A Light in the Darkness

On Sunday along with another elder I participated in the laying on of hands for the health/life of 2 people in our congregation. The needs of the 2 individuals were entirely different but both very real. My personal role in sharing of myself in prayer for these dear persons impacted me deeply. Throughout the week I reflected upon this encounter with God several times, each time sensing once more the recurring spirit of confirmation received during the sacrament. Ministry is very relational. In the act of praying for another, opening up oneself, becoming receptive to the Spirit, listening to what is sensed within one’s soul is life changing. There is a bond created with that person that continues the inner prayer long after the Amen is said.



This coming weekend at the “Freeing and Healing of the Spirit” reunion located at Ziontario there is a “Health Fair”. I have asked to have an exhibit table along with the other alternative health modalities to talk to folks about the sacraments of the church as tangible expressions of God’s presence and reality. As my thoughts in preparation have dwelt upon the meaning of the sacraments I found for myself a personal analogy. I have over the past month visited every reunion in Ontario. I find that the reunion experience of sacred community is the living expression of what we talk about in church. For a week of our lives we have the blessed opportunity to form community in our midst; to be with, share deeply with, dialogue with, engage in collective living one with another in a setting where we each prayerfully are guided by our intimately personal God. We glimpse the Zionic ideal, the “on earth as it is in heaven” hope that yearns from within us. Our lives are changed and imprinted by God’s presence and we understand the meaning of the phrase “sacred community”. Likewise with the sacraments, understanding and encounter with God becomes real and the sacred becomes present to us. The ordinary uses of hands, oil and caring touch as symbols become precious means of grace by which God empowers lives.



No sacrament is more closely entwined in our human condition than laying on of hands for the health and life of another. God meets us in the broken moments of life wherever they might be encountered and whatever they might be; desperate times, spiritual despair, endings and beginnings, suffering or renewal. This God given sacrament blesses and affirms the most intimate of all promises; that nothing, shall separate us from the love of God. In this sacrament the church is saying that Jesus who blessed lives then, is present now, still blessing, amongst us and through us. Celebrating this sacrament we affirm that our world is never hopeless even in the midst of our darkest moments. This sacrament excludes no one. All may receive of this sacred and personal touch of the Divine.
      



Kerry Richards
Incoming MCFO for CEM

Retreat

The recent staff spiritual retreat was an amazingly healing experience. Being both a young man and a fairly new employee to Community of Christ, my spiritual health is questionable at its best. For the first two years working on my current assignment as a church planter, I’ve pushed myself both physically and mentally, but always seem to neglect my spiritual development. I rationalize that I was doing spiritual stuff while performing other duties or that that was something I could put off for a future date.

I was not nearly prepared, however, for suffering a miscarriage with my wife because I had so neglected my spiritual side. Three month after our lost, both Irina and I were still suffering even though we had healed physically and come to terms with it mentally. During the five days engaged in individual and communal spiritual practices, we were able to begin to regain a fuller sense of God’s peace.

Beyond my spiritual healing, I was surprised by my realizations that the solution to an enormous problem I was having concerning my work responsibilities could be miraculously found by deepening my spiritual practices. Prior to the retreat, it seemed to me that I was at my maximum capacity concerning the amount of people I was able to include in my ministry. I was searching for any way to stretch that capacity, but was not able to see how it was possible. By the last day, I understood that I would be able to effectively minister to more people if I paid more attention to minister myself through my personal spiritual practices. In a sense, I could see that my ministry could be stretched further outwards by stretching further inwards.

Moreover, because my wife was able to attend, we were able to grow a little bit more together, heal more fully as a couple, and learn how take time to breath together as one which I am certain is something that will keep benefiting our marriage way into the future. Irina and I are sincerely grateful that such an opportunity was available to us.

Blessings,

Matt Swain

"G"

This is the sixth and final post in a series of articles written by a number of Community of Christ Evangelists in Canada East Mission. We are pleased to offer the stories of these highly respected ministers for your reading. It is our hope that their stories of faith will bring a blessing to your life. This post is a little longer than we usually publish, but it is well worth five minutes of your time.  The post is from Evangelist Heather Fryer of Monetville, Ontario. 

