|
|
Published June 27, 2009 10:12 pm - Summerfest 2009, a three-day event sponsored by the Pentecostal Church of God, wrapped up Saturday at Missouri Southern State University with its annual National Teen Talent Expo. That Expo drew hundreds of groups and individuals from churches throughout the country and gave them a forum to display musical, acting, dance and other creative talents.
Summerfest draws hundreds to church’s national exposition
By Dustin Shipman
dshipman@joplinglobe.com
Summerfest 2009, a three-day event sponsored by the Pentecostal Church of God, wrapped up Saturday at Missouri Southern State University with its annual National Teen Talent Expo.
That Expo drew hundreds of groups and individuals from churches throughout the country and gave them a forum to display musical, acting, dance and other creative talents.
“We have teens from all over the country coming to compete in a variety of categories,” said Teena Skiles, national youth director and event coordinator.
Summerfest is the kickoff for the Pentecostal Church of God’s General Convention, which will have several events and seminars this week.
“In order to get here, these kids have to win their state competition,” Skiles said. “This is the nationals for them and we have states represented from Alaska to New Jersey to Texas and everywhere else. These kids love it. It’s something that you get in your blood and they want to come back and see friends that they might only see once a year, but it is worth it ...”
Joe Skiles, also a national youth director and event coordinator, said the Expo is a tool to help kids from across the country realize their talents as well as to open up to the world.
“We use this as a faith-based safe environment for them to get out and use their talents to dance, to sing and to play,” Joe Skiles said. “We judge them but we use positive encouragement to push them forward. Sometimes it’s called fine art, but we focus on fine effort.”
Josh Palmer, youth pastor for the Bethel Family Worship Center, Indianapolis, Ind., said he made the 10-hour trip bringing 25 kids to compete.
“Some of them were nervous before they got up there but we go backstage and have prayer with them and encourage them, and let them know that it’s all about giving your gift and doing it for the Lord,” Palmer said. “It’s all about coming to this competition and having fun with our friends and having a good time.”
Summer Rush, Bogue Chitto, Miss., one of the contestants in the multiple voice categories of the Expo, said she has been looking forward to the event for some time and was happy to be invited to sing for the crowd.
“This is my second year, and I enjoyed last year. I think it’s God’s will for us to be here,” Rush said. “I’m just glad to be here.”
More to itOther activities during the three-day event included a dodgeball tournament and the National Bible Quiz Finals. Summerfest wrapped up with a concert performed by national Christian recording artists Fireflight.
•
Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.
|
|
Announcements

: Special Offer For New Subscribers
:


 |
|
SENIOR ACCOUNTANT
Non-profit organization searching for Senior Accountant. Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, 3 to 5 years combination of pu...>MORE
FRONT LOADER
driver needed, local routes, experienced driver preferred. Class B license required. Pay $10-$11 per hour. Call for inte...>MORE
LPN FOR MDS COORDINATOR
LPN FOR MDS Coordinator, experience required. Apply at Seneca House, 914 Chickesaw, Seneca, MO or call Holly at 417-776...>MORE
ADMINSTRATOR/OFFICE MANAGER
ADMINISTRATOR/OFFICE MANAGER Regional Eye Center PC. Busy multi doctor optimology practice seeks office manager/adm...>MORE
RECEPTIONIST
busy law office seeking full-time receptionist. Previous experience required, mulit-tasking, computer skills, and great ...>MORE
MECHANIC NEEDED
MECHANIC NEEDED Southwest MO trucking company seeks mechanic. Pay based on experience. Apply in person, 921 N. High Str...>MORE
TRANSPORTATION
Transportation Southwest Missouri trucking company has opening for day shift Broker/Dispatcher. Qualified person must h...>MORE
See all ads |
|
2001 GRAND PRIX
Richard Petty Special Edition Package, $4995/offer. 417-317-2000....>MORE
CHEVROLET, 1999 MONTE CARLO
169,000 miles, $2750. (417)540-9986...>MORE
PONTIAC, 1999 SUNFIRE
148,000 miles, $2750. (417)540-9986...>MORE
SATURN, 2001 SC-2
154,000 miles, $2850. (417)540-9986...>MORE
See all ads |
|
1 BR, BONUS ROOM
1 BR 1 ba, bonus room, 2115 S. Pennsylvania #B, Joplin. Refrigerator, stove, small storage shed, central heat/air, $385/...>MORE
VALENTINES GIFT
Unique Gorgeous Valentines Gift 1112 W. 5th, Joplin. Approximaitely 2200 sq. ft, could be 4,000 sq. ft. 3 br, 2 ba...>MORE
5 ACRES INCLUDES UTILITIES
5 ACRES includes utilities + creek + paved road, near Downstream, $2,950 down, $500/month. owner finance. 800-720-8503...>MORE
See all ads |
|
BEAUTY SHOP EQUIPMENT
Beauty shop equipment, 4 styling chairs, $100 each; 4 floor mats, $50 each; 4 shampoo bowls with faucets, $50 each; 4 sh...>MORE
BLOOD PYTHONS
Blood PYTHONS Adult and juvenile Blood Pythons for sale. Adults are proven 100% het for albino. Adults are breeders and...>MORE
AKC ENGLISH BULLDOGS
AKC English Bulldogs, quality home raised puppies, born New Year’s eve, ready just in time for Valentines Day. $1000. (4...>MORE
GERMAN SHEPHERD PUPS
GERMAN SHEPHERD PUPS, AKC, shots, wormed, ready to go $250. (417)850-5060...>MORE
FOR SALE DOBERMAN PUPS
6 males and 1 female, date of birth 1-18-2010 all black and rust, mom and dad for more information please call Je...>MORE
VALENTINE YORKIES
girls and boys, 8-weeks, smallest 1 lb. 7 oz., starting price $400. Home raised. All up to date. Comes with bed and carr...>MORE
APR FRENCH BULLDOG
14 week old female. Brindle with white markings. $900. 417-540-7490...>MORE
MINI SCHNAUZER
4 months, male, $75 with papers and accessories. (417)434-8830....>MORE
See all ads |
|
 |
|