Next meeting October 3rd, 2014

Our Next OFF The WALL Meeting  isFRIDAY, October 3rd at 6:30 pm at Christ The Redeemer Church (1523 W. Mallon Ave.)

I'm REALLY excited about the topic and the speakers:

Fostering for the Ages: Lessons learned from 44 years of Foster Care and Adoption

Art and Ruby Harper will share with us their wisdom and some of the lessons they have learned from having cared for vulnerable children in the foster care system for 44 years. Art and Ruby were recently honored by DSHS as the longest serving foster parents in Washington State history! You will be encouraged to hear what God has done through 2 faithful people as, over a period of 44 years they have brought over 250 children into their home.  A large number of the children have been medically fragile infants when they came into their home. They have 10 kids total, a few kids through adoption, and to every child they gave their love and a safe place to grow until they could be adopted by another family or reunited with their biological family.

Dessert and Fellowship will follow. Childcare will be provided. Please RSVP for Childcare to Jason Wiens 280-2132

The Important Role of a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) in the Foster Care System

Our next OFF The WALL Meeting is Friday, May 23rd at Christ The Redeemer Church (1523 W Mallon Ave) at 6:00 pm.

The topic will be:

"The Important Role of a CASA!"

Have you ever wondered who is advocating for kids in the foster care system?  Do you desire to speak up for the most vulnerable but don't think you are ready to bring another child into your home?  If you are a foster parent, would you like to learn more about the role of CASAs and their importance in the dependency process?  What is a CASA?  Why would you want to be a CASA?  All of these questions and more will be answered at the May 23rd meeting.  The presenter will be Pat Donahue, who heads of the CASA / GAL program for the Spokane Juvenile Court.

Come spend an evening with others who desire to advocate for vulnerable children. Fellowship and Dessert to follow. Childcare is available.

Jason

JasonWiens@SpokaneOrphanSummit.com

Meeting February 9: Prenatal Alcohol and Drug Exposure

Our next OFF The WALL Meeting is Sunday February 9th at Christ The Redeemer Church at 5:30 pm.  

The topic will be:

"Prenatal Alcohol and Drug Exposure and Adoption"
Tricia Hughes and Anna Rowe, mothers of children exposed to alcohol and drugs, will focus briefly on the short-term and long-term effects of in-utero drug and alcohol exposure. In addition they will cover therapy, treatment and resources to aid in raising a child who has been affected.  They will also talk about how to parent effectively and how to be an advocate for your child. 

Come and enjoy some time with those who are traveling along similar paths as you.  Dessert to follow.

OFF The WALL Meeting - September 22

Our next OFF The WALL Meeting is coming up rapidly on Sunday, September 22 at 5:30 pm.  
We meet at Christ The Redeemer Church located at 1523 W. Mallon Ave.

Our topic will be: Prayer for Orphans and Those Who Care for Orphans
Our leader will be: Adoptive father - Jim Rosenquist
A time of dessert and fellowship will follow our time of prayer.
This is a vital meeting that any and all should feel welcome to attend so invite friends to come along.
If you are in need of childcare (for kids up through 5th Grade) 
or have any questions please contact Jason Wiens - 280-2132

OFF The WALL Meeting - An Insider's View

Our next OFF The WALL Meeting is Sunday May 19th at Christ The Redeemer Church at 5:30 pm.  

The topic will be:

"An Insider's View of the Child Welfare System" - Jon Pemberton

Jon has been working in the Child Welfare System for many, many years.  Jon comes with a heart for children and a heart for foster parents who are trying to navigate an often difficult road.  Jon is an amazing speaker with a big heart.  You won't want to miss this opportunity.

Come and enjoy some time with those who are traveling along similar paths as you.  Dessert to follow.

Blessings,

Jason

http://CTROrphanCare.blogspot.com

STUCK in Spokane

The movie STUCK is coming to town Friday, April 5th at 7 pm.

"STUCK is a new award-winning documentary film, produced by Both Ends Burning that uncovers the personal, real-life stories of children and parents navigating a roller coaster of bureaucracy on their journeys through the international adoption system, each filled with hope, elation – and sometimes heartbreak.
Please join the movement and share this event with friends and family! The movie screening will begin at 7:00 PM
For more info please visit: http://bothendsburning.org/movie/#tickets"

Jedd Medefind is the president of the Christian Alliance for Orphans.  Jedd shares in a short video about why the movie STUCK is important.  In his explanation he tells the story that we share about how OFF The WALL Ministry got it's name.  Jedd shares a powerful message and I wanted to share it with you.