Based on: Luke 4:18 IV

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised;”

As I pondered this scripture and the request to give an example of “the oppressed go free”, I considered that oppression can come in many forms—and can even be self-inflicted. I thought of a situation where people can find themselves “oppressed” by their circumstances and don’t recognize that they have caused the situation by their own fears, beliefs and choices. 

This is the story of a good friend and neighbour whom I will call Mrs. G. (just “G” for short).  After a lifetime of working hard and spending the last two years of her husband’s life caring for him until he died, G kept herself busy by helping out her neighbours and expressing her love in the form of homemade bread, pies, cakes or cookies. She was a blessing to many.  But, over time, she found managing her finances very challenging—her husband had always done that job. And now, of course, there was just one pension income but the same expenses to care for her home, even with the widow’s supplement. She became brokenhearted with despair over how to make ends meet.  She succumbed to “purchase-required” contests that promised big winnings and fortune-tellers that promised good fortune if money was sent to them.  Using credit cards to pay the fortune-tellers (who threated to send her “bad” luck if she didn’t send money), these situations drew her deeper and deeper into debt.  G became anemic from living on bread and margarine because she spent her money on these dreams instead of groceries. To her credit, she had good intentions for her potential winnings—to help others and the Church. This situation was unknown to anyone. Her only child, a son who was drowning in his own troubles was very effective at ignoring his mother and seldom stopped by to see her (even though he drove past her house every day, going to and from his home further up the road).

Since her husband died, G was very faithful attending our congregation and was baptized in 1997, at the age of 70. In 2006, although she professed to being “fine” when I would chat with her after Church, I had noticed that she seemed to be distressed but was not forthcoming. In the Fall of that year, we had as our guest ministry Ken McGowan, Financial Specialist. (I believe that his presence was God-directed, as there were three CEM appointees who had given a presentation in North Bay the previous day and on Sunday, each one was designated (by whom?) to visit a Northern Ontario congregation.)  Dwight and I hosted Ken overnight in our home. During our visit I expressed to him my concern for G, as I knew of a previous time that she’d had received advice through another friend who had tried to help resolve some dubious financial matters. Ken had some ideas for me to consider offering to her. As is our congregation’s custom when we receive guest ministry, we had a pot-luck lunch after Church and sister Shirley and I noticed that G was looking very pale. Shirley and I convinced (read: coerced) G into permitting Shirley to drive her to the Emergency at the nearest hospital.  G was so depleted, she required blood transfusions and barely remembers being hospitalized for a week, or any visitors who came to see her.

Following the return to her home, I visited her and expressed my concern, offering assistance if there was anything I could do to help. G’s eyes welled up with tears and she told me that she had “not slept a wink all night”, but had lain awake praying, asking God to please send someone to help her. The Holy Spirit sent a tingle through me from head to toe and tears came to my eyes, as I realized that mine was a God-sent mission. What a humbling and awesome privilege to be God’s instrument in answer to another’s prayers. As we talked, I shared with her that Ken had some ideas and if she wished we could follow through with them. I became her Financial Manager and hold Power of Attorney for her finances. As CFO, I applied for some assistance from the Oblation fund, which was gratefully received. We met with the bank manager and arranged a consolidation loan to pay off her debts. Then we set up a budget to manage income and expenses, settling on a weekly amount of cash for her to pay for some costs directly, such as groceries and personal items. With Ken’s assistance, we also prepared her will. God helped us to “bring deliverance to a captive”.

