Camp Maranatha
Click here to register for 2023 Summer Camps.
Bear Lake Camp Dates
Click here for more information
Flourish 2022
God’s Word is Hope: Flourishing in Every Season. Registration has been extended until 2/27/2022. For more information click here.
Camp Maranatha Updates
2022 Upcoming Dates
· March 19th – Spring Work Day
· March 25th-27th – Spring Retreat (6th-12th Graders)
· April 8th-10th – Women’s Retreat
· May 30th-June 1st – Primary 1 Camp (2nd-4th Graders)
· June 3rd-4th – Beginners Camp (K-2nd Graders)
· June 6th-11th – Primary 2 Camp (3rd-5th Graders)
· June 13th-18th – Jr. High 1 Camp (6th-8th Graders)
· June 20th -25th – High School Camp (9th-12th Graders)
· June 27th – July 2nd – Jr. High 2 Camp (6th-8th Graders)
Winebrenner Theological Seminary
Old Testament Survey taught by Dr. Bruce Coats. Course Details
Class Dates: Jan 18, Jan 25, Feb 1, Feb 8
Times: Virtual Classroom meetings via Zoom: 6pm-9pm CST
Register for this course no later than Jan 14 2022 by contacting Amy Kinney or Kevin Risner
kinney@winebrenner.edu
kevin.risner@winebrenner.edu
Winebrenner Theological Seminary
Ministry Skills & Techniques taught by Dr. William Reist. Course Details
Class Dates: Sept 28, Oct 19 & 26, Nov 2-Course fee $100.
Register for this course no later than Sept 26th, 2021 by contacting Amy Kinney at 419-434-4241 or kinney@winebrenner.edu or Dr. Bruce Coats (bcoats@winebrenner.edu)
Christian Music Festival
Global Summit Webinar
Thursday, August 19th – 7:00 pm ET (6 pm CT). Join the Global Reach Virtual Summit for their quarterly Webinar via Zoom. Our brothers and sisters from around the world will be giving us updates on their mission fields. You will be able to submit your questions to them via the chat feature during the webinar! Webinar Link
Celebrating in our Region
I have been greatly encouraged by the number of our congregations that have allowed other organizations to have access to their facilities and assets. Some examples are: Scouts, Autism groups, Vaccine clinics, Blood Donations, Wellness clinics, Preschools and afterschool care, etc. We also have several congregations that share their facilities with other congregations who often connect with different cultures. May God Bless your generosity. We celebrate your kingdom thinking and the vision and willingness to use all that God has entrusted you to Connect Cross Culturally and Impact your Communities. I want to encourage you to use the facilities and assets that our Father has entrusted you. May your communities be thankful you are there and may our Father say Well Done.
Blessings, Pastor Travis
Investing for Retirement
ARE YOU ON A PATH TO FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE?
Participating in your employer-sponsored retirement plan is a terrific way to prepare for the future and can help you enjoy financial independence in retirement. But is the money in your account invested appropriately?
Our Investing for Retirement webinar will address that critical question and help you understand the basic principles of investing and how they apply to retirement. Key topics include:
The building blocks of investing
Why inflation cannot be ignored
How risk and time horizon factor into your strategy
How to adjust your strategy over time
Transamerica investment services and resources
Register Here
Biblically Bold Men’s Conference
The Biblically Bold men’s conference exists to empower and motivate men to live out God’s view of manhood and be the best husbands, fathers, and leaders that He has called each of us to be. Healthy Christian men are America’s greatest need and our mission is to equip, encourage and challenge men to fulfill their purpose and BOLDLY live out the plans God created them for. Click here more more information.
Q & A with Jacob Day
Casey White Oak Church of God in Casey, IL is hosting: “Getting up to speed with Southwest Missions” with Jacob Day. Friday, June 18th, 7-8:30pm CT. Some light refreshments served.
Celebrating in our Region
A look at how Urban Light Community Church partnered with Minorities for Covid-19 Awareness. Click here to watch video.
Summer Camp Season is upon us….
Click camps to see the dates: Bear Lake, Bear Lake, and Camp Maranatha
Q&A with Jacob Day
Casey White Oak is hosting an Q&A with Jacob Day; getting up to speed with Southwest Missions on June 18th, 7-8:30CT.
Celebrating in our Region
Crossroads Community Church; take a look at what Crossroads Community in Sullivan, Indiana has done by creating Weekly Pastor Time. Click here to watch video.
Global Summit Webinar
Thursday, May 20th – 7:00 pm ET (6 pm CT). Join the Global Reach Virtual Summit for their quarterly Webinar via Zoom. Our brothers and sisters from around the world will be giving us updates on their mission fields. You will be able to submit your questions to them via the chat feature during the webinar! Webinar Link
Reset Summit by Exponential
Free Online Event; May 19th 11am – 5pm ET. Focused on Leading With Confidence in the Post-COVID Church. Click here for more info.
