If The Creek Don't Rise: Reformation Celebration 2013

Thursday, October 31, 2013

Reformation Celebration 2013

Family Life Assembly celebrates the Reformation!

On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther nailed the 95 Theses on the church doors,
protesting the corruption within the Roman church.
Luther insisted that forgiveness is Gods alone to grant.
Many point to this event as the spark of the protestant reformation.
It's a religious holiday remembered on October 31.

With being such an important event in our protestant history,
FLA has chosen to celebrate it each year on the last Saturday of October.
I'll let the pictures do most of the talking as you share in our 2nd annual Reformation Celebration.
{There's a lot of them, so sit back & get comfortable.}

Let's get this fun day started!
Here, Pastor James is reminding us of the historical & spiritual significance of today's celebration.

Asking the blessing over the day.

How about these handmade signs?
I absolutely love these, made by David Casey.

In usual FLA fashion, the ladies outdid themselves yet once again!
There was food galore, all delicious & the perfect warm up for this chilly day.

There were many pots of soups, stews, chili, ham & beans cooked over the fire ...
all accompanied by corn fritters, corn bread, muffins, & various artisan breads & crackers.
Also, there were a variety of sandwiches, burgers, sloppy joes & all the fixings besides.

The desserts were nothing short of delectable!
There were several pumpkin options to choose from, along with cookies, pies, bars, & apple dumplings.
At the hot drink station, there was pumpkin coffee & a delicious pumpkin white hot chocolate.
Once it got dark, there were hot dogs for roasting & s'mores to be made over the fire.
Be assured ... no one left hungry.

If you haven't already noticed, FLA men have a thing for beards & moustaches ;)
Even the water bottles dressed for the occasion.

James Hubbard, the grill master for the day.

Goings on in the Grub Shack~

David & Colton

A big thanks to David for enclosing the tents -- helped keep us warm!

And to Matt for the big patio/outdoor heaters!

Welcome to the FuN ZoNe!

The kids games were a hit again this year -- thank you, Carissa & her helper, Garrett.

Another big winner again this year: the bouncy house!
The kids have a ball in there.
Here are the faces of the future.

Sweet Lauren looks like she stepped right out of the prairie days =)

And then there were the grown-up games ... and they were a bit on the messy side ;)
Talk about good sports!

Thanks Ryan & Natalie for bringing the laughs.

A Step Back in Time

The most fun of the day was seeing everyone that dressed for the occasion!
Pastor James encouraged us to wear period clothing, up to the early 1800s.
We had much more participation this year ... & wow, were some of these outfits over the top!
The grand prize winner was Tim Porter & he won a gift card, but if truth be told,
there were probably many close seconds.
Here are all the participants who did an outstanding job!

We even had a little monk!

My sister, Lisa, kept us all giggling all day.
She got in character, complete with mole & scarf.
Her trip to a Shipshewana thrift store netted her an extra special outfit, clear down to the boots.

Billie, who also scored at the same thrift store, and Lisa were dressed as Amish ...
or as nuns ... or ... one or the other ;)
They were trying to be somber, but as sure as one would be, the other one wouldn't!

These two are something else.

Then there's sweet Karaline!
She just steals the show.
Oh, doesn't she look adorable in her little Amish dress that her 'Mimi' bought her?

The Haase family looked great!

Women of the reformation

Men of the reformation

Random shots of FLA friends & family.

Drew, getting ready for some campfire singing & picking.

David, the sign maker & installer ... and a million other things in between.

Calling all for the straw jump!
This is a highlight of the day.

Starts off with one ... then two ... then three ... then four ... or more!

Campfire ... simple pleasures are best.

Nothing like sitting down by the fire with a warm bowl of soup.

We had some special 'campfire' singing just when it got dark ...
it was the perfect way to wind down the day.

Again this year, we couldn't even begin to thank Terry & Paula Ellis
for offering the property for our celebration!
They are gracious host with great big hearts full of love
& we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Great is your reward.

I couldn't name every single person that contributed in one form or another to make this day a success.
It takes many willing hands to pull it off & we are so grateful for each of you.
You helped make memories for all of us to treasure for years to come.
A great big thanks & lots of love from James & me.

Another great day behind us ... & already looking forward to this next year.