First 5 – Week of December 15, 2025

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1️⃣ This Week’s Highlights

  • Hot cocoa and cookies will be provided by the EET Committee this Wednesday–Thursday to show appreciation for the entire Kroc Krew. Treats will be available in the Green Room.
  • Wednesday, 10:00 AM–12:00 PM during our normal Toddler Time session will be an extra special Toddler Time Showcase, highlighting classes for toddler-aged children and their parents/guardians.
  • Christmas brunch is this Sunday. If you are looking for a place of worship, you are welcome to join Kroc Church at 10:00 AM. Bacon, egg bites, and other finger foods will be provided for this special service.
  • We have a new Paid in Full membership promotion running until January 10. If you have any specific questions, please reach out to Membership or Marketing. Details can also be found on our website: grkroc.org/christmas-membership-specials

2️⃣ Program Updates

  • Fall 2 programs: Week 7 (make-up week).
  • Winter 1 registration ends Wednesday, December 17.
  • New Year, New You is on Saturday, January 3—an opportunity to sample different classes for those looking to add workout classes to their New Year’s resolution. Registration is open now.
  • A holiday schedule will be in effect for the next two weeks. Several classes will be virtualized, cancelled, or have a different instructor. Cardio Drumming still lives on.

3️⃣ Facility Notices 🛠️
Upcoming Holiday Hours

  • December 24 and 31: Kroc closing at 1:00 PM
  • December 25 and January 1: Kroc closed

Rentals

  • None at this time.

4️⃣ Staff Announcements 🎉
Green Dot Moments & Staff Shoutouts

  • Shout out to all staff who helped set up chairs for an event.
  • Shout out to those who responded to the medical assistance calls this morning.
  • Shout out to Lily for revamping the guides.
  • Shout out to Laura for helping with Cardio Drumming.
  • Shout out to managers for their diligence with payroll.
  • Shout out to Captain Jack for the way he leads the CL team.
  • Shout out to Lisa for helping a new senior member and making her feel welcome.
  • Shout out to Margarita for her work filling in the drum fit class.
  • Shout out to Jim for being here Saturday to help with the rental.
  • Shout out to Cori and James for helping with a medical issue in the gym and maintaining dignity for the member.
  • Shout out to those being patient with Jim as he has been focused on the A/V Booth.
  • Shout out to Pete for handling last-minute changes with events.
  • Shout out to Ashtyn for providing great customer service and making a great impression.

🎂 Birthdays This Week

  • Ruth A – 12/15
  • Xaiver W – 12/16
  • Michael G – 12/20
  • Thomas K – 12/21

👋 Welcome New Staff

  • Kiara B – Aquatics Lead
  • Ella S – 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 📌

  • Friday–Sunday: WSI Training.

🙌 Missional Moment
Salvation Army & Relational Mission

  • The early Salvation Army grew outside church walls, not inside them.
  • Officers lived among the people and shared ordinary life with them.
  • Relationships came before belief; belonging came before behavior.
  • Community spaces (meals, music, open-air gatherings) were open, not guarded.
  • People were invited into life together, not pressured into religious decisions.
  • Faith emerged naturally through a welcomed presence and lived witness.
  • The Army became visible and trusted before it became persuasive.

The Salvation Army grew because it practiced open, relational community where faith was shared through life together, not confined to religious spaces.

✝️ Note from the Pastor
The meaning of Advent comes from the Latin word adventus, which means “coming” or “arrival.” During this time, we celebrate the coming of Jesus Christ, the Messiah, who was the promised one from our Heavenly Father. In the past, we read the traditional story of Christ’s birth, and they waited with anticipation for the Messiah’s arrival. The purpose of the next four weeks is to spiritually prepare for the Advent season, which involves reflecting on His promised second coming. This is our Advent—waiting for the arrival of the Second Coming. – Major Brian Reed

🙏 Prayer Requests

  • Pray for those dealing with illness, and for those who are healthy to remain well.