This year The Fall Harvest Festival is October 31, 2008 at the Janesville Athletic club.  Time is 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Lots of games, and LOTS of free candy!  No charge to attend.

At work, inside burning buildings, Capt. Caleb Holt lives by the old firefighter’s adage: Never leave your partner behind. At home, in the cooling embers of his marriage, he lives by his own rules. After seven years of marriage, Caleb and Catherine Holt have drifted so far apart that Catherine wishes she had never married. Neither one understands the pressures the other faces–he as firefighter and she as the public relations director of a hospital. Regular arguments over jobs, finances, housework, and outside interests have readied them both to move on to something with more sparks. As the couple prepares to enter divorce proceedings, Caleb’s father challenges his son to commit to a 40-day experiment he calls ‘The Love Dare.’ Wondering if it’s even worth the effort, Caleb agrees, but more for his father’s sake more than for his marriage. When Caleb discovers the book’s daily challenges are tied into his parents’ newfound faith, his already limited interest is further dampened. While trying to stay true to his promise, Caleb becomes frustrated time and again. He finally asks his father, ‘How am I supposed to show love to somebody who constantly rejects me?’ When his father explains that this is the love God shows to us, Caleb makes a life-changing commitment to love God. And–with God’s help–he begins to understand what it means to truly love his wife. But is it too late to fireproof his marriage? His job is to rescue others. Now Caleb Holt is ready to face his toughest job ever–rescuing his wife’s heart.

The following is a news article written by  CATHERINE IDZERDA of the Janesville Gazette about Financial Peace University.

JANESVILLE — Some people rob Peter to pay Paul.

Others rob Peter and Paul to pay the Visa bill.

Wouldn’t it be nice if no one had to rob anyone and the Visa bill was a specialized kind of duck beak?

Starting Saturday, Sept. 13, local residents will have the chance to turn their financial lives around at “Financial Peace University.”

The 13-week program is designed to help ordinary people get out of debt and start saving. New Life Assembly of God is sponsoring the program, but it’s open to everyone, and classes will be held at the Lenan Learning Center, 4109 Capital Circle, Janesville.

Dave Ramsey, a former real estate magnate, developed the Financial Peace University program after making a million dollars and then losing it. He refers to it as a “rags to riches to rags” story.

Ramsey focuses on the basics, such as paying down debt, and also addresses the emotional issues that are often attached to money management.

“This is not a get-rich-quick class,” said the Rev. Todd Pope, of New Life Assembly of God. “But if you follow his rules, you will build wealth.”

You might even save your marriage.

“Money is generally one of the causes of marital problems; it’s right up there in the top three,” Pope said. “If you take that one off the board, you really up the success rate.”

Even if it isn’t a problem in your marriage—or if you’re joyfully single—it’s better to have control of your money rather than your money controlling you.

Pope has taken the class. A self-described “spender,” he said the class changed his money-management habits, converting him into a saver and even an investor.

Ramsey’s advice doesn’t always adhere to traditional money management notions.

For example, Ramsey advises people to:

– Immediately work toward having $1,000 in an emergency fund. This comes before debt reduction.

“Most people use their credit card as emergency funds,” Pope said.

That $1,000 will cover the cost of minor crises such as car repairs.

– Pay debts from smallest to largest. Most financial counselors advise starting with the debt with the highest interest rate.

“He wants people to get those wins quickly,” Pope explained.

When people see themselves making progress, it helps them see they can control their finances.

– Be debt free, with the exception of a mortgage. Make every effort to pay your mortgage off early.

Debt free means paying for everything in cash or with debit cards. Even at Christmas time.

– Make a budget. It’s obvious advice, but Ramsey’s class manages to convince people that it can be a powerful tool rather than unpleasant duty.

“He says, ‘A budget is telling your money where to go instead of you wondering where it went,’” Pope said.

IF YOU GO

What: Financial Peace University, a 13-week program to help people pay off debt and start saving.

When: First session is 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 13.

Where: Lenan Learning Center, 4109 Capital Circle, Janesville.

Cost: $100 Fee includes 13 CDs containing all the classes, a workbook and other materials.

For more information or to register: Contact Todd Pope at (608) 756-4175 or popetodd@nlag.net.

Youth Convention is coming around the corner.  Just to give you the little info that we have so that you can plan ahead, here it is.  Youth Convention is a district wide event for all of the youth in Wisconsin and Northern Michigan who are in Middle School and High School.  We will be staying for the entirety of the convention this year.  Here is some preliminary info:

Challenging speakers
Awesome worship
Recreation
Commissioning campus missionaries
Highlighting next year’s events

2008 YOUTH CONVENTION
LaCrosse Center
October 31-November 2, 2008
Speaker:  Reggie Dabbs

More information to come!

To download the liability form click on this LINK

- The Pulse Youth Group in Janesville Wisconsin