Mission Statement Making a difference in our community through Christian outreach in a fun and safe environment.

Purpose Statement Our primary purpose is to expand the knowledge of Christ among youth by setting a positive example and providing a safe place for recreation.

Vision Statement To be Washington's premier skatepark and recreational facility by providing each guest with a variety of activities in a friendly, affordable, Christian environment.

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Happy Anniversary M.A.D. Skates!

February 2, 2012 marks the completion of our 3rd year of running Skate Night. A huge debt of gratitude and heart full of thanks to Bethany Bible Church for giving us a place to be for the past three years. Thank you to all of our volunteers, teachers, and chefs who keep the place running week after week. We could not go on without you.

To the parents and the kids who come each week I want to say that we are honored that you choose to join us on Monday nights. Here in the Greater Seattle area there is no shortage of things for you to do, and you still choose to hang out with us. Thank you. We have students involved with wrestling, hunting, basketball, swimming, bands, honors classes, 4H, motocross, church, and the list goes on and on. On my way to Skate Night each week I pass by an elementary school that hosts a teen night the very same day, and just a few blocks from Skate Night is a bowling alley. There are a multitude of activities to be involved with here; thank you for choosing M.A.D. Skates!

In 2011, we lost our 501(c)3 non-profit status due to an administrative error. Most assuredly we will get it back once our application is processed. Our reapplication has been with the IRS since September and is still waiting assignment to an agent. Although this is a minor set back in our fundraising efforts, God miraculously is supplying for all our needs. 2011 left us staring into 2012 with giant grins across our faces as both Grizzly Sports and Physiocare Physical Therapy chose to be corporate sponsors. For Physiocare this is their second year supporting us. In addition, our insurance was significantly lower this year saving us almost $300.

On February 2, 2009 when Skate Night started, we had 2 kids show up. We now see about 15 each week. We are not great in number, but we are strong at heart. Our smaller ministry size allows us to passionately pray for each one of our kids, get to know the parents, and be involved with their lives. Some of the parents and I have begun networking on community projects like urban farming and the plastic bags for sleeping mats in Uganda.

There is more to come and 2012 is looking good! February marks the start of our Taco Time fundraiser. We will be selling 100 Taco Time coupon books in order to pay our February rent. We're working with a contact from the Seattle Seahawks to get to go down to Seahawks Stadium to throw some footballs around this summer. Hiking trips, local skate spot adventures and the reborn Discipleship Program are all in the works for 2012.

Thanks again for your love, prayers, and financial support. We are truly blessed!

Galatians 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Monday, January 30, 2012

Tonight's Bible Session Lessons

6-11 Year Old Group
Memory Verse: Isaiah 40:31
Bible Basis: Luke 12:16-21
Theme: Being rich in character
Story: Discover how a rich man was foolish and ended up with nothing because he wasn't rich in character.

12+ Group
Memory Verse: I Timothy 4:12
Bible Basis: Genesis 1:17, Psalm 139:14, Psalm 100:3, I Corinthians 6:18, Ephesians 5:3, and I Thessalonians 4:3-6
Themes: Body Image & Sexual Purity
Story: Emily Copeland

Monday, January 23, 2012

Tonight's Bible Lessons

6-11 Year Olds
Memory Verse: James 2:18
Bible Basis: Joshua 2 and Joshua 6:22-25
Theme: Putting Feet to your faith
Story: Rahab

12+
Memory Verse: I John 2:17
Bible Basis: Proverbs 6:25-28, Colossians 3:5-14, I Thessalonians 4:3-8, I John 2:15-17
Theme: Lust
Story: Drew Worsham Video

Thursday, January 19, 2012

PLASTIC BAGS TO THE RESCUE

BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!
If you think you are cold with all this snow we're getting here in the Pacific Northwest, think for a moment about the orphaned boys and girls in Uganda sleeping on the hard dirt floor with nothing separating them from the heat sucking earth other than a ratty, worn out t-shirt.

I know some people think Africa is always hot.  I grew up in Swaziland, Africa and have been to Zambia twice, and I will tell you that at night, it can get downright chilly.  Enough to cause the shivers, welcome colds and flues, and keep you from getting a good night sleep.
 
PLASTIC BAGS TO THE RESCUE!
My mother and some friends from her church are knitting and crocheting sleeping pads for orphans in Uganda using PLASTIC BAGS!  It's a brilliant use of unwanted trash to make a safe sleeping pad for children in need.

HOW YOU CAN HELP.
If you are not using reusable bags to do your shopping, please collect your plastic shopping bags and bring them to MAD Skates' Skate Night on any Monday night from 5:30-8:30pm.  I will get those plastic bags to my mother who will crochet them into sleeping pads for Ugandan orphans.

THANKS SO MUCH!

Sunday, January 15, 2012

Skate Night Cancelled

Skate Night for tomorrow - Monday January 16th - is officially CANCELLED. My husband and I have driven around our neighborhood a bit in our car, and there is no safe way to get the van out of here and down to skate night. Enjoy the snow and your day off from school!

Friday, January 13, 2012

Urban Farming

Please take the 11 minutes to watch this video all the way through.  I absolutely love what my friend Claudio is doing, how he is doing it, and why he is doing it.  I'm hopeful that in 2012 I too can grow my community, eat better foods, and have a happier garden.  God bless.

Monday, January 9, 2012

Dinners Needed

We are looking for a few good men or women to fill 4 spots for dinners over the next 3 months. 

Needed:
February 6
February 13
March 5
March 12

Please email me at brett@madskates.com if you are able to assist. 

THANKS!

Tonight Tonight Tonight

6-11 yr old group get a lesson on Lying/Truth - the story of Jacob and Esau while the 12+ group will learn about Hypocrisy.

Tamales will be served up hot and fresh alongside some rootbeer and pepsi.

Could use a few extra hands with setup at 5:35.

Hope to see you all there.