Differently...Together

This week on our journey to participate in each Ontario reunion, we attended the CCM gathering (Contemporary Christian Ministries) at the Erie Beach grounds. We were greeted with worshipful music upon arrival as we proceeded to the chapel. Music within CCM is a connecting pathway of expression towards and with God. You have heard the phrase that “an individual wears their heart on their sleeve.” So it is with the worshipful and personal praise, sensitivity and spontaneity of both song and prayer within the CCM sacred community. The presence of God is sensed and cannot be contained. Raised hands, a hand laid upon another’s shoulder, smiles, clapping and perhaps as was seen in the afternoon music concert even dancing openly personifies the feelings of joy within. The comfort level for some would be challenged in this setting, however, personal preference is a privilege and freedom we all enjoy.

Devotion to the Lord is expressed in the testimonies shared whether in worship events, the lineup for lunch or a walk on the grounds. Scripture is well known and daily lives of prayer characterizes the comings and goings of all. I met families from other church affiliations sharing within this community for the week. I shared with families from several US states contributing to the spirit of the reunion. There is a compelling draw of fellowship that permeates the spirit of this gathering.

Scriptural imagery from the context of Paul’s writings used in the themes for the week portrayed the need to take upon oneself the armour of God exemplifying the enduring traits of the Divine. On the opening Sunday Apostle Susan Oxley brought rich testimony of the blessing of God’s peace in her life amidst even in the most fragile and seemingly hopeless moments of life. A mother shared how Susan’s personal witness had vividly touched the life of her 12 yr old son. Evangelist Bev Moor shared his envisioned imagery of Christ walking amongst us and the multitude of ways each individual might respond to his presence. There were touching moments when Kleenex was passed around the chapel.

Within the diversity of Community of Christ are people of faith, each encountering the Divine in fulfilling yet different ways that blesses our lives with grace and meaning and impels us to mission in Christ. Unity in diversity is recognizing the face of God in one another and celebrating the breadth and spectrum of our collective uniqueness. We are one in Christ bringing who we are; differently, what we believe; differently, the models of our worship; differently, the blessing and freedom of self-expression; differently……. together in community when we affirm the worth of one another. Nurturing mutuality, reconciling divergent perspectives, building reciprocity, facilitating meaningful dialogue, opening ourselves and entering into each other’s lives in humility and willingness to be sacred community, is the heart of our identity, even portrayed in the name of our church.

My prayer from visiting with and amongst so many is that we look beyond the wrappings, the package, the avatars of our humanity and strive to encounter ourselves and the Divine in each other.  

Posted by Kerry Richards

Epiphany

On Sunday I picked Rod McLean up just after 5am and we embarked on out 4 hr drive to McGowan’s Lake for the opening Sunday of reunion. From one perspective if I was to look back and say, I drove 8 hrs and it poured rain the entire day I would think this might have been a wasted day. But in hindsight this one day blessed me in innumerable ways. In my upcoming CEM role which brings me into relationship with all CEM congregations, I am consciously most observant, most sensitive, most prayerful as I am present with and interact within our sacred community gatherings. You individually touch my life. From the very moment of arrival when the gracious McCurdy’s immediately invited us for dinner with them that evening we were embraced by a people living the spirit of reunion, mindful of “being” community, affirming within their relationships this experienced sacredness.

There was within my consciousness a powerful epiphany that I became aware of in one moment of heartfelt song that our collective mutuality was raised as an unspoken prayer and at the same time there was a receiving of the Spirit confirming the rightness and unification of our hearts, minds and souls. Would you not drive 8 hours for such an affirmation that God is entering our lives and sacramental realities of community are ours to experience.

I have more reunions to visit this summer and so can you. Please decide to attend reunion at least one day, to have faith that this will be a life changing experience in your life. Go with expectation; recognize this community experience is a safe place to both offer yourself in prayerful friendship and willingly receive the offered prayerful friendship of another. Your children, your grandchildren will forever remember one day at reunion and the fun times, the shared meals, the songs, sports and presence of joy. One day is easy to make happen. It just takes a decisive moment to say why not! Invite another to bless their life, to provide comfort in your initial moments of insecurity upon arrival. Reunion is a place of hospitality, a place of expectant welcoming. You won’t want to leave and the following day I invite you to write as I, the feelings and blessings of that one day which brought new awareness into your life. God Bless and see you at Reunion!    

