All Star Flag Football Game!

John Ribbing and team did it again.

We had another successful all-star flag football game at Brother Rice on Halloween. Even though it was windy and cold, everyone seemed to muster enough warmth to have a great time. Minus a few scuffles everyone played with great sportsmanship and the army of volunteers really made the day happen. We are so grateful for this program and that the main emphasis is on reading and having good grades. Though it’s called flag football league it has little to do with how good you are or how many W’s you have. But, it combines the importance of education with an enjoyable game resulting in a great day of football. The kids always love going to the real field and running for a touch down by the uprights.

Thank-you John and team from the bottom of our hearts for making this season yet another success of sharing Christ’s love, educational values, and the love of the game. We appreciate and love you!

Raking Mission

It's a half day of school today at City Mission Academy.

These children and their teacher are still at school raking leaves to make

the mission look even better. The children could be doing anything today.

They chose to go home, grab some lunch and then come back to rake leaves with their teacher, Mr. Bob Globke.

This is the kind of effort that is going to change Brighmoor for the better!

At City Mission we don't just teach educationally we teach practically as well.

Harvest Party

Today was the Harvest Party at City Mission Academy. We had a genie, a baby and a fairy. All very true even in real life.

We made pumpkin makes, and harvest shaped cookies and there was a parade to show off costumes.

Another fun day at City Mission Academy.

4 Sistas

WOW! It has been a while since I posted. Since we are only weeks away from the fall gala entitled "365 days at City Mission" I thought I'd better blog everyday until then or at least give it my best shot!
These four girls have know each other since they were born. They all go to school together. They live a couple houses away from each other and here they are at Wiard's Orchard together. They are feeding the bunnies together. We also went on a hay ride, picked pumpkins and ate cider and donuts. We didn't bring Angel and Ashley to the cider mill. My sister Carrie did. They have just become a part of our family and extended family.

Here at City Mission we live out life together.

The Fall Gala is November 14th 6:00pm at the Silver Garden of Southfield. Go to the website to get your tickets. www.city-mission.org

Girls Night!

Picture this: 6 junior high girls, Miss Jessi, one small house, brownies, pizza, cookie dough, movies, music, dancing, crafting, and just a little bit of sleep.

Yep, that's what it was. Girls night at Miss Jessi's house. We spent the night laughing and dancing and eating enough for three days. All the mentoring girls were invited over for a pre night of fun before the big event the Girls Matter conference on Saturday. They slept little, I slept much (fortunately, I can sleep through anything!). But, come 7:00 on Saturday morning we were moving much more slowly than the dance moves I saw the night before.

We had to be out the door by 7:45 to pick up the rest of the neighborhood girls to head out to Novi for the conference. The conference was a day all about girls and empowerment. The keynote speaker reminded us that the way we play games is the way we live life. We had a blast with her and were inspired to wake up each day and remind ourselves, "I am beautiful, I am smart, I am legendary..." and so on.

Though we were sleepy from the previous nights fesitivies but the weekend was a success and there were so many beautiful moments shared with these incredible young ladies.

Stay tuned for girls night #2- if I'm really that brave!

Flag Football Season is here!

There is an incredible volunteer named John Ribbing who felt like he was called to start a free flag football league for the children in our neighborhood. Years ago he used to pick up one of the kids and drive them out to the suburbs but thought it was time for him to stop picking up kids but rather pick up volunteers and come down here. Each Saturday starting at 9:30 the fields begin to fill-up and footballs begin to get thrown. There are three age groups and about 100 kids (that number grows each week) that join the league. It's great fun for the kids, but also great experience for the coaches, refs, and down markers who are all volunteers. During each half time Coach John shares the message of Christ to the kids as well has including his own story which is quite powerful. We are so grateful for John and the army of volunteers that join us in the fall each year for flag football.

Here are a few photos for you to enjoy...

The huddle!

Jay and Derek- set, hike.

And this is what the girls do...Miss Karen is under there getting her hair braided. Stay tuned for cheerleading next week for the ladies!

Basketball Camp 2009

August 2009 Tim McCormick Basketball camp!

A community service event completely organized and ran by these two incredible young men. Way to go boys!
I think Byron found a new friend. Rex was a trooper and even found himself at the swings part of the time!

Serious about the game...

Mr. Mike and Terry

The whole group. We had 80+ kids show up for this afternoon of skills, fruit, water, fun, and of course basketball!

Thanks Xavier for making this event such a success and working so hard. You did an incredible job!!

Stay tuned: Saturday, September 12 Flag football season starts!