Songwriting with Tom

What a neat idea! For Sunday School in the summertime, we are having special guest teachers share some of their expertise in various areas. This past Sunday, Tom sat down with a group of kids (and grown-ups) and taught us how he writes a song! Working together, we created a song about Daniel in the Lion's Den. Everyone seemed to enjoy the process!

My own kids dragged out a couple of instruments, a notebook and pencil when they got home and each wrote a song. Thanks for the inspiration, Tom!

This coming Sunday (the 21st) our guest teachers will teach us about photography- come on out and join us- all are invited, young, old and won't tell!

VBS 2009 Days 5 & 6

Hi all- well, we've wrapped a tremendously successful Vacation Bible School. This video includes a short bit from Thursday's final evening of regular VBS as well as the Friday evening celebration!!!

We had invited a couple of young friends to join my girls at VBS. Apparently, the kids were practically begging each evening to return to Abiding Love and were rather upset the one evening that they had to miss out. While we often are excited for our own children at ALLC to participate in VBS, it is important to remember that it also serves as an outreach program. Judging by the smiles on faces we have worked to help accomplish that mission!

The volunteerism and outpouring of love, kindness, generosity and (of course) patience exhibited by our church members showed everyone what ALLC is all about. Thanks to everyone who made it possible (too many to name), but I'd like to point out the Herculean efforts of a few individuals: Tom Hokanson, whose music always inspires; Kim Thonhoff for her terrific opening and closing scripts; and Holly Leoni whose directorial skills brought it all together. Thanks and enjoy!

-Jeff

ALLC 2009 VBS Day 3 & 4

Wow! There is just so much going on that it is a struggle to keep the video under 5 minutes! But I managed to do it. This video is a compilation from multiple cameras, so it has a slightly different "personality". By the way, hopefully you've noticed that the songs accompanying these videos are the same ones that the kids are learning at VBS. What a terrific band we've got!

ALLC VBS 2009 Day 1 and 2

Here's a glance at the first couple of days of Vacation Bible School. We have such a great group of volunteers and their hard work and guidance is really paying off as the kids are definitely enjoying themselves. I've especially noticed that as VBS progresses the kids are getting MORE involved, not less. That's a sign of a good program- the children are willing and eager participants. The video is about four minutes or so. Enjoy!

R.O.C.K. V'ball

On Memorial Day, the senior high youth had a great time at Dick Nichols Park, playing volleyball, electing new officers and eating pizza!!!! Personally, I hope that this becomes an annual tradition!

Graduates 2009

I grabbed the first three seniors who showed up on Sunday and asked a few questions. What struck me the most was how much of an effect the little things that we as a congregation do impact their lives and attitudes. Take a look (just over 3 minutes) and witness the difference that we make on these young people's lives and think back to the mantra, "it's about love, love, love"