October 16, 2020 - Olivia Updegrove

 

Love letter to camp... 
Week Four: Longing to Celebrate

This year many of our summer camping programs faced creative, spiritual and financial challenges. For many young people, camp is a significant part of their faith journey and relationships. Ministries Across Generations wanted to share importance of camp and support (financially and spiritually) the places where many people feel God's presence most.

Dear ALL Who Love Camp,

Like many of you, camp has had a deep profound influence on my life. At the same time, like many institutions, there are many things that need to change if camp is going to be a viable ministry in the future. Camp needs to be more culturally inclusive, accepting, and still biblically rooted. It needs to not just be a weeklong experience, but a way to create more profound relationships with one another and God, Jesus, and the Spirit that guides through life. 

These changes, however, are going to be even more difficult for programs that are struggling financially due to COVID-19, and already struggling financial realities when trying to compete in a society that values other types of activities more than church camp. 

Yet – church camp comes in more varieties than many people realize. There are winter camps, family camps, horseback riding camps, sailing camps, grandparent camps, people with disabilities camps, young adult camps, mission camps, creation care camps, and, yes, even “sex” camp (see previous post). These stand alongside the traditional camps.

If there was ever a crucial time to reach out and financially help the camp that changed you, THIS is that time. If there was ever a time to make sure that the next generation experiences the profound relationships that camp provides, NOW is the time to send that child, join that staff, or encourage others to engage in camp.

If there is a camp that MATTERED to you in your life, NOW is the time to make sure it can continue to matter. Take a moment to remember the people, the places, and the true presence of God that you experienced in a place. For many young people, camp is the first place they experience the holy and sacred.

Go to your region’s website and donate to the camp that gave you hope in the past, has potential to ground you in the present, and gives the gift of God’s love to the future.

Graduate of Camp Wakon-da-Ho, 1997

Olivia

Scripture Week Four: (From InsideOut, This is Our Prayer)

Philippians 1:3–11

Every time I think of you, I thank my God. And whenever I mention you in my prayers, it makes me happy.  This is because you have taken part with me in spreading the good news from the first day you heard about it.  God is the one who began this good work in you, and I am certain that he won’t stop before it is complete on the day that Christ Jesus returns.

You have a special place in my heart. So it is only natural for me to feel the way I do. All of you have helped in the work that God has given me, as I defend the good news and tell about it here in jail. God himself knows how much I want to see you. He knows that I care for you in the same way that Christ Jesus does.

I pray that your love will keep on growing and that you will fully know and understand how to make the right choices. Then you will still be pure and innocent when Christ returns. And until that day, Jesus Christ will keep you busy doing good deeds that bring glory and praise to God.

SOMETHING FUN

October 15, 2020 - Jenna Beck (Engelken)

 

Love letter to camp... 
Week Four: Longing to Celebrate

This year many of our summer camping programs faced creative, spiritual and financial challenges. For many young people, camp is a significant part of their faith journey and relationships. Ministries Across Generations wanted to share importance of camp and support (financially and spiritually) the places where many people feel God's presence most.

To donate to today's camp: Tall Oaks, Buffalo, Indiana

Tall Oaks Love Letter

           I started to go to camp at the age of five.  I didn’t know how important this place would become to me. Tall Oaks has become a significant place in my life. 

            Eighters was a very specific year that stands out in my camp experience. That year camp taught me how to be comfortable with myself. The relationships that I made during that year are still with me today. Getting to spend a week surrounded by my peers and having honest conversations about ourselves and love was what made my Eighters experience memorable.  

            Tall Oaks has meant so much to me. It influenced my decision to  join the Regional Youth Cabinet as an Adult Leader.  I have also become a keynoter for the Eighters curriculum. I am hoping to give the next generations the experience that I was so blessed to have at Tall Oaks.

With much love,
Jenna Beck (Engelken)


Scripture Week Four: (From InsideOut, This is Our Prayer)

Philippians 1:3–11

Every time I think of you, I thank my God. And whenever I mention you in my prayers, it makes me happy.  This is because you have taken part with me in spreading the good news from the first day you heard about it.  God is the one who began this good work in you, and I am certain that he won’t stop before it is complete on the day that Christ Jesus returns.

You have a special place in my heart. So it is only natural for me to feel the way I do. All of you have helped in the work that God has given me, as I defend the good news and tell about it here in jail. God himself knows how much I want to see you. He knows that I care for you in the same way that Christ Jesus does.

I pray that your love will keep on growing and that you will fully know and understand how to make the right choices. Then you will still be pure and innocent when Christ returns. And until that day, Jesus Christ will keep you busy doing good deeds that bring glory and praise to God.

SOMETHING FUN

Weekly Scriptures
Read the weekly scripture each day. Find a phrase or word that speaks to you. Share your reflections with others over dinner, social media, and in prayer. Share the scripture with a child you know in the car, through a text, or in a children's Bible.

