Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Dodgeball Digest: October 2015

WEIRD SCIENCE

This semester, we have added in some fun science projects alongside our art. Each week we rotate between the two. Alicia Pitman used to work at the library and as a teacher and is heading up these experiments. She is so patient and kind with the kiddos and honestly makes this science stuff fun! She first has a powerpoint with pictures and lots of interesting facts on the subject. Then we dive into an experiment of some kind. 

our 1st experiment: fingerprinting
transferred our prints, identified their patterns and compared with a partner

our 2nd experiment:
 oceans
we mapped out the actual size of a blue whale

our last experiment:
 poisons
youth ate chocolate containing castor beans. Alicia explained to them (after they ate, hehe) that if the castor beans aren't heated to the right temperature, they are deadly!

students compare the look of RX pills to candy      youth map out the tail of a blue whale

We look forward to our upcoming experiments on tasting, quicksand and bugs! 
****************************************************************

Family Fun Nites-Olympic Style! 

Our first FFN of the year was Family Olympics at the Custer Homestead. The competitors arrived and carbed up with a cookout-style dinner. Each family was grouped as a team and were encouraged to paint their faces in a show of spirit. We then had a rousing rendition of the National Anthem (rousing is a nice way of putting it...) then the games were off! 

We had 4 different events that tested the physical, creative and intellectual sides of our participants. Points were given for the place they came in on each event and tallied up to find the best of the best. 

                        


Participants eagerly awaited the results over some bonfire s'mores (nothing calms an athlete's nerves like melted chocolate). There was a tie that could only be broken with a dance off. In the end, Team Petty/Anderson/Custer emerged victorious (pictured below). Team Hosier left with the silver and Team Smith left with the bronze, respectfully. Each finishing team also left with a family prize package. 


PLEASE JOIN US FOR OUR NEXT FFN, THIS THURSDAY, OCT. 29TH WHEN WE VENTURE OUT TO PINEY ACRE FARMS/PUMPKIN PATCH. FFNs happen on the last Thursday of every month. See the "events" page on our website for more details---> http://www.imagineif.us/#/events/family-fun-nites

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Young Women's Small Group (6th-9th grade) meets this Monday, Nov 2nd!

hear a testimony, eat some snacks and have some time to talk to authentic, Christian women about anything going on in your life!
7-8:30pm at Pendleton Christian Church of God
Every first Monday of the month
ALL WELCOME!

Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Dodgeball Digest: September 2015


After School Shenanigans
-120 students signed up, averaging 50 students a day at program
-35 on first, free field trip to Ben and Ari's to play some mini golf and eat pizza (youth have to earn invite with good behavior)
-lessons so far included: respect, conflict resolution, identity, body image, self-harm, suicide, and what to do when bad things happen
-continued art projects and adding science projects into the mix
-6 new students accept Christ as their Lord and Savior
Other Happenings
-15 families at first Family Fun Nite playing board games
-Weird Wonderful Women small group for 6th-9th grade girls continuing to meet once monthly
-provided cotton candy, swag bags and face painting at Pendleton Heritage Fair


                                                                                                                                                              

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Join us for our big fundraiser, a nighttime glow-in-the-dark run through the trails of Falls Park.
We want to bring light to the darkness in our town, and what better way than to run in the dark covered in glow sticks and glow paint?! Every bit of profit goes to continuing IMAGINE IF after school programs, so we can shine that light into the schools!

...................................................................................................................
New "Resources" Page on our Website

This page exists solely to point you to other things. Things that can help, inform, entertain and grow you and yours! Here's a breakdown of the tabs: 

  • "website resources" lists different sites and their links that one might find helpful for different things they may be struggling with or for furthering their faith.

  • "family resources" lists local organizations that help with food, utility/prescription assistance, clothing, therapy and more.
  • "cheap stuff to do" lists  suggestions for affordable fun one can have around town.

  • "local churches" is a list of churches in the area, worship times, youth programs, and IMAGINE IF participants they may recognize who attend those churches.

http://www.imagineif.us/#/resources


like us on facebook & instagram for more updates!