Posted by Kerry Richards

Returning Home

I have not been to a reunion in 15 yrs. If this might be your story or if you know of another that would relate to this scenario please read on. Within the depths of our life experiences are events that connect us to our earlier years, our earlier friends, our earlier feelings and body, mind and soul memory of the inter-twining of those elements. Contrasted from the typical school reunion experience; our Community of Christ reunion experience is a nurturing blessing of affirmation.

As our car approached the Ziontario grounds and familiar landmarks became visible, I physically sensed the anticipation and hope of our arrival. The meandering approach road to the heart of the reunion gathering places stirred my soul with glimpses of past moments of worship, community, laughter, learning and joy. And then, at the brow of the hill opened the vista of people living the moments of reunion life.

Apprehensions that typically run through one’s mind after a 15 yr absence anywhere, quickly dissipate in the warmth, enfolding hugs and graciousness of regular people opening themselves to others, to us. I sensed the, “Come as you are, be who you are, enter within the safe and loving presence of our sacred community environment.” In our own lives we may encounter the Prodigal experience of returning home without fear of rejection, judgment or questioning. You are one of us, amongst us and welcomed by us. How powerful is this reality which is counter culture to a world that measures worth by what you have, are, or will bring to benefit me.

Reunion also enables us to feel safe, to give of ourselves, to enter the spirit of becoming a blessing one with another. To enact within our own lives the powerfully joyful role of the parents of the prodigal in welcoming with every fibre of our being, the returning child we have yearned to embrace.

Within our Community of Christ faith community, reunions nurture what we talk about and make flesh the goodness we each want and yearn to express in our lives. We come together with expectations and intentions to encounter sacredness in our midst enhanced by the presence of one another.

I renewed friendships with folks who like me were difficult to recognize, whose eyes and voices revealed the secret of their identity but who within moments of shared memories were instantly that dear friend of old surpassing time and change. How wondrous is that renewal, how mutually life affirming is that experience multiplied many times over within our reunion community. People emerged from almost every decade of my life with memories that deeply and meaningfully touched me.

I am visiting every CEM reunion for a day to reacquaint with you and meet new folks. As I approach my new role as the new CEM Financial Officer I hope our lives will become intertwined with the vision of what can be as our community is renewed in the nurturing and fulfilling experience of reunion.

From someone who has been apart from the fellowship of Community of Christ since it was RLDS, I invite you to return home, as I, to the roots of your youth, the joy of fellowship, the journey of a people in mission. Learn more about and experience the transformation of our Community of Christ faith community bringing relevance to today’s needs and challenges.

See you at Reunion!  

Kerry Richards

Reunion...An Affirmation

After posting Reunion on What’s the Good Word yesterday morning, my 14 year old grandson and I traveled to Ziontario to spend the day at Loaves and Fishes reunion.  He is a graduate of Kid’s Camp, (more on youth camps another day) and now attends Jr. High, also held this year at Ziontario. 

It was a wonderful day.  The weather was cool but warmed up nicely in the afternoon and it didn’t rain!  About 225 people appeared to be having a great and relaxing time visiting, sharing food, enjoying guest minister Dale Luffman’s class, singing old and new hymns during worship, playing games and swimming in the campground’s pool.  All ages were well represented, from infants in arms to people in their 90s.  

In an afternoon discussion group under the canopy, I listened as some folks shared their stories of faith, and others shared their doubts or questions.  I thought, isn’t this a wonderful thing that the community feels safe enough so that people are comfortable giving voice to the questions or doubts we probably all have at time!  It means they trust that no one will judge them or think less of them for sometimes wondering if God is really there.

I watched children swinging on the swings, sliding on the slide, and playing on the climbing apparatus.  I saw young folks playing volleyball or throwing a Frisbee.  I noticed that people of all ages were really enjoying the pool, fully and properly staffed by our three appropriately observant lifeguards.

I met a friend who is no longer active in church but had “dropped in” the day before, returned yesterday, and now planned to come back twice more later in the week bringing some others whom she felt could be blessed by this experience. There must be something to this camping experience, don’t you think?

