Saturday, August 5th Bike Rodeo at Dakota Alliance Church

Update August 5th, 2017

Love Abounds

Confidence in God's Love Goes on and on

Joshua 1:9

"Have I not commanded thee? Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

The Lord is always with us and continually blesses each of us as we unite together with our church family, the Dakota Alliance Church.  Pastor Richard and Sharon have retired and we miss them dearly. Our team was welcomed with open arms as we arrived on Tuesday evening.

Our family has joined the trip for the past seven years, and what a blessing in deepening relationships with families in Sisseton each time we visit.

                                                              School Supplies

                                                    Cards and greetings from CCC Youth

Friends getting ready for school

The Sisseton, South Dakota mission's team has had a week filled with the sounds of children's laughing, singing and joining in as we discover God's beauty in creating us each uniquely.
This week's connected to CCC VBS theme of Maker Fun Factory.

Children were excited to reunite with friends and the first day, they created their own designed tie-dye t-shirt. The second day, it rained and we had VBS inside, and the children learned about Gideon and that the Lord is always with them.  Yesterday, we had beautiful sunny weather with time for fun outdoor games and as we said good-bye to the students, they chose a school supply bag that was created by students from Treasure Hunters at CCC.  Students also were delighted to read personal cards from CCC youth wishing them a good school year.

Today, we are holding a bike rodeo at the Dakota Alliance Church.  Children will be having fun learning about bike safety, how to fit a helmet, and basic bike repair.  Isaiah and Dwight Crossfield have joined us this year in Sisseton to facilitate the bike rodeo.

          2017 Sisseton, South Dakota Mission's Team

            August 1-6   2017

Getting ready for Cleveland

As we are getting ready for our trip to Cleveland I wanted to share with you a similar sending out that happens in the book of Acts. At a critical time for the church, at a hostile time for them in fact, God sets apart two individuals Paul (then called Saul) and Barnabas to share the Good News of Salvation with the Gentiles throughout the Roman Empire. Acts 13:1-3 is short, but reveals that God sets apart those who have been called to do the Work of God. In other words as we get ready to go on this trip, it is by no accident that you are going to serve with us in Cleveland and minister to over 1000 children. It's part of what God has had planned for us! It is all too easy to doubt that we are capable to truly change the lives of those around us, but with the power of the Holy Spirit and two men willing to listen to God our world has been forever changed. What then should we think now that we are taking 25 people eagerly awaiting to do God's will? As we pack and get ready, take some time to pray, asking God to equip us and guide us to His will!

-Pastor Spencer

Faith, Fellowship and unity in Sisseton, South Dakota

Sisseton, South Dakota Summer 2016 

 10^th Anniversary

Reflecting on our missions trip late this afternoon, as we are driving back to Rochester, Mn, I see blessings have been abundant for our trip this year. I am excited to share this story with you as I thank Christ Community Church and Dakota Alliance Church in providing this opportunity for our family to serve together, strengthen friendships and grow spiritually.

CCC church leadership connected our team to Isaiah Crossfield, an area teen who has impacted the lives of children across the world and we are thankful for his heart in sharing his passion with the children and teens on the Sisseton Wahpeton Reservation. Prior to our trip, we were blessed with a session in learning bike maintenance, and safety in setting up the first bike rodeo. During our time in Sisseton this week on Friday, our team held our first Bike Rodeo after morning VBS, and children had bikes repaired while learning basic maintenance, learned bike safety, and were delighted to ride and have fun. Thanks for your continued prayers for the youth in Sisseton for their salvation, safety, security and for their school year.
Genesis 22:14 that they would experience God as Jehovah --Jireh Their Provider.

Pictured: Dwight Crossfield and Bob from Bicycle Sports

teach our Sisseton Team bike maintenance one week ago.

Fellowship and traditions

Our church has sent a team to Sisseton, South Dakota for ten years, and this is our  sixth year as a family serving in Sisseton. Each time we travel, there is a bond of unity within the teammates as we are able to work together while building relationships through Christ. Over the years, CCC has helped  build a swing set, and a picnic shelter.   Year 2016 marks a ten year commitment for families traveling to Sisseton to support and encourage the Sisseton Alliance Church and the Dakota Alliance Church. VBS is held at the Dakota Alliance Church.  Tradition has been to tie dye t–shirts beginning the week of VBS. In the afternoon, we have had great success in hosting a “Finding your voice” session with the older elementary students.  Sand art is also an activity the children look forward to with great delight.  Last year we added Lego building during VBS and each year the students look forward to receiving school supplies donated by the children attending vacation bible school at Christ Community Church!

School Supplies from VBS CCC!

Finding your Voice 

                                    

                   Thank you to the Dance family who plans and prepares all of the sand art prior to our trip.

Prayer and Devotions:

Team members are up early for breakfast and devotions as our team is in Sisseton from Tuesday through Sunday. Prayer and devotions are held around 8:30 in the morning and then the team heads over to the Dakota Alliance Church to prepare for Vacation Bible School. This year, our team held the first prayer walk through downtown Sisseton.

Women's Spa Day, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet. So you also should wash one another’s feet. I have given you an example. You should do as I have done for you. - John 13:14-15

Puppet Shows:

Kim and Jim held a fantastic puppet show during the bible lesson each week.! Kim made the puppets this year and wrote a wonderful script.

Mobile VBS puppet show!

Songs:

Claudia and Sidney led songs to the children who attended. There are many children whom we recognize and know from previous years, and I am always delighted to see how they have grown.

Church Family and Community Meals

All of lunch and supper meals are planned for fellowship with our church family and the community of Sisseton. A very special thank you to Charlotte Dance who planned and prepared several of the meals. Sharing our time together over meals is a very special time to visit and serve.  

Sunday afternoon after church services we have a potluck before heading home.

Evening Campfires

Our evening campfires build in a time of fellowship with church and community members. Children have the opportunity to roast marshmallows, participate in Jiffy pop contests and hear stories around the fire.

Thursday, August 4 Photo Update Sisseton Morning VBS & afternoon visit to Tekakwitha Nursing Home

Vacation Bible School  Legos  & Tekakwitha Nursing Home visit 

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Delicious lunch after VBS 

CO: Day 3/4

Still having a great time in Cortez, CO!

 Eating some Navajo tacos! YUM!

 Matthew (right) in his happy place.

 Team at Mesa Verde!

  Josh's suitcase and all his clothing....each piece wrapped separately and then wrapped to the outside of his suitcase. We made it look like a little robot for fun. First prank as a Middle School Pastor!

Team at their work site. They painted a house taupe that used to be bright blue! They also did a lot of organizing and yard clean up.