WHAT IS MIDWEST FCP?
The Midwest Fellowship of Christian Puppeteers Conference (MFCP) is more than just classes. This day was created to ignite, refuel and renew your ministry through sharing ideas, creative presentations, and rich fellowship. MFCP will be on:
Saturday, November 2, 2024
Unity Baptist Church
2500 St. Clair Ave, Granite City, IL 62040
(Hosted by Adventureland Puppet Ministry)
Located 23 miles from the St. Louis International Airport (STL)
2024 GROUP LODGING RATES here
Enjoy your stay with fellow attendees just 10-15 minutes away with our group rates. Attendees loves being able to join each other for breakfast and fellowship in the morning. Space is limited!
If you're interested in more in-depth ministry training, we encourage you to join us next summer for our National Conference.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
MFCP is open to anyone who would like to invest in discovering creative ways to proclaim the Gospel. Our attendees span all age groups and ministries: adults, teens, kids, pastors, directors, lay workers, and missionaries.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT?
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Ignite your imagination: you will be equipped with creative ideas and practical solutions to take your ministry to the next level. Our instructors are passionate and experienced in the fields of puppetry and creative ministry.
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Renew your mind: you will be spiritually challenged during devotions, refreshed with praise and worship, and inspired by performances.
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Refresh your spirits: you will be surrounded by like-minded, passionate people from across the region who are also invested in reaching the next generation of Believers.
SPROUTS (Due To Family Issues - Sprouts will NOT be happing)
Children ages 5 to 12 get to join the fun at FCP Midwest and spend time in their own classroom with their Sprout Leaders. While they join their chaperones during all General Sessions, the workshops are 100% tailored to them. SPROUTS will even have an exciting presentation during one of the General Sessions.
This year's Sprouts leaders are Melissa Knuckles and Vicki Knuckles. Together, they have been involved in ministry for years but, more importantly, they bring a passion for ministry and excellence that they are eager to share with your children.
Space is limited so register early!
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
The schedule may be subject to change but you can download the complete schedule here.
8:15 - 9:00 a.m.
Registration and Exhibits
9:00 - 9:35 a.m.
Welcome, Devotions & Opening Performances
9:50 - 10:35 a.m.
Workshop # 1
10:40 - 11:25 a.m.
Workshop # 2
11:30 - 12:30 p.m.
Workshop # 3
12:30 - 2:00 p.m.
Lunch Together at a Local Restaurant
Or at the Church
2:15- 2:35 p.m.
Performance # 1
2:40 - 2:55 p.m.
Performance # 2
3:00 – 3:05 p.m.
Group Photo
3:10 – 3:25 p.m.
Host Team Performance
3:40 - 4:25 p.m.
Workshop # 4
4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Workshop # 5
5:30 - 5:45 pm
Evening Snack Break
5:45 – 6:30 p.m.
Closing Session & Dismissal
WORKSHOP TOPICS SO FAR
You may download the workshop descriptions here
WORKSHOP TOPICS
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Gospel Magic: Make the Message Memorable with Mark Howell
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What is Clown Ministry and How Can I Get in on the Fun? (LOL) with Colleen Fouts
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Bring Your Puppet to Life! The Basics & Beyond with Dave Privett
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Panel: "Leading a Ministry in Today' s World" with Moderator: Sondra Gibson
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Everyone Learn a Performance Song with Kristofer Sommerfeld
2024 HOSTS and INSTRUCTORS
Richard and Sondra started Adventureland Puppet Ministry in 2000 at Suburban Baptist Church (now known as Unity Baptist Church) in Granite City, IL. Since then they have devoted their lives to Glorifying God through the world of puppets and to ministering to people of ALL ages through their shows. God has showed them that this small team can do big things and because of this they want to encourage other ministries to go for it!
Kristofer is the Director of Evergreen Creative Ministries and has nearly 20 years of experience in multi-media, puppetry, creative arts, and children's ministry. Kristofer has trained under some of the nation's top puppeteers. He is the past President of the Fellowship of Christian Puppeteers (FCP). Kristofer is the founder of Kristofer Sommerfeld Productions and the brands "Puppedcation", "PlaySoup", "Creative Arts Store". Recently he launched "One Way Squared".
Dave is a pastor's kid who has been a professional puppeteer/puppet designer for 40+ yrs. In college Dave helped create a successful regional TV character called 'SnowBird'. He help co-found major animatronic firm called Animax, work with Disney, Baby Einstein & design many popular puppets such as the OWS Custom series, Neon Leon, Lightbulbs, LightHeadz, & Gleeps. Dave recently moved to Greencastle, PA. He plans to continue designing new characters & become passably proficient at CAD designing.
Steve became involved in puppets when his daughter joined their church’s puppet team nearly 24 years ago. Since then he has been the Tech Guy, adult leader, and Director. He has handled the MC function for the past 15+ years. He utilize illusions, illustrations, and personal anecdotes to share the Gospel with the audience.
Colleen, has been teaching kids at church for over 35 years (still learning how) and currently is the children's pastor at Faith Trinity Pentecostal Church in Shelbyville, IN. She graduated from clown college in 1999 (and she's still learning that too. LOL)
Mark Howell is a Magician, Mentalist, and Speaker sharing his unique talents across the Midwest for over 20 Years. He has performed at schools, universities, churches, fundraisers, festivals, TV and private events bringing laughter and amazement to countless audiences. He began using effects and illusions at an early age, sharing the Gospel and teaching Bible lessons using his skills as a magician. He is an ordained minister and pastor of Fairmont Baptist Church in Fairmont City, IL.
REGISTRATION
EARLY BIRD
Ends August 15
$25
(Groups of 4+ save an extra $5/person!)
REGULAR
Ends October 1
$30
(Groups of 4+ save an extra $5/person!)
LATE/ON-SITE
After October 1
$35
(Groups of 4+ save an extra $5/person!)
Individual Rate is per person. Group rate is per person for 4 or more registering at the same time.
* A one-time credit card processing fee of 3% plus $1 per registrant is collected at the time of registration.
How to Register: We offer online registration for individuals and groups. Please have contact information for each registrant.
Cancellation/Change Policy: Changes to a registration may be made at any point for a fee of $5 per person.
Cancellations may elect to donate their registration to our Scholarship Fund or request a refund until October 1. Registrations will be refunded, minus the original processing fee and a $10 cancellation fee. We can no longer offer refunds after October 1.