Jedd Medefind invites you to watch STUCK adoption documentary from Both Ends Burning Campaign on Vimeo.

Blessings as together we seek to serve children locally and in other parts of the world.

Next Meeting: Spokane Orphan Summit

In lieu of an OFF The WALL Meeting I want to make you all aware once again of the Spokane Orphan Summit coming up this Saturday, March 16th.  Registration, Coffee and Donuts start at 8:00 am with the Worship and the First Session kicking off at 8:30.  Here is the link to register if you haven't done so already: http://www.spokaneorphansummit.com/online-registration.html

If you can't make it to the Spokane Orphan Summit our next OFF The WALL Meeting is Sunday May 19th at Christ The Redeemer Church at 5:30 pm.  The topic will be:

"An Insider's View of the Child Welfare System" - Jon Pemberton

More information to follow at: http://CTROrphanCare.blogspot.com

And another great way to get together in a more informal setting and network with others on the journey is the:

Summit Ridge Potluck for Foster and Adoptive Families - Sunday April 28th, 4-6 pm.

Stay tuned for info at: http://CTROrphanCare.blogspot.com

Blessings and Hope to see you soon,

Jason Wiens

http://SpokaneOrphanSummit.com

http://CTROrphanCare.blogspot.com

Adoption Support Potluck with SRCF - Open Invitation

Greetings,

In an effort to continue to support and encourage adoption and foster care, Summit Ridge Christian Fellowship is inviting individuals and families, who want to support adoption or families who want the support of others, who have adopted , to a potluck dinner.  We hope you can join us! Please pass the info along to anyone you know who may be interested.

Please join our Summit Ridge Christian Fellowship – Adoption and Foster Care group for a PotLuck dinner.

 

Where: 1801 E. 29th Ave

Spokane, WA

When: Sunday February 24th @ 4pm to 6pm

What to bring: a main dish and a salad or dessert to share, along with drinks for your family.

Any Questions, contact: debking78@gmail.com  or cell (509) 999-4792 

Hope to see you!!

Debbie King

OFF The WALL Meeting - Attachment

Melissa Spivey has graciously agreed to come and share her expertise in the area of Attachment with us at our next OFF The WALL Meeting on Sunday, January 13th at 5:30 pm.  Melissa is a counselor specializing in Marriage and Family Counseling.  Here is what she says,

"The difference that makes all the difference!  That is what it means for a child to have secure attachment.  Together, on January 13th, we will explore what that means and how to meet our children's needs for security (healthy attachment).  

I am looking forward to meeting with each of you!"

Many of you have asked for some resources to help you on your journey of attachment with you child/children.  Come and enjoy the fellowship with others on a similar journey.  Feel free to spread the word.  

Dessert and childcare will be provided.  If you plan on bringing your children please RSVP so that we can have the right number of workers for the appropriate age groups of children.

Jason

JasonWiens@SpokaneOrphanSummit.com

Orphan Sunday Event

Today is Orphan Sunday.  Come tonight to Christ The Redeemer Church and fellowship with others on a similar journey.  Come find out more about the adoption process from two adoption attorneys.  Here is an inspiring video sharing the story of a life changed by adoption.

Want to Know What God Says About Adoption?

There is a free "Adopted By Design" seminar this Saturday, November 3rd from 10-12.  "Do you want to know what God says about adoption?"  "Want to Know What God Says About Adoption?"  Immanuel Baptist Church - 5109 N. Adams Street Spokane, WA.

Orphan Sunday and More

Exciting things are happening in Spokane and the Inland Northwest as we seek to minister to orphans.  

First

I want to remind you that Orphan Sunday is fast approaching.  Sunday, November 4th is National Orphan Sunday this year.  OFF The WALL Ministry is having a meeting at 5:30 pm at Christ The Redeemer Church (1523 West Mallon Ave) this coming Sunday.  We hope you can make it.  Perhaps you would like to bring a friend.  We seek to, not only raise awareness about the needs of orphans in our area and around the world, but we also seek to support and encourage families who are taking care of orphaned and vulnerable children, whether through adoption or foster care.  There are also many resources available at our website over on the right side of the page.

