The FAMOUS Van Briggle Pottery Factory

Our trip to Colorado Springs would not have been complete without a trip the Van Briggle Pottery Factory. Having a rich heritage, in cultural terms-not economic terms, we were able to introduce Anthony to one of our many 'starving artists' in the family tree! The Van Briggle family has works (paintings and pottery) in the Louvre and the Smithsonian as well as many museums around the world.
While such great artistry may have eluded my DNA, we will see if Anthony carries on the legacy of great artists. We all know that his chances have been increased with his mother's fine heritage as well. Only time will tell! We consider his scribblings to be masterpieces, but I think we may be a little biased!

World Prayer Center/Focus On The Family

World Prayer Center ~ Colorado Springs, COIt was an exciting Wednesday as we headed to Colorado Springs for the Noon Prayer and Worship hour at the World Prayer Center. It was so nice to attend a service where we weren't responsible for anything! Those of you who are not in full-time ministry may not fully understand that, but it's nice to just pray and worship sometimes without all of the responsibility. Following the service, we took a short 5 minute drive to the world headquarters for Focus on the Family. They have many wonderful exhibits and places for Anthony to run around! Gail and Angela went down memory lane as they reflected back to the 'Adventures of Odyssey' and 'Whit's End' (http://www.whitsend.org/). Here are just a few shots of our time there.

Whit's End Fire Station

Mama, Anthony and Todd coming out of a secret passage!

Gail and Anthony...though Anthony has his eyes set on the next destination!

Parker Christian Center ~ Parker, CO

Last night we had a blast with the Youth of Parker Christian Center in Parker, CO. We had the privilege of worshipping with these great young people. We shared one of our personal favorite services called "Back to the Basics" which is a humorous look at Christian fundamentals. It's sort of the 'what not to do' coupled with practical tips for developing a strong relationship with God. Following the service, we held a Fine Arts Workshop to help hone the students skills for the upcoming National Fine Arts festival in Denver. Parker Christian Center has a worship band, female soloist and a percussion soloist going to nationals. What a talented group!!

Whole In One will be judging in the areas of Drama Solos, Male & Female Vocal Solos, Strings (Group & Solos), and Small Vocal Ensembles at nationals in Denver this next week.

Steve, just wanted to say, "Nice Glasses, MAN!" (I regret that I failed to get a picture of those smooth sunglasses. And everyone else, please pardon the inside joke...lol)

Under the current leadership of Steve and his crew of youth sponsors, they serve to direct the youth ministry in Parker. From a wonderfully gifted youth-lead worship band to a sincere group of young people who seem hungry for God, we were blessed to see what God is doing!

Thanks again for allowing us to come share with your young people! We look forward to ministering to the adults next Sunday, July 31 in the morning worship service.

Steve gives us the game plan for the service, followed by a time of prayer

Youth Worship Band ~ This team is gifted with musical excellence

coupled with worship filled hearts!

Parker Christian Center Youth Poster Kids (Aren't they cute?)

"Speed the Light" Relay Winners (Sorry, guys, it's blurry)

Whole In One with Steve, the youth director

Lake George Bible Church ~ July 24 (AM)

The community of Lake George is situated about 40 minutes north of Colorado Springs. While eating lunch today, my waitress at the Mountain Shadow Inn Restaurant, said it best, "you may not see much in a small town, but what you hear always makes up for it!" I'm not sure that I've heard all that much, but what I've found is a very friendly community of people who love the outdoors and the majesty of the Rocky Mountains.

Sunday morning, we shared music and drama in both morning worship services at Lake George Bible Church with Pastor Randy. The church facility is amazingly beautiful and the congregation was very warm and inviting. Pastor preached an encouraging message from God's Word, reminding us that God is our comforter, and only through adversity do we discover His comfort and love.

Thank you, Pastor Randy for allowing us the opportunity to share in ministry.

M Lazy C Ranch ~ Colorado

Yes. Whole In One is a ministry team. I know it looks like a lot fun, but there are both pros and cons to living on the road...we just happen to be enjoying one of the many blessings here in Colorado. One must eat, you know, in order to be strong enough to share the Gospel through music and drama...so we went to the ranch for a great dinner on Saturday night. Here are some shots of our evening!

Anthony & Mama trying to rope that skinny cow! Gail fiddles around with Ted, the local entertainer!

"This town isn't big enough for you and me, COW!" Leisha, Our Harmony Gal!
Miss Erin, Gail and Anthony on their very own luxury limo! Ranch Style!
Keith and Grandpa Lanz cooking for the guests of the ranch.

City Slicker, Todd, enjoying the evening entertainment! M Lazy C Ranch, Dining Hall and Play Area

Home, Home on De-Range!

View while watching the Friday Night Roping!

