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Hope in Action: Spectacular 2025 Creates Community

9 September 2025 | Jenn Killpack

By Jenn Killpack 
co-director of Spectacular 

Teens and grown-ups from around the church gathered July 12–19 at Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa, USA, for Spectacular 2025. About 540 campers and 285 staff members created sacred community. 

Music, worship, sports, drama, singing, and arts helped us grow in our leadership and discipleship. The theme, “Hope in Action,” helped us discover how hope shows up in unexpected, powerful ways. 

Mornings started with camper-led worship, called Celebration, and transitioned into the Spec Today classes (our version of a theme class). There, campers got to dig into daily themes such as: 

  • “Hope Creates,” reminding us that even small actions can spark big change. 
  • “Hope Surprises” us when we least expect it. 
  • “Hope Grows,” even in hard places. 
  • “Hope Endures,” when everything feels like it’s falling apart. 

I’m always awed and humbled by the real stories and bold questions our campers and staff members share and discuss with open hearts and minds. 

Following two Adventure class periods (our version of electives), the afternoon was filled with volleyball, soccer, table tennis, pickleball, tennis, wrestling, softball, and basketball, as well as fun activities under the big tent each day. 

Evening activities were a fascinating mix of outside guests and camper talent—beatboxer SungBeats, hypnotist Evan Gambardella, worship, the “Spec Presents: Musical Review,” Communion, a track meet plus soccer under the lights, a laser show, and the Spec’s Got Talent show. 

Spec is always one of my favorite weeks. It’s such a unique opportunity to be part of creating a space that is compassionate, fresh, and willing to risk something new. I love seeing campers and staff members work together to make an intentional community grounded in the love and teachings of Jesus. 

It happens in big and small ways all week long, and Spec becomes a chance to see hope in action. Right here. Right now. 

2025 Spectacular

 

About the Author

Jenn Killpack

Jennifer Killpack, a Community of Christ minister, is president of the high priests quorum and director of communications for Community of Christ International Headquarters. She holds the office of high priest.

Jenn holds a bachelor's degree in communications from Graceland University and a master's degree in religion from Community of Christ Seminary. For most of her career, she has shared her gifts and talents with the church's communication team and, most recently, has been an advisor to the former quorum president.

A self-sustaining minister, Jenn has served as a congregational pastor and currently provides leadership to SPECTACULAR as one of the co-directors of the church's largest annual youth event.

Jenn embraces challenges with optimism and creativity and brings out the best in others through collaboration.

Community of Christ has 250,000 members in more than 60 nations. The church’s mission is to “proclaim Jesus Christ and promote communities of joy, hope, love, and peace.”

Community of Christ International Headquarters is located in Independence, Missouri, USA.

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