GCC Drama Team Hang Out

Improv Take 2!

2012-01-31T15:23:00.000-08:00

Remix Improv 2 | 11:30 a.m. from Granger Community Church on Vimeo.

Thanks to Brad, Tom, Sarah, Jen Julie, Butch, Cody and all the volunteers who came up to play with us this weekend! What a great way to celebrate volunteers!

Above is the link for the 11:30 service clip, but here are the links for the other services at Granger.

9:30 http://vimeo.com/35976133
7PM http://vimeo.com/35976058
5PM http://vimeo.com/35975529

All in the Family!

2012-01-24T09:23:00.000-08:00

The Hiscock family did an awesome job this weekend in the Heir Force Room with mama director Lori and Jesse as "Taylor" and Jacob as "Marshall". Colossially awesome job!

Remix: Improv

2012-01-09T08:19:00.000-08:00

Remix Improv | 11:30 a.m. from Granger Community Church on Vimeo.

What a blast we had this weekend with Sarah, Brad, and Tom over at the Bristol Street Site while Jen, Butch, Cody and I had fun playing here at home base in Granger. Hope we can all keep this going this week and find ways to be kids again!

Above is the 11:30am service, but below are the other services:

9:30 service http://vimeo.com/34812364
7pm service http://vimeo.com/34807803
5 pm service http://vimeo.com/34805615

Let it Be Christmas

2011-12-10T05:59:00.000-08:00

We did it! Thanks so much to all who helped make "Let it Be Christmas" a beautiful story that brought glory to God. All for Him!

Happy 25th Birthday! Let's party!

2011-12-03T05:58:00.000-08:00

Paul opened up our 25th anniversary celebration by reminding us the life, the truth, and the way to Party! Way to go, Paul!

Nov. Heir Force Room Drama

2011-11-30T09:13:00.000-08:00

Great job, Phil, Leslie, Sam, Joe, and Ashleigh!

Carpenter's Hands to the rescue!

2011-11-25T05:55:00.000-08:00

This thanksgiving I'm grateful for the Carpenter's Hands Team that swooped into save the day and help us get our set built for the production! We literally could not have done it without them!

Experiencing God and Good Food!

2011-11-21T05:50:00.000-08:00

Our Drama Team Experiencing God group has had a phenomenal run! We shared a meal tonight to celebrate all God's done in our lives and relationships through this study. Thanks to Greg and Leslie Koczan, Eric ad Sarah Olsen, Lisa Varga, Greg Teghtmeyer, Julie Burget, Cody Baker, Jennifer Ransbottom, Paul Bertha, and Brenda Hall for taking these steps together!

The British are coming!

2011-11-10T05:49:00.000-08:00

"Hello Lord"

2011-11-06T05:22:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Sarah and Paul and Lori and Tom on a great drama package of "Hello Lord". Tom and Lori did the Elkhart site for us and rocked the house. And Sarah and Paul did their own versions back at the Granger site. All written based on personal experience. Great job, everyone!

Let it Be read-through!

2011-10-25T05:20:00.000-07:00

Just read through "Let it Be Christmas" with the cast! God has big plans for this one! As usual! : )

Single Guys Sequel!

2011-10-24T05:16:00.000-07:00

Let's Pray. And laugh! The Single Guy group returns with a hilarious sketch about prayer!

The Single Guy - Popcorn Prayer from Granger Community Church on Vimeo.

Heir Force Room Shenanigans

2011-09-24T05:13:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Janet, Sarah, Joe and Phil for yet another great Heir Force Room drama!

Dixie Limited

2011-09-13T11:11:00.000-07:00

Paul and I had a chance to perform in a staged reading of the original play "Dixie Limited" by local playwright Bob Kronemyer at the Century Center tonight. Paul directed ad did an amazing job! There was even a discussion time afterward which was phenomenal. These readings happen the second Monday of every month through The Actor's Ensemble group. What a great opportunity to experience great stories and live art! We should definitely consider going next month as a team!

The Single Guy

2011-09-13T08:20:00.000-07:00

The Single Guy from Granger Community Church on Vimeo.

So incredibly proud of Butch, Lori, Lisa, Julie, Jen, Greg, Mark and Adam this weekend! What a great comedy team! Way to go guys!

Family Argument Drama

2011-09-03T13:00:00.001-07:00

Every Fight Every Family Has Ever Had Ever. from Granger Community Church on Vimeo.

Awesome job by Becky, Ted, Whit and Joe! This was both Joe and Whitney's first time in a feature role on the main stage and they are rockin' it! Meagan Church and Michelle Wegner co-wrote the piece with me. With Rob on as speaker, it's definitely a Wegner weekend! : ) But great job everyone!

Drama Team Baptisms

2011-08-28T13:05:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Ryan, Ashley, Rachel and Lauren on their baptisms this weekend. We are so proud of you!!!

OC Livin'

2011-08-20T13:10:00.000-07:00

Our team was recruited to provide an original historical drama for the Blue Grass Festival. Missional Art in action for the New Normal!!!! We had an awesome cast with Jen, Brad, Tom, Lori, Phil, Dave, Ryan, Jessica, Jacon, Lauren and Joe! Great job, team!!! That same night, our improv team did a show as well. We're kicking ourselves that we didn't record it, since Butch's original song about a woman named Heidi was hilarious!!! Wish you all could have been there!