Celebrating in our Region
Rebuilt Ministries. Click here to get an inside look at Rebuilt Ministries and Recovery Center.
Camp Maranatha
SPRING WORK DAY IS BACK! We were unable to hold this last year due to COVID-19. We are hoping you will join us on March 20th! Work Day will run from 9:00AM – 4:00PM, come and go as needed! A delicious lunch will be provided by some wonderful ladies from East Harrison Street Church of God. There is plenty of work to do, all kinds of projects – big and small – something for all ages! We hope to see you there.
Also, We are hosting a SPRING RETREAT for our Jr. High and High School Campers (6th-12th Grade) Registration is open on our website at https://www.campmaranatha.org/spring-retreat
Retreat runs from 6:00PM on March 26th-1:00 PM on March 28th. Pre-register online TODAY!
Summer Camp: We are still looking for SUMMER staff! We are in need of male and female counselors, a lifeguard, and a nurse! These are all paid positions Must be 18+ years of age. If you or someone you know is interested, you can reach out through our website at https://www.campmaranatha.org/summer-staff or email jeff.campmaranatha@gmail.com. If you are interested in VOLUNTEERING some of your time this summer at camp – we need volunteers too! Reach out if you are interested in lending a hand this summer.
Camp Maranatha
2021 Camp Dates & Events
February 6th – Online (Facebook) Auction – 6:00-8:00PM *NEW!*
March 20th – Spring Work Day – 9:00AM – 4:00PM
March 26th-28th – Spring Retreat (Jr./Sr. High Students) *NEW!*
June 7th – 9th – Primary 1 Camp (2nd-4th Grade)
June 11th-12th – Beginners Camp (K-2nd Grade)
June 14th-19th – Primary 2 Camp (3rd-5th Grade)
June 21st-26th – Jr. High 1 Camp (6th-8th Grade)
June 28th-July 3rd – High School Camp (9th-12th Grade)
July 12th-17th – Jr. High 2 Camp (6th-8th Grade)
July 19th-24th – Discipleship Training Program (9th-12th Grade)
September 18th – Trivia Night/Silent Auction Fundraiser
October 22nd-24th – Fall Retreat (Jr./Sr. High Students)
November 6th – Fall Work Day – 9:00AM – 4:00PM
*Dates and times subject to change, new dates may also be added.
Winebrenner Theological Seminary
Now offering two fully online courses lead by Dr. Bruce Coats.
Course Details: Christian Worhip, January 4, 2021-March 26, 2021. Tuesdays from 6pm to 9pm ET. Location: Online through Zoom.
Course Details: Leadership Communication, January 4, 2021-March 26, 2021. Mondays from 6pm to 9pm ET. Location: Online through Zoom.
For more information regarding enrolling in the courses, contact Travis Bodden or Amy Kinney at 419-434-4241 or kinney@winebrenner.edu
Camp Maranatha
Exciting Summer 2020 Update! DAY CAMPS IN JULY! Though our week long camps in June had to be cancelled this summer due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there is still a chance to enjoy a little bit of camp this summer! As our state begins to move into the next phase and restrictions lessen, we have decided it is safe for us to host day camps. We know our campers look forward to camp all year and though they couldn’t come for an overnight stay this year, we are going to jam our camp experience into one day!
July 17th from 9:00AM-6:00PM – K-3rd Grade
July 18th from 9:00AM-6:00PM – 4th-7th Grade
July 24th from 9:00AM-7:00PM – 7th-8th Grade
July 25th from 9:00AM-7:00PM – 8th-12th Grade
*Camps are based on the grade the camper will be entering in the fall.
Register for day camps online at https://www.campmaranatha.org/summer-2020-day-camps
Next Winebrenner Theological Seminary online course: Church in Mission
May 5th, 2020-July 28th, 2020; Tuesdays from 7:30pm-9:30pm EST. Online through Zoom.us video conferencing software. Course fee: $200. For more information regarding enrolling in the course contact Laren Coats (lauren.coats@winbrenner.edu) or Amy Kinney (kinney@winebrenner.edu)
Application. FERPA.
Winebrenner Theological Seminary online course.
Old Testament Foundations online course. January 6th, 2020-March 30th, 2020; Tuesdays from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM Eastern Time; Online through Zoom.us video conferencing software. For more information regarding enrolling in the course contact MRC Director Travis Bodden or Director of Enrollment Amy Kinney (kinney@winebrenner.edu) Application. FERPA.
Camp Maranatha’s New Year’s Eve Extravaganza!
Camp Maranatha is having their first ever New Year’s Eve Extravaganza! December 31st at 6pm-January 1st at 8am. At the Mattoon YMCA. All 6th-12th graders are welcome. There will be food, games, friends, music, more games, more food, giveaways and worship!! Transportation can be provided if needed. This will be a free event!
