Countdown to the Great American Solar Eclipse
Join us on April 6th!
This fun-filled, and family friendly event will commemorate the Great American Solar Eclipse of 2024, which takes place the following Monday. There will be something for all ages, with featured presentations from NASA Astronauts, ICR scientists, amateur astronomers, and other guest speakers. The event will also include STEM based, hands-on activities and games for kids. Bring your whole family, and join us for this memorable day learning about the marvels of our solar system and the Lord Jesus who intricately engineered it all!
Location
First Baptist Church of Forney
1003 College Street, Forney, TX 75126
1003 College Street, Forney, TX 75126
Date & Time
April 6, 2024, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Keynote speakers
We are excited to have these speakers keynote our event!
General Charlie Duke
Apollo 16 Astronaut
Gen. Charlie Duke served in various capacities in NASA's Apollo program, and flew on the Apollo 16 mission as the Lunar Module Pilot. Gen. Duke was the youngest person to walk on the Moon at the age of 36.
Gen. Duke and his wife Dotty have been active in Christian evangelistic ministry since the founding of their ministry in the early 1980s.
www.dukeministriesforchrist.org
Gen. Duke and his wife Dotty have been active in Christian evangelistic ministry since the founding of their ministry in the early 1980s.
www.dukeministriesforchrist.org
Colonel Jeff Williams
NASA Astronaut
Col. Williams served with NASA for 27 years before retiring in January 2024. He flew 4 missions to the International Space Station and played key roles in the design, construction, and operation of the ISS.
He served as the Station Commander twice, logged 534 cumulative days in space, and spent nearly 32 hours outside of the ISS, on five spacewalks.
Col. Williams has also authored a book containing many dozens of his vast library of photographs taken from the International Space Station.
www.nasa.gov
He served as the Station Commander twice, logged 534 cumulative days in space, and spent nearly 32 hours outside of the ISS, on five spacewalks.
Col. Williams has also authored a book containing many dozens of his vast library of photographs taken from the International Space Station.
www.nasa.gov
Dr. Jake Hebert
Research Scientist, ICR
As a Ph.D. physicist, Dr. Hebert has devoted his life to creation research, and has studied cosmology and evidence of design of our universe.
Dr. Hebert has contributed to ICR's "The Universe God's Grand Design" DVD series, the "Guide to the Universe" book, and planetarium shows at the ICR Discovery Center.
www.icr.org
Dr. Hebert has contributed to ICR's "The Universe God's Grand Design" DVD series, the "Guide to the Universe" book, and planetarium shows at the ICR Discovery Center.
www.icr.org
Breakout Session Speakers
We are excited to have with us these speakers leading breakout sessions on specific special interest topics related to astronomy, photography, apologetics, and the eclipse.
Mr. David Rives
ASTROPHOTOGRAPHER, AND FOUNDER OF DAVID RIVES MINISTRIES
David is a weekly news columnist on science and the Bible, and author of the books “Wonders Without Number” and “21 Verses Backed by Science.”
David is also an accomplished astrophotographer, and creation speaker, and the founder of David Rives Ministries, and The Wonders Center & Science Museum, located in Dickson, TN.
www.davidrivesministries.org
David is also an accomplished astrophotographer, and creation speaker, and the founder of David Rives Ministries, and The Wonders Center & Science Museum, located in Dickson, TN.
www.davidrivesministries.org
Mrs. Cathryn Sterling
FORMER NASA ENGINEER
AND FOUNDER OF DEFEND THE FAITH MINISTRIES
AND FOUNDER OF DEFEND THE FAITH MINISTRIES
Cathryn Sterling is a NASA engineer turned Christian apologist. She’s the founder of Defend the Faith Ministries and co-author of Mama Bear Apologetics.
www.defendthefaithministry.com
www.defendthefaithministry.com
Mr. David Coppedge
FORMER JET PROPULSION LABORATORY ENGINEER AND FOUNDER OF CREV.INFO
David is also the founder of the Creation Evolution Headlines website.
www.crev.info
Workshop Speakers
We are excited to have with us these speakers leading workshops on specific special interest topics related to astrophotography, telescopes and safely viewing the eclipse.