Charlotte's Web at Roosevelt Center

2011-07-22T11:00:00.000-07:00

Paul is leading well with arts in the downtown Elkhart Roosevelt Center. Just saw his incredible production of "Charlotte's Web"!

Drama Team Picnic!

2011-07-17T13:21:00.000-07:00

Drama Team Picnic!

2011-07-17T13:17:00.000-07:00

Imrov Team at EMHS!

2011-05-21T08:45:00.000-07:00

Easter at MC3

2011-05-01T08:41:00.000-07:00

They were lined up outside the doors it was so packed! Lori, Tom and Paul performed their Easter drama live at The Gathering at Mc3. Way to go, team!

Up for the Rising

2011-04-27T15:09:00.000-07:00

The Rising from Granger Community Church on Vimeo.

What a phenomenal weekend with a double cast! Kyle (with Tom standing in for 3 services on Saturday), Shelley and Paul were in Granger, and Tom, Lori and Brad were at the Elkhart site. Paul, Lori and Tom also got to perform this for the Gathering at MC3 last night. Also so proud of our choir who spread the joy of the resurrection with enthusiasn ALL 6 services! Billie, Sammy, Joe and Phil taught Easter Heir Force Room style complete with a cross and empty tomb! Way to go, team! He has risen! He has risen indeed!

Curtains

2011-03-21T15:07:00.000-07:00

Curtains from Granger Community Church on Vimeo.

Special Thanks to Dalene who helped me express what was on my heart this weekend

Future the Bright in GCC Drama kids!

2011-03-15T08:33:00.000-07:00

Missional Art in Action!

2011-03-01T08:31:00.000-08:00

Julie in her play downtown South Bend, raising money for the homeless shelter. Great job, Julie!

Way to Go!

2011-02-28T08:35:00.000-08:00

Another Win in the Heir Force Room!

Chisel Away

2011-02-01T07:50:00.000-08:00

This weekend most of us got to see the brilliant performance of "God's Chisel" by Ted and Paul (directed by Greg) but there was also a team at Elkhart who nailed it as well. This may the beginning of more serving opportunities and great collaboration between 2 casts doing the same script! It was a great first double drama! Well done, Brad, Tom, Greg, ted and Paul! Julie and Cayla (directed by Dalene) also rocked a hilarious "Paula Bean" sketch in the heir force room. Yay, team!

Monthly Meeting

2011-01-28T07:54:00.000-08:00

Many of us met last night and had a blast! The kids team got a preview of monologs from the talented Bennett girls. Leslie had a funny drama about trying to sleep in on a snow day. Billie was hilarious in her prissy girly role in a piece about the frustration of having a new outfit and nowhere to go. And Sissie did a great job on her monolog about an actress trying to get signed with an agent. We also played some fun acting games and did a poem called "Where I'm From" and made our own as an option for the monolog assignment.

The adults also had plenty of excitement as we got to see both Chisel dramas and a hilarious Paula Bean (a spoof on Paula Dean) sketch starring Julie and Cayla directed by Dalene. Lori also blew our socks off with a powerful monolog about why she didn't call her dad this Christmas. She had several of us in tears and her performance was amazing. We also talked a little about the new vision and how pumped we all are! Please keep Kelly's brother Will in your prayers as he heads to the Philippines for treatment for his terminal illness. Our prayers are will Kelly and her entire family (including Will's wife and 2 kids) in this scary time.

There's the recap for those that missed. Hope to see you all at the February meeting on Thursday the 24th! Can't wait to see more awesome monologs performed!

Paula Lean

2011-01-16T08:13:00.000-08:00

Julie and Cayla in a Paula Lean sketch in the Heir Force Room!

Some Things Have to Be Believed to Be Seen

2010-12-16T07:05:00.001-08:00

SO inceredibly proud of everyone who had a hand in this production. I am in awe of each and every one of you!

Par-tay tonight!

2010-12-16T06:40:00.000-08:00

Wow! What a successful run we've had this year! God has blessed us beyond belief, so we have a lot to celebrate! Join me and the team tonight in the Great Room from 6-8pm! Bring a snack to share and some joy to spread! : )

Sneak Peak!

2010-11-20T13:21:00.000-08:00

New Talent in the Heir Force Room!

2010-11-14T12:46:00.000-08:00

This weekend Phil, Brad, Jacob, Jessica and Whitney got to have some more fun in the heir force room! This was Jessica and Whitney's first time doing an entire scene in the Heir Force room and they nailed it! Way to go, girls! Everyone was great! And you can't go wrong with Brad in a tutu which he said was a threethree....

And Conference

2010-11-04T08:59:00.000-07:00

Jesusville from Granger Community on Vimeo.

J Aquila and Jeff Myers opened up the AND conference this morning with a hilarious sketch called "Jesusville". Check out the conference sessions on the media player "AND conference" tab at gccwired.com!

Welcome, Baby Deselm!