…/2

-2-

G got back into the baking she loved to do, sometimes taking orders or selling from her table at the local annual yard sale. Her hope and joy in life returned and she enjoyed visiting her friends once again and helping where she could. Since I would not receive any monetary appreciation for assisting her, she kept us supplied with regular gifts of pies or my husband’s favourite oatmeal cookies. G’s mail was delivered to my mailbox so I could pay her bills and after several months of “return to sender” and note-writing, managed to eliminate the contest and fortune-teller mailings. G was no longer “blind” to the deceit she had suffered and could now “see” hope for the future. It is ironic that in her troubles she could see the needs of others and wanted to help them but could not see how to help herself. I believe that is why God needed to respond to her prayerful pleas.

Through regular contact with her son, I was able to involve him more in her life and his new wife was also instrumental in promoting regular visits. In her 80’s, G’s health was deteriorating and my “responsibilities” grew to accompanying her to medical appointments and shopping trips. The care providers kept supposing I was her daughter, so we unofficially “adopted” each other. Arrangements were also made for Home Care, nurse visits and various other services through the wonderful Community Care program. Through government Residential Rehabilitation Assistance and Home Adaptation for Senior’s Independence programs, we were able to arrange for much-needed repairs and adaptations for her comfort and safety.  

A year and a half ago, her son and his wife found themselves in need of new accommodations.  This presented an opportunity for them to move in with G, which was a blessing since by then she was becoming unable to live alone. Because she was not amenable to the idea of a nursing home, this took care of all of their needs.  The son that ignored her for years now provides 24-hour a day care, supplemented with several visits per week from the Community Care workers. The “bruising” of the past has healed as she expresses her love and appreciation for her “wonderful son who takes such good care of me”. In accordance with her wishes and those of her son and daughter-in-law, I remain her financial manager. These arrangements are fulfilling her wish to remain in her own home for the rest of her days. She is ”set at liberty” from previous fears and anxieties.

At 85 years of age, G comes to Church when physically able and attended the Community Christmas Dinner and, in January, following a half-hour drive, sat in a wheelchair to pay her respects to the family of a priesthood member who passed away. I am pleased to state that G’s finances are in a healthy condition with sufficient funds reserved for her funeral expenses. She feels secure, knowing that her affairs are in order. For myself, I humbly appreciate having the opportunity to act with God’s help to bless the life of a faithful soul who has the gift of kindness and generosity towards others. In turn, G has blessed me with her warm friendship and love and the many lessons I have learned along the way about being a Spiritual Companion and receiving our Heavenly Father’s guidance.

Heather Fryer, Evangelist

Monetville, ON Canada

Healed of Hatred

 

This is the fourth in a series of articles written by a number of Community of Christ Evangelists in Canada East Mission. We are pleased to offer the stories of these highly respected ministers for your reading. It is our hope that their stories of faith will bring a blessing to your life. This post is from Evangelist Larry Galbraith of Ottawa, Ontario.

Several years ago, following a church meeting a mother came up to me very upset and depressed. She shared that recently her teenaged daughter had been accosted by a man who was now in custody and awaiting trial. Her heart was filled with hurt, anger and revenge. She was even feeling hatred toward God and she was suffering greatly. She did not know how she and her daughter could face this man in court. Her peace in Christ was gone and she felt desolate and alone.

Another Elder and myself ushered her into the sanctuary where it was quiet and offered her administration to ease her anguish. As we presented her to God, His Holy Spirit enveloped us in a blanket of warmth, love, understanding and forgiveness all in one. This mother was wrapped in a warm glow of peace and acceptance. We all felt His Divine Presence and her soul was healed.  The sword of righteous indignation was removed from her hands. She was free from all hatred and oppression. Praise the Lord!

Evangelist Larry Galbraith
Ottawa, Ontario

A place of Support and Healing

 

This is the second in a series of articles written by a number of Community of Christ Evangelists in Canada East Mission.  We are pleased to offer the stories of these highly respected ministers for your reading.  It is our hope that their stories of faith will bring a blessing to your life.  This post is from Evangelist Carole Heathers of Stratford, Ontario.

*******************************************

For ten years I spent a week at camp with a group of people oppressed by society and the stigma of HIV/AIDS. I knew of the oppression and stigma firsthand as our son struggled with whom he could trust to share his status. He lost his battle with AIDS in 2000.

