Aim Right Ministries

Aim Right is changing blog locations.  For our most recent blogging activity, go here:  new blog 

 

That question was posed in the blog post previous to this one.  In our recent strategic planning meeting, two general themes often emerged:  breadth and depth.  Is Aim Right's primary influence to continue to be within the Garfield community, or is God calling us to expand to other locations?  There remains much to discuss and pray through with regards to the breadth of Aim Right, but meeting participants seemed to readily agree that God is calling Aim Right to pursue greater depth  -- in our programs, mentoring, discipleship, and leadership development.  The practical how-to's of that still need some hashing out, and that will come in the days and weeks ahead.

 

In other news...

 

On Saturday evening, our Team FUN group enjoyed dinner at the Rainforest Cafe and then headed to ASU's Gammage Auditorium for a 2-1/2 hour performance of The Lion King.  It was great cultural experience for the group, although some of the junior-high'ers might argue that it was a little too much culture for their liking!  The outing was sponsored by Kurt Warner's First Things First Foundation. 

 

Speaking of Kurt Warner....he has also graciously donated an autographed football that will be sold at our benefit auction on Feb. 28th.  If you live in the Phoenix area or will be visiting the Valley that weekend, we hope you'll join us for a great day of lively bidding, scrumptious food, and wonderful fellowship--all for a terrific cause!  Hop over to http://aimrightauction.spaces.live.com to view photos of items that will be auctioned this year. 

 

- Amy Unrau, Office Administrator

As I type, I can hear the sounds of Aim Right's first-ever drama class in session.  MoezArt Productions, a local Christian theatre company, is graciously donating their time and expertise to provide drama instruction for 2 hours each Monday through May.  The junior-high and high-school participants will be preparing for a production of Godspell.

 

Also new in 2009 is a series of "Strategic Planning" meetings throughout this month to clarify Aim Right's values and purpose and determine what action steps to pursue in this new year.  Tomorrow evening a group of board members, staff, and other volunteers will meet to discuss their thoughts regarding this question:  "Where is God calling us to go?" 

 

Since I am one of the participants in these meetings, I have spent some time thinking about that question.  On the surface, it seems rather simple to answer, but I believe this is a question one can't answer easily.  The part that is giving me some trouble includes the two words in the middle of the sentence:  "God calling."  This work, like any Kingdom venture, must begin and end with God's call, if it is to bear lasting fruit.  Otherwise, we are wasting time and playing games. 

 

 

Stay tuned for some answers....

 

- Amy

 

Joseph, Mary, the innkeeper, King Herod, wise men, shepherds, and angels came to Kids Klub to share the story of Christmas on Dec. 17.  Around 90 children rotated through the various sites, enjoying the innkeeper's fire, petting the shepherds' live goat (the sheep were out of town for the holidays), and also getting in some caroling and snack time. 

 

God blessed us with a wonderful crew of at least 30 people who served as group leaders, Bible characters, and helpers.  Former interns Sheila Schlabach ('07-'08) and Lisa Goss ('04-'06) were in town visiting and participated as Bible characters.  Nadine, Mary, and Janette from City of Grace supervised the snack area and cheerfully served cookies and cocoa at a breakneck pace.   

 

Families from City of Grace graciously donated 120 stockings filled with toys for the children to receive at the end of the evening.  A few children had asked me if they would be getting the "socks with the toys" again, since City of Grace had provided them last year as well.  The gifts are remembered!

 

Our interns have left for the holidays, and Aim Right will join students in a "Christmas break" of sorts, for a few weeks.  Have a blessed Christmas!

 

What do you get when you combine a bunch of energetic kiddos with a bounce house, carnival games, face painting, crazy clowns, and free nachos and cotton candy? 
ANSWER:

A Kids Klub Fall Festival! 

 

Aim Right's Fall Fest was held on Oct. 29, with numerous kids and their families attending and enjoying the event.  God has blessed us with an abundance of children at Kids Klub, with attendance often at 80 or more children.  Equally a blessing are the volunteers who make Kids Klub happen each week. 

 

What do you get when you combine volunteers in neon green apparel with a Thanksgiving dinner?

Gracie's Feast!

 

On Saturday, Aim Right provided several volunteers to assist Breaking Up Walls with their annual Gracie's Feast, a free outdoor Thanksgiving dinner for the homeless and underprivileged.  Teens and interns helped set up tables, serve food, and invite people to the meal.