2010-11-03T08:54:00.000-07:00

Leliana Belle DeSelm was born at 10:23 pm last night. She weighs 7 pounds 6 ounces... Nathan and Lisa are doing well, and Leliana has LONG brown hair!

Downstairs Party!

2010-10-24T10:10:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I think us old folks upstairs could take a few pointers from the awesome worship and drama that takes place downstairs! Way to go, Sammy, Billie and Leslie (directed by Dalene) Way to go, team!

Circles

2010-10-24T09:04:00.000-07:00

Join me in applauding Ted on his brilliant performance this weekend in a monolog written and directed by Greg! Way to go, guys!

Shambles from Granger Community on Vimeo.

Family Idols

2010-10-17T09:06:00.000-07:00

Join me in applauding Dalene, Butch, Cayla and Ryan in their awesome performance this weekend of a great script by Meagan Church! Shelley had a family emergency and Dalene had to step in last minute and she was awesome! Way to go, team!

Heir Force Antics

2010-09-26T09:21:00.000-07:00

Braden, Billie and Leslie (directed by Brad!) were hilarious this weekend and lit up the stage downstairs. Way to go, team!

Glee Choir Kiddos Nailed it!

2010-09-26T09:17:00.000-07:00

So proud of our Glee Choir kiddos who got to perform all three numbers we've been working on for a month! Special thanks to Becki Visker and Kelly Geisel for their awesome choreography!

Mrs. Lemonade and Mr. Fix It

2010-09-18T16:31:00.000-07:00

Mrs. Lemonade & Mr. Fix-It from Granger Community on Vimeo.

Join me in applauding Jen and Greg in their PHENOMENAL performance this weekend! A great example of great art opening up hearts for a great message! So proud of our team!

Joyful, Joyful!

2010-09-12T09:55:00.000-07:00

In addition to being amazingly blessed by our guest singer Janet Norris, our Glee choir wowed us with a great performance! Mixed in with all the new talent this series discovered, you might notice some familiar faces ...like Kelly, Becki, Sammy, Sierra, and Mike!

Sue-lie....

2010-09-05T09:49:00.000-07:00

Sue Sylvester Does THE FEED from Granger Community on Vimeo.

Julie was hilarious and spot-on in her impersonation of the notorious Sue Sylvester!

Picnic at Potowatomi

2010-08-14T09:10:00.000-07:00

Then all the people went away to eat and drink, to send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy, because they now understood the words that had been made known to them.
Nehemiah 8:12

2 Great Shows This weekend!

2010-08-02T11:42:00.000-07:00

Kelly Geisel is starrring in a new show this weekend at St. Mary's. Dalene and I will be going Friday night and hope to see some of you there!

The Acting Ensemble Stage Company presents its production of "The Tiernan Affair," a series of true events of sin and scandal in a jazz age American city…South Bend, Indiana.

Set in the 1920’s, against the familiar backdrop of downtown South Bend, The Oliver Mansion (now Copshaholm), and The University of Notre Dame, "The Tiernan Affair" looks at a Notre Dame law professor and his family torn by scandal, ripped apart by reporters, and examined in minute detail, as has become familiar fodder on the evening news and across the internet today. For months, from New York to Los Angeles, the country focused on a paternity scandal in South Bend, Indiana that set precedents in the legal world, as well as on the public eye.

Often comedic, this is a thought-provoking, dynamic, intriguing and ultimately thoroughly entertaining look at South Bend life in the not-so-distant past…Truth IS stranger than fiction!

For more info: visit:

http://www3.saintmarys.edu/tickets/tiernan-affair-presented-acting-ensemble-stage-company

Our very own Pam Weinland also wanted to let us know about another awesome show going on this weekend through the Elkhart Civic Theatre. "Meet Me in St. Louis" is a fun musical that was once a huge film with Judy Garland. There are performances Friday and Saturday at 7:30pm and SUnday at 3pm. Lauren and I will be heading to the Sunday matinee and hope to see some of you there! for tickets call 574-848-4116, m-f, between 1pm-5:30pm.

For more info. visit: www.elkhartcivictheatre.org/news.asp

2 Picnics U Won't Want 2 Miss!

2010-07-26T11:15:00.000-07:00

First Wed. in August is outside! We're going to picnic together and worship outside on the lawn. Bring your friends, family, some blankets, lawn chairs, and good food! Come worship with communion as a family on Wed. Aug. 4th at 6:30pm!

Our all-arts picnic is Friday August 13th beginning at 5pm at Potowatomi Park in South Bend (in the big pavillion across from the pool). Bring a dessert to share. We'll be meeting as a team at 7pm to brainstorm for Christmas and talk about what's coming up! Hope to see you all there!

The Braden Side

2010-07-19T11:11:00.000-07:00

The Braden Side from Granger Community on Vimeo.

Join me in applauding Braden on his incredible performance in "The Braden Side" this past weekend! He was unbelievable! As you know, talent runs in the family....

We ain't Lion....

2010-06-06T08:38:00.001-07:00

Greg finally got to show off his comedic side! Special thanks to Dalene for helping with costumes and makeup along with Victor Cao and Andy from Fun fx who came to show us how it's done! Greg and Jeff Bell were hilarious! Great job, team!