Mr. Parker Eng
Astrophotographer and Founder of Day4 Astronomy
Parker has always had a passion for encouraging Christians to build their faith and sharing the love of Christ and Gospel with others. He has been a member of the Texas Astronomical Society and has been an amateur astronomer for over 20 years, and founded Day4 Astronomy.
www.day4.org
www.day4.org
Mr. Robert Brayton
Astrophotographer and Founder of Texas Star Cave
Robert is an inventor, engineer, and professional photographer, and has volunteered with Insperity Observatory, and as a NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador. He coauthored the Astronomy League Foundations of Imaging program, and operates the Texas Star Cave website.
www.texasstarcave.com
www.texasstarcave.com
Children's and Youth Sessions Speakers
This event includes STEM based, hands-on activities and games for youth and children. Your children will have a memorable day learning about the marvels of our solar system and the Lord Jesus who intricately engineered it all! Sign up today, because space is limited!
Ms. Emily Steele
Children's education specialist, Institute for Creation Research
Ms. Steele is ICR's Children Education Specialist, and oversees Kids on Mission - ICR's children's program that combines in person classes at events with adventures and activities, and online learning.
www.icr.org/kids-on-mission
www.icr.org/kids-on-mission
Mr. Dave Napier
EVENT coordinator and speaker, institute for creation research
Dave Napier has been speaking on creation for over 10 years in churches, conferences, youth groups, and more. He is an international speaker and founded the Central Texas Creation Conference to share the evidence of God’s Word in the Austin, Texas area. Dave joined the Institute for Creation Research in 2022 and now serves as an Event Coordinator and Speaker.
www.icr.org
www.icr.org
Mr. Matt Miles
PRESIDENT, Creation truth foundation
Mr. Miles serves as the President of Creation Truth Foundation. Matt’s burden for today’s church youth has led him to serve the CTF ministry as Student Worldview Director through our in-house program called SWAT (Student Worldview Advanced Training). Matt is a well-studied preacher and teacher of Biblical origins, and has through much study developed an excellent program in Biblical Astronomy. He is a very talented communicator with young people of all ages, and is becoming a much sought after speaker in Christian youth camps and youth training programs.
www.creationtruth.com
www.creationtruth.com
This event will have something for everyone! Bring your family and friends for a fun filled day!
Event Video
Schedule
| 9:00 am
Doors open | Registration Check-In
Coffee and smoothies will be available for purchase at the Higher Grounds Coffee Shop located inside of First Baptist Forney.
If you have kids in grades K-5th or students in grades 6th - 12th, they can be checked in anytime between 9:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.
If you have kids in grades K-5th or students in grades 6th - 12th, they can be checked in anytime between 9:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.
| 10:00 am
Welcome
We will kick things off in the main worship center with worship of our Creator, the Lord Jesus, and an overview of the day's activities.
| 10:15 am
Keynote: The Work of His Hands | NASA Astronaut Col. Jeff Williams
During his six months aboard the International Space Station in 2006, Colonel Jeffrey N. Williams orbited the earth more than 2,800 times and took more photographs of earth than any astronaut in history. Every view from the window of the Space Station contains countless vivid lessons about the meticulous goodness of divine providence, God's care for His creation, and His wisdom in ordering the universe. Colonel Williams has had the rare privilege of studying earth from heaven's perspective.
| 10:00 am
- 12:00 pm
- 12:00 pm
Kids Sessions: Wonders of Our Solar System
Kids in grades K - 5th will have the opportunity to participate in fun and educational lessons, activities, adventures, and more! They'll learn how our solar system works, how to make an eclipse viewer, and how the Lord Jesus demonstrates His creativity in the design of our universe!
| 10:00 am
- 12:00 pm
- 12:00 pm
Youth Sessions: Wonders of Our Solar System
Youth in grades 6th - 12th will have the opportunity to hear engaging presentations geared to their age, participate in hands-on activities, games and more! They'll learn how our solar system works, the significance of solar eclipses, and how the Lord Jesus demonstrates His creativity in the design of our universe!
| 10:50 am
Break
Check out our exhibitors booths, visit the ICR Resource Store, or grab a cup of coffee from the Higher Grounds Coffee Shop.
| 11:10 am
Breakouts and Workshops | Various Speakers
Interested in learning more about why we experience eclipses? Want to know the best way to photograph the Total Solar Eclipse? Curious to learn how to use a telescope? Join one of the breakout sessions to learn more about these topics!
