Hike the Jesus Trail

From Bethlehem to Nazareth… from the shores of Galilee to the streets of Jerusalem – take a walking journey to the most well-known biblical sites in the world. On this men's pilgrimage, we'll spend 5 days hiking in the footsteps of Jesus, focusing on what it means to follow Christ today. In addition to connecting with biblical history, diverse communities and stunning geography, we'll meet with current Christian leaders living and ministering in the Holy Land. Trip is March 15-24, 2013. For info and pricing, email adam.smart@kensingtonchurch.org.

Serve God by Serving Others

"Faith Works" is a group of men and young adults (high school & college) that assist people in need. They volunteer with repairs and maintenance of homes and autos, plus teach skills to under-resourced people so they can help themselves in the future. In the process, the older men teach younger men how a man of God conducts himself with integrity. Faith Works does volunteer work for widows, single parents, elderly, low income families and non-profit organizations. Info at faithworksmichigan.com.

DIG

Bring on the bagels, Bibles and bros. Connect with other guys and dig into God's Word together at DIG! See below for meeting days & locations:

Tuesdays

We meet every Tuesday morning from 6:30-7:30am to hear 30 minutes of large-group biblical teaching followed by small-group discussion. No homework! Come start your Tuesday mornings off strong with coffee and bagels on us. Questions? Contact Brian at btabert@gmail.com or 248-840-9894.

• Troy: Troy Campus, Room 214 (1825 E. Square Lake, Troy 48085) Contact: Val Prest / 586-260-8708

• Orion: 4640 S. Lapeer Rd., Lake Orion, MI 48359 (Room 1101) Contact: Brian Tabert / 248-840-9894

• Clinton Twp: Omega Plastics (24401 Capital Blvd, Clinton Twp, 48036) Contact: Don Verrier / 586-949-5936

• Birmingham: Holy Name Church (630 Harmon, Birmingham, MI 48009) Contact: Rick Hartsell / 248-249-3155

Thursdays

We meet at 7pm at the Troy Campus in room 115 to share life and study the book of John. Questions? Contact Kevin at kastephi@ameritech.net or (248) 894-3681.

Adopt A School

Change a student, impact a region! Each campus is partnering with a local public school. Whatever your skill or passion, we've got lots of ways to serve kids, teachers and parents:

• Mentor/tutor – Devote time to a young person, teaching them to read, helping with schoolwork, or playing games on a weekly basis.

• Sports clinics/recreation – Get kids off "screens" after school & get them playing a sport. Coach a team of students for a season – teaching the basics of the game & the value of teamwork.

• Robotics/Chess/Legos – Coach a team of kids that aren't offered these kinds of enrichments.

• Home repairs – Help families from our school partnerships with yard work or minor fix-ups.

• Other ideas welcome! – To get started, check out kensingtonchurch.org/adoptaschool.

Questions? Email us at adoptaschool@kensingtonchurch.org.

Protect the Fatherless

God has called us all to help care for those in need: "Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you" (James 1:27 NLT). Whether God is moving you to adopt a child into your family, or to support the Adoption at Kensington ministry in other ways, there is a variety of opportunities. For more information on this noble cause, contact adoption@kensingtonchurch.org.

Full Throttle

"Full Throttle" is a group of Kensington gearheads who love all things automotive. Guys of all ages and experience levels share a passion for God, cars, and auto activities! They've restored hot rods, sports cars and other cool vehicles for good causes, and are currently customizing a '56 Olds to raffle off for charity. Best of all, they do free fix-ups on donated cars to provide reliable wheels for single moms. FT meets every Monday at 7pm at their fully equipped garage in Troy… plus the first and third Saturdays of each month from 8:30am-noon. Check 'em out at fullthrottlekcc@gmail.com.

Lend a Helping Hand

Can you fix a faucet? Trim a tree? Paint a kitchen? TheCommon.org is a cool new website that connects a handyman like you to folks in our Kensington community who've asked for help. How? By connecting volunteers with specific abilities to people with specific needs. Here are some actual requests…

• Older man needs ride to and from surgery.

• Family of 7 needs simple dryer repair.

• Single mom needs 3 electrical outlets installed.

• Can you go bowling with my special needs son?

• Unemployed man needs vehicle to fix-up and use.

• Single parent needs help moving to new apartment.

Give a helping hand - when and where and how often is up to you! There's also a category called "marketplace" where you can donate things like an extra fridge or unused wheelchair, etc. It all starts with a visit to TheCommon.org. Questions? Call Pam at 248-786-0643.

Field & Stream

The Field and Stream Team is a bunch of guys who love hunting, fishing and everything outdoors. If you love the sporting life, why not check out a meeting? They meet at 7pm on the third Tuesday of each month at the Troy campus, and the second Monday of each month at the Orion campus. During the year, F.A.S.T. offers serving projects, special events and lots of chances to enjoy the great outdoors – all designed to help us grow in our sport and in our relationship with Jesus. More info at fieldandstreamteam.org or Contact Chuck at fieldandstream@gmail.com or 248-496-2593.