Yes, as usually happens when I attend such events, several people asked, “Can I talk to you for a minute?”  So we sat on a bench under the trees while they aired their concerns.  Generally these were leaders wondering how to handle some kind of puzzle or problem, or perhaps just needing someone else to “bounce ideas off.”  Even this is a very good thing, as it means those leaders have found the time and space to work through some of their struggles while the reunion goes happily on around them.

By now you are wondering what the point of this post might be.  Perhaps I just wanted to share the sense of peace and happiness I observed yesterday as a further affirmation of the value of the family camp experience.  It is confirmation that personal and interpersonal peace really is possible, and a family camp is a lovely place to share it.

Is reunion always perfect; the peaceable kingdom come at last?  No, probably that would be just too much to expect, but yesterday, I thought it was close!

May you be blessed with a great reunion experience this summer.

Carman

Reunion

Community of Christ has a and wonderful tradition of summer reunions at our various campgrounds.  The idea of coming together to camp in a safe and happy, family-friendly environment to relax, play, swim and worship is a proven blessing to countless people and our community.  Generation after generation of people have participated, often first as children, then as young adults, parents and grandparents.  It is a wonderful time that draws us back again and again. 

In recent years, while those with camping equipment still look forward to using it as a cost-effective way to draw close to nature and participate in the reunion, many campgrounds have also developed facilities for people who cannot or do not wish to sleep in a tent or trailer.  Dormitory facilities are often available and indoor cooking conveniences have also been provided.  Most reunions also provide full-meals in the dining hall once, twice or three times a day.

While sharing in a family camp environment is fun and relaxing, it is not just about camping or a reasonably priced summer holiday.  What draws people back again and again is the opportunity for spiritual renewal.  Inside each of us is a perpetual longing for God, and reunion has proven to be a wonderful place to address that longing.  At reunion we have the chance to meet and get to know guest ministers, many of whom have wide experience accumulated around the world.  It is often sharing with these ministers that speaks to us, renewing and refreshing our souls.  

Canada East Mission is blessed with an abundance of reunions or “family camps” you can attend.    The following is a list of dates and locations.

 

Date	Reunion Name	Location
June 29 – July 5	Loaves and Fishes Reunion	Ziontario Campground
July 6 - 12	McGowan’s Lake Family Camp	McGowan’s Lake Campground
July 13-20	Contemporary Christian Ministries (CCM) Family Camp	Erie Beach Campground
July 27 - Aug. 2	Healing and Freeing the Spirit Family Camp	Ziontario Campgrounds
July 27 – Aug. 4	Erie Beach Family Camp	Erie Beach Campground
Aug. 10 - 17	Noronto Family Camp	Noronto Reunion Grounds

For more information on any or all of these reunion opportunities, please contact the Canada East Mission office.  The office can be reached via email at cheryl@communityofchrist.ca or by phone at 519-822-4150.

So here’s to fun and relaxation in a safe, family-friendly environment.  Why not join new or old friends there?

 Have a great summer.

Posted by Carman

Packing

I’ve been busy packing books to send off the various reunions. While it is a bit of a chore, it is also a pleasant chore. It’s nice to handle all these great books that I’m sending off to be discovered by all my friends, the “book people” who shop at the book tables every summer.

This is one more of those “last times I’ll be doing this” things that are occurring in my life as I count down to October when I will be leaving the job. It is true. I will not be doing this next summer! Let this be your warning. If you are one of my “book people”—and you know who you are—please consider this your last call. Take a good look over the selection I’m sending you. If you want that book, grab it now.

The shelves are nearly empty now as each full bin has been sent off for all you eager readers at Mcgowan’s Lake, Ziontario, Noronto and Erie Beach. A big Thank You goes out to Mel Kelley, Connie Heath and Mel Dupuis who faithfully unpack and repack and chat about the books each summer. One thing we’ve learned about your and from you is that folks who love books also love to talk about books. I hope you find plenty to chat about in this year’s collection. And I hope you buy them all so I don’t have to find other ways to clear them off these shelves. Let me challenge you to empty those tables by the end of the week. Who can do the best job?

People always ask me “Have you read all these books?”

The answer is, of course, “No.”