October 14, 2020 - Randy Kuss, Youth & Young Adult Consulting Services, Disciples Home Missions

 

Love letter to camp... 
Week Four: Longing to Celebrate

This year many of our summer camping programs faced creative, spiritual and financial challenges. For many young people, camp is a significant part of their faith journey and relationships. Ministries Across Generations wanted to share importance of camp and support (financially and spiritually) the places where many people feel God's presence most.

To donate to today's camp: Bethany Hills, Tennessee

CAMP IN MY BLOOD

Camp is pretty much in my blood. After a ruminating count I can say I have been part of over 100 camps and uncountable number of retreats here and there. Rustic sites, not-so-rustic sites. Tents, hogans, cabins, conference centers. Ponds and lakes, rivers and streams, mountain and prairie and desert surroundings. While there are always things to complain about at any given site – housing, food, weather, the lake/pond/river/pool, these days whether the wi-fi works or not, and more – I cannot think of anytime I regretted going to camp. On the other hand, I do have some clear favorites.

Embedded perhaps deepest in my heart is Bethany Hills, our Disciples camp at Kingston Springs, Tennessee, about 30 miles west of Nashville, near White Bluff and around the corner from Craggie Hope, just down the road from Carl’s Perfect Pig BBQ. My grandfather, a Disciples minister, was a “dean” – like what we now call a “director” – at early camps after the Disciples acquired the camp in 1944. My mom attended the 1st CYF Conference on those grounds. I grew up going there beginning about 10 years old at Family Camp, umm, a long time ago. In our children’s younger years, we took them there for Family Camp and gathered more recently for Thanksgiving at Bethany Hills with extended family and friends and more fine food than can be imagined. I have been a camper, counselor, and director there, served on the grounds crew setting up and cleaning up and washing dishes.

I remember fireflies in the night, blackberries on the hillside beyond the lake, and crinoids in the stream. “Flashlight-less” hikes and ghost stories. The old dorm where the rumored “Stomper” lived in the attic and renovations of cabins and grounds over the years. Fishing and swimming and canoeing the mighty Harpeth River. Skits and pranks, boomerangs and volleyball. Mud slides in the rain that evolved into mud fights and laughter. Campfires and serenades. Mentors and mentoring. Morning watch and keynotes. Small groups with questions raised and wrangled. Vespers, the night of silence, and so many closing circles. Practicing together opening ourselves to the Holy, walking in the Way of Jesus, being and building the Beloved Community among so many beloved friends.

 I heard sacred stories and formed sacred friendships, both of which continue with and sustain me today. And, too, I remember the first inklings of what might be a call to ministry came there at Bethany Hills where, ever-present, down every path of those sacred grounds, in each person and prayer and whisper of possibility, was the touch of the Holy.

Randy Kuss
Youth & Young Adult Consulting Services
Disciples Home Missions

Scripture Week Four: (From InsideOut, This is Our Prayer)

Philippians 1:3–11

Every time I think of you, I thank my God. And whenever I mention you in my prayers, it makes me happy.  This is because you have taken part with me in spreading the good news from the first day you heard about it.  God is the one who began this good work in you, and I am certain that he won’t stop before it is complete on the day that Christ Jesus returns.

You have a special place in my heart. So it is only natural for me to feel the way I do. All of you have helped in the work that God has given me, as I defend the good news and tell about it here in jail. God himself knows how much I want to see you. He knows that I care for you in the same way that Christ Jesus does.

I pray that your love will keep on growing and that you will fully know and understand how to make the right choices. Then you will still be pure and innocent when Christ returns. And until that day, Jesus Christ will keep you busy doing good deeds that bring glory and praise to God.

SOMETHING FUN

Weekly Scriptures
Read the weekly scripture each day. Find a phrase or word that speaks to you. Share your reflections with others over dinner, social media, and in prayer. Share the scripture with a child you know in the car, through a text, or in a children's Bible.

October 13: Lucy Brown, Kentucky Region, General Youth Council

Love letter to camp...
Week Four: Longing to Celebrate

This year many of our summer camping programs faced creative, spiritual and financial challenges. For many young people, camp is a significant part of their faith journey and relationships. Ministries Across Generations wanted to share importance of camp and support (financially and spiritually) the places where many people feel God's presence most.

To donate to today's camp: Camp Wakon'Da-Ho, Ke

Dear Camp Wakon’Da-Ho,

It breaks my heart to say I won’t have the opportunity to spend a week at camp this summer.

Over the years, camp has served as a reset for me, a reminder of the simple things in life, a break from the rush of school, extracurriculars and work. There, I am reminded of God’s unconditional love, the beautiful sounds of nature and how grateful I am for air conditioning. Most importantly though, I am reminded of how I can see God in others. At Wakon’Da-Ho, I have met some of my best friends and created relationships that will last a lifetime. The magic of Wakon’Da-Ho allows campers to open their hearts and grow more in a way that is shocking for the short time we spend together.