Thursday, August 6, 2015

Dodgeball Digest: Summer 2015

Limitless: 2015 Summer Program
Boy, did we have a blast this summer!!!
Our scripture from Ephesians says it all:
"God can do anything, you know-- far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams!"

Imagined futures at:
IU -- BSU-- Purdue -- IUPUI -- Indiana Weslayan.
Played and explored at:
Marion Splash House -- canoeing -- Mounds Park -- Incrediplex -- Ben and Ari's -- horseback riding -- Brown's Pool -- Colts practice -- Fever game -- bowling
Created:
magnolia miracle pots -- inspirational mernda totems -- recycled magazine eagles-- postcard extensions -- attempted plaster hands -- tye dye t-shirts -- cookies!
Helped with:
cleaning @ Ingalls Food Pantry -- organizing clothes @ Outfitters, Inc. -- sold concessions & prayed @ the All Star Classic -- picked veggies for Community Supper -- walked dogs @ the Madison County Humane Society -- picked out outfits for Safe Families.

                  


              

Daily we focused on kindness with each other, humility, putting others before yourself and respect. We stopped to pray whenever there was anger or pride present. One child in particular had a breakthrough in spirit near the end of camp. Where he used to get mad and yell, he started to laugh and joke. The other campers were also very encouraging towards this young man and we thank the Lord for this breakthrough!! 
Weekly scripture:
1 Timothy 4:12, Jeremiah 29:11, Matthew 17:20, Isaiah 40:31, Mark 9:23, Esther 4:14

Worship with:

Andrew Hodges and Charlie Boren on banjo (Fall Creek Christian Church): about how we need not fear!
Doug Erhgott (Horizon International): perspective and drum circle!
Keith Wooden (Ovid Community Church): nothing can change God's love for us
Jay Harvey and Derek Bishop (Pendleton Christian Church): faith of a mustard seed
Dustin Ritz (First Methodist): taking a step of obedience
Elliott Bramley: God's light always being present in us, even in darkness
Jonathon Roller and Andrew Hodges on geeetar (Fall Creek Christian Church): Meshach, Shadrach and Abednego
Devin Dummel (Pendleton Christian Church): Limitless!

Click the link below to see all the fun we had!

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Times, They are a'changin...
This summer, Nanci Custer chose to obey God's leading and resign as Executive Director for IMAGINE IF. She is using this time to refocus on her family and wants everyone to know how much she misses IMAGINE IF already!
Lucky for all of us, God's always got something in the works behind the scenes. He had been priming an awesome individual to come into this spot. We couldn't be happier to have Chris Schnepp on board with us and we asked him to introduce himself to the IMAGINE IF community.

"Hello, My name is Chris Schnepp and I am the Interim Director at Imagine If. I would like to take a moment to introduce myself. I have lived in Pendleton for most of my life and graduated from Pendleton Heights High School in 1981. I am married to a very wonderful woman named Kellie. I am guessing most of you know her, because she seems to know everyone. We have three boys Bradley, Brent, and Brandon.  Bradley and his wife Melissa have been married for three years. Brent and his wife Jenny have been married for 5 years and have 3 girls. (Riley, Harper, and Laine.  Brandon is a senior at Anderson University.  He has bought his girlfriend Sami a ring, but she doesn't get it until it is paid off.  

I have been in public education for 27 years as a teacher and administrator. I have felt a strong calling from God to do something different with my life this spring. When Nanci told me she was leaving Imagine If, I was immediately led by God to explore stepping into her shoes. Since that time everything has fallen into place for me take resign my position at school and assume the role of Executive Director at Imagine If. I am so excited to be a part of this program. I feel that with my experiences as a young child and my background in education, I can serve as a mentor to your children. I have some ideas for growth that I will share in the future. You can be assured that your children will receive the same excellent programming that has always been provided.  

I look forward to meeting you and your children this fall. I am planning an open house in August so that you can meet the Imagine If staff and myself. Be on the lookout for more information."