But they are all books that I would read. I have read many of them. And if I haven’t read the whole book I’ve read some essential parts of it. I’ve checked out the covers and the prefaces and likely the first couple of chapters. I’ve checked out the Table of Contents and any parts that look like they may have something good to say or some useful tips for things I know you’re doing or working on or might need some pointers about. I’m careful to send you works by authors I know or publishers I trust. If it’s on my table you may be assured that it won’t lead you astray.

Now you may have some work to do. You’ll need to adapt or reflect about or even pull a group of friends together to discuss or discern how this book is trying to reach you. It might be trying to stretch you or intrigue you or challenge you. It may be something you’ll look over quickly and reject, or it may be something you’ll put on a shelf and come back to again and again. I hope so.

For right now, all the packing is done. Treasure boxes of books are making their way to a reunion book table near you. Make me proud. Empty those tables and enjoy what you find there.

Posted by Marion

Camp

I have been hearing a lot of talk about numbers lately, all of it related to the rapidly approaching camp and reunion season. Here are a two selected samples of conversations I have heard.

1. (A conversation from only about a week ago.)
Question: Why are you budgeting for reduced income? Are you expecting fewer people this year?
Answer: Yes, as of now, we have significantly less people registered for the reunion.

2. (A Conversation from today.)
Question: How are registrations for the reunion looking?
Answer: Good. As of today we have 197 people committed. People are requesting space in a certain dorm, and those rooms were all filled some time ago. We will have at least as many as last year if not more.

An interesting contrast, isn’t it? But the really fascinating thing is that both of these conversations were about the same reunion, and the two discussions only occurred about a week apart! Everywhere I am hearing stories of things coming together, and registrations filling up. I think it is going to be a great summer for the camping season.

What is it about camps and reunions that makes people so interested? Why is it that people look forward to it and really want to be there? Is it the guest ministry? Is it the meals in the dining hall? The fellowship? The friendship? Is it because you get away from work, or computers, or phones? Is it because we can’t afford to fly to P.E.I. this year, but we can afford to go to camp? Is it the change of pace? Or is it because our lives were blessed there before, and we know they will be again?

There are probably as many reasons as people, or perhaps as many ways of expressing the real reasons as there are people who will come. Whatever the reasons, I can tell that the level of anticipation is building. People are staking claim to their room or campsite, getting their kids registered for classes, and making sure they have the time booked off work. The level of excitement is growing. We can feel it.

What about you; are you going to reunion this year? Are your kids or grandkids going to camp? Are you looking forward to the experience with anticipation? Are you excited?

And speaking of kids, we are aware of a large number of children who want to go to camp this year, whose parents simply cannot afford to send them. Is it important that they get to go? Probably. What do we do? We find people who can send them. Are you interested in helping send a kid to camp? If so, you can contact us at the CEM office and we will assist you. Or to paraphrase a famous line from the movie Jerry Maguire; we will “help-you-help-them!”

So, see you at the camp?

Posted by Carman

Acceleration

There is a certain sense of acceleration in the air at this time of year, and I am not talking about the tree pollen that makes my nose run. It seems like we’ve been waiting for spring for months, and now it is here. The trees are leafing out, the birds are building or sitting on their nests, and the flowers are blooming. Occasionally we may even see the sun between the rain showers.

The acceleration I am sensing, however, is not really related to the weather or the greening of the countryside. It is something that happens every spring. Preparation and planning has been going on for months but now everyone is picking up the pace. I am talking about the quickening rate of preparation for the camping and reunion season.

I see the urgent emails, hear the worried comments, and share the same sense of anxiety. Camp ground boards are busy making changes and improvements to their facilities, and the camping commission is making sure the word is out on the new Skills and Leadership Weekend. Directors are frantically trying to recruit staff to fill those few remaining vacancies. Worship planners are trying to envision every aspect of their services and prayerfully seeking the right person to offer that prayer or sing that solo. Busy guest ministers are trying to get class material prepared, and worrying about what the can offer in the way of ministry that will meet people’s needs and strengthen the church.

Of course the problem is not just preparing for a summer of ministry. The problem is all the regular work that still needs to get done while you prepare! As May draws near its close, we frantically count the weekends in June, desperately trying to see if there are any days that can be protected so we can read the books we need to brush up on, write class material, prepare sermons, or even have a day just to breathe. Before we know it, July will be upon us, and the busy summer will have begun.