Dads With Daughters

Dads With Daughters is a group of men who desire to build loving bonds with their girls that will last a lifetime, and to model behavior and character that they'll notice and desire in a future spouse. Join us at 7pm, first Tuesday of each month at G's Pizzeria in Lake Orion, where we'll discuss hot topics like dating, purity and sex, self esteem, modesty, seeking attention, and learning your daughter's love language. It's a time to learn from each other and strengthen one another in our journey with God. We'll also engage our daughters in date nights, like trips to the zoo, movies, cider mills, canoe trips, etc. If you have a daughter and want to get connected, contact Allan Goetz at allan@tourconnection.com.

Sports Ministry

Love to play sports? Us, too! But to make it happen, we need you. If you're looking for a way to share your God-given athletic talent (or like most of us, your lack of talent), Kensington Sports Ministries is a great opportunity to meet some awesome people who love to compete (or just get off the couch for a while). Whether you are looking to 1) start and run a team, or 2) find a team and play on it, we are looking for you. Sports are a great way to connect with others who love to play baseball, hockey, soccer, bicycling, pickle ball, whatever – we're wide open to suggestions. To share your ideas, or ask question, or to get started on launching a team, just drop us an email at sports@kensingtonchurch.org

Insights

Insights is a study just for women that explores the richness of a specific book of the Bible. It starts with small-group discussion time, followed by large-group instruction - live and in person by our own gifted teachers. Time is spent digging into each verse and discovering how it applies to our personal lives today. Click here to register.

T3: Topics that Transform

T3 is a topical study that encourages and challenges women to apply ageless biblical principles to their daily lives. We start with small-group discussion and follow up with a video-based study in a large-group setting. Click here to register.

MOPS

Mothers of Preschoolers is a program designed to offer support to women with young children from infancy to kindergarten. In this challenging and sometimes isolating stage of life, MOPS addresses issues and offers ideas to strengthen a woman's home, marriage, children and spirit. MOPS meetings provide a great opportunity to meet other moms in this unique stage of life, compare notes and experiences and even participate in an optional Bible study. Meetings happen every Tuesday. Click here to register.

Sports Ministry

Love to play sports? Us, too! But to make it happen, we need you. If you're looking for a way to share your God-given athletic talent (or like most of us, your lack of talent), Kensington Sports Ministries is a great opportunity to meet some awesome people who love to compete (or just get off the couch for a while). Whether you are looking to 1) start and run a team, or 2) find a team and play on it, we are looking for you. Sports are a great way to connect with others who love to play baseball, hockey, soccer, bicycling, pickle ball, whatever – we're wide open to suggestions. To share your ideas, or ask question, or to get started on launching a team, just drop us an email at sports@kensingtonchurch.org

Stitches & Scraps

Do you knit, crochet, quilt, bead, scrapbook or just enjoy the company of other "crafty" ladies? Then this night is for you! Stitches and Scraps meets from 5-10pm on the second Friday night of each month at Kensington Troy. Just bring your craft supplies and $7 for dinner. To get involved email Carol at stitchesandscraps@att.net or call 248-229-7345.

Apples of Gold

You are the apple of God's eye! Women can enjoy this six-week, small-group mentoring program and gain spiritual insights, practical wisdom, and some great recipes. Each meeting has time for cooking, teaching, discussion and prayer. Proverbs 25:11 says "A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver." For info contact Kathy Richardson at kathforhim@aol.com

Prayer Shawl Ministry

Compassion and the love of knitting & crocheting are combined in a prayerful ministry that reaches out to those in need of comfort and solace with prayer and a beautiful handcrafted gift. It begins and ends with prayers and blessings for the recipient. Upon completion, the final created piece is passed on to the recipient in need. To volunteer as a knitter or request a prayer shawl, contact Jo at 248-375-8013 or e-mail jfick@wideopenwest.com.

Kensington Womens Soccer League

Beat cabin fever by meeting new women, exercising and having fun! This recreational/cometitive league is designed for women 22 years and older that are new to soccer as well as experienced players. We'll play indoors from September to May each year on Tuesday nights at Total Soccer (1319 Lexington Boulevard in Royal Oak). Our league is proud to support Kids Against Hunger along with other local charities and groups by volunteering our time, money or services. We look forward to expand our amazing community of women with Christ at our core. For more info, contact Kimber Bishop-Yanke at girlsempowered@aol.com.

Womens Hockey Group

If you're a female hockey player who believes in playing inspired, then run on water with other women who love the game at Troy Sports Center on Fridays from 9:00-10:00am. An instructor will lead drills and a scrimmage for women who play at all levels - beginner to advanced. The weekly cost is $10. Whether you play hockey or enjoy it as a hockey mom, grandma, sister or wife, if you'd like to get more out of the Great Coach's playbook, please join us in studying insightful color commentary by Christian authors on the first Tuesday night of each month. For more info, contact Melissa at melissa_walsh@me.com.