At Wakon’Da-Ho everyone is accepted, and everyone finds happiness and ways to cope with whatever is going on at home. That’s the kind of camp it is, you never leave felling unfulfilled.

And that is why I’m heartbroken. After months of quarantine, missing out on my junior year and anxiety for what was to come, I really needed that reset. And if I’m being honest, I still need it more than ever. Virtual camp helped some, but it’s not the real thing.

If I’ve learned anything from quarantine, I now know how grateful I am for my camp. I also couldn’t be more excited for my next trip there. Because I know it will be the most rewarding trip I’ll have gone on and that thought couldn’t make me happier.

Love

Lucy Brown

Scripture Week Four: (From InsideOut, This is Our Prayer)

Philippians 1:3–11

Every time I think of you, I thank my God. And whenever I mention you in my prayers, it makes me happy.  This is because you have taken part with me in spreading the good news from the first day you heard about it.  God is the one who began this good work in you, and I am certain that he won’t stop before it is complete on the day that Christ Jesus returns.

You have a special place in my heart. So it is only natural for me to feel the way I do. All of you have helped in the work that God has given me, as I defend the good news and tell about it here in jail. God himself knows how much I want to see you. He knows that I care for you in the same way that Christ Jesus does.

I pray that your love will keep on growing and that you will fully know and understand how to make the right choices. Then you will still be pure and innocent when Christ returns. And until that day, Jesus Christ will keep you busy doing good deeds that bring glory and praise to God.

SOMETHING FUN

Weekly Scriptures
Read the weekly scripture each day. Find a phrase or word that speaks to you. Share your reflections with others over dinner, social media, and in prayer. Share the scripture with a child you know in the car, through a text, or in a children's Bible.

October 12, 2020, Jacqueline Curtis. Florida Region, Young Adult Commission

Love letter to camp...
Week Four: Longing to Celebrate

This year many of our summer camping programs faced creative, spiritual and financial challenges. For many young people, camp is a significant part of their faith journey and relationships. Ministries Across Generations wanted to share importance of camp and support (financially and spiritually) the places where many people feel God's presence most.

Dear Camp,

Oh, how I miss you so!! You have been a safe space for me for as long as I can remember. You are the place where I learned to be a Christian. You are the place where I fell in love with nature. You are the place that has wrecked me in all of the best and most needed ways and the place that brought me some of the very best and long lasting relationships that have helped me grow into the woman I am. You are the place that gave me the opportunity to be a camper, a counselor, a keynote speaker, a director, and for the last 4 years (that’s right 4!) the mom of a camper. You are the place that I have not only been able to share with my family but the place where I have become part of a whole new family. Here are a few of my favorite camp moments and memories.

Jacqueline

P.S. Thank you to Mary Beth Harper and all of the wonderful people Landen and I have met from camp. Without you it wouldn’t even camp.

P.S.S. What’s your camp lover letter?

Scripture Week Four: (From InsideOut, This is Our Prayer)

Philippians 1:3–11

Every time I think of you, I thank my God. And whenever I mention you in my prayers, it makes me happy.  This is because you have taken part with me in spreading the good news from the first day you heard about it.  God is the one who began this good work in you, and I am certain that he won’t stop before it is complete on the day that Christ Jesus returns.

You have a special place in my heart. So it is only natural for me to feel the way I do. All of you have helped in the work that God has given me, as I defend the good news and tell about it here in jail. God himself knows how much I want to see you. He knows that I care for you in the same way that Christ Jesus does.

I pray that your love will keep on growing and that you will fully know and understand how to make the right choices. Then you will still be pure and innocent when Christ returns. And until that day, Jesus Christ will keep you busy doing good deeds that bring glory and praise to God.

SOMETHING FUN

Weekly Scriptures
Read the weekly scripture each day. Find a phrase or word that speaks to you. Share your reflections with others over dinner, social media, and in prayer. Share the scripture with a child you know in the car, through a text, or in a children's Bible.

October 9, 2020 Kristin Jack - Texas

 

Love letter to camp...
Week Three: Longing for Change

This year many of our summer camping programs faced creative, spiritual and financial challenges. For many young people, camp is a significant part of their faith journey and relationships. Ministries Across Generations wanted to share importance of camp and support (financially and spiritually) the places where many people feel God's presence most.

To donate to today's camp: Disciples Crossing, Texas

Dear Church Camp,

Hey. long time, no see. I really did miss getting to hang out this summer.  Ugh. Pandemics are not fun and it has definitely put a damper on so many plans this year, but, I have been able to spend a LOT of time thinking and reminiscing about all of the years we have spent together.

Because of Church Camp (specifically, Disciples Crossing Camp in Athens, Texas), I was able to grow in my faith and experience the presence of God like no other place.

Because of church camp, I made life long friends who accepted me fully with no judgement, only love.

