Whole In One: May 2007

Got an Oil Well?

Just thankful I only needed 27.6 gallons vs. the full 38 gallons my tank holds! Nothing like life on the road!!

Happy Birthday, Emily!!

We as a family celebrated with Emily on her first birthday!! We didn't throw a big party, but we did have fresh Illinois strawberries, cake, and ice cream...and didn't have to share any!!!

It is hard to believe that our little girl is now ONE! She is walking a couple steps at a time, and her communication skills are clear and humorous. She certainly has a tenacious spirit and a captivating smile. I look forward to what God has in store for her little life!

I am overwhelmed to think God could have blessed me so much with two incredible kids and such a beautiful wife! Anthony will be 4 on August 17th, and Gail and I will be celebrating 10 years of marriage on August 9th.

85th Illinois District Council ~ Peoria, IL

Gail and I had the privilege of attending our annual District Council in Peoria, IL.

The Assemblies of God has it's national headquarters in Springfield, MO. The Assemblies of God are geographically divided into districts that typically follow state lines. Each district conducts an annual gathering of ministers, missionaries, evangelists, and church delegates called "District Council".

The 85th Illinois District Council theme was "Transformed to be Community". There has been a sincere desire across our district for the strengthening of relationships and fellowship among our churches. While there has always been a good cooperation between churches and ministers, there has been a call for a greater intentionality. The council approved some major structural changes to better serve and facilitate the changes necessary to connect ministers, churches and their communities with the ever changing global climate.

This was also a very special council for us as Gail was ordained this year. Our council always begins with the ordination service where those who have been approved and have completed the rigorous process of ordination are commissioned and presented before the council. Ordination is the highest level of credential offered by the Assemblies of God. This is an exciting milestone for Gail. Congratulations!!

I will be adding pictures as I get them. Kurt, my father-in-law, took pictures at Ordination that I don't have yet...but they will come soon!

Thanks for stopping by to see what's happening in our world!!

Aunt Angela Pettibone & Anthony

Coaching Session

It has been Whole In One's mission from day one to evangelize the world, equip the saints, and to elevate the ministries of the church with excellence. We believe that "anything worth doing, is worth doing well." Too many churches sink into the "if we were only bigger, or had this program or had more money we could do _____" The truth is, churches already have what they need to reach and impact their community--if they would simply be committed to excellence with what they have. In an endeavor to fulfill the third part of our mission, we desire to partner with churches through consultation to help develop, challenge, stretch, and coach church ministry leaders and laypeople to accomplish the vision that God has given their church.

God has been marvelously opening doors. We've consulted with five different churches just this year. We've been able to share our insights with vision casting, leadership development, building programs, worship teams, and various other ministries of the church. In March, I "secret shopped" a church and found some great things and some very alarming security issues as well as other "outsider" observations. Our travels have provided us with a broad perspective on church life and ministry. We are really looking forward to what God has in store as the ministry of Whole In One continues to blossom!!

Jerseyville First Assembly of God has invited us to assist their worship team and technical staff. We are partnering with them on a monthly basis for rehearsals, workshops, and Sunday observations to assist them in this great endeavor. We have submitted written and oral reports of their progress. It is amazing to see the transformation that is occurring for this team. Though they already had a good team, it is interesting to watch what slight adjustments can do to enhance their effectiveness.

A huge thanks to Pastor Randy Cartwright and the team for allowing us to serve and partner in this capacity. We always enjoy the fellowship and sharpening that comes from our time together!!

P.S. Anthony & Emily say, "Thanks for the PIE...got some more?!?!" ;)

Jerseyville First Assembly of God, Jerseyville, IL

Anthony enjoying lunch with Pastor.

Emily says, "Hmm? Tortilla Chips. Good!"

Preaching Machine, The Holy Rev. Randy Cartwright

North Texas District Fine Arts Festival

Whole In One and the Gummermans made the journey to the Lone Star State! Through friendships forged at the National Fine Arts Festival in Orlando last year, we received an invitation to evaluate (judge, adjudicate, BE critical...whatever you want to call it!!) at the North Texas District Fine Arts Festival. Gail, Kurt, and I evaluated while Martha took care of the grandkids!! We had a blast...it was a great weekend. They have a wonderful program.

As many of you know, Gail and I are the Fine Arts Coordinators for the Illinois District. We went to serve them AND steal any good ideas. We were able to gain some wonderful ideas for next year for our festival...and I think we were able to give away some of our secrets too!!

Thanks to the whole Texas crew for a blessed weekend. Thanks to Jon Catron (DYD), Pastor Scott Russell (DFAF Coordinator), and Dan Elliott (DFAF Evaluator Coordinator) for a fabulous weekend!

I was much to busy to take many pictures, but here are a few shots!

Large Percussion Group ~ Merit Award