The camp was sponsored by another denomination and was the only AIDS camp that included all people. The campers were a diverse group, adults, children, gay, straight, different nationalities, different abilities, different religions…so many differences but the one thing they had in common was that HIV/AIDS had touched their lives. In spite of the many differences they accepted each other with open arms. Camp is a safe place for everyone, often the only place where they could be themselves and feel safe enough to speak freely. When I stepped on the grounds each year I had the feeling that it was sacred space where all were safe and accepted…it reminded me of how I envision Zion.  Some campers had never been able to share their status for fear of being ostracized, even persecuted. As the week goes on you can see a weight lifted from their shoulders… a wonderful blessing…a blessing of acceptance and support.

Each day I led a Guided Meditation elective to bring healing. To those who took part it built a bond of trust between them.  On one occasion I was able to offer to a very sick camper the sacrament of the laying on of hands. My heart ached for the campers as they shared their stores of abuse and cruelty. That pain was doubled when their own family turned their back on them.

I remember the year a young man drove onto the campgrounds. It only took a look into his eyes to see his pain and fear. He had been encouraged to come to camp but as he stepped on the grounds it was obvious he was ready to run. I approached him, introduced myself and did my best to help him feel at home. It was a struggle to keep him at camp but I encouraged him each day to stay for another night and see how he felt. I asked him to come to the meditation group I was leading. After the rest of the group left for other activities he stayed and talked and cried as he shared the pain in his heart. He found out he was HIV positive just a few weeks before he came to camp; his parents distanced themselves from him. He was alone, scared of what the future would bring. He was depressed, nervous and had no one he trusted enough to share this burden with. In the quiet of our meditation room I had the privilege of listening to his story and offering him words of encouragement and hope.

At first he stayed by my side, ate every meal with me not really engaging with the other campers.  After a few days he began to look beyond his fear and see the many campers who are living with HIV/AIDS and living fully.  The day he said to me, “Do you mind if I eat my lunch with the guys from my dorm” I knew he had found a support system of friends who would stand by him without judgment.

God blessed me with a deep compassion for the difficult journey these extraordinary men and woman were walking. They have forever touched my life.

Carole Heathers

Freedom from Oppression

Wiarton Community of Christ

Today we begin a short series of articles written by a number of Community of Christ Evangelists in Canada East Mission.  We are pleased to offer the stories of these highly respected ministers for your reading.  It is our hope that their stories of faith will bring a blessing to your life.  Our first article is from Evangelist Alma Leeder of Wiarton, Ontario.

************************************

“You who are my disciples must be found continuing in the forefront of those organizations and movements which are recognizing the worth of persons and are committed to bringing the ministry of my Son to bear on their lives.” D&C 151:9

This counsel given in 1974 reassured me that any service or effort expanded on behalf of individuals or groups experiencing hindrances to their well-being, was worthy of my support –even required. In 1951, at the age of 21 and still single, I was invited to become a Rotarian. I soon discovered that the Rotary motto “Service Above Self” would lead me into activity beyond club boundaries, in less formal circles, and church-related projects. One example occurred when a few friends decided to raise funds to send a buddy to a U.S. clinic to try to reverse his MS condition. In the end, it was not successful and we lost him, but we knew that no stone was left unturned in the attempt.

Before government health care was the norm in Canada, service clubs had to raise money for corrective surgeries. I recall going with a senior club member to visit a family. This member had been the mayor of the town, and had to use all his political talents to persuade the family to have corrective surgery to the son’s Achilles tendon to allow his heel to touch the floor when he walked or ran. It was done.

In 1964, two Rotarians spearheaded a plan to provide a place of learning for the community’s mentally retarded children and youth. Our Wiarton congregation provided the venue by sprucing up the church basement. From a small start-up budget and an initial enrollment of ten individuals,

the program has expanded geographically to service over a hundred clients with an annul budget of $1,250,000. Of greater significance, the organization has a new name- “Community Living”-to better reflect its mission.