Because of church camp, I overcame my fear of singing in front of people and now have helped lead music and worship for decades with children and youth of all ages.

Because of church camp, I decided that playing guitar wasn’t just for the guys, but that they needed a guitar girl, too!

 Because of church camp, I have a place to go, even as an adult, each summer to restore my soul.

Because of church camp, I am able to have hope for the future of the church as I experience weeks of camp with children and youth.

Because of church camp, I am living into the call that God has placed in my heart to serve others, the church and the community as a minister.

But here’s the truth, dearest church camp…you’re not mine anymore.  Because of church camp, my three children get to call you theirs. I am so grateful that church camp ministry continues to span the generations.

Can’t wait to be with you again,

Kristin Jack

Scripture Week Three: (From InsideOut, This is Our Prayer)
Numbers 27:1–11
Zelophehad was from the Manasseh tribe, and he had five daughters, whose names were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.

One day his daughters went to the sacred tent, where they met with Moses, Eleazar, and some other leaders of Israel, as well as a large crowd of Israelites. The young women said: You know that our father died in the desert. But it was for something he did wrong, not for joining with Korah in rebelling against the Lord. Our father left no sons to carry on his family name. But why should his name die out for that reason? Give us some land like the rest of his relatives in our clan, so our father’s name can live on. 

Moses asked the Lord what should be done, and the Lord answered: Zelophehad’s daughters are right. They should each be given part of the land their father would have received. Tell the Israelites that when a man dies without a son, his daughter will inherit his land. If he has no daughter, his brothers will inherit the land. But if he has no brothers, his father’s brothers will inherit the land. And if his father has no brothers, the land must be given to his nearest relative in the clan. This is my law, and the Israelites must obey it.

Weekly Scriptures
Read the weekly scripture each day. Find a phrase or word that speaks to you. Share your reflections with others over dinner, social media, and in prayer. Share the scripture with a child you know in the car, through a text, or in a children's Bible.

October 8, 2020: Justin Floyd, Georgia Region

 

Love letter to camp...
Week Three: Longing for Change

This year many of our summer camping programs faced creative, spiritual and financial challenges. For many young people, camp is a significant part of their faith journey and relationships. Ministries Across Generations wanted to share importance of camp and support (financially and spiritually) the places where many people feel God's presence most.

To donate to today's camp: Camp Christian, Georgia Region

Dear Camp,

It’s been a strange summer. No kids running around. No swimming pool. No basketball. No hamburgers on the grill while we toss water balloons. No campfires. No villas. No cabins. No bathhouse. No time spent at “The place to be in the heart of Georgia.”

But, you remain with us. Camp Christian, you are our home away from home, our spiritual refuge, our favorite place to be. Sitting in the rocking chairs on the Woodland Lodge porch may not happen this year, but when we close our eyes, we are there. Resting in the shade of the tall Georgia pine trees, smelling the sweet air, hearing the bugs crawl around the pine needles.

We’re not at camp, but camp is in our hearts. We feel the spirit of Camp Christian when we laugh with our friends during a camp zoom call. We feel the peace of Camp Christian when we close our eyes at night and remember campfires, and vespers of years past. We feel the joy and love of Camp Christian when we reach out to a friend just to say “hi” and be reminded that God’s love comes in the form of camp friendships that can withstand the test of time, distance, and even pandemics.

We know that one day we will be back on Holy Ground. We know that the cabins will be there. The small group villas ready to eavesdrop on our conversations about life. The campfire ring will be ready to hear us scream our silly songs at the top of our lungs into the cicada filled night. And most of all, we know that feeling of camp, that unexplainable sense of love, peace, and sanctuary will be waiting for us.

Soon, we will once again turn onto the dirt road, make our way through the gates, dodge the tree roots and pot holes, and enter into God’s home away from home deep in the heart of Georgia.

Till then, old friend,

Peace

Justin Floyd

Scripture Week Three: (From InsideOut, This is Our Prayer)

Numbers 27:1–11
Zelophehad was from the Manasseh tribe, and he had five daughters, whose names were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.

One day his daughters went to the sacred tent, where they met with Moses, Eleazar, and some other leaders of Israel, as well as a large crowd of Israelites. The young women said: You know that our father died in the desert. But it was for something he did wrong, not for joining with Korah in rebelling against the Lord. Our father left no sons to carry on his family name. But why should his name die out for that reason? Give us some land like the rest of his relatives in our clan, so our father’s name can live on. 

Moses asked the Lord what should be done, and the Lord answered: Zelophehad’s daughters are right. They should each be given part of the land their father would have received. Tell the Israelites that when a man dies without a son, his daughter will inherit his land. If he has no daughter, his brothers will inherit the land. But if he has no brothers, his father’s brothers will inherit the land. And if his father has no brothers, the land must be given to his nearest relative in the clan. This is my law, and the Israelites must obey it.

