News & Notes: August & September 2018

From wrapping up camp to heading back to the classroom, August and September proved to be just as full as the rest of the summer! Our children have been playing hard and serving harder. Keep reading to learn more in this edition of "News & Notes!"

Join us for the Fall Open House!

Our Fall Open House is right around the corner, and we hope you'll join us for an exciting afternoon! Lunch will be served from 12pm-2pm, and tours of the center will be offered throughout the afternoon. There will also be performances by CAC children and Chet will provide an update at 2:30pm! RSVP today! We hope you will join us! RSVP for Fall Open House

Making Our Mark in TX!

In early August CAC had an incredible opportunity to drive to Forth Worth, Texas to partner with an organization called Beautiful Feet. This organization primarily served the homeless and youth in the neighborhood through worship services, providing showers, food, and being the Family of God with one another. We took a group of 9 people total, 5 teens and 4 chaperones. We were tasked with serving food Monday-Thursday Breakfast and Lunch as well as preparing worship services each day. We also had another opportunity to lead a Vacation Bible School with 16 kids from the neighborhood as we learned about Jesus being our Superhero.

In early August CAC had an incredible opportunity to drive to Forth Worth, Texas to partner with an organization called Beautiful Feet. This organization primarily served the homeless and youth in the neighborhood through worship services, providing showers, food, and being the Family of God with one another. We took a group of 9 people total, 5 teens and 4 chaperones. We were tasked with serving food Monday-Thursday Breakfast and Lunch as well as preparing worship services each day. We also had another opportunity to lead a Vacation Bible School with 16 kids from the neighborhood as we learned about Jesus being our Superhero.

Hands & Feet of Christ at RMH

It is important that we instill within our children the spirit of giving back and making the community better than they found it! Last week Ignited for Christ spent some time volunteering at the local Ronald McDonald House! RMH is just one of the local organizations that we support through taking our children to volunteer. John 12:26 says "Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me."

SCORE International Brings Camp to CAC!

Kingdom Sports Missions-SCORE International was excited to serve CAC with a sports ministry Basketball Camp over the summer! The ministry shared Basketball, God’s Word, Bibles and treats were donated from Cold Stone Creamery-Creve Coeur and Sky Zone-Fairview Heights. All Glory to God! It was a fun time for everyone. Thank you SCORE International for your service at CAC!

"Second Step" Kicks Off! Last week we kicked off “Second Step,” our social emotional learning program. Classes are lead by social work interns Rinada (UMSL MSW program), Chelsey (SLU MSW program) and Albana (SIUE BSW program). We are so thankful for the hard work they put into implementation. Our kids learned about respecting others and what that looks like in the classroom!

A Chance to Go Pro A few weeks ago CAC was able to take 12 elementary children to their first professional soccer game thanks to Aegis Strategies! We watched St. Louis FC play San Antonio FC as St Louis rolled to a 2-0 victory. The children that got to attend the game are a part of our new soccer initiative at CAC. We are looking to play in 2 Fall tournaments this year and are excited about our children's new found love for this beautiful game.  One of the greatest moments was before the game: we were able to play some soccer on the pitch next to the game field. As the game went on between CAC kids, more and more kids gravitated towards the game. By the time we left there was probably 25-30 kids total playing soccer together from all different skill levels, geographic locations, cultures, and worldviews.   We look forward to cultivating this love for soccer and the idea of fearlessly learning something new. What a gift that our kids can learn in the midst of having fun!

Christmas is 81 Days Away! It's hard to believe that Christmas is right around the corner! Be on the look out for more details in the coming weeks about how you can be a Secret Santa for some of the children at CAC, whether you chose to shop or make a contribution. We're grateful for your consideration in how you will make this season a special time of year for children who need your support!

‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Christian Activity Center Caring for kids in East St. Louis 540 N. 6th Street | P.O. Box 2525 | East St. Louis, IL 62201 618-874-5615 | www.cacesl.org