Harvest Prayer 2019
Make October a month of Prayer for Spiritual Harvest in your church and community. Churches of God churches are lifting our voices together throughout the month of October to see Spiritual Harvest throughout our churches and communities. Suggested Congregational Prayers for the harvest are available for each Sunday of October. Your church is invited to include these specific prayers as part of your worship services- together we unite in one voice, asking the Lord of the Harvest to do what only He can do. Great power is unleashed when God’s people agree in prayer. Click here for more information and Harvest Prayer Resources.
Camp Maranatha Trivia Night
Join us at our annual fall fundraiser, Saturday, September 21st, 5:00-8:00pm for a fun evening of food and trivia! Tickets are $15 beforehand or $20 at the door. Ticket price includes a delicious dinner! There will be a silent auction as well as several categories of Trivia. Bring your friends and family, it’s a night you won’t want to miss! Checks can be made out to Camp Maranatha. RSVP’s can be mailed to 3286 N 300th St. Ramsey, IL 62080 or contact Director, Jeff Babbs at 217-246-6439 or jeff.campmaranatha@gmail.com. Please reach out with any questions. Spread the word and bring a team for Trivia! All are welcome!!
News from Hawaii…
Click here to read Pastor David and Kenda Kapaku newsletter.
Biblically Bold Men’s Conference
August 24th- 9am to 4pm at Faith Covenant Fellowship, Monticello, IN. Our hope is to equip men of God with tools that will enable them to begin leading other men in their church and community. More more information and to register click here. Your go to their facebook page here.
Canada Mission Trip
Syracuse Church of God has been taking teams to this vital camp for years. $395 per person and passport, June 1-8 or Sept 28- Oct 5. Click here for more information or to register.
Berreman Youth Center
Free summer church camp. Ages 13-18 June 24th-27th. Ages 8-12 July 8th-11th. For more information contact: Pastor Robert Phelps (815)493-2136 or Pam Phelps (815)238-6649
Discovery Conference for Young Leaders
We encourage you to attend July 22nd-24th at Winebrenner Theological Seminary. Contact Earl Mills, glcdirector@cggc.org for more information or click here to register.
Camp Maranatha’s Pancake Breakfast
Decatur Area: March 16th from 8:00am – 10:30am at West Decatur Church of God in Decatur, IL.
Charleston Area: March 23rd from 8:00am – 10:30am at East Harrison Street Church of God in Charleston, IL.
Pana Area: March 30th from 8:00am – 10:30am at Pana First Church of the Nazarene in Pana, IL.
This fundraiser is taking donations only, so no ticket purchase necessary! All are welcome, come on out for all you can eat pancakes and sausage! All donations will be going towards a Director’s Quarters. Hope to see you there!
Does the parking lot tax affect your church?
Click here for more information.
Celebrate Pastor David Beerbower
Mt. Pleasant Church of God invites you to join them for a reception as they celebrate Pastor David Beerbower and his 30 years in ministry. Sunday February 24th, from 2-4pm at Mt. Pleasant Church of God, 1070 East 2100 North Road, Assumption, IL 62510.
It’s time for the…Camper Reunion!
At Camp Maranatha, Friday, November 9th through Sunday, November 11th. Come join us for a Christ-filled, fun weekend! For more information or to register click here.
Intentional Interim Training
Dr. Steve Dunn has a depth of experience and a definite gifting as a teacher. In your two days together, he will share from his experience the skills necessary for successful Intentional Interim-ship and the specific goals of this ministry. Click here for more information!
Leading Noble Men Conference
Thursday November 1st, 2018. An event designed for PASTORS….the presenters are men who have pastored at all levels of ministry and know how to teach, speak, and build into local church pastors serving on the front line of ministry. For more info or to Register click here.
Bear Lake Camp 70th Anniversary
Mark your calendars, Saturday, September 15th, 2018. join us and other camp friends as we remember God’s faithfulness over 70 years of ministering to youth through Christian camping at Bear Lake Camp. for more info click here.
Gala Fundraiser – Trivia Night!
What: Our annual Gala Fundraiser will include dinner, a silent auction, and a fun new addition of trivia! Gather your friends and family – all are welcome!
When: September 22nd at 5:00pm
Where: Camp Maranatha – 3286 N 300th St. Ramsey, IL
Cost: $15 for dinner and trivia or $10 for trivia only. Checks can be mailed to the above address or paid at the door.
*Tables of 8 can be purchased for $100!