If you would like to reach Chris about anything, he is available at chris@imagineif.us

If you would like to support this program by donating financially, you may:

Send check (made to IMAGINE IF) to PO Box 187, Pendleton, IN 46064
 (please note if you would like to be a monthly donor and we can send you reminders)

Donate online at Support Us


Sunday, May 31, 2015

Dodgeball Digest: May 2015

Keeping it Basic with Curriculum 
(when basic is a good thing!)

Ava Conderman (6th grade) showing off her Daniel and the Lion's den drawing. (That's King Darius there in the middle accepting God after Daniel is delivered!)

We always agonize over what curriculum to use each year/semester for our After School Program. After all the Bible says if you lead children astray, it would be better that a great millstone be tied around your neck and you be thrown into the sea (no pressure!!). This semester, we decided to go back to the basics and just really talk through some interesting and weird Bible stories. Stories we discussed include Baal and the talking donkey, David and Bathsheba, Jacob and Esau and many more. 

We interactively taught the stories then let the youth lead where the discussion went. We were blessed to see all the different places the Spirit led us in conversation. 

We sat back and thought, "what are the things that will really transform their lives?" The answer, the power of prayer! So we spent one day a week discussing different aspects of prayer. Every one of our youth created a prayer journal, participated in praying for the needs of others, learning of new ways to pray, and how to draw your prayers. 

Volunteer Devin Dummel marching the youth around the walls of Jericho as he narrates the story

Golf Scramble on June 6th

Our next big event is our summer golf scramble! It is one of the fundraisers we do to keep our after school programs TOTALLY FREE to the children. Last year was our first year putting this on and we expect this year to be even better! Aside from 18 holes, We have some fun contests/prize packages, a beverage cart travelling around the course and lunch provided afterwards. 


Sound like a good time? Pumped to show off your superior shot?? Or you'd be lucky to bogey but want to support the kids of our community? There are still a few team spots open, register online today!
Saturday, June 6th
At Fall Creek Golf Club (formerly Idlewold) in Pendleton, IN
Sign in begins at 8am, start time at 9am
4 person scramble at $200/team
Register your team on our website at www.imagineif.us

-- God Talk --
PRAISE
  • 40+ signed up for the summer program
  • For the fantastic turn out for Reach Out, the youth art auction and the help of the Pendleton Artists Society
  • Another God-filled semester complete with the After School Program
PRAYER
  • Summer Program-Limitless! Starts June 1st. For endless energy for leaders and safety on all the field trips! That transformation would happen in the lives of these students.
  • better relationships with teachers/principals/school of our youth
  • Transportation--bus driver and our own van!
  • The health and wellness of the following IMAGINE IF supporters/families:
    • Carol Jacobs' family - Andrea Vellinga - Betty Stephenson - Mark Yeager - Robin Henderson - Adam Grbic - Hicks/St. Clair family- Diana Zeabart  and Anderson family-Tina Goins - Treasure Old and New --IMAGINE IF families

If you would like to support this program by donating financially, you may:

Send check (made to IMAGINE IF) to PO Box 187, Pendleton, IN 46064
 (please note if you would like to be a monthly donor and we can send you reminders)
Donate online at Support Us

Tuesday, April 14, 2015

IMAGINE IF-Dodgeball Digest: April 2015

Retreats Abounding!!

During our after school program breaks, we like to still provide events so that we can stay in contact with our youth. Retreats offer us an opportunity to really see what the Bible has to say about a particular area of our lives. We also tend to see more self-reflection and transformative change as a result of these fun yet focused weekends.

We held the Weird Wonderful Women and Love Thy Selfie retreats at the beginning of this year.

Weird Wonderful Women was specifically for young women 5th-8th grade and was held over Valentine's day weekend. 16 young women attended. We wanted to teach the gals about real love!
  • About loving ourselves and our bodies for what they are in a society that tells us our beauty should be our main priority and that the standard is impossibly narrow and devoid of our marvelous flaws. 
  • About God's plan for love between men and women. We heard testimonies from those who waited and those who did not and had a brave, brave man field any and all questions the ladies had for him on the subject! 
  • About discounting all the negative labels put on women for simply expressing the way God made us. To love it and embrace it!
The lessons were peppered with hilarious skits, illustrative videos and self-esteem building activities.