Yes, there is a sense of acceleration in the air these days as we anticipate and prepare for our many family camps, youth camps and summer retreats. The normally busy pace has become downright hectic as we grapple with the tasks that are ours. But here’s the thing about all that: in 13 weeks the camps and reunions will all be over. In 15 weeks the children will be back in school! Its true folks, you can count the weeks for yourself.

The point is that while we are each frantically trying to get ready for the important season of ministry, we need to remember that this season always passes too quickly. Summer will come and go, and when it is gone it can never be recovered. So in the midst of your accelerated pace of work and preparation, please remember to take some time each day to enjoy this season we have all looked forward to. Smell the roses now folks; they do not bloom in January.

Posted by Carman

Waterfront

Imagine you are a young adult, 18 years of age or older. Perhaps, at this time of year, you are approaching your high school graduation, and looking forward to a break from the pressure of final exams. Maybe you are really looking forward to going back to camp as part of your summer experience, or spending time at the lake. On the other hand, while you want and need some time off, you have also been accepted into a college or university program for the fall, so you really need to earn some money this summer to help with tuition or expenses. What to do? How can you have the change of pace you need and also earn some money?

Perhaps the dilemma described above sounds like a situation facing someone you know. Or perhaps you have someone in your family, or in the family of your friends who will be at that point just a year or two from now. If so, this message may be for you or them.

There is a way that responsible young adults who are at least 18 years of age can have a great summer, attend camps and reunions, and still earn money. Further, they will also get their camp fees, meals, lodging and transportation all paid! Sounds like a good deal, right? Have I got your attention? How can they do that?

Every summer, CEM seeks to hire a minimum of three lifeguards to supervise swimming at six camps and reunions. Applicants need to be qualified with at least a Bronze Cross, but NLS certification is preferred. Lifeguards who are qualified can look forward to a great summer working at camps and reunions, be in a great environment with wonderful mentors and leaders, and practice their skills by supervising the waterfront. What a great summer!

There is just one problem. Every year we struggle to find qualified applicants we can hire. We have great summer jobs to offer, but we have difficulty finding people to employ. Each year it is a challenge to build a team, and this year is the most difficult since the program began. In fact, we have enough camps that we could probably hire two teams, or five or six lifeguards, if we could only find them.

Here is the point of this blog. If you know a young person who is soon going to be in the situation described above, why not encourage them to think about qualifying for this opportunity. Perhaps they already have part of the swimming qualifications they will require, and just need to add a few more lessons to qualify for their NLS certification. Or perhaps they need more instruction. Either way, there will very likely be jobs waiting for them if they will take the time to qualify themselves.

Incidentally the program is not only open to young adults. If you are older but have the qualifications, we would be delighted to talk to you. I invite you to send your resume and application to the CEM office via email at your earliest opportunity. If you want more information, or know someone who does, just send me a note.

In the meantime, no matter what your age, lets all plan to have a great summer. See you at the waterfront?

Posted by Carman

Pumped

At the time of this writing it is 10:00 p.m. on a Tuesday night and I am pumped! A conference call with our camping commission has just ended and there is a lot to be excited about.

It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that the camping and reunion program is very important to our community. Hundreds of people will attend our camps this summer, each with hopes of experiencing combinations of activities that will produce relaxation, recreation, and spiritual renewal. In order to make all that happen, there is a lot of work that needs to be done. The work of preparation of the grounds and facilities is undertaken every year by the dedicated campground boards and dozens of volunteers who give freely of their time for the benefit of others. They work to meet provincial and other safety standards for grounds, building, safe drinking water and meal preparation facilities. They work to upgrade and maintain their facilities to make the camping experience not only enjoyable but wonderful. Their work is so important.

Then there is the camps themselves to be planned and provided for. Once again, there are provincial health and safety regulations to meet plus world church standards for risk management. We have four campground boards, each with their own guidelines that need to be understood and followed. Then there is the fact that our six reunions, five youth camps, and numerous retreats are all staffed by volunteers. Those volunteers need to be trained, not only so that we meet or exceed provincial and world church guidelines, but also so that we have safe and enjoyable camps. Their training is clearly very important.