Another awesome weekend!

2010-05-25T04:01:00.000-07:00

What a great weekend! We had a huge choir of people who joined in a song to remind us that love will hold us together. And downstairs, the hilarity and fun was endless as the Heir Force room was blessed with good comedy when Billie, Jacob, Leslie and Braden (directed by Dalene)took the stage. This was Braden's first serve other than Christmas Eve and he was hilarious. Obviously comedic genius runs in the Burget family! Hope to see you all at the meeting this Thursday!

A Whole New Church

2010-05-16T13:47:00.001-07:00

A Whole New Church from Granger Community on Vimeo.

Disney came to visit us this weekend with a cooky element with Ted, Kelly, Riley Robbins (GSM drummer and a great new addition to the team) and Dan and Lisa. Kelly also did the choreography and Linsi Gillean, Elle White and Elisa Holderbaum helped us with all the props! It was a lot of fun! Way to go, team! Don't forget you could all sing on stage too, next weekend, if you're interested! Shoot me an e-mail or visit http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=119877988034701&ref=ts

Shelley's Story

2010-05-06T14:06:00.000-07:00

Mother India from Granger Community on Vimeo.

Join me in applauding Shelley's amazing First Wednesday performance. Her bravery and beautiful honesty kept us all on the edge of our seats!

2 histories= 2 talented guys!

2010-05-03T14:15:00.001-07:00

Two Histories of the Church from Granger Community on Vimeo.

Join me in applauding Paul and Greg on their brilliant narrative debate piece on the histories of the church. 2000 years of history in 8 minutes...Phew!

Heir Force Shenanigans

2010-04-24T14:19:00.000-07:00

Looks like Phil, Brad, and Jacob had some fun in the Heir Force room this weekend!

Baby Deselm!

2010-04-19T09:34:00.000-07:00

Paul and Gabbi's Corn Bread n Jazz

2010-04-19T04:25:00.000-07:00

Hey Guys,

Got this cool invite for all of you from Paul. He and Gabi are performing a one act at this awesome event in Elkhart this Friday. Hope you can make it!

A note from Paul:
"This is the event Gabi & I will be performing this Friday, April 23rd. We are in the middle of a bunch of other performers doing a one-act play called "417". Please pass this info to the rest of the group. People tend to wear their 'Sunday-go-to-meetin' clothes to this thing."

Cornbread-n-Jazz's 1st Anniversary Celebration
Type: Music/Arts - Exhibit

Start Time: Friday, April 23, 2010 at 7:00pm
End Time: Saturday, April 24, 2010 at 12:00am
Location: Historical Roosevelt Center
Street: 215 E. Indiana Ave.
City/Town: Elkhart, IN

Description:
You are cordially invited to experience an evening of the Arts.
We are talking sweet music, soul-stirring riffs and melodies in a cozy environment. Also look forward to Poetry, Art, and Soul Food in an intimate atmosphere.

This time, in honor of Cornbread's 1 year anniversary, the event will be arranged differently. There will be an art reception from 7pm -8pm. On exhibit will be artistically designed doors from our "Doors of Life Community Art Project". Local businesses and artists have each designed and decorated their own door to signify the transitions that our community and its members have experienced over recent years. It promises to be a very unique and heartfelt display of artistry.

As always, the evening will be filled with ecelctic musical, jazz, poetic and inspiring performances, please plan to attend, tell a friend and remember Cornbread-n-Jazz is an upscale adult event.

Peace and Cornbread

More fun at MC3

2010-04-15T18:15:00.000-07:00

Lauren, Leslie, and Kelly joined me this time at Mc3 this afternoon. We had a blast!

Weekend Celebration

2010-03-30T09:31:00.000-07:00

Another weekend to celebrate for the drama team! Brad, Phil, Sammy, and Billie were rocking in the Heir Force room for the 2nd-5th graders, I was upstairs, and Leslie was storytelling for the little ones! Another great weekend to serve on the team! Well done, everyone!

Charlotte's Web at Bethel

2010-03-27T05:32:00.000-07:00

Tonight's your last chance to see Bethel's production of Charlotte's Web, starring Becki Visker (our very own Belle from Christmas Carol) as Mrs. Zuckerman. Lauren and I and her friend Alayna caught it last night. It's a great cast filled with many of my former students from last fall. The acting, costumes, set, and makeup are tremendous! If you have kiddos, or even if you don't, and want to catch a great show, run over to their last performance matinee today at 2:00pm or in the evening at 7:30pm!

Feild Trip!

2010-03-24T10:48:00.001-07:00

Our very own awesome boat driver Kelly Geisel is driving a new boat as assistant musical director for South Bend Civic's Seussical production coming up April 9-11th. They have a Sunday matinee the 11th at 3:00pm. Would anyone like to meet Lauren and I at the church and head out for lunch at 1:00pm and then carpool over to the theatre by 2:30pm to meet those who can't make it to lunch? Fun family field trip to support Kelly and see a great show! Buy your tickets ahead of time (see info. at http://www.sbct.org/ ) and let me know if you're coming!