A fancy 3 course brunch capped off the weekend to show the ladies that accepting anything less than the banquet table of the One True King is beneath them! Every gal left with a unique picture frame commemorating the weekend and a picture of themselves covered in duct tape affirmations their new friends had written for them!





We had many ladies share things they had never shared before and many saying the felt renewed and refreshed! One young lady said, "please thank whoever decided to have this retreat. I finally feel beautiful again." We thank God for the passion put on our volunteers hearts to do this and for the stories of His Glory He has given us to share. A monthly small group for young ladies has been born from this weekend!

Love Thy Selfie was held for both guys and gals age 5th-8th grade March 13-14 and had about 27 youth attend. It was centered around how today's culture is obsessed with "selfies" and how we are perceived by others. However, knowing your identity in Christ is the only way to have an unchanging and healthy foundation.
  • About why other's opinions of us are so important. Discovering God's view of us and what being made in His Image looks like. Like holiness, like love, like humility.   
  • About chasing trends and getting attention from the wrong things. How what the world tells us will lead to happiness is often a lie. How as Christians we can dare to be different and drop the baggage that's keeping us from total freedom in Him. 
  • About connecting with those around you in a genuine way, not just through cyberspace. Communicating when offended, giving grace and asking for forgiveness. 




We played tons of fun games (human hungry hungry hippos, NERTS, #picture scavenger hunt), watched silly videos (a Jimmy Fallon hashtag video rip off) and had an amazing worship band that kept us jumping and dancing in praise all weekend long. We also had a morning dance wake up and social media 101! We had some youth share that this really revitalized their walk and that they will think twice about why and how they use their social media! One young lady said, "what if we just did this every day instead of school?!"


God Talk
PRAISE
  • Continued financial support through grants!
  • Doubling our amount of monthly donors with the March to 100 campaign!
  • New male and high school volunteers engaging in program! 
PRAYER
  • Spring semester After School Program: staff, volunteers, curriculum, hearts of the youth, their families, etc. That we all exhibit only God's love every single day. 
  • Summer Program-Limitless! 
  • For Pendleton youth to find out about our program, to want to come and for the registration forms to actually end up in the parents' hands!!
  • Staff to plan like it depends on us but to pray knowing it depends on God!
  • Transportation
  • A hangout spot/community center--somewhere after school where older youth can hangout with each other and have trusted adults there for when they need to talk
  • The health and wellness of the following IMAGINE IF supporters
    • Nick Bradley - Carol Jacobs' family - Andrea Vellinga - Cameron DeBono - Betty Stephenson - Mark Yeager - Robin Henderson - Adam Grbic - Hicks/St. Clair family-Kurtz trip to Zambia - Diana Zeabart -Tina Goins - 

If you would like to support this program by donating financially, you may:

  • send check (made to IMAGINE IF) to PO Box 187, Pendleton, IN 46064
  • donate online at Support Us



IMAGINE IF: Dodgeball Digest--February 2015

AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM TO START BACK UP!

We have had a long winter break and are excited to be back with the youth again! The After School Program begins its Spring semester Monday, March 2nd. 

Many of you may wonder why we don't have program mid-December to March. The main reason is that the schools simply don't have room for us with all the winter sports and activities.

The other reason, we believe, is that God set it up this way for us. For time to renew our strength and give us rest (although we do work in this time, it's a break from program). To help us plan and dream for the next year. And finally, this off-time gives the youth a chance to practice what they've learned and experienced and gives us a chance to miss them!

Our after school program is 100% FREE and available to any 4th-8th grader in the Pendleton School system. Please share the news of what we do with any family who could benefit!!! For more information, visit our website at www.imagineif.us



ARTSY  SMARTSY

As a program, we are always trying to find new ways to get our youth engaged. Our next push? An ART INITIATIVE! Unfortunately, this is getting less and less attention in schools and we need to pick up the slack! We are applying for grants and reaching out to community organizations to make this a reality for our youth.