Weekly Scriptures
Read the weekly scripture each day. Find a phrase or word that speaks to you. Share your reflections with others over dinner, social media, and in prayer. Share the scripture with a child you know in the car, through a text, or in a children's Bible.

October 7, 2020: Megan Lowe, Tennessee Region

Love letter to camp...
Week Three: Longing for Change

This year many of our summer camping programs faced creative, spiritual and financial challenges. For many young people, camp is a significant part of their faith journey and relationships. Ministries Across Generations wanted to share importance of camp and support (financially and spiritually) the places where many people feel God's presence most.

To donate to today's camp: Bethany Hills, Tennessee Region

The Hills have Smiles 😀

 

 

Oh, Bethany Hills, how I miss you so 

Never would I have imagined to you I could not go 

I know it’s not permanent but only for a while 

That I can not visit the Hills that have smiles. 

On the winding road to you, I felt at peace

When parking in front of the lodge, All of life’s problems would cease. 

I would walk in and find my favorite room 

And return to my friends where love and laughter would resume. 

My campers were brilliant, jolly, and full of light 

Always hoping to compete with the owls every night. 

I miss the hiking and walks around the Chapel 

I miss the feel of the grass, leaves, and gravel 

I miss the unity songs sung in the field and around the fire pit 

I miss the popcorn, fellowship, and the little skits 

I miss the smiles shown morning, noon, and night 

I miss the fireflies that lit up so bright 

I miss the campground with its idyllic style 

I miss Bethany Hills, the hills that have smiles. 

Megan Lowe,  Tennessee Region

Scripture Week Three: (From InsideOut, This is Our Prayer)

Numbers 27:1–11
Zelophehad was from the Manasseh tribe, and he had five daughters, whose names were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.

One day his daughters went to the sacred tent, where they met with Moses, Eleazar, and some other leaders of Israel, as well as a large crowd of Israelites. The young women said: You know that our father died in the desert. But it was for something he did wrong, not for joining with Korah in rebelling against the Lord. Our father left no sons to carry on his family name. But why should his name die out for that reason? Give us some land like the rest of his relatives in our clan, so our father’s name can live on. 

Moses asked the Lord what should be done, and the Lord answered: Zelophehad’s daughters are right. They should each be given part of the land their father would have received. Tell the Israelites that when a man dies without a son, his daughter will inherit his land. If he has no daughter, his brothers will inherit the land. But if he has no brothers, his father’s brothers will inherit the land. And if his father has no brothers, the land must be given to his nearest relative in the clan. This is my law, and the Israelites must obey it.

Weekly Scriptures
Read the weekly scripture each day. Find a phrase or word that speaks to you. Share your reflections with others over dinner, social media, and in prayer. Share the scripture with a child you know in the car, through a text, or in a children's Bible.

October 6, 2020: Heather Hayes, Upper Midwest

 

Love letter to camp... 
Week Three: Longing for Change

This year many of our summer camping programs faced creative, spiritual and financial challenges. For many young people, camp is a significant part of their faith journey and relationships. Ministries Across Generations wanted to share importance of camp and support (financially and spiritually) the places where many people feel God's presence most.

To donate to today's camp: Christian Conference Center, Upper Midwest Region

To whom it may concern,

I was asked to write a letter on why Christian Conference Center church camp was an important part of my life and why I enjoy spending time on Holy Ground. There are so many reasons, but I will narrow them down to a one page letter.

First of all, I grew up in the Disciple of Christ church and going to camp was a fun way to extend my sunday school teachings with kids from all over Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota and North Dakota. Most of the time it was just Iowa kids, since the camp is located in central Iowa. As a young adult, I was able to grow closer to God and enjoy his creation. I was able to unplug and just relax. As an adult, I am humbled that God allows me to come and share my love of Him and my knowledge of the Bible with young kids and young adults.

I have always been a shy child and not really one to open up to people unless I knew them well. Church camp changed this for me. I was able to share my thoughts and feelings and make lots of friends. I was able to step out of my comfort zone and challenge myself, with no judgement. Camp probably is the reason I am a high school teacher, sunday school teacher, Elder and leader. I love my church and Holy Ground.

Each time I set foot on Holy Ground, everything else goes away. My stress, my problems, my professional life. It is a place that I go to recharge and get back to God and His purpose. Life gets busy and gets in the way of God and being on Holy Ground gets me to focus back on God.

I love sharing the camp experience with the kids and youth of my church. There’s no better feeling than when I am talking about my camp and counselor experiences. When I am having a bad day, I make myself think of camp and I go and find the pictures and videos and it helps make the bad day go away.

This year, due to the terrible virus, COVID -19, camp was cancelled. This made my heart sink. It was another victim to the virus ( school, Easter, in person worship, my birthday). I prayed to God and asked why- of course He didn’t answer me the way I wanted, but He did answer. ADAM camp was able to be attended virtually, camp crates were created with you tube videos to do the activities with the interns, volunteer time was changed to packing and working instead of counseling. I was able to enjoy Holy Ground by helping trim trees, pack camp crates and paint fence pickets this summer and it made my summer! God is still here and I was able to recharge at our beautiful campus. I was able to have a piece of normal in this not normal world.

