Our time at conference does NOT leave one bored, in fact an afternoon nap is a (sometimes necessary) treat! You’ll often find groups gathered outside in the shade, lounging and visiting, or others working feverishly on a puzzle down in the church basement!
The sandbox, which was recently designed by Lowell Cronbaugh and built by Kenny Cronin and Lowell, is also a popular spot for the kids. And if you don’t choose to take a cat nap in the afternoon, you can join the group to go swimming! This is a great way to clean up the kids!
MYSTERY BOX
The goal of our Mystery Box is to get an item you've not seen until that moment and create a SHORT impromptu comment/speech tying that object to Biblical truths!
Cortnie Inman - Inspirational Saying
Roger Marquardt - Gloves
Gavin Cronin - Autumn Leaves
Tascha Hauber - Cowbell
Haubers - Jingle Bells
Kenny Cronin - Hose Adapter
PUPPET SHOWS
Puppet shows are a STAPLE at our church gatherings. They are enjoyed by children of all ages! They are a great way to incorporate humor while teaching lessons. Nancy Rankin has been collecting puppets for decades and has over a hundred puppets - one for nearly every character you can dream of! One of our favorites is the sassy pig, Smellvin, who was dreamt up by the talented Kenny Cronin! We always love the new songs Smellvin performs!
Check out these additional puppet show links!! 👇👇👇
Crowing about the Son
The King is Coming
The Case of the Dusty Bible
Feet Shod with the Gospel of Peace
CAMPFIRE GAMES
Our “campfire” actually USED to be a live campfire outdoors… but years ago, we moved this inside, so we could do more activities (with LIGHT!), not battle the Iowa mosquitoes and let’s be honest… Iowa summers are HOT and HUMID! We do enjoy air conditioning!
During our campfire activities, we have group games & activities, watch movie clips, sing choruses, parse Biblical passages, participate in relays & icebreakers, and whatever else may be imagined by those leading the activity for the evening! There is a healthy balance of silly vs serious! There are often cookies and remnants of other desserts and snacks before AND after campfire - because we just GET HUNGRY from all of these activities!
DEVOTIONS & MISC
Our days are filled with activities that feed our Spiritual appetite. Some of these include a morning group devotion prior to breakfast, readings, a group evening prayer circle directly following dinner, and other organic interactions which we all enjoy immensely!
POEM POEM
DEVOTION
READING
TESTIMONIAL
NARRATED POEM
We each follow Jesus’ path for our own reasons. This is Gavin’s story and insight - contemplate on how YOU found Jesus and what he has meant in your own life!
Narrated poem by Dwayne Rankin. Jesus walked the earth so we may follow in his footsteps.
“He led me through with staff in hand Through that place so shrill. Unto a place of quiet rest Filled with waters, still.”