Just the SPARK I needed...

Every have one of those times where you feel like you have reached the end of your creative rope?  I have been working with Children for more than 10 years and I love it, but every now and then, I hit a wall creatively.  I simply can not think of new ideas and even simple tasks (like telling a Bible Story) become  difficult.  It is at those times that I need to recharge my creative batteries.

Enter an amazing conference for children's workers called SPARK.  It is just exactly what I needed.  This inexpensive conference takes place in Marion, IN at the Shiloh Park Campground and it is for all the Children's Pastors, Children's Directors, and Children's Workers all across the state of Indiana.  We get together on Thursday night and have a costume themed dinner.  Great food, fun games and awesome prizes. On Friday and Saturday we have more than 20 workshops to choose from covering all types are children's ministry.  From using Social Media to planning a Preschool Worship service you can find a workshop that fits your needs.  Plus in between all the awesome workshops, great food (seriously...you will not walk away hungry), fun prizes and a wonderful prayer room, we have the chance to just hang out and chat with old friends, meet new ones, share each others burdens and encourage each other's ministries.  And if all that wasn't enough, we were able to be a part of two wonderful worship services with Rev. Carla Sunberg as the speaker.  What a blessing that was.

Ready for the costume contest

When I and three ladies from my church arrived at SPARK, I was depleted in many ways.  But when I left, I was refreshed and excited to get back to work and see what God would do through our Children's Ministry.    We have already started planning our costumes for next year and talking about who we could take with us.

Sharon, Mary, and Darian.  These fabulous ladies came with me this year.

A huge THANK YOU to Trey Brooks and his committee for putting this on each year.  You guys do an amazing job and I want you to know that we appreciate all the hard work you put into this spectacular event.

If you live in Indiana, work with children at your church, and you haven't been to SPARK yet...well, mark it on your calendar for next year.  March 6-8th, 2014.  The cost is only $70 per person and includes the workshops, lodging, and meals. Talk to your pastor or you District Children's Director for more information.   Hope to see you there next year!