Oppression is any condition which prevents individuals or groups from reaching a lifestyle free from the ravages of hunger, disease, and all forms of hopelessness. World-wide, polio is 98% eradicated-sometimes at cost of brave souls who go to hostile countries to administer the vaccine. But many of the needs are close to home; here on the Bruce Peninsula, it is a daunting task to supply the food banks and provide resources for home heating during cold winters.

I am grateful that as a church, we can link arms with other faith groups and anyone with an idea to bring wholeness to the lives of others. My father, a World War I soldier, always spoke highly of the kindness he received from the Salvation Army overseas. Our congregation supports their efforts to alleviate distress in our community, and we do it gladly. The late Elbert A. Smith once told our people that the Lord has many forces at work for good in the world, of which we are not aware. I believe it!

Alma J.V. Leeder

Jigsaw

We've talked before about the various different "kinds" of people there are in our amazing and diverse world. Cat people and dog people, tea people and coffee people, introverts and extroverts--the categories could go on and on. It occurred to me yesterday that there are people who like jigsaw puzzles and those who don't.

I spent the day yesterday with the fifty or so folks who are this week enjoying the Healing and Freeing the Spirit experience at Ziontario. One feature of that gathering is always a table set up, right in the middle of things, with one of those lovely giant jigsaw puzzles in process. Any time during the week, day or night, before and after and even while classes or activities are ongoing, one or more heads will be bent over that table working on the puzzle. As one is completed someone pulls out another. Why, they've even been known to call home to have a visitor for the day bring an especially challenging one along. "The one we're on now will be done by tonight!"

I wonder why there seems to be an inordinate number of jigsaw puzzle lovers who attend this otherwise small reunion? Could it be that these are people who've already spent a good part of their lives thinking about healing and wholeness? The classes are generally led by folks who've already overcome some need in their own life to put things together, to consider what contributes to good health and wellness. They're open to exploring interesting and non-traditional, new or ancient, methods and techniques. They try to keep their minds and hearts open to the wonderful ways their bodies, minds and spirits have been created and search for balance and sustainable life practices.

Just as they'll ensure the kitchen is turning out healthy food for all (Great job there Robert and team!), and remind each other to pick up things that could be recycled and not mar Mother Earth's lovely face. They share tips for small space gardening and eating locally and reading scripture in ways that lift the spirit. Even the harmonious sharing of the cleanup duties feels perfect.

No wonder they are happy to pore over a 1000 piece puzzle, sharing the task of getting all those pieces put together; morning people collaborate with night owls until the last hole is filled and everyone takes satisfaction in a job well done. One more picture comes together from a pile of jagged pieces.

Posted by Marion

Streams

It is a beautiful, spring, Saturday morning and the sun is beaming its life-awakening warmth on the reviving earth below. The sunshine calls me outside for my morning walk where a surprising abundance of springtime memories await. The first of these calls to me from what may seem the most unlikely of places; the roadside ditches. Little streams of water flow in those ditches, and they immediately carry me back to the 3rd concession of Eastnor Township in Bruce County. I am, once again, walking that 1 ¼ mile gravel road home from school, and watching with fascination the ditches alive with the spring run-off caused by melted snow. I must stop to look.

I hear the sound of the small rivulets of water as they flow steadily along, creating gurgling rapids as they go. The water runs from this ditch to a larger one, and eventually makes its was to Lake Huron just a few miles distant. I marvel at how clear and clean the water is as it washes over last year’s grass and the earth below, and I wonder again how that is possible. It was an earlier time, before words such as pollution had become part of our usual lexicon or our daily worries. I recall being so tempted by these cold, clear streams that I would bend down and scoop up water in my hands to drink. It was my own private sacrament. Water never tasted sweeter.

Back from that brief reverie, I continue my walk and soon recall another stream. This one is a little larger and runs through the country property of a friend. When I first noticed it, I recall asking if there were any fish in that stream. “No,” my friend replies, “there used to be lots of them, and all different kinds, but that was before a local farmer spilled some fertilizer and killed them all. Now they are all gone.” I am shocked and saddened.

