'Once Upon a Porch' Online Series

Once Upon a Porch

Lakeside’s own minstrel, Chip Richter, has been leading kids (and grownups) to Bradley Temple for “more fun than a kid should be allowed to have” for years. 

To expand God Squad, Lakeside’s beloved children’s ministry program led by Richter, an online streaming show was launched in January 2024, called “Once Upon a Porch.” The vision was to create the same safe, nurturing environment families experience at God Squad and Lakeside and deliver it year-round to wherever Lakesiders are.

Richter is an award-winning children’s singer-songwriter who combines music (both original songs and familiar classics), dancing, puppets, and meaningful, and age-appropriate conversations about God to help teach children about faith and values.

Stream Episodes Online 

The new season features six webisodes, with one released every Saturday at 10 a.m. starting January 25, 2025! Children of all ages will love meeting characters, like Hank the Monster, Quackers the Duck, Bucky Beaver and Granny Waggles

You can access the webisodes regularly by visiting lakesideohio.com/stream. 

This online show is 13 years in the making and is part of Richter’s dream to expand God Squad. However, Once Upon a Porch is not his first foray into streaming content. During the pandemic, Richter initiated “Lunch with Mr. Chip,” a weekly live-streamed show for kids on his YouTube channel. He was surprised by how well the show was received and how meaningful it was to families to make that connection.

Setting the Stage

Once Upon a Porch takes place in the familiar space of Bradley Temple, but the inside has been refreshed. Families are now greeted by a brand-new set, modeled after a large front porch like you see around Lakeside. In addition to the new set, families experience brand-new seating, carpet, lighting and fresh paint.

“I am super inspired by Mr. Rogers,” Chip said. “One thing I have always appreciated about Fred Rogers was the person you saw on TV was the same person you met in real life. It’s always been in my heart to present myself just as I am. And so far, it’s worked! However, there will be a lot of fun characters out of my imagination that will be joining me in the fun.”

Families are also greeted by familiar friends like Wesley the Cat and Ellie the Dog and will have the opportunity to meet brand-new characters.

What about God Squad?

Once Upon a Porch will not be a substitute for God Squad, but rather the beloved family program will remain “the heart and center of it all,” said Chip. The new show “will be adding to what has already been planted, built and nurtured all these years.” Families can expect to see Chip and God Squad return for many years to come.

Special Thanks

Thanks to the Grindley family and friends, in memory of Ted Grindley, a new theatre set and stage has been constructed in Bradley Temple. It has state-of-the-art cameras and sound equipment for the Once Upon a Porch experience. Additional improvements included window and door repairs, new seats, carpet and fresh paint.

Ted strongly believed that two of Lakeside’s greatest treasures were Chip Richter and God Squad. These gifts will allow Once Upon a Porch to be experienced all year long, a dream come true for Chip and his fans. 

Give a donation to support Once Upon a Porch in honor or memory of a loved one! 

Bring Once Upon a Porch to Your Hometown

In addition to streaming Once Upon a Porch webisodes, Lakeside and Richter are partnering to bring a LIVE experience to your hometown.

If you’ve been to a Chip Richter family concert before, you know they’re interactive, entertaining and inspiring for kids, parents and even grandparents. It truly is an “all age” event designed to be something children and adults enjoy together.

In the middle of the long, cold, dark days of winter, what could be more welcoming than a cozy night of music for the whole family? That’s what you can expect when you sponsor a Once Upon a Porch LIVE Concert. All venue sizes are welcome…

•  Churches
•  Schools
•  Libraries
•  Performing Art Centers

For more information about bringing Once Upon a Porch to your hometown, contact (419) 798-4461, ext. 246.