When I was reassigned to Canada East Mission 2 ½ years ago, several people told me that the Director and Staff Retreat every fall was very helpful to them in understanding and planning for the following year, but the Camp Staff Training Day held in the spring needed to be strengthened. It was the weak link in the chain. Consequently, once our new camping commission got their feet under them, their attention was turned to this need. For the past several months, this group of five people has worked to develop a training session that will be not only meaningful but powerful. Tonight we met in teleconference to make final decisions. I truly believe they have nailed it.

This year, on June 17 – 19 at Ziontario, we will provide excellent and important training for all our staff,no matter what camp or grounds they work at. Sessions will be provided for directors, business managers, camp counselors, cooks, recreation leaders, lifeguards, and more. In addition, training will be offered in team building, group facilitation, and guidance in appropriate social media contact following the camp. Can you believe all that? It is amazing what this group has accomplished. PLUS, worship and worship training will be provided by our Apostle!

If you have any role in the camping program this summer, you need to be at Ziontario, June 17-19. Further, if you know someone else who is planning to be on staff, either now or in the future, they need to be there as well. I think you will be surprised and impressed.

Our camping program in CEM just got better. The weakest link in our camping chain has been reforged, and the entire season will be stronger. I am definitely pumped!

Those not yet registered, please contact Wendell Martin at whmartin@brucetelecom.com immediately. Registration is free, but we need to know you are coming, and the sooner the better.

See you on the 17th.

Posted by Carman

Options

Has anyone ever advised you to “keep your options open”?

It surely seems to me that many people have received that advice. Or they’ve decided it all by themselves. Oh I get it. It’s good to have choices. And sometimes it must seem that something better just might come along. It wouldn’t be good to be too tied up and to have to say “No” to some ultimate opportunity, would it?

There are opportunities aplenty for certain. Invitations to “events” fill up our facebook pages. Fundraisers, celebrations, concerts, workshops, parties, dinners…and on and on. Not to mention the essential preparations—shopping, cooking. Many of us are managing more than one calendar and need to synchronize a whole family, merging kids’ activities, parties, school trips, appointments with our own.

So we naturally adopt the very workable and understandable strategy of “keeping our options open.”

But here’s the thing. There are some things you’ve just gotta commit to! Face it: sometimes the best choice is the clear winner and you just must commit!

Next weekend all camp, reunion and retreat Directors get together for a weekend of focusing on this very, very important ministry. For this one time only we’ll be coming from every corner of the Mission. Many current directors will bring their good ideas, their leadership team, their potential successors, members of campground boards to expand the conversation and ensure great experiences to future campers. Some veteran directors will be there bringing their many years of experience and expertise to the mix. It will be amazing!

Our new Camping Commission is stepping up the plate this year and have organized this weekend’s program. They have the idea that sending out the invitation and planning a great agenda means that most folks will be there. I hope they’re right! This is no time to be “keeping your options open” folks. If you direct one of those major ministry events, or if you’d like to some day—camp, reunion, retreat—then this is for you! Nothing better is going to come along. We need you to commit and we’d sure like to hear that you’re coming. If you’re waiting for something better, forget it! There’s no better place to be.

Call Cheryl (1-888-411-7537) today and book your spot or email Pat Pallister (ppallister@yahoo.ca) and let her know you’ll be there. That’s CEM Directors’ Retreat, Scaroboro Missions, November 19-21. (See Events calender)

Posted by Marion

Congregation-less

Several times in recent years I have heard people say, “This is my congregation.” In each case, the congregation in question was a reunion. The speaker was usually someone who feels a very real connection to the church, but no real connection to a congregation. It is no longer uncommon to hear statements like, “This is my community.”

There are probably as many stories behind such statements as there are people who utter them, however the reasons behind this trend are not the subject of this blog. It is the trend itself that interests me. It seems to me I am hearing that statement more and more frequently, and at several different reunions. If increasing numbers of people continue to find meaning (or life, energy, spirit, joy, hope, love or peace) in the reunion experience but not in the congregations, then the congregation’s days are numbered. What would that mean for the church? Is that the future? Could the church survive without congregations? I am having difficulty imagining how.