Holy Ground is where I found a stronger relationship with God. It is where I found life long friends. It is where I continue to share my love of God with others. It is where I grew up, where my oldest kids grew up and where my youngest is growing up.

As an adult, I still look up at the starry sky at night and sing to myself, Starry, Starry Night, which is what my CYF director always sang to us at night. I look at the field in Chi- Rho country, where the retreat house is and remember the Friday night sleep out under the stars there. I walk the trails and remember the old cabins and the fun I had there. I go to picnic grove and remember the cow games course. I remember and pray for all of the friends I made there and the friends I work with there now. I look at our new lake and remember all of the work that the Jerry and Linda Wolf have done at camp to make it a great place to be. I walk into the new cabins and can feel the prayers of those whose names are on the studs of the walls, who prayed for the future campers and built the cabins. I see all that CCC does for the Christian Church, Disciples of Christ and the world.

This is why I love Holy Ground and will always be a supporter of it!

God Bless All of Us!

Love and blessings,
Heather Hayes
Burlington, Iowa

Scripture Week Three: (From InsideOut, This is Our Prayer)
Numbers 27:1–11
Zelophehad was from the Manasseh tribe, and he had five daughters, whose names were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.

One day his daughters went to the sacred tent, where they met with Moses, Eleazar, and some other leaders of Israel, as well as a large crowd of Israelites. The young women said: You know that our father died in the desert. But it was for something he did wrong, not for joining with Korah in rebelling against the Lord. Our father left no sons to carry on his family name. But why should his name die out for that reason? Give us some land like the rest of his relatives in our clan, so our father’s name can live on. 

Moses asked the Lord what should be done, and the Lord answered: Zelophehad’s daughters are right. They should each be given part of the land their father would have received. Tell the Israelites that when a man dies without a son, his daughter will inherit his land. If he has no daughter, his brothers will inherit the land. But if he has no brothers, his father’s brothers will inherit the land. And if his father has no brothers, the land must be given to his nearest relative in the clan. This is my law, and the Israelites must obey it.

SOMETHING FUN

Weekly Scriptures
Read the weekly scripture each day. Find a phrase or word that speaks to you. Share your reflections with others over dinner, social media, and in prayer. Share the scripture with a child you know in the car, through a text, or in a children's Bible.

October 5, 2020: Ella Johnson, Central Rocky Mountain Region

Love letter to camp...
Week Three: Longing for Change

This year many of our summer camping programs faced creative, spiritual and financial challenges. For many young people, camp is a significant part of their faith journey and relationships. Ministries Across Generations wanted to share importance of camp and support (financially and spiritually) the places where many people feel God's presence most.

To donate to today's camp: La Foret, Central Rocky Mountain Region

Love Letter to La Foret❤️🌲:

I love camp. It made me who I am, surrounded me with supporting and loving people, and taught me so much. The memories from camp I will cherish forever. Playing spoons in Pondo, dancing to star trekkin at the frolic, tears shed at senior yet, and so

many more. The laughter I shared at campfires, the holiness I felt at camp worships, the embarrassment during ECOY introductions, and the love of God touching down on earth. Camp taught me what it meant to embrace vulnerability and open myself up to people. Camp taught me what it means to be loved fully and to love others the way God intended. Camp taught me what it means to be community - to feel safe, supported and cared for by every single person around you. Camp taught me how to be a leader and embrace my confidence to lead others. Camp showed me that it is okay to show others who I truly am.

I love camp and it will be with me forever. Thank you La Foret. 

-Ella Johnson

Scripture Week Three: (From InsideOut, This is Our Prayer)
Numbers 27:1–11
Zelophehad was from the Manasseh tribe, and he had five daughters, whose names were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.

One day his daughters went to the sacred tent, where they met with Moses, Eleazar, and some other leaders of Israel, as well as a large crowd of Israelites. The young women said: You know that our father died in the desert. But it was for something he did wrong, not for joining with Korah in rebelling against the Lord. Our father left no sons to carry on his family name. But why should his name die out for that reason? Give us some land like the rest of his relatives in our clan, so our father’s name can live on. 

Moses asked the Lord what should be done, and the Lord answered: Zelophehad’s daughters are right. They should each be given part of the land their father would have received. Tell the Israelites that when a man dies without a son, his daughter will inherit his land. If he has no daughter, his brothers will inherit the land. But if he has no brothers, his father’s brothers will inherit the land. And if his father has no brothers, the land must be given to his nearest relative in the clan. This is my law, and the Israelites must obey it.

SOMETHING FUN

Weekly Scriptures
Read the weekly scripture each day. Find a phrase or word that speaks to you. Share your reflections with others over dinner, social media, and in prayer. Share the scripture with a child you know in the car, through a text, or in a children's Bible.

