The Serven Clan: March 2009

Monday, March 30, 2009

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Mr. Erber welcomes us to Liberty Day 2009.

This was our second year to attend Liberty Day held in Medinah, Illinois. What an encouraging and wonderful event. And of course, the fellowship was great. : )

We snapped a few pictures we thought you might enjoy. There were many more pictures . . . if I was more organized I'd promise to share them with you . . . but at this point we are in major wedding preparation mode. So, I'm not going to promise. : )

It's our dear brother, Peter!

We were so glad to see Peter at Liberty Day this past week. Be watching for the official photos of the day's events, probably on the Erber's blog and Liberty Day Website.

Dr. Jehle's lectures were fabulous.

Dr. Paul Jehle explained the doctrine of interposition. This term often gets thrown around in our circles, however, I've never understood what it meant, or it's importance.

All I have time to say right now is—wow!! If the Lord gives time after the wedding, I'd love to do a post on interposition and how it effects each of our lives. What a message of hope in the Lord!

In costume.

Sisters.

Chatting with Tiffany.

Ok. I'll be honest. I was really excited because this was the first time that I was actually able to follow the arguments of the different sides of the Virginia Convention. Dr. Jehle's explanations helped so much!!

Give me Liberty, or give me Death!

Charlie Zahm sang many glorious songs of history.

Awww. : ) Jon surprised Beth by coming down and spending the day with her.

Friday, March 20, 2009

On the Move

Head 'em up, move 'em out!

Friday, March 13, 2009

The Men's Advance Lectures and Small Groups

Pastor Kevin Swanson, hailing forth from the Word of God.

Smiles all around.

Waking everyone up.

Mr. Billings, Stull, Renaud, and Otwell on a break.

Listening in on a small group.

Mr. Ron DeTroye from Wisconsin leads a group, instructing the men as an elder.

Pastor McDonald from Illinois leads a group, exhorting the men with a view towards his pastoral calling.

Discussion.

Mr. Bill Renaud of Missouri leads a group, encouraging the men from his entrepreneurial experiences.

Pondering.

Mr. Dan Ford leads one discussion group, sharing his wealth of historical knowledge.

Listening.

Studying to show themselves approved.

"Coffee" break, anyone?

Late Friday Night

Conversations continued between Pastor Swanson . . .

. . . and all the young people staying at our home.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

The Men's Advance on Friday Night

Welcome to the Men's Advance!

Harmonies.

Leading in song: The Lautenschlagers.

Singing hymns of praise.

The first session taught by Pastor Serven.

Support staff in the back listening.

Daniel Swanson from Generations.

Benjamin Serven, aka The Sound Guy, from Genevan Foundation.

Late night ponderings.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

The Men's Advance for the Younger Set

Coffee like Dad.

Though The Men's Advance is geared towards men, there are many younger men who joined us for the weekend.

Walking alongside their fathers, they participated by listening in the sessions, fellowship with older and younger men, partaking of the home-cooked meals, and added a lively element to the games!

These young men are seeking to learn from those who have gone before them, so in the years ahead, they will be prepared to take on the mantle of servant leadership, faithfully serving God and their families.

Discussing things of importance.

Visiting with those around from around the country.

. . . And fellowship with those from other countries!

Games for all ages.

Taking notes in the discussion group.

Right alongside Dad.

The Men's Advance Preparation and Set-Up

Set-up complete, thanks to Mr. W's faithful work.

Our photo coverage of the 2009 Men's Advance continues! Apologies for the lapse in posts; Lord willing we'll be able to get back on track with posting pictures over these next several weeks. Enjoy!

Caught mid air!

Grin. : )

Ceasar salad prep.

Securing table clothes.

A cheerful helper.

"Ok, ladies. This is the plan of attack."

Fellowship around the best spot in the conference: the book table.

Young Mr. S. assists with sales.

Considering purchases.

Fellowship: South Dakota and Alabama.

Meeting the speaker.

Colorado and Texas.

The John Creath family.

Watching the clock.

Time to start!

The Dinner lines are open.

Monday, March 09, 2009

The Men's Advance Photos Arrived!

The 2009 Men's Advance.

The official photos for the 2009 Men's Advance arrived in our inbox today! Hooray! Lord willing you'll get an overview of the weekend over the next couple of days. Rich fellowship had by all.

Friday, March 06, 2009

More Food Preparations

Mushrooms.

Everyone got in on the act for the 2009 Men's Advance. While some of us did lecture prep, computer or paper work things, other of us assisted with the myriad of last minute preparations in the kitchen.

The guys give some much appreciated assistance.

The master Chef.

Miscellaneous supplies ready to be taken down to the conference kitchen.

Cutting the beef for Stroganoff.

The kitchen scene.

And . . . in the middle of all the food preparations, we managed to send off invitations for Jon and Beth's wedding! Busy, busy times.

It's official!!

Busy Preparations for the Men's Advance

Shopping trip finds: four carts full (and this was only the second of many trips!)

While we wait for our friendly photo journalist to deliver the official 2009 Men's Advance pictures, we thought you might enjoy seeing the ladies-behind-the-scenes-perspective. Don't say I didn't warn you that there are more girl than guy pictures!