I return to my walk. I see a coke can in the ditch, obviously thrown out the window of some passing car, and am surprised that people still do that. I think of the wise counsel we now refer to as Doctrine and Covenants 163, and of verse 2b in particular.

Generously share the invitation, ministries, and sacraments through which people can encounter the living Christ who heals and reconciles through redemptive relationships in sacred community. The restoring of persons to healthy or righteous relationships with God, others, themselves, and the earth is at the heart of the purpose of your journey as a people of faith.

I need to restore a healthy relationship with the earth; we all do. The little stream in the ditch beside the road reminds me. It is a restoring moment.

If sacraments can be defined as sacred moments, then not all sacraments occur in church. May you be aware of your sacred moments in the streams of your life today.

Posted by Carman

Drip

Do you hear that drip?

Drip…drip… drip.

All that snow that had so many of us holed up at home, or carefully finding our way through the ruts and slush of yesterday is today dripping off my roofline. The row of icicles that was there this morning has slid off into the rapidly melting snow below this afternoon. The sun is glistening on the snow piles; yes, there are still piles of snow, but they’re fading fast.

The powerful force that is the warming spring sunshine is causing it all to drip into oblivion.

Well, not exactly oblivion. It’s forming up in puddles, making mud for us to track onto the clean floors later. There will be mud. Mud follows drip. We’re sitting at the turn of the season. What a special time, here in this northland.

I’ve done enough travelling in those places nearer the equator where one day is pretty much like the next to know this is special. I recall my visit to Tahiti where #1 Son commented that he did indeed miss the changing seasons but he thought he could bear all this perfect summer weather, green leaves and year-round flowers for several seasons yet. I’m not sure I could.

I find myself just so very appreciative of this changing time that I’m even enjoying the mud. Of course I have no small children or boots or splash pants or sodden mittens to deal with. But I did live through that; I realize how quickly it passes. And here I am at the other end of it all thinking fondly of all this dripping!

Of course there are seasons in those tropical countries too. There are seasons everywhere! Remember that very famous sermon you can read here to remind you that “to everything there is a season.” It is the way the universe works.

I received an email from one of our Mission Advocates today reporting that a pastoral team is taking some discernment time, needing a bit of refreshment and renewal, but feeling some sense of guilt about stepping back. Everyone addressed by that message had the same response; not to worry, nor feel disheartened. After a long period of struggle, even of ill health, this team needs to rest and heal each other. They’ll be finding a quiet place to just listen to the drips until the snow melts, the mud is washed away and a new season is ready to begin. It will come.

I sit here at a very special spot where I can watch these transitions. I spoke with another pastor today excited about the calls he’s perceiving for two young leaders in his congregation. Young people stepping up to pick up leadership roles and planning for an exciting season of youth activities in their newly renovated space.

“For everything there is a season…a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted… a time to throw stones and a time to gather stones together… a time to keep silence and a time to speak …”
Ecclesiastes 3

Posted by Marion

Laugh

Last Sunday afternoon on the way home from Director’s Retreat I was casually listening to The Vinyl Café, which I often find at least mildly amusing should I happen to be travelling in the car at the right time. In this case, Stuart McLean was interviewing Andrea, the third generation member of her family to manage Russell Books in Victoria, BC. Because I previously enjoyed a 23 year career in the Canadian book industry, I was casually following the conversation when I was surprised by the sound of Andrea’s hearty laugh. The sound was so genuine and compelling that I was startled! You could tell from the easy and natural sound that this was a person who laughs a lot. It was wonderful.

As I thought about this, I realized the reason the sound of this woman’s laughter was so startling is because it is a sound I don’t hear all that often. Further, I came to see that I don’t laugh nearly enough myself; in fact hardly at all. Somehow, life has become far too serious. These days we all seem to work too hard and play too little. As ridiculous as that is, I’m quite sure none of us are the least bit amused.