And the Oscar Goes to.....

2010-03-22T06:45:00.000-07:00

Being involved in local community theatre and spreading the influence of the kingdom in local arts is a part of God's plan for this team, and we're taking steps in the right direction! Our improv team was asked to perform at a local community Theatre Awards night Saturday night, and we had a blast doing it! Wish you all could have been there! Thanks for playing your part in our team that is spreading a light and joy in our community.

MC3 Creates Some Drama!

2010-03-18T14:25:00.000-07:00

Paul, Lauren and I had a blast teaching some improv games to the kids in the MC3 after school program today. In this computer age, the thing that sets humans apart (and gets us employment!) is our imagination, improvisation, education and problem-solving skills. And we're committed to helping the kids at Monroe Circle take steps toward a brighter future. And we had SO much fun doing it! We started off with "Spacewalk" and "Energy Ball" then Paul read the book "Looking Like Me" by Walter Dean Myers and we played "the rhythm game" to review the concepts in the book to help them with their literacy program. We finished off with "One WOrd Story" and "Duck Duck Animal". We will be doing this on the third Thursday of every month from 4-4:45pm. Hope you can make it next time to play with us!

Glenn Close Night on the town!

2010-03-16T05:05:00.000-07:00

Diane, Dalene, Mary, Paul, Jen, Julie, Lisa and I got a chance to attend a lecture given by Glenn Close last night at St. Mary's. It was an increidble experience, rich in depth of our craft and helpful tools as well as just getting to know a great fellow artist. Some of the memorable quotes were "If you scratch an actor, you find a child." and "In every good thriller, blood must be spilled before you can achieve catharsis, hmmm, not sure she meant it this way, but it certainly reminds me that Good Friday and Easter are just around the corner. We had a great time, and good news! They bring in a star to lecture once a year, so next year you can join us!

Congratulations, Kyle and Jeannette!

2010-03-11T10:47:00.001-08:00

A Report from Kyle:

"Jack Kyle was born at 10:04am this morning 8lbs 6oz 20" long. Doin great just needs a little oxygen."

I'm sure you all remember when played Jack Bauer in our 24 series and talked about all his "daughters"...well, now he'll have to add his "son" who is aptly named! : )

We Have A Dream

2010-03-11T07:04:00.000-08:00

My Dream for Granger Community Church from Granger Community on Vimeo.

Hey, amazing team!

Mark Beeson and the Senior Management Team need your help and long for your input! I love that we go to a church that wants to dream together, a church that recognizes creativity and collaboration, aren't you? Well, dream big with us!

Visit:

http://www.gccwired.com/mydream for more info.

fill out a cool form that help you organize your thoughts:
http://www.gccwired.com/attachments/myDream_conversationTool.pdf

or e-mail your responses to:

mydream@gccwired.com

Let's dream big together!

Unwraveling

2010-03-07T00:58:00.000-08:00

Unraveling from Granger Community on Vimeo.

Dalene and Cayla took the stage this weekend in their first mother daughter performance on the main stage. They were not only brilliant in the performance but in the writing as well! Nothing beats authenticity and talent working together to create real moments that open our hearts for the message God has for us. And what a message it was! Rob was phenomenal, the song/drama was phenomenal and the closing song ' A Living Prayer' reminded us what it's all about. Great weekend, team!

Women's Event Hilarity

2010-03-06T01:04:00.000-08:00

The Gcc Improv team provided the entertainment for the women's event and there was plenty of laughter in the auditorium Friday night! Butch, Brad, Paul, Julie, Jen, and I had a blast playing improv games with 400 women. Butch serenaded a women named Stephanie from the audience while Paul and Brad did a hilarious interpretive dance. Jen and Julie gave some messy cooking lessons as "Paula Lean" with Julie speaking and Jen as her hands. They all did an amazing job and reminded me of the freedom of play in improv. Great job, team!

Happy MONDAY, Leslie!!!!!

2010-03-01T09:29:00.000-08:00

Today is Leslie Koczan's first day of feeedom! Her last day at work was Friday. Happy retirement and happy Monday, Leslie! If you want to e-mail her and wish her happy retirement, her new e-mail is LAKoczan@aol.com.

Dance Fever in the Heir Force Room

2010-02-28T07:55:00.000-08:00

The 2nd through 5th graders learned about worship through the story of David dancing before the Lord along with a great drama starring Jacob Hiscock, Sam Petersen, and Ryan Lutz directed by Phil. Great job, team!

Too Light Too Heavy

2010-02-22T15:40:00.000-08:00

"Too Light, Too Heavy" Parenting from BXFilms on Vimeo.

Brilliant performances by Butch, Whitney, Julie and Ryan in the hilarious "Too light vs. Too Heavy" Parenting media. Way to go, team!

Hello, Virginia!

2010-02-21T12:13:00.000-08:00

Yet another great comedic performance by Julie! Well done!

Snow White Stars!

2010-02-19T05:29:00.000-08:00

The future of GCC drama is looking bright! Last night three of our talented drama kids, Jacob Hiscock and Whitney and Maddie Wegner, graced the Horizon Elementary stage with their presence. Awesome job, kiddos!

