In this episode Don Boden gives an introduction and shares a story of why Summer Friendship Gatherings are important to everyone involved.

This video is intended for all Summer Friendship Gathering volunteers.

This episode gives a preview of this year’s Summer Friendship Gathering theme and lessons, “Rise Up.” We will learn how God raised up His people to new life with just His word.  God wants to raise us up to new life too as we Rise Up and Hope, Rise up and Believe, and Rise Up and live for Jesus.

This video is intended for all Summer Friendship Gathering volunteers.

In this episode we offer a vision for the characteristics of a Volunteer Companion. Throughout the Gathering the Companion’s relationship with our friends with disabilities can give a glimpse of the heart of God.

This video is intended for the Summer Friendship Gathering leadership and all volunteer companion teams.

This episode explains the Discussion Group time, which takes place after the Large Group Lesson. We offer tips for preparing the discussion group time for Days 1 and 2 of the Gathering.

This video is intended for those volunteers leading the Discussion Groups, as well as any companion who will be participating in the Discussion Groups.

In this video we demonstrate some optional service projects, crafts, and activities that be used during small discussion group time.

This video is intended for the Summer Friendship Gathering Leadership team, volunteers leading the service projects, crafts, and activities, and volunteers participating in small group discussions.

This episode offers tips for preparing the large group Bible lesson for all three days of the Gathering.

This video is intended for the teachers leading the large group Bible lessons.

This episode offers Biblical insights for preparing the Large Group Bible Lesson for Day 1.

This video is intended for the teachers leading the large group lessons at the 2025 Summer Friendship Gatherings.

In this Bible study “Rise Up”, we learn how God told the prophet Ezekiel to speak to a valley of dry bones. When Ezekiel prophesied to the bones God raise them up to make a huge army. He wanted to give his people hope again. He wants us to rise up and hope also, even when things are hard. 

This episode offers Biblical insights for preparing the Large Group Bible Lesson for Day 2.

This video is intended for the teachers leading the large group lessons at the 2025 Summer Friendship Gatherings.

In this Bible study “Rise Up”, we learn how Jesus raised up his friend Lazarus, after his friend had been dead for four days! Jesus wants us to know that He has that kind of power because He IS the resurrection and the life. We will learn how we can rise up and believe Jesus, even when our faith is tested. 

This episode offers Biblical insights for preparing the Large Group Bible Lesson for Day 3.

This video is intended for the teachers leading the large group lessons at the 2025 Summer Friendship Gatherings.

In this Bible study “Rise Up”, we will celebrate the ultimate resurrection. Jesus is risen! We will follow two disciples who walked with the risen Christ Jesus on the road to Emmaus.  Along the way, Jesus explained to them everything about Himself in the scriptures. Jesus wants to walk with us on our road as we rise up and live for Him.    

This video is intended for the teacher preparing the Day 1 Large Group lesson, “Dry Bones, Come Alive!”

This episode demonstrates the object lesson for Day 2, “All Wrapped Up.”

This video is intended for teacher preparing the Day 3 Large Group lesson. “A Good Mystery Book”

This is the material for the volunteers who will be leading the worship music during the large group lessons, planning the worship songs, and planning the Day 3 worship service for the Summer Friendship Gathering.

In this episode we provide valuable information to help you plan the spaces needed for the three days of the Summer Friendship Gathering.

This video is intended for the volunteers on the Friendship and Gathering Leadership and Facility planning and setup teams.

In this episode Jackie Schaefer discusses the dynamics of the Summer Friendship Gathering fellowship meal, facility requirements, and funding possibilities, also emphasizing the importance of the schedule, menu, and special dietary needs.

This video is intended for the Summer Friendship Gathering leadership and food service teams.