Here are some projects in the works for this semester and beyond!
  • Teachers from Pendleton Artists Society to give our youth art classes
  • Parents and volunteers to come after school and do a one-time craft
  • Individual, collaborative and community projects
  • Works to beautify the town and show everyone who we are!
  • Worship God through art
  • Creating multimedia projects to change the perspective that art is just paint and canvas (art can be made from anything!)
  • Gallery exhibits of the youths' work
Our hope is to open the minds of our students and help them find whatever artistic avenue fits with who they are! 


   






PRAYER REQUESTS AND PRAISE
PRAISE
  • Grants beginning to roll in
  • 109 + youth accepting Christ!
  • 16 girls learned about just how weird and wonderful they are at Feb. 13th Young Women Retreat
  • 14 new monthly donors from March to 100 campaign
PRAYER
  • Spring semester After School Program: staff, volunteers, curriculum, hearts of the youth, their families, etc. That we all exhibit only God's love every single day. 
  • For youth that need our program to hear about us and to boldly try us out!
  • Staff to plan like it depends on us but to pray knowing it depends on God!
  • 86 more $30 or more monthly donors to keep this program around! Details
  • Adding new board members (current president moved)
  • The health and wellness of the following IMAGINE IF supporters
    • Carol Jacobs family - Andrea Vellinga - Josh Speidel - Betty Stephenson -Mark Yeager - Robin Henderson - Beth Brault - Shelly Hubble - Dale Beard

If you would like to support this program by donating financially, you may:
  • send check (made to IMAGINE IF) to PO Box 187, Pendleton, IN 46064
  • donate online at Support Us


Monday, February 16, 2015

Join the March to 100!

IMAGINE IF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization devoted to making a difference in the community.  IMAGINE IF offers endless opportunities by providing a safe environment for kids to go to be loved and accepted in Jesus’ name. Our FREE after school program provides a safe environment for kids to go to be loved and accepted in Jesus’ name, while focusing on 4 main areas: physical, spiritual, emotional, and academic health of the child. IMAGINE IF provides over 100 kids new opportunities for growth and a more positive future and would like you to partner with us in growing the opportunities for kids in our community.
By partnering with IMAGINE IF, you will be providing new opportunities that most kids would otherwise never experience. These are opportunities such as:
  • growing a child’s relationship with Jesus
  • developing meaningful relationship and new friendships
  • helping children grow their academic, spiritual, social, and physical health
  • encouraging students to step out of their comfort zone
  • inspiring children to set and reach goals
  • promoting exploration and new experiences
  • expressing their creativity
  • building a child’s future
  • allowing for dreams to be made and realized
Will you become 1 of 100 new partners by March 1st to sponsor an opportunity for a child to have a new hope for their future?   IMAGINE IF has seen the impact that can be made by our community coming together and investing in our kids. For a child like Kyler, who was unable to speak in public causing constant struggles in his normal everyday life, IMAGINE IF was able to step in through love, prayer, and consistent leaders to open Kyler’s future up to new possibilities. Today Kyler is an outgoing child who loves to sing and tell jokes. He looks for every opportunity to make someone else smile. His constant joy makes clear, the impact that your “yes” can make. By committing to become a monthly partner, you are creating endless opportunities for kids you may never even meet. Will you sponsor an opportunity?


Monday, January 26, 2015

Ch-ch-ch-changes!

Hey All!

First off, thank you for always sticking with us through changes, ups & downs, and tough & exciting times. We love you and your support! <3

We have some exciting changes to share with you really quick!

#1 -- Check out the new look of our website! It's so user friendly and awesome looking. This has been a project that took quite some time, but it's something we're proud of and excited to own as an extension of our unique personality as an organization. When you get a chance, go take a scroll through it. You can find any information on our story, staff, programs, sports, upcoming events, ways to give and support us, and so on! We have all registration forms, waivers, contact info, & anything else you may need right there for ya. It will be constantly updated and changed based on our events, news, stories, and changes, so be sure to check it out when you can!

