Please be in prayer for Bob & Vicki Mahood’s granddaughter, Piper.  In the last few weeks, a ping-pong-ball sized lump on her spine has developed.  It is not painful to the touch and does not seem to be affecting her in any way, but the doctors were both stumped and concerned by it.

Vicki passes along this update today:

I just got to talk to Les, we have been going on texts all day to Blair. We talked to Piper too and she is happy and really wants to be moble. She has 3 IV’s and braces on her arms to keep them there. They are saying she has discitis and osteomylitis and talked with a Dr tonight who wants to do a biopsy but will consult other Drs in the AM before attempting surgery. For now they are holding off on the antibiotics so the biopsy won’t give a false read. Les & Jay are sleeping in the room with her tonight and Les is 22 weeks pregnant so you know it won’t be restful. Keep the prayers coming please.

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By Executive Director Brian Checchio

An exciting next step in the Wade Center’s efforts to make a difference in our community will be the addition of a child care center.  Did you know that 1 out of 9 babies born in Mercer County is born to an unwed teenage mother?  Many of these mothers can not return to high school (or middle school) because they have no one to watch the baby.

While the state of WV will pay for child care in these situations, it will only do so at state approved facilities, none of which have openings. The Wade Center has been tentitively approved for 8 infants and 12 toddlers.  In addition to providing care for these children, we also hope to help the teen moms learn important parenting skills through a Mothers of Preschoolers program.

We have several additional hoops to jump through to get our final approval, but all things look good so far.  Please be in prayer for the process, and get excited with me about this exciting next step in the Wade Center’s ministry!

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by Creative Arts & Media Dir. Bill Whitt

Have you ever wanted to be more creative? If so, you’re not alone. In fact, I’m pretty sure that part of being created in God’s image is longing to be creative like Him. In order to better minister to creative people in our congregation and to push for greater levels of creativity in my own career, I’ve started hosting weekly jam sessions in my office.

This week, we focused on programming. We delved into some acid jazz, funk, electronica and other styles. Here’s a little preview of something we came up with:

http://www.wadecenter.com/jam1.mp3

A few more layers of instruments (especially some electric guitar), and this will be a killer loop we can use as a song intro, a Scripture video or something else!

I can’t wait to see what we come up with next week!

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Brian’s mother, Dorothy Checchio, passed away in her sleep early this morning. She had been struggling with pneumonia for several weeks, leading to complications involving her heart.  Brian has been preaching through a series about heaven at Wade’s worship service and has been very comforted by the truths of the Scripture during such a difficult time.  We are planning a memorial service at Wade on Tuesday at 7 p.m.  Brian and his family thank you for your prayers as they grieve today.

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Ever wonder how we pick songs for worship@wade?  Check out this post from my personal blog for a little behind-the-scenes insight!

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by Executive Dir. Brian Checchio

Now that spring is just around the corner, plans are underway to complete the project on the bleachers. We are in need of free fill dirt. If you have any (or know where we can get some) please call me immediately. We have a group of students coming in a few weeks on a mission trip who can work on this project!

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by Creative Arts & Media Dir. Bill Whitt

Just wanted to let you all know that I’m giving away a copy of my book, God All Around.  To enter, hop on over to my personal blog, where you can also read a chapter a day until the giveaway!

I’m also very excited to announce that this book is now available from Amazon.com and other select retailers.  What a blessing it has been to be a part of this work!

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by Executive Dir. Brian Checchio

Often times, staff members will say that the Wade Center is a good place to work because God shows up.  There are countless examples of His presense in the work that has been and is being done.  The free outdoor lights; the generosity of so many people (often at just the right time); the change we see in children at after-school, youth at Wildfire and adults on Sunday mornings.  The list could go on and on.

Years ago, my youth director taught me about something he called a “Theology of Place…“  God revealing Himself in special ways in certain places.  I believe this is one of those places… as we remain faithful to God… He will continue to show up.  I wonder if you might be willing to share with me how He is showing up in your life here?

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Christian band Sevenglory is coming to the Wade Center!  Their concert is scheduled for April 25 at 7 p.m. in our auditorium.  The cost is only $5!

You’ll probably recognize them from their radio hit, “Just Me.”  For more info, check out sevenglory.com and myspace.com/sevenglory!

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This Sunday, Brian Bennett was baptized at the Wade Center.  We ask everyone to share a brief testimony before being baptized, and it’s our privilege to bring you his below.  Celebrate with us the new life Brian has in Christ!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8k4n8tm8Ebw&fmt=22

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