Spread the word....

Do you have questions about the adoption process?  Are you interested in adoption but you have questions about some of the details?  Nicole Koyama and Mirisa Bradbury will share from their professional training the various legal aspects of adoption whether it be through the state, an agency or done privately.  They will also discuss legal complications that may occur and how to avoid these pitfalls.  Nicole and Marisa will share from their vast professional but also personal experience in the field of adoption.  Don’t miss this excellent opportunity to celebrate adoption and by all means, “bring a friend!”

Dessert and coffee will follow, along with fellowship with other parents who are on the journey of adoption/foster care.

Second

Faith Bible Church is hosting an event this Saturday where you can get free clothes!

WEAR IT AGAIN CLOSET

What:  Free gently used clothing for the entire family

Where:  Faith Bible Church, 600 W. Cora, Spokane, 99205

When:  Saturday, November 3 (this coming Saturday)

Time:  9-1

Third

Don't forget about the Orphan Sunday event going on in Couer D'Alene this Sunday as well.  Although this event is going on at the very same time as the one at Christ The Redeemer, look who we're sending over to Idaho to give the main talk. :-) Both events should be fantastic and the main point is to "care for orphans"!

Last

Monday November 5th at 9:00 am we begin planning for Spokane Orphan  Summit II.  Our second SOS conference will be March 16th at Eastpoint Church.  If you think you would like to invest a little bit of your time/talent once a month for the next 5 months we would love to have your help.  So, next Monday meet at Christ The Redeemer Church at 9:00 am and we will put our heads/hearts together.

Blessings,

Jason Wiens

http://www.spokaneorphansummit.com

Orphan Sunday - November 4 - Kroc Center, Cd'A

What:
Community Orphan Sunday event at the Kroc Center Presented by Real Life
Ministries Orphan Care (1765 West Golf Course Road  Coeur d'Alene, ID 83815)
When:
Sunday, November 4, 2012 from 3 to 6 PM

Focus/Goal: To provide enrichment, hope and information for parents
who are interested in or are presently fostering, adopting or are
caring for relatives.

Format:3-3:40: Main Session - Carey Hughes-Pastor at Christ The Redeemer Church, Spokane
3:40-4:00: break (split meeting room into 2 and reconfigure for smaller setting)
4:00-4:45: Two Breakout Sessions:
1) Adoption Through The Years (a panel discussion with a facilitator) 
[Adoption is a journey and while the path is different for everyone, wisdom can be gleaned from others as you prepare yourself, your family and your child(ren) for the stages and questions they will face about birth parents, your own relationship, and unknowns. Bring your questions and concerns.]
2) Foster and Relative Care: Unmasked (a panel discussion with a facilitator)
[Q&A with local Foster and respite care providers. If you are interested in learning more about fostering, respite, CASA, or are presently fostering or providing respite and want a clearer vision of the joys that can come from fostering, join the discussion.]
4:45-5:00: Break
5:00-5:45: Two Breakout Sessions:
1) We Did All the Training, but something is not right! Practical help for foster and adoptive parents dealing with unexpected behaviors of children from hard places (panel discussion with a facilitator)
2) Adoption or Fostering? Which is Right for My Family? (a panel discussion with a facilitator) Want to adopt, but the process seems daunting? Have you felt lead to foster, but aren't sure where to begin? Come get your questions answered and walk away with a clearer understanding of adoption and fostering.
5:45-6:00: close sessions and allow for people to continue making connections and develop new relationships in hallway and at cafe.

Potluck Support Dinner

In an effort to continue to support and encourage adoption and foster care, Summit Ridge Christian Fellowship is inviting individuals and families, who want to support adoption or families who want the support of others, who have adopted , to a potluck dinner.  We hope you can join us! Please pass the info along to anyone you know who may be interested.

Please join our Summit Ridge Christian Fellowship – Adoption and Foster Care group for a PotLuck dinner.

 

Where: 1801 E. 29th Ave (Note: New Location for Church)

Spokane, WA

When: Sunday October 28th @ 5pm to 7pm

What to bring: a main dish and a salad or dessert to share, along with plates, silverware and drinks for your family.