The health benefits of a good laugh have long been known. Laughter has been shown to reduce pain levels, increase a person’s energy, strengthen the immune system, and even offer protection from the damaging effects of stress. Further, it reduces tension between people and lessens conflict. And the best thing about this remarkable therapy is that you don’t need a medical plan to access it; it is absolutely free!

So why don’t we laugh more? In fact, why don’t we do something about this? How be if we all do something good for ourselves today, and have a good laugh? Its really not that hard. And just in case you need a little help, here’s a link that will help you. You have probably seen these laughing quadruplet babies before, but they are worth watching again, and I know you will at least smile. Click here.

There now, don’t you feel better?

Posted by Carman

Sr. High

It may be a result of advancing age, but like just about everything I encounter these days, this year’s Senior High Camp at Noronto was the source of many memories and reflections.

I first attended Noronto Senior High as a camper; I believe it was in 1965. I would have just turned seventeen. In those years there was no A-frame dorm, and the boys all slept in tents, which we pitched and trenched ourselves, next to the chapel. As a teen I had a lot of anger, or what we would now call ‘attitude’, mostly due to the natural process of growing up but also because of what I then saw as injustice during my early years. I had not yet learned that trials and difficulties may be blessings in disguise, or that how we handle those will shape and reshape our character throughout our lives. Senior High camp was one of several occasions when love broke through my anger and made one of many needed course corrections to my life’s path. Thank you, God.

The staff member I remember most clearly from that camp is Paul Winegarden. Paul, as a young adult, gently and patiently talked to me about my habits and choices, and gradually helped me bring them into some kind of perspective. I will always be grateful to him for that. I’m sure it would have been easy to write me off as hostile and uncooperative, but Paul’s gentle caring was and is a blessing I have never forgotten. Without Paul and many others who gently cared and guided during those difficult years, I doubt I would be here today. Paul, should you ever happen to read this, Thank you!

It is now forty-five years later and in some ways not much has changed. Oh the grounds are different with dorms and bunks instead of tents with bedrolls on the ground. The chapel has a lovely wooden floor instead of sand, and there are plastic chairs instead of rusted old theatre seating.

Yet the more things change, the more they stay the same. Campers still come to camp from many different places and circumstances, and with a wide variety of experience. Some of those campers come with wounded souls and problems that are very real; much more serious than anything I experienced at that age, although I probably would not have thought so then. Life in 2010 is no easier than it was in 1965 and for many it is significantly harder.

And yet there are still caring staff members who reach out to campers in love and patience, offering a hug here or a word of encouragement and hope there. They believe that even the most wounded souls can find healing and peace in this community. Perhaps the most amazing and wonderful element of this is that many of the current staff members who heal so effectively were themselves wounded campers just a few short years ago. They were slowly and carefully loved into healing, and now they do the same for others. It is a wonderful process, and I thank God for the wounded, the healed, and the healing!

Posted by Carman

Contagious

Lots of us are thinking this word these days. “Is that cough contagious” “Did you wash your hands?”

I’ve been reading an interesting study about some research that shows more things are contagious than we may have realized. Emotions surrounding pain and suffering really do spread to care-givers and other members of the community.

Even loneliness can infect others and can become a prevalent feeling within a group. That apparent contradiction has apparently been proven by real scientific method and confirmed by separate studies. In fact, say these scientists, loneliness can spread—like a virus!

When someone is ill or unconscious or dies, the body of the community is affected and those members need to be supported and uplifted and helped to deal with these contagious responses. The distress of one registers in the emotions, even the bodies of care-givers, even just observers. Imagine!

There is good news here as well! Healing is also communal. We may have always known this as we’ve been part of the interpersonal web of concern, prayer, listening, sharing, submitting that surrounds those with needs.

Authors of the “loneliness study” (You can read about it here )say how important it is to tend to the needs of the most marginalized and not to forget the truths we, as a community, have always known from our most ancient spiritual practices.

And we in the What’s the Good Word community can be affirmed in our belief that good stuff too is contagious!