It is quite possible for people not to attend a congregation but still feel committed to the worldwide church community. Already I know several such persons. Some are diligent readers of church materials, and their spiritual practice may well be exemplary. I suspect some are faithful tithe payers to world church or other levels of church life. Some also give generously to organizations such as World Accord and consider that their tithing. The one common denominator appears to be that they just don’t find it meaningful to go to church.

It is not my intention here to be critical or sit in judgment on people in this situation. That is not my job and I have no interest in doing that. I do have interest in the trend, however, and its implications for the future. I don’t know that any of the people who follow What’s the Good Word? are in this situation, but if so, I would love to hear from you. If you are not in that boat yourself, you probably know someone who is.

What are your thoughts on this? Could the church survive with reunions but no congregations? If so, for how long? Would it go past the second generation? Would such a fellowship be enough community for you?

Questions by Carman

Treasure

Something in mgabriel’s comment on Wednesday’s blog post Monarchs has lodged in my consciousness, and I think it is worth exploring. It was her confession that “My desire for my children to have the opportunities for worship in the sacred spaces is a major driving force in my journey…” Isn’t it interesting how so many of us want our children or grandchildren to have the experience of “worshiping in the sacred spaces” of our campgrounds? I have talked to people who have probably not attended church in years, (which is not the case with mgabriel) but they desperately want their children to go to camp. It is often intensely important to them.

I know from talking to hundreds of people who attended camps or reunions at grounds all over North America that this is not at all unique to the campgrounds in Canada East Mission. Everywhere there are people who have the same feeling of attachment to their camp. They will talk about the friends they made there, and the people they knew. They often remember someone who was on staff, or perhaps particular events such as great campfires, or swimming, or some trinket they made in the craft elective. The memories of those long ago days are very strong.

I do not believe, however, those great memories alone are the reason behind our desire to have our children and grandchildren go to camp. I suspect the root cause is much deeper. I believe that, for many people, the reason for their attachment to their camp experience is because it was there that they first had an identifiable encounter with the Divine. It is often at camp that God (or even the possibility of God) first becomes real to many people, and they remember. Somehow, in that community, in that place, on that mountain or on the shores of that lake, something happened!

That something was an encounter, or an experience, or a feeling that was real and that mattered! In that experience, somehow we felt embraced and loved by a Presence that could not be explained and that may have never been experienced anywhere else. The experience stays with people, and long after the feeling can no longer be described, the knowledge that it happened and that it was or is important remains. It is as if the experience has taken up permanent residency somewhere in our hearts, and cannot be dislodged or denied. It is a treasure we hold sacred and dear.

Am I overstating this? Perhaps…or perhaps not, but some of you will know exactly what i am talking about. I wonder, are you willing to share your sacred memories of camp here? It is a lot to ask, but I feel very confident in assuring you that those who read your comments here will honour and respect your experience, because they have been there too.

Posted by Carman

Big

Reunion season is upon us. Loaves and Fishes is over as well as McGowan's Lake. Both have been deemed great success. Last week several people experienced an Encounter with World Religions and this week that theme continues as another small community works towards Healing and Freeing the Spirit. Others eagerly anticipate the wonderful time they'll have at Erie Beach or Camp Noronto.

Some groups are small and some are big. My thoughts on big, however, go somewhat beyond the numbers participating in each event. And I'm not entirely sure I know how to speak about this in a way that's clear. It seems to me that ideas of big are not just about numbers, but also about attitude. I sense different feelings in our various groups; sometimes within the same group.

I've noticed that groups of people love to come together at reunion. They come with immediate family, with extended family, with friends from school, from the congregation and they feel like one big happy family. They love to be with this community where all feel safe and warm and welcome and beloved. They draw a tight encircling band around this community and bask in how it feels for this one week. They look forward to next year when they'll do it again. They think of strategies to pull even more people inside this circle. They hope to make the circle even bigger!

Yet, something feels kind of small to me here. Because I know that the world is just so much bigger than this very tight community. There are so many outside our circle who would not feel right here. They'd not know the old stories or the way things happen here, year after year. And for them, what feels like a big happy family would feel just too small for them.

I don't have an answer. Why, I don't even have a proper question! I do see some individuals being pulled into the circle. We tend to feel great success if we do this for one or two new folks. And I agree; much rejoicing in heaven for one lost soul, etc.

