WELCOME video by Nancy Rankin, President of the Board

Well, we have come through a LOT in the past year… after 2020, we all anticipated that 2021 had to be better! God had some BIG SURPRISES in store for us to begin this year, which may have caused some doubt that we, in fact were WRONG… but we continue to PIVOT and make additional changes to “life as we know it.” Even though there have been MANY challenges, we have risen to the task of doing things DIFFERENTLY and in some ways, doing things BETTER. Being more PRESENT and being more grateful for each small blessing in life are hopefully changes we have seen within ourselves.

Although it was an INCREDIBLY DIFFICULT decision, our state board decided to move forward with our annual conference this year in a virtual format, once again. (Which you know, because HERE YOU ARE!!) I know the range of opinions on the topic of the pandemic is very wide, but we all appreciated mutual respect shown, as this was NOT an easy decision. We pray that the recent resurgence of COVID cases due to the delta variant will not continue and also continue to pray for those already affected by loss in their own families and friends.

 We again brought you a VARIETY of submissions on the site (including videos, lessons, poems, songs, etc!) for you to peruse and hope you are fulfilled and enjoy these! May God bless these as we worship Him!

Our focus as we continue through some of these adversities is the statement:

It’s exciting, seeing the continued opportunities brought to us through and from God, and the creativity that’s we’re being led to worship in a different way. Let’s embrace that and worship His Word together!

Just a reminder! And our theme song in this lovely medley!

2021 Iowa State Board Members: President: Nancy Rankin; Vice President: Dan McGowan; Secretary: Ingegard (Beebs) Downing; Treasurer: Chondra (Rankin) Rangel; Laurie O’Donnell: Corresponding Secretary; Barbara Gensley: Board Member; Robert Cronbaugh: Board Member. Pastors: Paul Moore & Kenny Cronin. Thank you for your service!

Our typical conference takes place between Wednesday evening and Sunday noon, with classes, lessons, devotions, and recreation every day! We will miss the personal, physical interaction, but excited to be able to bring you a collection of fun for kids, activities, messages, music, and additional photos from past events online!

The Iowa State Conference at Waterloo, Iowa, 1908.

A trip in the way-back machine… this is an early photo from the first conference gathering! This location is where we have in-person Iowa State annual conference (although last year and this, we have opted to continue with virtual learning!!) - a pretty amazing legacy!

Tascha Rankin Hauber mentioned,”We have had an annual Iowa State Conference for 134 consecutive years (last year it was held virtually). It continues to be a great place to fellowship and learn more about God's Word. This will be year #135!!”

A “campfire” group activity from 2019.

Fellowship!

In Closing…

CLOSING comment by Nancy Rankin, President of the Board

This is a prophetic song, that is beautiful, bittersweet, and full of truths on which we lean. This version was sung by the Oregon Bible College Maranatha Singers. Two members of this traveling vocal team were Loretta (Bartz) and Darrell Rankin, who ministered for several decades in the southeast Iowa area. Close your eyes and listen, or sing along.

And as we part ways… a song we have typically used to close each conference is near and dear to my heart… “God Be With You (Till We Meet Again),” written by Jeremiah Rankin (no relation!) in 1880, was written to be a Christian goodbye. The etymology of “goodbye” translates to “God be with you!”

God be with you till we meet again,
By His counsels guide, uphold you,
With His sheep securely fold you,
God be with you till we meet again.
Till we meet, till we meet,
Till we meet at Jesus’ feet;
Till we meet, till we meet,
God be with you till we meet again. 

God be with you till we meet again,
’Neath His wings protecting hide you,
Daily manna still divide you,
God be with you till we meet again.
Till we meet, till we meet,
Till we meet at Jesus’ feet;
Till we meet, till we meet,
God be with you till we meet again. 

God be with you till we meet again,
When life’s perils thick confound you,
Put His arms unfailing round you,
God be with you till we meet again. 
Till we meet, till we meet,
Till we meet at Jesus’ feet;
Till we meet, till we meet,
God be with you till we meet again. 

God be with you till we meet again,
Keep love’s banner floating o’er you,
Smite death’s threatening wave before you,
God be with you till we meet again.
Till we meet, till we meet,
Till we meet at Jesus’ feet;
Till we meet, till we meet,
God be with you till we meet again. 

Amen.

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