#2 -- Check out that new logo! Our new logo is more flexible and recognizable.  We believe it does a few crucial things:

  • Reminds us that our ministry is about children
  • Reminds us that each individual life matters
  • Has a youthful feel and expression
  • Highlights what unites us with parents & guardians


#3 -- If you still haven't heard yet.. we are officially 501c3 approved! This is still so amazing to us and such a huge blessing. So much went into getting this status, and we are finally there. This is opening the door to big changes in our fundraising opportunities. If your company or someone you know would like to partner with us in helping our community, please let us know or put us in contact with them. God is making moves!

#4 -- Also old but still exciting news, we are settling into our new office space quite nicely. PLEASE come check it out sometime! 7558 S. State Rd. 67, Pendleton - We'd love to sit and chat with you over a cup of coffee, give you a tour of the place, show off our painting skills ;)

We love you guys! Be sure to comment here or get in touch with any staff or board member to give us any feedback or suggestions. :) 

Monday, January 12, 2015

Warm Up with our Winter Events!

Hey IMAGINE IF Family!

Guess what!? We miss you! In this time that we are sadly out of the schools for a couple months we get super bummed since we don't get to regularly interact with our kids and families; however, we are gearing up for a totally awesome Spring Semester Program starting March 2nd! :)

So what are we doing in the meantime? A TON OF FUN STUFF!

For Families:


  • BrrrCrazy! Is IMAGINE IF's Indoor Inflatable Extravaganza! We will have yummy food, face painting, giant inflatables to play in, and loads of fun for the whole family! BrrrCrazy was designed to help with the kids (and their parents) going stir crazy in the house, so this is coming at a perfect time with all the recent snow, ice, and school closings. Going stir crazy? Come to BrrrCrazy! Let the kids release some energy in a safe, controlled environment while you relax and chat with other parents, volunteers, and staff. It is held on Jan 24th at Pendleton Christian Church from 3-7pm. The first hour (3-4pm) is for 5 years old and under only, then 4-7pm is open to all kids. The cost is $5/kid. We can't wait to go crazy in some bounce houses!

For Kids Only:

  • Weird Wonderful Women -- An ALL GIRLS RETREAT! Hosted by your fabulous female staff and volunteers. ;) This is open to all girls in grades 6th-9th. It will be at Pendleton Community Church of God on the evening of Feb 13th to midday Feb 14th. We will talk about love, loving yourself, God's promises for young women, and so much more. This will be a night filled with fun, laughter, heart-warming moments, and bonding to create life changing moments and long-lasting memories and friendships. <3 Cost is $15 per person. This covers meals and snacks.
  • All Youth Retreat -- The details of this retreat are TBD. However, it is going to be at the beginning of the end of the "break"/beginning of Spring Program. It will include boys and girls. We are still working out the details of it all in order to make it THE most amazing, spectacular, life-changing retreat of your young lives! Those of you who experienced the IN-not-OF Superhero-themed youth retreat at PCC last year can attest for the incredible time that is in store for you! :) More details to come soon...

For Adults (mostly, but not necessarily only):

  • ¡Zumbathon! - Ladies & Gents wanting to get out, get fit, and have a blast while doing it? Join us for a Zumbathon with all proceeds to benefit IMAGINE IF! The location is not set in stone yet, but we are looking at hosting it at PES-Intermediate building if it is available. The Zumbathon will be on Feb 7th from 10am-11:30am with a suggested donation of $10 for the class. Throw on your sweatband and hit the zumba floor for a top-notch dance/workout/sweat sesh with us!
  • 2nd Annual DODGEBALL Tournament -- Think you have dipping, ducking, diving, dodging skills?? Test those skills out at our ultra intense Dodgeball Tournament - Feb 21st starting at 9am. All players must register and check-in by 9am for rules and schedule. You will  be able to register online at imagineif.us, by filling out a form with any staff member, or by submitting a form to the front desk of Pendleton Heights Middle School or Pendleton Heights High School. Bring it on if you dare!
This is only our for sure, set list of events that are happening. Other exciting things are bound to spring up! We also want  you ALL to feel welcome to come by and see us at our office anytime we are there :) We are typically all there Mon-Wed from 9am-4pm, and we can be there at other times if need be. Just give us a call or stop by! We love visitors!
7558 South State Road 67, Pendleton, IN 46064

We love you all, and you are always in our thoughts and our prayers!