FUEL: New Group for Single Moms

God's love is necessary to make any person or family complete. What does that mean for single moms? Though society may label your family as "broken," it is repaired in Christ - with God you have divine help for raising your children. FUEL is all about connecting single parents to biblical principles and promises in a community setting to engage, encourage and equip them for the tough and wild adventure of single parenting.

FUEL Moms’ meet at Kensington Church (Troy) on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays during the school year. We break for the summer and also in January to recoup from the chaos…gotta love it! We meet in room #213. We have social chat time from 6:30pm-7pm where you are invited to come and enjoy dessert and refreshments. Program begins at 7pm-8:30pm. Childcare is provided (donation encouraged). To register for the meeting and childcare please visit our website at singleparentfuel.com or contact fuel@kensingtonchurch.org.

Second Half Singles

Second Half Singles is a community group where active single adults aged 50+ can connect with one another and find fellowship and spiritual growth through serving and socializing as followers of Jesus Christ. To get connected, e-mail secondhalf.singles@kensingtonchurch.org. Download the April calendar here.

Parents of Special Needs Kids

Parents with special needs children have been given a precious gift that is both unique and challenging. Meeting other parents who share this similar life experience is an invaluable opportunity to bless each other with encouragement, advice and fellowship. For all KCC Michigan campuses, this support group meets at 6:30pm on the third Tuesday of each month at Panera (Big Beaver and Rochester Road). Questions? Contact Erika at erickapiggott@yahoo.com.

Sports Ministry

Love to play sports? Us, too! But to make it happen, we need you. If you're looking for a way to share your God-given athletic talent (or like most of us, your lack of talent), Kensington Sports Ministries is a great opportunity to meet some awesome people who love to compete (or just get off the couch for a while). Whether you are looking to 1) start and run a team, or 2) find a team and play on it, we are looking for you. Sports are a great way to connect with others who love to play baseball, hockey, soccer, bicycling, pickle ball, whatever – we're wide open to suggestions. To share your ideas, or ask question, or to get started on launching a team, just drop us an email at sports@kensingtonchurch.org

Golf League

Are your golf clubs calling you out to the greens? Join our golf league for an opportunity to put your swing into action. We play at Pine Trace Golf Course (in Rochester Hills on South Blvd near Coolidge Hwy) on Mondays at 5pm. The league plays from May 6 through Sept 9 (16 weeks of golf; we do not play the weeks of Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day). Cost is $560 per golfer, payable in full at time of sign up, no later than April 22. (This works out to $35/round and includes a cart.) Make checks payable to “Pine Trace Golf Course” and mail to Gary Green, 3633 Estates Dr, Troy, MI 48084. For more info and to sign up call Gary at 810-602-9766.

48 Days to the Work You Love

In these tough economic times with unemployment rates soaring, many are desperately seeking work of any kind, regardless of their passion for it. Prepare to have your world rocked through a six-week workshop called "48 Days to the Work You Love." This course is for anyone looking for a more satisfying work life, designed around your goals, talents, personality and abilities. From a greater understanding of self, new opportunities emerge. You'll be able to identify goals and a personal mission statement that will to set you on the path to a fulfilling and life-rewarding vocation. To find out when the next class will be, contact Sandy Marshall at 48daysdetroit@gmail.com.

Job Seekers Group

Need prayer and practical help for finding new employment? Networking is crucial in tough economic times. Contact Mark Lindeman at mlindeman@wowway.com or 248.884.9335. Also, please let us know if you're aware of local job openings.

Giving Orphans Hope

If you have a heart for orphaned children, Giving Orphans Hope (GO Hope) is the group for you! We meet to plan how we can have an impact on orphaned children locally and around the world through Foster Care, Adoption and International Orphan Care. Our hope is to see the Church mobilize to meet the needs of the 143 million orphans in the world. For more information contact Jessica Wolfe @ wolfe@givingorphanshope.org or visit us at www.givingorphanshope.org.

Financial Peace University

Financial Peace University is a life-changing program that teaches you how to make the right decisions with your money. You'll be empowered with the practical skills and confidence needed to achieve your financial goals and experience true financial peace! To find out when the next FPU class will be, contact Dave Smith at dave.smith@kensingtonchurch.org or 248-786-0604.

Celebrate Recovery

If you're struggling with a behavior that's controlling your life, or are in a codependent relationship with someone who's addicted, there is help. When abuse, gambling, drugs, spending, sex, abuse, or porn makes life unmanageable, Celebrate Recovery offers a weekly, biblical 12-step program in a safe walk-in setting. Join us at 7pm every Monday at Kensington Troy. Childcare is available. Have questions? E-mail celebraterecovery@kensingtonchurch.org

Beyond Divorce & Oasis Workshops

You don't have to go through the painful and stressful experience of divorce or separation alone. Beyond Divorce is a 10-week recovery workshop combining expert speakers with small group discussion. Oasis is a concurrent program for children and teens affected by divorce. To find out when the next workshop starts, email beyonddivorce@kensingtonchurch.org.