Story Time For God's People

ICS Alberta Family Conference 2000

August 4 - 7, 2000
Deer Valley Meadows (near Lacombe)

Story Time...
Master story writer and story teller Dr. James C. Schaap plans to show us the "value and craft of story for believers." Schaap, who teaches literature and writing at Dordt College in Sioux Center, Iowa, regularly contributes to magazines such as Reformed Worship and The Banner. His novels, plays, short stories and essays have been appreciated by many readers. Through the telling of stories, Schaap will cover such issues as: What is the importance of stories (hearing and telling) for God's people? How does God lead his people through story? How do people respond? and How do we praise and thank God through story? During Saturday afternoon's Reader's Theatre, nine conferees will read Schaap's "story" Dancing With Angels.

Conference Schedule

Teen Stuff
A teen program with a variety of interesting activities is being planned. This year's leaders will be the members of Face to Face/Then Again. Committed to reaching young people, they have already challenged hundreds of youth by their gospel message. They will also perform in concert on Saturday night.

Kids Korner
Activities will be offered for the children during lectures. Activities include crafts, games, nature hikes and music. There will also be a nursery available for infants and toddlers during all lectures and the worship services. Parents are expected to volunteer their time and take one turn in the nursery or craft room. Sign up at registration!

The Alberta Summer Conference is organized by volunteers who form the Edmonton Chapter Board of ICS.

Experiencing God in All Aspects of Life
by Elizabeth Kroon, Conference Attendee

Deer Valley Meadows was alive with anticipation on the August long weekend. A record attendance compared to the last number of years filled the camp with chatter and the joyful greetings as new and old friends saw one another again for the annual ICS conference in Alberta. Of the 168 adults registered for the full weekend, 60 were first time attendees. We also experienced a dramatic shift in the age of attendees as many younger families came to spend the weekend. 108 children and teens challenged the talents and resources of the volunteer nursery staff, craft and teen leaders.
 

The weekend opened on Friday evening with welcome and devotions lead by Dr. Harry Van Belle - our MC. This was followed by a bonfire and wiener roast - a nightly tradition. The weather cooperated and many people visited late into the night every night.
 

The following morning we were introduced to Dr. James Schaap. Throughout the weekend Dr. Schaap read to us with great oratory style some of his stories. We were brought face to face with everyday occurrences - a mother, daughter and a wedding; father, son and life and death; infidelity and friendship; tradition and the true meaning of communion. We were able to see parts of ourselves in these quite different stories and were brought to tears and laughter as we lived through each episode. Storytelling came alive as these stories opened the door for many to start sharing their own story. We need to experience God in all aspects of our lives - in these day-to-day moments - because this is the fabric of our lives that we bring daily to God in prayer.
 

Rev. Roy Berkenbosch led the Sunday morning service with meaningful liturgy and recital of the "War of the Dragon". Communion followed with everyone standing in a large circle as we passed on the elements to one another.
 

These few words cannot express the nuances of the whole weekend. It was a very full and fulfilling weekend. Thanks be to God for his faithfulness.