Please RSVP – 217-246-6439 or jeff.campmaranatha@gmail.com
Bible Quzzing
Teen Bible Quizzing is a wonderful way to encourage teens to study a portion of scripture in depth. This quizzing year’s material will be the Gospel of John. It’s a GREAT year to start! Teens in Indiana and Ohio have the opportunity for monthly quizzes, beginning in January. Teams can also travel to PA in the spring for a national Church of God quiz! The National tournament is held in Findlay, OH in July. Most churches start practicing in the fall. We will gladly help churches get started! For a demonstrational quiz, or for more information, contact Lory Norden, Sugar Grove Church of God.
2nd Annual Alumni Day/Open House
at Camp Maranatha on Saturday, August 11th from 11:00 am – 5:00pm (lunch provided, come and go as you want) Our 2nd Annual Alumni Day/Open House is for anyone and everyone! We will have lunch and games set out on the big field, you can go down the big slide, or hang out at the lake fishing, boating, or swimming. We will have all the cabins and buildings open for viewing. This is a free event – accepting donations only.
Alice COG 150th Anniversary
You’re invited. Come to any or all of the day events at the Alice Church of God on Sunday September 2, 2018. It starts with Sunday School at 9:15 a.m.,Sunday worship 10:30, catered lunch 11:30, program 1:00 p.m. followed by refreshments. RSVP for lunch reservation by August 15th to:
Email: alicechurch9218@yahoo.com;Phone: (641)366-3005
Mail: Alice Anniversary Committee,PO Box 178,Conrad, IA 50621
Our street address is: 17160 270th Street, Conrad, IA 50621
Impacting Our Communities
For the last seven years, New Beginnings Church of God has connected with Durfee School in Decatur IL. This partnership has included; encouraging church members to volunteer weekly, providing needed school supplies to under resourced children, staffing family events in order to help teachers and parents connect, and providing prayer partners for each teacher. As the relationship between the two groups has developed, this summer has presented an exciting new opportunity. New Beginnings has been allowed to host their Vacation Bible School on the school campus! To this we give God praise! Part of our vision as the Midwest Region is to empower leaders who impact communities. We want to celebrate the times that communities are being impacted, in their own back yard, by our congregations. Email Pastor Dan Watkins at; dan@nbcog.net if you would like additional information on what school partnerships might look like.
Ice Cream Social
on July 14th, from 4-8; Bryan Duncan, winner of 4 dove awards and 16 number 1 radio hits, will be the featured entertainment at Sugar Grove’s annual ice cream social. He will be sharing about his struggles with self-doubt, depression, and addictions. Bryan will also be joining us for july 15 services at 8:15 & 10:30.
Free Webinar: Creating Leadership Pipelines
Tue, July 24, 2018 from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM EDT; by Churches of God, General Conference: Transformational Ministries-Register here
An intentional leadership development process is the key to raising up shared leadership in the Church. Often it’s the intentionality that’s missing which leads to haphazard development, if it happens at all. In this webinar you’ll learn the major parts of a leadership pipeline and how to begin implementing them in your church.This event is online and requires Zoom Video Conference to access. Zoom is free for participants and can be downloaded here.A link to the video conference room will be sent to registered participants the day before the webinar.
Men of God Conference
It’s time to register for Men’s Conference: Mission Impossible. August 24th from 6pm to 9pm & August 25th from 9am to 4pm. 
A gathering of Christian Men. Man up God’s way! To learn more about the founder of Man Up God’s Way click here Register the men of your congregation today! Register here!
Quivering Arrow Camp
This camp is a one week camp for middle through high school kids. It will be the last full week in June. The camp is located in the Grove, Oklahoma area. At this time the camp is in need of: Camp Pastor 3 cooks 2 post 12th grade male leaders Craft helper If you are interested in helping please contact Jeff Burns at burnsgarage@yahoo.com or 574-382-5414
Camp Maranatha
Adventure Camp.. Have you heard about our new camp this summer for 16-22 year olds?! It’s called Adventure Camp and we will be traveling to Shawnee, IL to spend four days out in God’s beautiful creation. Campers will get to tent camp, go rock climbing, canoeing, hiking, and fishing. Plus, we will be cooking all our meals over the fire! We are excited about providing campers with this rare, authentic opportunity! We do not have scholarships available for this camp and it is extremely limited. We will be taking 5 boys and 5 girls. In order to reserve your spot, we must have both your money and your registration. All spots are currently still open! Let us know if you have any questions.
Family Plan: Parents of campers, if you have four or more children (in the same household) coming to camp, you can take advantage of our new family plan! Pay for only three main camps ($550) and all your children are set to come. Simply write “Family Plan” at the top of the registrations. Contact us with any questions!
Campers: We have an incentive for campers who are bringing new friends to camp! Each week, the camper that brings the most new (never been to Camp Maranatha before) campers, will recieve two free items a day from the snack shack. If you bring a whole cabin worth of campers, we will do a pizza party for your whole cabin! http://www.campmaranatha.org Camp is coming upon us quick! In less than a month, our first group of campers will be here! Don’t forget to mail in your registration forms! See you soon!