An Important Gathering You Won't Want to Miss!

2010-02-18T03:22:00.000-08:00

Hey Talented Actors, Director, and Writers!

I wanted to let all of you know of a very special event coming. It’s so special that Jason Miller, our new pastor of Arts and Teaching, has made it available on two separate evenings to make it easy for our teams to commit to. On the evenings of...

Tuesday, March 16th
and Thursday, March 25th 2010 at 7:00,

the entire arts community will gather for a church wide arts vision casting event. You may notice that the second time is our usual drama team meeting time and the preferred night for the majority of the team. However, due to work and family schedules, several of you can't make it on Thursday nights, so we'd love to see you at the March 16th night.

We want to keep everyone in the loop on some very significant details involving our plans for 2010 and beyond. Jason would like the opportunity to meet our arts volunteers and speak into all of you who serve Christ through the arts ministries of Granger Community Church. You only need to pick one evening but we’re stressing that this gathering really matters to the entire arts community. The last time we asked for your participation in an event like this was several years ago. We’ll meet for some time for big picture stuff and then have the opportunity to break up into smaller teams…like the drama team! Yay! I want to do everything I can to encourage your participation in this event. We’ll be out by 8:30 both evenings. This time together is so significant that we’re asking you to RSVP for one of the evenings. If you could email your reply back to me, I’d count it as a privilege to pass your acceptance along. If you are fortunate enough to receive multiple invites-just RSVP to one and if a last second change in your plans happen…just come to the other evening. In other-words, just come!

Here's Jason's invite to all of you on his blog!

Hope to see you all there!

Kristin

Blink Promo #2: The Car

2010-02-13T03:19:00.000-08:00

Another awesome promo by Jeff P., starring Mark and Easton Meyer, our very own lighting guru Doc Borlik, and my crazy kid. Great job, everyone!

Blink Promo #1: The Wedding Dress

2010-02-08T03:13:00.000-08:00

Special thanks to Jeff Petersen who produced our first promo for the blink series starring Mark Meyer, Lori and Jacob Hiscock, Lauren Baker, and Vanessa Sanders. My husband Cody also come along to help out. Great job, team! So excited about the parenting series coming up!

Financial Peace or Lack Thereof...

2010-02-07T16:44:00.000-08:00

Join me in applauding Sherry and Tom on a great performance this weekend and great direction by Dalene! Great job, team!

Improv at Group Night!

2010-01-26T14:32:00.001-08:00

Last night, Brad, Paul, Lisa and I had a blast playing improv games with the starting point group! See Kathy Guy's reflection on her blog to read more details. Yet another chance for the drama team to be a blessing! Great job, guys! See you all Thursday at the meeting!

Comedy in the Heir Force Room!

2010-01-24T15:36:00.001-08:00

Special thanks to Phil, Billie, Luke, and Jacob on a phenomenal job on this month's Heir Force room drama! Great job, team!

1 Life

2010-01-13T11:08:00.000-08:00

Hey guys, Paul is heading up a cool arts program for inner city youth in Elkhart called One Life productions. They have a cool event coming up on Monday night the 18th that includes a play Paul directed. Check it out, and contact me if you'd like to go in a group:

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration at Historic Roosevelt Center:

One Life Productions, an Elkhart – based, community – focused artistic

development company, is hosting a celebration in honor of the life of civil rights leader

Martin Luther King, Jr. The celebration will take place in the Historic Roosevelt Center

gymnasium on Monday, January 18th, 2010 from 2-4:30 p.m. Admission is free.

Youth of all ages are welcome. The celebration will feature music, dance and

drama to be performed by students that have participated in One Life Productions

Winter Arts Academy. In addition, there will be a teen Rap Session facilitated by Elkhart

County Prosecuting Attorney Curtis Hill. Music provided by D.J. James Taylor of WLFQ

98.7 FM Fusion radio.

It is the objective of One Life Productions to help youth develop their artistic

performance skills in a positive environment, and to enhance their value of community.

You only have 1 life, let’s work together to make it count!

Solomon Says...Awesome!

2010-01-04T02:32:00.001-08:00

Join me in applauding Kyle and Paul on a hilarious performance in the drama this weekend! Such a great comedic duo! Great work , guys!

A New Year for Fletch....

2010-01-01T04:59:00.001-08:00

Well, it will definitely be a NEW year for Fletch and his family...see below:

"Hey there GCC Drama team peeps. As most of you know I have taken a new position as CEO of Keller Williams First Coast Realty in Orange Park FL (Jacksonville area). I am frantically packing everything I own into an ABF trailer and leaving on Monday the 4th. I wanted to share what a great privilege and honor it has been to serve in a small way with you my talented and passionate friends. Please keep in touch on facebook and otherwise because you all have a special place in my life.

Some friends put together a going away party for this Saturday at Kim Stowe Mitchells house and I want you to come. Find the details on my facebook page www.facebook.com/mynameisfletch .

Above all I hope you use your talent to serve Christ and inspire seekers to give their lives wholly and completely to Him. Press in, press on and know that I am a better man today because I’ve known you…

Respectfully,
Andrew, ‘Drew and Fletch"

Merry Christmas, Everyone!

