Intro… Take ONE!!!
WELCOME video by Nancy Rankin, President of the Board
When we began this year, the year 2020… which everyone was anticipating being a GREAT YEAR… none of us had a CLUE what this year would bring! And, we never really do… but God had some BIG SURPRISES in store for us in 2020!!! We’re all aware of the pandemic that has somehow affected all of us and “life as we know it.” And it’s created challenges and really challenged the way we do pretty much everything! And that includes our church worship, camps and get-togethers.
We’ve seen articles of groups that have continued to meet and entire groups have gotten sick, and some have led to multiple deaths. In our state congregations, we’re not afraid of what may come our way, but we DO want to be responsible, both to our members and the community. This conference is an instance of showing that caution and this year, we’ve decided to go VIRTUAL!
With all of the weather-related, social, political, and economic turmoil happening right now, YES! It’s important to selflessly help others, speak up for truths and not be complacent under the guise of neutrality. But it’s even more important to look forward to the PEACEFUL and PERFECT time that is awaiting us in the future, in the Kingdom of God on this earth!!! Peaceful and perfect sounds like an AMAZING combination, especially immediately following our recent experience in Iowa with a derecho - leaving a wake of physical devastation in its path! God has promised his faithful a renewal where none of these earthly problems will exist. Our focus during these continually unprecented happenings is:
The KINGDOM.
It’s exciting, seeing the 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!
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!
L-R: OJ Allard, Frank Siple, AJ Eychaner, HV Reed, Maple, FL Austin, Eldred Marsh
A trip in the way-back machine… this is an early photo from the conference. In 1868 Eychaner attended & preached at the Waterloo, IA Conference - so this was around that time frame, or maybe a few years after (in 1882, he moved to Iowa to pastor in Gladbrook and Irving). He's the 3rd from the left, alive years 1842-1936.
For those who have attended conference in the past… how would you like to camp out for the meeting duration?? Of course, ours is in August, and I believe in the time of yore, it was more like September. But still! I'm thankful for where we are and ALSO grateful these pioneers were there to blaze our way!!
A “campfire” group activity from 2016.
Fellowship!
Don’t forget your $20 annual dues!
To be a conference member, you must be 16 or older & be a baptized member of the Church of God.
Please send dues and/or earmarked donations to Conference State Treasurer:
Chondra Rangel, 2230 W. Lake Rd #101, North Liberty, IA 52317.
Payment may also be made using Venmo or via paypal using the email: IowaCOGConference@gmail.com
Thank you!
2020 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.
We had a lot of fun recording videos and creating this site for you - but there were also some bloopers! Thought these would give you a chuckle… enjoy!
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.