1️⃣ This Week’s Highlights
- Brookside has their last class today, with rehearsal on Wednesday and their final performance on Thursday. Sammie will be here late to ensure everything runs smoothly.
- The EET Committee will be hosting Christmas Cookies and Cocoa on December 17 and 18 in the Green Room.
2️⃣ Program Updates
- As a reminder, make-ups for Thursday–Saturday will take place next week.
- Additional Holiday Open Swim Times: James has added Open Swim shifts for Christmas and New Year’s.
- Fall 2 Programs – Week 6
- Winter 1 registration continues.
- Tuesday: Restoring Health Graduation – Fireside A–E
- Wednesday: FAME Rehearsal – WPAC, 12–3 PM
- Thursday: FAME Performance – Fireside, Music Room, WPAC, 4–7:30 PM
- Sunday: Lifeguard Instructor In-Service, 12–6 PM
3️⃣ Facility Notices 🛠️
Facility Updates/Closures
Inclement Weather Policy Reminder
- The Kroc Center may cancel programs and drop-in classes held prior to 4 PM in cases of severe weather.
- A determination will be made at 2 PM for programs and classes starting after 4 PM.
- Outdoor programs, rentals, or events will be suspended in the event of thunder or lightning and will not resume until 30 minutes after the last occurrence.
- Every effort will be made to offer a make-up class when possible. Partial refunds are not available.
- Closure information is available at GrKrocCenter.org, Facebook.com/GrKrocCenter, or by calling 616.588.7200.
Facility Closure
- The Kroc Center will make every effort to remain open during inclement weather.
- Should a full facility closure occur, updates will be posted on the website, Facebook page, and phone system.
- Refunds or partial refunds will not be provided if the facility closes due to weather.
Upcoming Holiday Hours:
- December 24 & 31: Closing at 1 PM
- December 25 & January 1: Closed
Rentals
- Monday: GRAB Fireside, 11:30 AM–1:45 PM
- Friday: Americorp Seniors – Fireside A–C, 8 AM–2 PM
- Saturday: Over the Top Dance Recital – Green Room, Music Room, WPAC, 8 AM–4 PM
4️⃣ Staff Announcements 🎉
Green Dot Moments & Staff Shoutouts
- Shout out to David for jumping in and covering a shift.
- Shout out to Ashtyn for troubleshooting an alarm issue.
- Shout out to Jessica and Emma for opening another drop-in clay class on Mondays.
- Shout out to Lucy for bringing in an angel for the Christmas tree.
- Shout out to Laura for covering a shift and making the Teen Fit Permit classes happen.
- Shout out to Jess for helping with all the safety trainings.
- Shout out to all the fitness instructors for doing a great job with our members.
- Shout out to Dr. Dave for his work in the gym with the kids.
- Shout out to Mckenna and Lisa for a great Christmas party.
- Shout out to Paul for caring so well for our members and going above and beyond in service.
- Green Dot: Eddie for fixing paper towel dispensers for a member.
- Shout out to Lifeguard Graeden for responding to a distress call in the pool—excellent composure and protocol.
🎂 Birthdays This Week
- Hannah W – 12/08
👋 Welcome New Staff
- Titus P – Lifeguard
📌 Open Positions at the Kroc Center
- Lifeguard
- Fitness Attendant
- Fitness Lead
- Child Watch Attendant
- Swim Instructor
- Fitness Instructor
- Personal Trainer
Apply here: grkroccenter.org/learn-more/careers
5️⃣ Reminders & Resources 📌
- Sunday’s Lifeguard Instructor In-Service runs 12–6 PM.
🙌 Missional Moment
The Lassie and the Little Soldier
In the early 1900s, during a street meeting in London, a young Salvation Army lassie named Alice was handing out hot tea and sharing the love of Christ. Most hurried by—but one little boy, Tommy, paused long enough to listen.
Alice knelt beside him and spoke words that would shape his life:
“God has a purpose for your life. You’re never too small to serve Him.”
She welcomed him into the corps, prayed with him, encouraged him, and walked with him as he grew in faith. Tommy later became a Salvation Army officer, serving faithfully across England.
Years later, a timid teenager asked Major Tommy whether God could ever use someone like her. With emotion, he repeated the same message he once received:
“God has a purpose for your life. You’re never too small to serve Him.”
Her life of ministry went on to inspire many more.
One generation.
Commending God’s works.
To another.
✝️ Note from the Pastor
The Scandal, The Incarnation, and Emmanuel
In Luke 1:18–25, Zechariah’s doubt at the angel’s announcement reveals a powerful truth: God often works in ways that stretch our understanding. The promise of a child to an elderly couple—well beyond their years of conceiving—seemed impossible, yet it shows how God’s purposes unfold beyond our abilities. In our own moments of doubt, we’re reminded to trust His sovereign plan.
The miraculous birth of John points us toward an even greater miracle: the incarnation of Jesus Christ. God took on flesh and dwelt among us, bringing heaven to earth. The incarnation assures us that God is not distant but present and invested in redeeming and restoring His creation.
As Elizabeth rejoiced in her blessing, we too celebrate the promise of Emmanuel—God with us. His presence sustains us through every trial and assures us that we are never alone.
This Advent season, may we marvel at His grace, embrace His promises, and rest in the joy of His abiding presence.
– Captain Jack Huffman
🙏 Prayer Requests
- Pray for those dealing with illness.
- Pray for those helping their families with health challenges.
- Pray for baby Ashton, born premature.
- Pray that Jesus would be seen throughout the Kroc Center every day, especially during the Christmas season.
