First 5 – Week of April 20, 2026

1️⃣ This Week’s Highlights

  • Cycle-delic Zumba Glow Party is happening this Friday from 6–7:30 p.m. in Fireside.
    • Set-up will take place the evening before.
    • Registration is open now.
    • Participants may sign up for either Cycle or Zumba, but not both.
    • Members are free.
    • Non-members are $3.

2️⃣ Program Updates

  • Spring Session Week 8
  • Camp registration continues.
  • Summer 1 registration opens May 4.
  • GRPS Swim Lessons: Buchanan will be here from 12–2 p.m. this week.
    • Help will be needed in the locker rooms and at the pool.
  • Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday: AYSO

3️⃣ Facility Notices 🛠️

Facility Updates/Closures

  • Please continue to stay flexible as we navigate field conditions and cancellations this week.

Rentals

  • Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday: East FC Field Rental
    • Check CA for times.
  • Tuesday: GR Rec Volleyball in the Gym from 8–10 p.m.
  • Wednesday: Safe Haven Ministries in the WPAC from 4–8 p.m.
  • Saturday: Birthday Party in Fireside A from 12–3 p.m.

4️⃣ Staff Announcements 🎉

Green Dot Moments & Staff Shoutouts

  • Shoutout to Caden, who served as a great intern.
  • Shoutout to Caden for dressing up as RJ and bringing smiles to everyone’s faces.
  • Shoutout to Eddie for fixing the kneeler.
  • Shoutout to Joselyn for taking care of rental set-ups.
  • Shoutout to Margarita, who always gives her interns a great experience.
  • Shoutout to Albert for his willingness to help with difficult situations.
  • Shoutout to everyone who helped navigate around the field conditions and cancellations.
  • Shoutout to James and Pete for handling a tough situation last week.
  • Shoutout to the staff upstairs for doing their best to serve the Kroc community.

🎂 Birthdays This Week

  • Ella R – 4/22
  • Sammie R – 4/25

👋 Welcome New Staff

  • None listed this week.

📌 Open Positions at the Kroc Center

  • Lifeguard
  • Fitness Attendant
  • Child Watch Attendant
  • Dance Instructor
  • Swim Instructor
  • Apply here: grkroccenter.org/learn-more/careers

5️⃣ Reminders & Resources 📌

  • Please check CA regularly for rental times and related facility impacts.
  • Be ready to assist with locker room and pool support during Buchanan’s GRPS Swim Lessons visit this week.
  • Summer 1 registration opens May 4.

🙌 Missional Moment

Historical Missional Moment: Serving in the Midst of Disaster

In the wake of devastating crises like the Galveston Hurricane of 1900, The Salvation Army quickly became known for its compassionate and practical response to human suffering. Officers and volunteers entered some of the most dangerous and broken environments, not only preaching hope but meeting urgent physical needs. They provided food, shelter, clothing, and prayer to survivors who had lost everything, establishing a model of ministry that integrated both spiritual care and tangible support.

This early response laid the foundation for what is now known as Emergency Disaster Services (EDS), a cornerstone of the Army’s mission. Whether responding to hurricanes, fires, floods, or national tragedies, Salvation Army teams have consistently been among the first to arrive and the last to leave. Their iconic mobile feeding units, often called canteens, became symbols of hope, serving meals and offering comfort in the midst of chaos. This ministry reflects the Army’s deep conviction that the gospel must be lived out through action, especially in moments of crisis.

Today, that same mission continues around the world. From local house fires to large-scale natural disasters, Salvation Army EDS teams remain committed to serving heart to God and hand to man. This legacy reminds us that in the darkest moments, the Church is called to be present, bringing light, compassion, and the steady assurance that God has not abandoned His people.

✝️ Note from the Pastor

He Protects Our Path

Psalm 18:28–36 captures David’s testimony of God’s faithful guidance and protection, declaring, “He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he causes me to stand on the heights.” In this passage, David reflects on how the Lord lights his lamp, clears his path, and equips him with strength for every step. Even in rugged and uncertain terrain, God steadies his footing so that he does not slip, and He enlarges the path beneath him so he can move forward with confidence and security.

This imagery reveals a powerful theological truth: God’s protection is not merely about removing obstacles but about transforming the one who walks the path. Like a deer navigating steep cliffs with precision and balance, the believer is given spiritual agility and discernment through God’s presence. The Lord does not always flatten the road, but He strengthens our steps, sharpens our awareness, and sustains us through every trial. His protection is both external—shielding us from harm—and internal—forming resilience, courage, and trust within us.

As you walk through this week, trust that God is actively ordering your steps and guarding your way. When the path feels uncertain or steep, lean into His strength and guidance. Take each step with confidence, knowing He has equipped you for the journey ahead. Let this be an invitation to surrender your direction to Him daily, trusting that the One who protects your path will also lead you safely to where He has called you to be.

🙏 Prayer Requests

  • Peace for Mallarie’s family and healing for her mother.
  • For Nyshel, that she would grow into a good woman and mother after a difficult breakup.
  • Strength and relief from depression for Bianca.
  • Health, safety, housing, and transportation for Erika and Efrain.
  • Health, finances, housing, children, and family for Sacoyla.