There’s still room at two Conference Preview Dinners scheduled for Thursday, May 3 and Tuesday, May 8, 2012. Both events will be held at the Conference/Intersect Fellowship Center at 45 S. Highway 71 in Arnolds Park, Iowa. This is thought to be the first time these events have been held on campus.

Request your complimentary tickets before April 30. These annual gatherings help support Conference ministries as summer begins. But of equal importance, they inform all in attendance to share the wealth of the annual Bible Conference by distributing promotional materials and encouraging the participation of new friends.

Enjoy a delicious buffet dinner, meet new Conference friends, and hear “untold stories” of Conference ministries. Reserve your free tickets by phoning 712.332.2883 or use the contact box on this site to send an email.

Relax, it’s really only a half day. Saturday, May 12 at 8:30 pm is an important marker for the beginning of the summer season at the Conference grounds. Volunteers gather for the important work of sprucing up yard and exterior and also cleaning the large Tabernacle for our summer Sunday rental guest, Good News Community Church.

A coffee break and lunch are provided. Work will conclude after lunch. Everyone is welcome for part or all of this half-day adventure. Your yard tools may be of help. This is a great day for church groups, families, and all Conference friends to make a difference by giving back both to Conference and community by beautifying the Conference grounds.

A sub-group of the Conference Association board met in Arnolds Park in March to explore preferred and frankly, exciting futures for Conference ministries. Their work is only begun, but a good beginning it was. Even the preliminary input will guide decisions for all Conference ministries going forward.

The board of directors meets on campus May 4 and 5, 2012. They will receive the first report of the long-range visioning group as well as considering projects and directions for the immediate future of the Conference.

Praise in the Park is beginning to be an institution. Each year 1500ish folks gather at Preservation Plaza near the amusement park for unified Christian fellowship and worship across all churches. The date for 2012 is July 15, but there’s a new wrinkle. Historically a morning event, Praise in the Park will move to the evening to encourage participation from as many churches as possible. Guest presenter this year will be motivational speaker, wheelchair athlete, and camp founder/director Bob Bardwell.

The Conference leadership team is a 5-member group, assisted by consultant, Dr. Scottie May, charged with the direction and planning of all Conferences under the guidance of the board of directors. This group will meet in Chicago (four of six attendees are from that area) on April 29 to address details of Conference 2012 and to do big picture thinking and planning for 2013. Your prayers are needed and appreciated.

Executive Director Rick Porter writes an occasional blog. You can read his reflections here.