Reformation Day Faire

This past weekend was our Reformation Day Faire. This year was a lot of work for several families of our church, but it was all worth it! The preparations made everything flow smoothly and we were able to overcome the small challenges.

The Faire started on Friday with the men of the church putting up the castle wall. I didn't get a picutre but hopefully some of the other links will have a good picture. The men spent a couple Saturday building and painting the wall and it came out wonderfully!

On the schedule for Friday was Pastor Severn, Doug Bond and a concert in the evening by Charlie Zahm.

Saturday morning brought talks by Pastor McDonald and Doug Bond. The lunch was provided by Alwans, a meat market in Peoria. They out did themselves again with the wonderful food. After lunch a bagpiper came through the church and led the attendees out to the Town Square. The Square had different interactive booths: candle making, printing, sewing, leather stamping, sewing, chess, checkers, wheat weaving, rope making, and boffer making. After the town square most families walked over to the park for some highland games and the boffer war.

Enjoy the pictures!

reformation Day Fair

Mother Daughter Tea

This past Saturday our church hosted a Mother Daughter. The theme was Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD,

"plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

The mothers and daughters that attended were treated to wonderful food and fellowship, singing, encouraging speakers, instrumental music and a skit. Here are some pictures from the day.

THE SPEAKERS

Jessica Erber

Maggie Erber

Katherine and Melinda Sanford

Hope Ware

Stacy McDonald

THE MUSIC AND SKIT

Stacey Rupp on the harp

Jeremy and Josiah on piano and violin

Sibling Ensemble

"Cooking with Mother"

"Providence String Quartet"

Sara hugging Jackson

Cara and Natalie

Jesica, Emilee, and Ashly

Our beautiful table

handsome waiter

patiently waiting....

preparing cookie trays

sweet fellowship

4th of July

4th of July started out pretty wet here in Central IL. The plans for the day were to go to the Sanford's home, have a cookout, play volleyball and other games, and enjoy an afternoon of fellowship. The rainy weather soon squashed those plans and we came up with a Plan B. So early afternoon, families of Providence gathered in the church fellowship hall. Tons of food was brought and the grills were soon fired up onder the church overhang.

The children gathered downstairs and played card and board games. The men and women visited. The little ones ran around having fun.

After dinner we went upstairs for some singing, the reading of the Declaration of Independence, and a short devotional by Pastor McDonald.

Soon it was dark and we headed into town for some fireworks.

Farewell for Garrison

On Saturday evening, we attended a graduation/farewell party for a young man in our church.  Garrison will be leaving for the Marines next week.  We had a wonderful night of food, fellowship, dancing.  The men of the church prayed over Garrison and gave several moving charges to him.  Garrison will be missed.

Part 1 of the skit

part 2 of the skit.


Here are some photos of our family from the night.

My Sweet Mathias who is very ready to go home

Emil, Garrison, and Justin.  3 young men who commonly get mistaken for eachother.  They are also the tallest young men of the church!

Justin dancing with his Mother

Garrison and Justin - good friends who will miss each other

Josiah being a gentleman while dancing

The Providence Youth (well, not all of them, just the ones at the gathering)

Daniel and Sheri dancing.  We were tired!

In the background you can see Jesi and Dad waltzing.

Ashly and Josiah prominading

The effects of a static balloon on Sara's hair!

Mom and Sara preparing to dance.  Sara is a very good dance partner.  She laughs and giggles with all the turns.

Sheri and Mrs Riggenbach chatting.

Mathias and Daddy