2009-12-25T06:59:00.001-08:00

What an amazing day we had yesterday! Enjoy rest and time with family today! Sending the Bakers love and Happy Birthday Jesus Greetings to all of you!

God Bless Us, Everyone!

2009-12-22T02:21:00.000-08:00

Pray for our team this week as we head into Thursday! Merry Christmas, Everyone!

Here we go!

2009-12-20T16:24:00.000-08:00

What a good-looking group! Thanks, Mark Beeson, for the awesome photo as we began our Tech rehearsal!

Behind the Scrooge Scenes!

2009-12-11T08:50:00.001-08:00

Christmas Toy Story

2009-12-06T12:35:00.000-08:00

Izzy did an amazing job this weekend in the Penguin Room retelling the Christmas story as a little girl playing with her toys in her room. Lauren LOVED it (and not just because it co-starred many of her toys!) Awesome job, Izzy!

Christmas Past

2009-12-05T11:31:00.000-08:00

Christmas Carol Intro Week 1 from dustin maust on Vimeo.

When were first talking about doing Dicken's tale, I had a few concerns. Disney would be coming out with their own amazing version in 3D, setting the bar high. And this story has been done is so many ways, how do we make it unique and with a laser focus of bringing people close to Jesus? Will we have enough people? Will the right cast be willing to give up their time during this crazy busy season to be a part of such a big commitment? So I turned to prayer, and once again, God has blessed us beyond what I could fathom.

Scrooge may have been visited by three spirits in one night, but there's one Holy Spirit that is with us all the time. And no matter how fast or slow the clock seems to spin, we find comfort in His help, rest in the Father's plan, and celebration of the Son's birthday. Great job to all who are in the cast! Can't wait to see more of the blessings he has in store for us and those we seek to point to Him. Oh, and ours is in 3D too, with REAL characters who are animated, but not digitally....: )

Christmas is coming!

2009-11-29T11:26:00.000-08:00

A Christmas Carol from Granger Community on Vimeo.

Our team will be tackling a full scale production of A Christmas Carol on Christmas Eve! The buzz is already starting!

Heir Force Still Rockin'

2009-11-22T11:23:00.000-08:00

Janet (not pictured), Cayla, Brad, and Ryan did an outstanding job in the Heir Force Room drama this weekend under the direction of Dalene. Lots of props and complicated entrances and exits, but they nailed it. Way to go, team!

Half Full

2009-11-12T03:49:00.001-08:00

What a great picture of who Butch truly is. A leader who knows the way, challenges us all to take the next step, and yet is not afraid to grab our hand in those times in the sand where our balance gets shaky. If you didn't already receive this letter (below) from Butch, just wanted to post it here for you. I'm grieving along with you at the loss of a great leader in a great position. I have had countless bosses in the past, many of whom showed me exactly what NOT to do as a leader. With Butch, I actually got a clear picture of a Godly leader who loves and leads well for the first time, first hand. I also discovered the true meaning of that tired old cliche of a "brother in Christ". I'd always struggle with that because my own older brother was like having a live-in bully in my house. But once again, Butch came along and showed me an incredibly clear picture of what God meant for an older brother to be and how much of a blessing that role can be. He has challenged me to be a better follower of Jesus, a more devoted wife and mother, and a focused artist and leader in my ministry, and he has done it with a phenomenal level of wisdom, care, and as you all know Butch, lots of laughter. But one of the countless lessons I've learned from Butch is about faith in the possibilities of change and challenge. Not an empty, shallow optimism, but true faith that God has something better in mind. He looks at the glass half full with the eyes of a faithful follower of Christ and yet a realist and strategist who can dream and execute a vision that pushes us all to strive for a cup that's brimming over. What a gift he is to our church, our teams, and us personally. The great news is he is still planning on participating on the drama team as a volunteer and being fully committed to our church, but as he mentioned has decided to seek getting his paycheck somewhere else. What an incredible example of listening for God's prompting and following through on what He's asking of us. I can't wait to see his impact in the marketplace. What a high impact player some blessed company is about to receive!

A Letter from Butch:

"Dear Arts Team Friends –

I wanted to take a moment to tell you about a personal adventure I’ll be taking in the near future. A little background: Five years ago, I felt God’s call to move into paid ministry at GCC. So, I left my career to come to GCC. Next to marrying Chris, it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I have not for a moment doubted my calling, nor regretted my decision to follow that call. However, over the past several months, I have had this sense of completion - a sense that I have helped take our teams to the place God has asked of me, but that there are higher, better places God has in store for our team. I have also sensed that God wants someone else to help lead us there.

After several weeks of processing this with Tim Stevens and Mark Beeson, I have decided to step down from my paid ministry position at GCC, return to the marketplace, remain at GCC as a volunteer minister and a future member of the Administrative Council (Church Board of Directors.) I love our church, it’s mission, and it’s values. I trust and respect the leadership of our Senior Management Team. I cannot think of a better place in which to serve and worship.