NOTE: Please bring chairs to sit on. It does not look like there are tables and chairs there yet. We will bring a couple of tables to set food out on.

Any Questions, contact: debking78@gmail.com  or cell (509) 999-4792 

Hope to see you!!

I Wonder

As a follow on to our OFF The WALL Meeting tonight at CTR where we heard the stories of 4 adults who were adopted, here is another adoption story put to song:

Panel of Adult Adoptees

Have you ever wondered what adoption looks like from the inside?  Come hear about adoption from a few folks who were adopted.  

OFF The WALL will have its next meeting on Sunday, September 30th at 5:30 pm at Christ the Redeemer Church.  Come and enjoy a rich time of fellowship and find out what sweet treat Tim Gilstrap is whipping up for dessert.
Spread the word...

Potluck Invitation

Our next potluck dinner with Summit Ridge Christian Fellowship will be Sunday, August 26th.  Here is the invitation:

In an effort to continue to support and encourage adoption and foster care, Summit Ridge Christian Fellowship is inviting individuals and families, who want to support adoption or families who want the support of others who have adopted , to a potluck dinner.  We hope you can join us! Please pass the info along to anyone you know who may be interested.

Please join our Summit Ridge Christian Fellowship – Adoption and Foster Care group for a PotLuck dinner.

 

Where: Upper Manito Park

2400 S. Tekoa (25th at Tekoa| South Hill | Spokane, WA

When: Sunday August 26th @ 5pm to 7pm

What to bring: a main dish and a salad or dessert to share, along with plates, silverware and drinks for your family.

NOTE: Please bring chairs and blankets to sit on. It does not look like there are tables and chairs there. We will bring a couple of tables to set food out on.

Any Questions, contact: debking78@gmail.com  or cell (509) 999-4792

Potluck Invitation

OFF The WALL Ministry is thrilled that there are other churches in Spokane that share our vision to support and encourage adoption and foster care.  One of the churches that we are partnering with is Summit Ridge Christian Fellowship.

In an effort to continue to support and encourage adoption and foster care, Summit Ridge Christian Fellowship is inviting individuals and families, who want to support adoption or families who want the support of others who have adopted, to a potluck dinner.  We hope you can join us! Please pass the info along to anyone you know who may be interested.

Please join our Summit Ridge Christian Fellowship – Adoption and Foster Care group for a PotLuck dinner.

Where: Summit Ridge
57th and Freya | South Hill | Spokane, WA
(We meet in the Seventh Day Adventist Building)

When: Sunday June 24th @ 5pm to 7pm

What to bring: a main dish and a salad or dessert to share, along with plates, silverware and drinks for your family. Also, weather permitting, we will eat outside. If you have any outside activities for the kids, please bring them with you. Thanks!

Beyond Adoption - The Body of Christ Mobilized

Our next OFF The WALL Meeting is next Sunday, June 3rd at 5:30 at Christ The Redeemer Church.  This will be a good opportunity to invite people from your church who may not be adopting or fostering children but who want to be involved in the lives of orphaned children.  Our speaker, Anna Rowe, is knowledgeable and experienced about different ways to be involved in the care of vulnerable children.  Her discussion will include opportunities such as, volunteering at Sally's House, becoming a CASA, ministering to adoptive families, and fundraising assistance.  What is a CASA?  Come on Sunday, June 3rd and find out.  


Adoptive families who have brought a child home know how it feels to be overwhelmed in the first weeks and months and sometimes years.   Come and learn how you can use your gifts to assist the body of Christ in caring for vulnerable children beyond adoption.  Here is a fun video with some creative ways others have been involved in the lives of children.  

Antioch Adoptions Fundraiser

Smiles for Antioch Fundraiser

Sunday, May 20, 2012, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Location: Finch Arboretum

Sign-up on-line at http://www.lifecenter.net/event/2012-05-20-smiles-for-antioch-fundraiser/

For a $25 donation you get:

• professional photo session
• one 8x10
• two 5x7

Great gift idea for Mother's Day or Father's Day. Proceeds help cover the cost for home studies. Together we can make a difference.

About Antioch

Antioch Adoptions is a nonprofit, no-fee adoption agency bringing adoption to more families. Community donations help families adopt orphans lingering in the foster Care system.

Help change the face of adoption.

Register now by clicking on the link above.