Saying Goodbye to the MidWest

This weekend was my last chance to head back to where I grew up before moving to Maryland. I spent the first 30 years of my life in the Chicagoland area. What is a trip to the area without taking in a Willow Creek Community Church Service. The picture above gives you a small idea of how big this Mega-Church is. I am always challenged and inspired whenever I visit this ministry. As always things are done with excellence and this service was no exception. This was my first time visiting since the new auditorium was opened which holds over 7000. I was really moved by the drama, music and message. If you ever get a chance I highly recommend a visit to South Barrington and Willow Creek! I'm really glad I went because I got some great inspriration and ideas for Cell Group ministry from their neighborhood ministry.

I also went back to visit McDonalds #1 which is now a museum in Des Plaines, Illinois. This brought back old memories as my family typically went to McDonalds after church on Sunday. It was a real treat and I always ordered two cheesburgers. At the time you could buy them for 20 cents a piece. This store was opened in 1955 by Ray Kroc. I had the privilege of eating here as a kid.

The most disaappointing thing about this trip was driving thru Chicago but not being able to see my son Matthew who lives and works there. Matthew is a dance instructor for Arthur Murray Dance Studio downtown Chicago. I was however able to vivist with dad and mom and my brother Bob. Eeven though I'm thrilled about my call to Salisbury, Maryland I will sure miss my sons and extended family. Four weeks and counting!