October 2, 2020: Blake Coe, Southwest Region

Love letter to camp...
Week Two: Longing for Guidance

This year many of our summer camping programs faced creative, spiritual and financial challenges. For many young people, camp is a significant part of their faith journey and relationships. Ministries Across Generations wanted to share importance of camp and support (financially and spiritually) the places where many people feel God's presence most.

To donate to today's camp: Disciple Oaks in Gonzales, Texas

Hello! My name is Blake Coe. I have just begun my second year of college and I went to camp in the Southwest Region, beginning at Lake Brownwood Christian Retreat Center (LBCR), then Disciples Crossing (DC), and finishing my camp years at the Disciples Oaks Retreat Center.

Growing up the son of a very involved preacher, I suppose it shouldn’t come as a shock that I was introduced to camp at a very young age. Back in those days, it was like a fun vacation my friends and I took every year. As I write, memories of LBCR’s Vespers, DC’s “Creative” Side, and Disciple Oaks’ Big Room take me back to a simpler time. Camp was where I could be myself. Camp didn’t treat me like an outsider. Camp was home.

It wasn’t until God found me, around my freshman year of high school, that the whole dynamic of camp evolved. Camp made me think in different ways and explore my own beliefs and emotions. That curiosity led me to join the Youth Ministry Team at the same time the Coastal Plains/Bluebonnet Area youth were combining, which made me a member among the first Mission South YMT’s. At CYLS, the recently-installed Regional’s takes communion from their predecessor and then serves the new servant leaders; and I remember feeling for the first time in that moment a deeper feeling of spiritual satisfaction than I had ever felt.

It is impossible to describe the camp experience, but I know that it is unmatched in every category. I love camp because of it's first and foremost a community, bringing people together and forging relationships that will last a lifetime. I love camp because it is away from the chaos of the outside world, giving me time to think about personal issues and further explore my faith/spirituality. I cannot imagine how it must feel to lose that experience.

Things are different now. COVID-19 silently lurks, hurting those we love and pushing the pause button on typical Summer activities. I hope you continue to stay healthy and encouraged by the fact that we can and we will prevail. Although camp is cancelled, I am reminded and hopeful of the fact that this is temporary and God loves me; the same way God loves you.

Stay healthy and safe!

Peace, now and forever.

Blake Coe (Camper, YMT, RYMC, GYC, MAG)

Scripture Week Two: (From InsideOut, This is Our Prayer)
1 Kings 3:7–15
Lord God, I’m your servant, and you’ve made me king in my father’s place. But I’m very young and know so little about being a leader. And now I must rule your chosen people, even though there are too many of them to count. Please make me wise and teach me the difference between right and wrong. Then I will know how to rule your people. If you don’t, there is no way I could rule this great nation of yours.

God said: Solomon, I’m pleased that you asked for this. You could have asked to live a long time or to be rich. Or you could have asked for your enemies to be destroyed. Instead, you asked for wisdom to make right decisions. So I’ll make you wiser than anyone who has ever lived or ever will live. I’ll also give you what you didn’t ask for. You’ll be rich and respected as long as you live, and you’ll be greater than any other king. If you obey me and follow my commands, as your father David did, I’ll let you live a long time. Solomon woke up and realized that God had spoken to him in the dream. He went back to Jerusalem and stood in front of the sacred chest, where he offered sacrifices to please the Lord and sacrifices to ask his blessing. Then Solomon gave a feast for his officials.

At Home Videos

Weekly Scriptures
Read the weekly scripture each day. Find a phrase or word that speaks to you. Share your reflections with others over dinner, social media, and in prayer. Share the scripture with a child you know in the car, through a text, or in a children's Bible.

October 1, 2020: Chianne Gibbs, Pacific Southwest Region

Love letter to camp...
Week Two: Longing for Guidance

This year many of our summer camping programs faced creative, spiritual and financial challenges. For many young people, camp is a significant part of their faith journey and relationships. Ministries Across Generations wanted to share importance of camp and support (financially and spiritually) the places where many people feel God's presence most.

To donate to today's camp: Loch Leven, Pacific Southwest Region

Dear Loch Leven,

I miss you guys so much! Loch Leven has always been my happy place and get away from city life. From the amazing chefs, fun staff, and incredible wildlife – Loch Leven forever will hold a place in my heart.

In the 4 years of going for camp and retreats, I’ve made so many memories. I got to climb a tree 😊

I went creek walking, did countless hilarious games in the meadow, screamed songs at dinner time, and so much more. Loch Leven is a home away from home and I’m so grateful I got to experience it for as long as I did. I hope to come back and see everyone and the land soon!

