Special Events
Everything at CFC revolves around the vision to produce Kingdom workers, that is Christians who will live for the glory of the King Jesus. To that end, in addition to regular weekly meetings, special events are planned throughout the year to introduce others to our church, as well as foster a sense of community. We welcome you to join us for any of these special events!
Fall 2008 Dates
New Student Week (8.2008)
How to Survive at U of I (8.27.2008 - Foellinger Auditorium)
Welcoming Dinner (9.13.2008 - Location TBA)
Mini-Olympics (9.27.2008 - FAR Fields)
Revival Meeting (10.16-10.18.2008 - Location TBA)
Praise Night (11.14.2008 - Foellinger Auditorium)
Thanksgiving Dinner (11.08.2008 - Various locations)
Lock-In (12.5.2008 - TBA)
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New Student Week (August)
Every August thousands of new and returning students descend on the University of Illinois campus, creating an opportune time to reach out and share the love of Christ. Area welcoming picnics, Quad Day, How to Survive @ U of I, and Coffee Houses are all laid back events and great opportunities to meet and invite new people—students and working folks alike.
How to Survive at U of I (August)
Figuring out life at the University can be overwhelming. The challenges of finding your classes, adjusting to dorm life and interacting with different people are all a part of being new. But being a little fish in a big pond does not always mean you have to do it alone! Annually taking place during University of Illinois’ first week of classes, “How to Survive at the U of I” is a fun night of helpful tips and survival strategies, creatively presented through a variety of performances aimed at helping you adjust to the different challenges and opportunities on campus.
Welcoming Dinner (September)
Good food and a family atmosphere is all you need to feel at home! During Welcoming Dinner, CFC’s leadership group, newcomers to campus, new families, international and transfer students enjoy dinner and entertainment, as well as a brief introduction to CFC and what our church is about.
Mini-Olympics (September)
As dawn spills onto the freshly spray painted field and the crisp smell of the morning air mixes with that of hotdogs and burgers on the grill, a distant chanting can be heard—the sound of Mini-Olympics! Mini-Olympics is a much anticipated event where small groups compete in fun games that test skill, speed and strength. But most of all, the day is designed to bring the small groups and the whole church closer through friendly competition and fellowship. Also, in the spirit of CFC’s commitment to missions, all donations for lunch are given to a Christian ministry or organization (e.g., Hurricane Katrina help, community outreach, etc.).
Revival Meeting (October)
CFC’s annual revival meeting is a special time for church members and visitors to be renewed spiritually. A guest speaker presents messages from the Bible along with great times of singing and praying. Additionally, on Saturday afternoons there is an extended time of prayer, which is open to everyone. From junior high students to working professionals, this is a valuable time of growing deeper in our walk with the Lord.
Praise Night (October & February)
Lights! Camera! Action! Praise Night is a once a semester event where small groups practice and prepare a mix of humorous and serious skits, dances, and songs addressing everyday challenges in our lives. Although the mediums (and movie characters) have changed over the years, the underlying messages about the Gospel and the person of Jesus Christ have not. With free admission, it is a great way to learn more about Christianity, both creatively and perhaps from a different perspective. Come check it out!
Thanksgiving Dinner (November)
Turkey, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie are not the only things found at these Thanksgiving dinners! Each small group area comes together before the Thanksgiving holiday to dine with their small group family, fellowship through games, and share testimonies of thanksgiving from the semester. Everyone is welcome!
Lock-In (December & April)
As the end of each semester rolls around, busyness and stress from project deadlines and impending finals seem close behind. Lock-In is an all-night event that takes place after Friday Night Large Group. It’s a great time of hearing a message and spending time in prayer, both personally and with one another. The food, fun and fellowship in the Word and prayer, all help us to focus on finishing the semester strong.
Church-wide Winter Retreat (February)
What do small groups, seminars, messages, guest speakers, and praise have in common? They are all parts of CFC’s annual winter retreat—a church-wide event to spiritually start off the year together! For two days everyone in the congregation, from the youngest to the oldest, is challenged to take a step back from everyday life and retreat to a weekend of personal growth and fellowship with the Lord.
Missions Weekend (March)
Missions is fundamental to CFC’s Matthew 9:37-38 vision of producing Kingdom workers. Whether you are wondering what missions is all about or want to expand your missional perspective, Missions Weekend is a great time to meet different missionaries, who have served and worked in a range of capacities around the globe. It kicks off with Missions Coffee House (following Friday Night Large Group) and continues through personal interactions during the Saturday seminars, Q&A sessions and meals. Missions Weekend is both a heart and vision stretching time of seeing how God is working around the whole world.
Passion Week/Easter (April)
Passion Week, the week before Easter, is set aside by Christians as a time to remember Christ’s last week before His death and resurrection. Starting from Palm Sunday then continuing through Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday, the various services (Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Sunrise, Easter Baptism Celebration, and Easter Missions Dinner) held throughout the week help us to reflect and recommit our lives as we remember the life and love of Jesus Christ.