Whatever the numerical size of your event, can you get your mind around the concept of the great big world out there that needs you to remember it? to make room for it? to keep the doors open, boundaries porus? Can you stay open to changing the way things happen here? Maybe to point of feeling uncomfortably strange?

Is there a big reason to do this? Are we really practising to be a Zionic community? Or are we just being happy to be us, without any big problems, if only for one week a year?

Any thoughts from you, dear readers?

Posted by Marion

Pace

Summer is definitely upon us. Carman wrote yesterday about our need for consistent rest. I have mentioned how our summers seem to have changed, to be somehow more full and hectic than I remember. It always seems we need to squeeze just so much into a limited number of warm summer days, weekends, weeks.

In many ways church activities do tend to slow down a bit as congregations shift to a different schedule, some even taking some time off to allow folks to vacation, go to reunions and camps or just step away from congregational responsibilities for a bit. Maybe some will even take a real vacation. But even there, somebody must do the laundry, the packing, the route planning, ticket buying, newspaper stopping, dog boarding, plant watering, lawn mowing...all the things that need looking after before and during an absense from home. Who hasn't said "I need to take another vacation to rest up from my holiday!"?

I'm off to Ziontario next week for Loaves and Fishes. It will be great to spend some time with family--while Art is quite present on facebook, I only get to give Eric and Tiona real hugs in person--so it will be special. I look forward to spending time with people I may not have seen in months with a little bit of slower time for chats under the trees or around a fire. But sometime between now and then I have a couple of sermons to complete and a few other items of business that just won't quit.

So this post is really just reminding us all to Pace Ourselves as we enter the summer season. Make sure to take that necessary rest time, to enjoy the people we don't see so often, to slow down and relax standards where we can, to ensure we set our priorities well. None of us, I venture, will do ALL we want to in the coming summer weeks. But we'll also likely do wonderful things we hadn't even thought to plan for. I think those latter wonderful things are most likely if we are careful with our pace of life and living.

Have a good summer everyone!

Posted by Marion

The Season

The season is coming. Can you hear the buzz?

That sound has been growing in volume and intensity for over a month now. You can hear and see it on Facebook, on websites, in emails, and in congregations.

The camping season is coming. Camp and reunion directors are busy planning their events and recruiting their staff. They are getting excited!

Camp ground boards are sending out email reminders of campground clean-up days and their opening events.

The Ziontario board is planning and fund-raising for the brand new swimming pool.

McGowan’s Lake is getting set to build a new shower house with (wonder of wonders) flush toilets!

Erie Beach is getting set to dispose of facilities that have outlived their purposes.

The Noronto Board will meet one more time before the season begins to make sure they are ready.

The new Camping Commission is working diligently to be ready for their first Camp Staff Training day on May 1.

We are in the final stages of firming up the 2010 lifeguard team.

The buzz is definitely growing, and in exactly 50 days the season will begin.

The season is definitely coming. Can you hear the buzz?

Posted by Carman

Roots

Tomorrow I'm off to Erie Beach Reunion. For as long as I can remember well into my young adulthood I did every reunion and youth camp held there. I've got all the Erie Beach thunderstorm memories and I can share tales of the "great flood" of '55 or '66 or whenever.

I went to junior high camp, then senior high camp and then was a counselor at both levels. I remember when the "old dorm" was "the new dorm." As a child in a tent, I was awakened by the deep tones of JC Stewart booming over the grounds on the very advanced PA system.

I was one of the passionate seventeen-year olds who wrote to the Regional Office about some perceived wrong done or planned for our beloved reunion grounds. Since then, as an adminstrator, I've been on the receiving end of similar pleas.

Through the years, I've been to other beloved grounds, experienced other folks' passionate connection to their roots, enjoyed the welcome of many camps and reunions. I've been considering how locked in I am to my early learnings as I'm preparing to preach at the first Sunday evening service.

No question my very early communities shaped the individual I became. Where does my identity become my own? At what point do I choose my path? As I'm thinking of my "identity and my calling" I'm wondering just how rooted am I in the individual formed and shaped and directed by those early days?

More later as I experience the 2009 Erie Beach Reunion.