My experience as pastor of creative arts has been amazing and has helped move me closer to God. I am grateful for having been given this opportunity. I am grateful for having been able to serve with each of you - it’s meant more to me than you could ever know. Over the next few weeks, Tim and the SMT will be working on my transition plan. My goal is to leave and lead well through this change and help position our team and our church for an amazing future.

It’s been a true pleasure to have been your pastor these few years. Thank you for continually sacrificing and serving Jesus with your gifts in our church. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

Your Friend in Christ,

Butch Whitmire
Pastor of Creative Arts
Granger Community Church
gccwired.com
Butch's Blog "

Triple Threat yet again!

2009-10-24T21:11:00.001-07:00

We had two dramas in one service this weekend! And another great one downstairs in the Heir Force room. Way to go, Greg, Hannah, Leslie, Dave. Phil, Sam, Josh, Ryan and Brad! What an awesome weekend. More pics to come!

Things are "Looking Up" for the Drama Team!

2009-10-12T04:39:00.000-07:00

Join me in applauding Diane and Shannon (and Butch via voice over) for an excellent performance this weekend in the drama titled "Looking Up" that kicked off our new "distant" series. This was Diane and Shannon's first time serving on the main platform on a weekend. Leslie K was also entertaining the little ones by storytelling downstairs. It was an awesome weekend. Great job, ladies (and Butch)!

We're Taking Over!

2009-09-26T17:18:00.000-07:00

We had three kids dramas going on at once this weekend! Hannah was storytelling in the Garden Patch and Under the Sea rooms, Brad, Scott, Luke and Larry (who also directed) were doing a hilarious drama about Joseph and his brothers in the Penguin Room, and Sam, Josh, and Sierra directed by Dalene were doing an awesome "out of the box" drama for the Jungle and Heir Force rooms. The drama team was literally ministering to every kid but the babies! Way to go, team!

Go Team!

2009-09-20T03:18:00.000-07:00

Between an awesome drama from Fletch directed by Dalene, Amy's wedding where I got to hang with Kelly a bit before she heads south for six months, and night on the town watching Sophie and Lauren have a blast together, what a great night for great teams! Feelin' so blessed with this busy day.: )

Being yourself onstage is the most intimidating things for most people, let alone actors. I'm in awe at Fletch's courage to be so open with so many people. A great risk after all he's been through and a breathtaking sign of how God is moving in his life! Dalene did an amazing job directing. She's so gifted at refining performance and encouraging people all at once. Shoot them an e-mail or facebook message when you get a chance to let him know you're proud of them, too! GO, TEAM!

Baptism Celebration!

2009-09-13T12:15:00.000-07:00

Join me in celebrating a great day today with Shannon and Jake who were baptized together at the Elkhart site, Dalene who's daughter Grace and nephew Dan were baptized, Mark and Kem Meyer whose daughter Emmie was baptized, our awesome sax player Anna who was baptized with her husband (who committed his life to Jesus just last week!), and one of our talented writers Michelle Wegner whose daughter Whitney was baptized (by her dad-- such a sweet moment!) and to top it all off, the day ended in a wonderful proposal and a new start for the Shivers family. What a great day!

Congrats, Dave and Deb!

2009-09-12T03:19:00.000-07:00

Join me in celebrating with Dave and Deb on their baptism tonight! Jen's daughter Addison was also baptized, and I found myself crying wacthing her try to hold her camera steady as she cried watching her oldest child commit her life publicly to Jesus. Tomorrow morning, I'm heading over to Elkhart hoping to catch Jake and Shannon's baptism. What a glorious weekend!

Space Between

2009-09-05T18:20:00.000-07:00

Join me in applauding Ted, Jen, Luke and Sierra on their outstanding performances this weekend, playing their small part in a big weekend with hundreds coming to Christ! Way to go, team!

Jump in 1st Wednesday!

2009-09-03T14:47:00.000-07:00

Join me in applauding Shelley, Diane, Dave and Paul on their great scripture readings last night at 1st wed. Way to go, team!

Monthly Meeting Dates 09-10

2009-08-31T09:20:00.001-07:00

Hey guys,
Below are the monthly meeting dates for this year. There are some odd dates due to our Innovate conference in Sept. and the holidays, so please mark your calendars to avoid confusion. All meetings will be 6-7pm for kids (every other month only) and 7-8:30pm for adults. Thanks!

Please note: Due to some spacing issues, all meetings will be held in the PENGUIN ROOOM for this year except the Christmas Party which will be in the Great room. Thanks, guys!

Meetings Dates for 09-10:

Thursday Oct. 1st (6-7pm kids, 7-8:30pm adults)
Thursday Oct. 29th (7-8:30pm adults)
Thursday Nov. 19th (6-7pm kids, 7-8:30pm adults)
Thursday Dec. 10th -CHRISTMAS PARTY!
(Everyone and their families are invited for the Christmas Party in the Great Room 6-8pm)
Thursday Jan. 28th (7-8:30pm adults)
Thursday Feb. 25th (6-7pm kids, 7-8:30pm adults)
Thursday March 25th (7-8:30pm adults)
Thursday April 22nd (6-7pm kids, 7-8:30pm adults)
Thursday May 27th (7-8:30pm adults)

It’s going to be a great year! See you all on Oct. 1st!