Featured Breakout: Wonders Without Numbers - David Rives (Worship Center)
Engineering Marvels, Evolutionary Flaws, and Educating Our Children - Cathryn Sterling (Rm. D036)
A Tour of the Solar System for Clues to Its Age - David Coppedge (Rm. B002)
Purpose Driven Telescopes - Parker Eng (Rm. A101-104)
Your Best Solar Eclipse Photo - Robert Brayton (Rm. D049)
Featured Breakout: Wonders Without Numbers - David Rives (Worship Center)
Engineering Marvels, Evolutionary Flaws, and Educating Our Children - Cathryn Sterling (Rm. D036)
A Tour of the Solar System for Clues to Its Age - David Coppedge (Rm. B002)
Purpose Driven Telescopes - Parker Eng (Rm. A101-104)
Your Best Solar Eclipse Photo - Robert Brayton (Rm. D049)
| 11:45 am
Refresh!
Don't leave! This is your chance to enjoy a Chick-Fil-A lunch on site (available for purchase), or refill your coffee! Then join us for the next line up of exciting talks and activities!
| 1:00 pm
Breakouts and Workshops | Various Speakers
Interested in learning more about why we experience eclipses? Want to know the best way to photograph the Total Solar Eclipse? Curious to learn how to use a telescope? Join one of the breakout sessions to learn more about these topics!
Featured Breakout: Wonders Without Numbers - David Rives (Worship Center)
Engineering Marvels, Evolutionary Flaws, and Educating Our Children - Cathryn Sterling (Rm. D036)
A Tour of the Solar System for Clues to Its Age - David Coppedge (Rm. B002)
Purpose Driven Telescopes - Parker Eng (Rm. A101-104)
Your Best Solar Eclipse Photo - Robert Brayton (Rm. D049)
Featured Breakout: Wonders Without Numbers - David Rives (Worship Center)
Engineering Marvels, Evolutionary Flaws, and Educating Our Children - Cathryn Sterling (Rm. D036)
A Tour of the Solar System for Clues to Its Age - David Coppedge (Rm. B002)
Purpose Driven Telescopes - Parker Eng (Rm. A101-104)
Your Best Solar Eclipse Photo - Robert Brayton (Rm. D049)
| 1:00 pm
- 2:40 pm
- 2:40 pm
Kids Sessions: Wonders of Our Solar System
Kids in grades K - 5th will have the opportunity to participate in fun and educational lessons, activities, adventures, and more! They'll learn how our solar system works, how to make an eclipse viewer, and how the Lord Jesus demonstrates His creativity in the design of our universe!
| 1:00 pm
- 2:40 pm
- 2:40 pm
Youth Sessions: Wonders of Our Solar System
Youth in grades 6th - 12th will have the opportunity to hear engaging presentations geared to their age, participate in hands-on activities, games and more! They'll learn how our solar system works, the significance of solar eclipses, and how the Lord Jesus demonstrates His creativity in the design of our universe!
| 1:40 pm
Break
Check out our exhibitors booths, visit the ICR Resource Store, or grab a cup of coffee from the Higher Grounds Coffee Shop.
| 2:00 pm
Keynote: The Greater Light to Rule the Day: Our Created Sun | Dr. Jake Hebert
Secular scientists frequently claim our sun is just an average, run-of-the-mill star. In truth, it demands a Creator and presents a problem for those who believe in millions of years of Earth history.
| 2:40 pm
Break
Check out our exhibitors booths, visit the ICR Resource Store, or grab a cup of coffee from the Higher Grounds Coffee Shop.
NOTE: For those who have children or youth in the children’s or youth sessions, this will be the time when they need to be picked up.
NOTE: For those who have children or youth in the children’s or youth sessions, this will be the time when they need to be picked up.
| 3:00 pm
Keynote: a Conversation with an Apollo Astronaut | Gen. Charlie Duke
Listen in as Gen. Charlie Duke shares the stories of his experiences as an astronaut in the Apollo Space Program, and how his life was changed by the Lord Jesus!
| 4:00 pm
Meet an Astronaut | Gen. Charlie Duke & Col. Jeff Williams
This is your chance to take a photo or ask a question with astronauts Gen. Charlie Duke, and Col. Jeff Williams!
| 4:30 pm
Dismissal
We hope you had a stellar time with us today, and we pray for clear skies for eclipse day so you can experience this amazing phenomena!