Well, we arrived safely in Colorado! We've been lovin' every minute of it!! Keith and Leisha Lanz, Angela's parents, have been wonderful hosts here in the Rockies! Keith is the foreman at the M Lazy C Ranch just north of Colorado Springs. Leisha, a 2nd grade school teacher, helps out at the ranch during the summers doing many things. From cleaning to cooking to entertaining...she does it all!

Arriving this past Friday, Keith, Leisha, Grandma, and Grandpa Lanz showed us what the locals do for fun on Friday nights! Ropin'! Yep...we went to the local rodeo. The cowboys and cowgirls or should I say cow-persons (Is that the politically correct term???) practice roping. Nothing quite like the Rockies, horses, cows, and the high elevation to leave you breathless. :)

We will try to keep you all up to date with our lives and ministry here in Colorado!

"Todd, just be very careful with what you say...Your mother-in-law's got a new gun!!"

"Ahh..Hell hath no fury like a woman's scorn!!" Was that Todd jumpin' out that window? (Nice Shot, Angela...no pun intended!)

Angela, Todd, and Anthony learned what can happen if you get too close to the wrong end of a cow!

Destination: Colorado!

Today...or as it may be now, yesterday ...we began our journey to Colorado. We left Belleville and drove about 9 hours to end our first day's journey in Salina, Kansas. Housing in Colorado is being provided by the Lanz's and their family who live in Colorado, so we decided to spare the Suburban by leaving our house on the farm! It would have been a long journey pulling the trailer up into the Rockies. (Our Suburban quietly sighs in relief)

We ended up at the Super8 in Salina as you can see. As you might imagine, after 9 hours on the road, Anthony had plenty of energy left to burn, so we enjoyed the pool for over an hour. It was almost 11:00 PM before we got out of the water. We plan to leave in the morning, and after 7 more hours, we will arrive to see Keith & Leisha (Angela's parents) in Colorado! We will be in Colorado until August 6...following the Assemblies of God General Council and the National Fine Arts Festival. Whole In One will all serve as adjudicators for Fine Arts. I'm sure there will be more pictures and experiences to share in the coming days...Blessings!

Anthony and Mama...Gettin' in for a dip!

"Whoa, these waters are Croc infested!"

"Upon your confession of faith....."

Whole In One's Favorite Mascot

Pictures of Anthony anyone? As you may have noted from the previous blog entry, following the Sunday morning service in Bridgeton, MO, we enjoyed a quick trip to St. Louis Mills. I just wanted to share a few of those photos with you all. Thank you for indulging this proud Dad.

"Look, Daddy, Thomas!" (His favorite train friend)

"Mama...this is gonna make one HUGE butterfly!"

"Daddy, Are you sure we can't hook this to the back of the trailer???"

"Well...it's like a stool...but for money." ~Analogies for Toddlers

"Come on, Mama...let's just get 'em all!"

"Okay...Don't they know that Sunday Nap is SACRED!!"

Shhh! zzzzzzzzzzzzz....... Nap Time...Sweet dreams! Love Daddy and Mama

Trinity Tabernacle, Bridgeton, MO

On Sunday, July 17, we found ourselves in Bridgeton, MO with Pastor David Hartsell and the congregation of Trinity Tabernacle. We had a wonderful time sharing music and drama at Trinity Tabernacle.

The Hartsells are long time ministry friends of Whole In One. Traveling with Meggin (Hartsell) Melton, the Hartsell's daughter, while at CBC, we began a friendship with the Hartsells that has continued to grow as God has allowed our paths to cross many times. Angela and Meggin were 'suite-mates' at CBC. Gail and I, in our time of transition several years ago, prayed and explored possibilities of serving on staff with Pastor Hartsell in Kansas, but God had different plans for all of us! They came to St. Louis, and God led us to Senior Pastor in Bethalto. It is fun to see what God has up his sleeve as we follow Him!

Scripture tells us that ''all of heaven rejoices" even when ONE gives their life to Christ, as was the case in our service. Praise God! I pray that MANY more will come and find God's love at Trinity Tabernacle.

Thank you, Pastor & Sister Hartsell for your love and kind hospitality! We love you!!

Gummerman's Rehab is OVER!

"I sure wish I had some toys to play with..." (Lamentations by Anthony)

Our lil' Royal Stranger...Uh...Ranger that is!

Greetings, All! Grandma & Grandpa Gummerman were suffering terrible withdrawal from their drug...I mean grandson, Anthony! All is well, as we spent much of last week in Bloomington, Illinois at the Gummerman's house!

We had fun, and keeping with tradition, Anthony wore EVERYONE out...including himself!

While Gail and I headed south, Anthony stayed with Grandma and Grandpa until Sunday when they headed south to meet us in Bridgeton, MO for Sunday morning service. We concluded the busy week with a trip to St. Louis Mills, a new, kid-friendly mall!

Hey, where'd all the old guys go???