hayes in Eastpointe, The Urban Church and Roger's will be giving away 400 free scoops of Ice Cream!  In return, we ask that you donate to the cause of BROKEN.  If you already have donated... consider inviting friends, family, others to come and to donate! 

Urban is kicking off some new women's get-togethers starting in December and will happen on the first Monday of every month.  Now, I know what you're thinking..."it's just gonna be a bunch of old ladies sitting around and chatting over a 7am breakfast".  But trust us, this will be a lot of fun and anything but that. 

Wow, just when you think you know what God's up to, He completely surpises you.  It's no secret the economy has been tough on churches, ours being no exception.  I read something a couple of weeks ago that talked about how much charitable giving accross the board has tanked in the U.S., especially in Southeastern Michigan.  But this past weekend God came through in a big way.  However, I don't want to focus on that lest we look too much to money as our source of optimism.  Nor, should we forget that one good weekend is just that...One good weekend.

This is certainly bound to be a sensitive topic.  "Giving in a tough economy".  I can almost hear your thoughts.

Hey men of Urban - here's another opportunity to show the community we are here for them!  We're planning out food donations and Turkey donations to prepare Thanksgiving meals for families in the community this year, and we need your help! 

Friday nights is our weekly recovery group for all types of addictions.  You need not be shy.  Everyone is there for similar reasons and there is no judging...only people who need help and wish to help each other.  The group meets a 7pm at the church. 

Whether your issue is alcohol, drugs, gambling, or sex, we're here to help.  God wants to help you become confident and whole again and we believe in you.  You can do it with the help of real people who are in the same boat as you.  

Starting Sunday, October 25th, Pastor Tom Ouweleen will begin a Sunday message series entitled "The Song of Solomon".  Yep, you guess it...we'll be taking an exciting trip through this often neglected book of the Old Testament.  And if you know Pastor Tom, you know that he won't avoid the subject matter no matter how "adult" it may be.  This won't be "sensationalism", but it will be an honest look at one of the most beautifully romantic books of the Bible.  Throughout the Song of Solomon, we will read of the beautiful and intense love betwee

Lots of really cool things have happened over the last year... moving into our building, all the people getting connected to Christ, baptism services, Christmas Eve Candlelit service, more and more people attending growth groups, real relationships forming, just a ton of great things!