Event Location
First Baptist Church
1003 College Street, Forney, TX. 75126
1003 College Street, Forney, TX. 75126
Hotels and Accommodations
Here are some hotels and AirBnB options near the event location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Day of Event
Why is the event on Saturday, and not the actual day of the eclipse itself?
Great question! It may seem odd that our event is taking place two days before the actual eclipse, but there are several reasons why we choose to hold the event on April 6th instead of Eclipse Day - April 8th. The primary reason is the weather in Texas in early April is very unpredictable, and we wanted to hold an epic eclipse event, but not have it soured by bad weather if we were to hold it on Eclipse Day. This way, we will still have all the fun and exciting things to learn about the design of our solar system, how eclipses work, how to view and photograph eclipses, and everyone will have Eclipse Day free to focus on the eclipse itself, and travel to a location with good weather to view if needed.
Do we have to arrive at 9:00 a.m and stay all day?
No, you don't have to -- but we would love to have you take part in the entire event! Registration will be open for walk up attendees who arrive anytime before 12:00 p.m., so you're welcome to join us at any point throughout the day.
Will we get to meet an astronaut?
Stick around through the very end of the event, and you will have the opportunity to meet not just one, but two astronauts! Gen. Charlie Duke, and Col. Jeff Williams will be available to take a photo with you at the conclusion of the event!
Will ICR be hosting a viewing party on the day of the eclipse?
Weather permitting, there will be an informal viewing party on Monday, April 8th from 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., involving some ICR staff and special guests on-site at First Baptist Church of Forney. To be notified of more information on that possibility, please submit your contact info to our automatic texting app that will send updates and information in the days leading up to April 8th, to people interested in a possible viewing party. Text ICReclipseparty to 833-626-2573 to be added to the list for updates.
Registration
Can I register at the door?
Yes, walk-up registrations for the general sessions and breakouts will be available. However, the children’s and youth sessions are likely to sell out well ahead of the event, so we do encourage you to register ahead of time so that you have a spot reserved!
Is lunch included in the registration cost?
No, lunch is not included in the price of general admission. However, there is an “add-on” you can select at checkout to pay for a Chick-Fil-A sandwich and a drink and chips. There are also a number of fast food options within 10 minutes drive of the church.
Is childcare included in the registration cost?
We do have a line up of fun, educational, and interactive sessions available for children in Kindergarten through 5th grade, as well as sessions for students in grades 6th - 12th. However, we do not have on-site childcare for children younger than Kindergarten. For the sessions for children and youth, please select the appropriate age level and number of registrations needed under the "add-on" section of the registration form.
Is there a discount on registrations for groups?
We do have a group discount set up for 50% off the total ticket price for groups of 10 or more people. Please email [email protected] and ask for the coupon code to use for registering your group of 10 or more people.
Sponsors
A special thanks to First Baptist Church of Forney for hosting this event,
sponsored by Institute for Creation Research and Day4 Astronomy.
sponsored by Institute for Creation Research and Day4 Astronomy.
News & Updates
Check back here for updates about the event, new articles related to the solar eclipse, and announcements for contests and additional speakers to be featured at this event!
Apollo Astronaut, Gen. Charlie Duke, featured guest!
Posted September 14, 2023
We are thrilled to announce that Apollo Astronaut, General Charlie Duke and his wife Dotty have accepted our invitation to be honored guests at this event. Gen. Duke flew on Apollo 16 as the Lunar Module Pilot, and holds the record as the youngest person to walk on the Moon. Gen. & Mrs. Duke have served the Lord for many years, through their speaking and evangelistic ministry, Duke Ministry for Christ.
NASA Astronaut, Col. Jeff Williams to Keynote!
Posted September 14, 2023
ICR's friend, NASA Astronaut, Col. Jeff Williams will be a featured speaker for the Great American Solar Eclipse event! Col. Jeff Williams flew several missions to the International Space Station, and for several years held the record for most time spent living in space. Col. Williams is an accomplished photographer, and will use those photos and his time spent living on the ISS to share a unique perspective of our planet.
Contact Us
Have questions not answered on this page? Please contact us directly at [email protected] or 214.615.8325.