Love

Chianne Gibbs

Scripture Week Two: (From InsideOut, This is Our Prayer)

1 Kings 3:7–15

Lord God, I’m your servant, and you’ve made me king in my father’s place. But I’m very young and know so little about being a leader. And now I must rule your chosen people, even though there are too many of them to count. Please make me wise and teach me the difference between right and wrong. Then I will know how to rule your people. If you don’t, there is no way I could rule this great nation of yours.

God said: Solomon, I’m pleased that you asked for this. You could have asked to live a long time or to be rich. Or you could have asked for your enemies to be destroyed. Instead, you asked for wisdom to make right decisions. So I’ll make you wiser than anyone who has ever lived or ever will live. I’ll also give you what you didn’t ask for. You’ll be rich and respected as long as you live, and you’ll be greater than any other king. If you obey me and follow my commands, as your father David did, I’ll let you live a long time. Solomon woke up and realized that God had spoken to him in the dream. He went back to Jerusalem and stood in front of the sacred chest, where he offered sacrifices to please the Lord and sacrifices to ask his blessing. Then Solomon gave a feast for his officials.

At Home Videos

Weekly Scriptures
Read the weekly scripture each day. Find a phrase or word that speaks to you. Share your reflections with others over dinner, social media, and in prayer. Share the scripture with a child you know in the car, through a text, or in a children's Bible.

September 30, 2020: High School Seniors, Oklahoma Region

Love letter to camp...
Week Two: Longing for Guidance

This year many of our summer camping programs faced creative, spiritual and financial challenges. For many young people, camp is a significant part of their faith journey and relationships. Ministries Across Generations wanted to share importance of camp and support (financially and spiritually) the places where many people feel God's presence most.

To donate to today's camp: Oklahoma Region


https://youtu.be/QSWeFJtK1SM

Scripture Week Two: (From InsideOut, This is Our Prayer)

1 Kings 3:7–15

Lord God, I’m your servant, and you’ve made me king in my father’s place. But I’m very young and know so little about being a leader. And now I must rule your chosen people, even though there are too many of them to count. Please make me wise and teach me the difference between right and wrong. Then I will know how to rule your people. If you don’t, there is no way I could rule this great nation of yours.

God said: Solomon, I’m pleased that you asked for this. You could have asked to live a long time or to be rich. Or you could have asked for your enemies to be destroyed. Instead, you asked for wisdom to make right decisions. So I’ll make you wiser than anyone who has ever lived or ever will live. I’ll also give you what you didn’t ask for. You’ll be rich and respected as long as you live, and you’ll be greater than any other king. If you obey me and follow my commands, as your father David did, I’ll let you live a long time. Solomon woke up and realized that God had spoken to him in the dream. He went back to Jerusalem and stood in front of the sacred chest, where he offered sacrifices to please the Lord and sacrifices to ask his blessing. Then Solomon gave a feast for his officials.

At Home Videos

Weekly Scriptures
Read the weekly scripture each day. Find a phrase or word that speaks to you. Share your reflections with others over dinner, social media, and in prayer. Share the scripture with a child you know in the car, through a text, or in a children's Bible.

September 29, 2020, Christina Wilson, Kentucky Region

Love letter to camp...
Week Two: Longing for Guidance

This year many of our summer camping programs faced creative, spiritual and financial challenges. For many young people, camp is a significant part of their faith journey and relationships. Ministries Across Generations wanted to share importance of camp and support (financially and spiritually) the places where many people feel God's presence most.

To donate to today's camp: WKDH, Kentucky

Dear WKDH Senior, 

There are no words to describe what you have been through your senior year. This should be a time for your many "lasts" of your high school chapter. Instead you are going through a major first - The Coronavirus Pandemic. 😞

I want you to know that you are loved. Even when times are hard, you are loved. When you feel cheated, you are loved. When you want to scream and cry - you are loved. We love you. You always have your WKDH family who will stand with you and love you.

Through this crazy time, we walk with you. We will be here for you and we will support you. When you feel lost, we will help and guide you the best we can. We are in this together and we will get through this because we are WKDH strong. 😊

Agape

Christina Wilson

Scripture Week Two: (From InsideOut, This is Our Prayer)
1 Kings 3:7–15
Lord God, I’m your servant, and you’ve made me king in my father’s place. But I’m very young and know so little about being a leader. And now I must rule your chosen people, even though there are too many of them to count. Please make me wise and teach me the difference between right and wrong. Then I will know how to rule your people. If you don’t, there is no way I could rule this great nation of yours.

God said: Solomon, I’m pleased that you asked for this. You could have asked to live a long time or to be rich. Or you could have asked for your enemies to be destroyed. Instead, you asked for wisdom to make right decisions. So I’ll make you wiser than anyone who has ever lived or ever will live. I’ll also give you what you didn’t ask for. You’ll be rich and respected as long as you live, and you’ll be greater than any other king. If you obey me and follow my commands, as your father David did, I’ll let you live a long time. Solomon woke up and realized that God had spoken to him in the dream. He went back to Jerusalem and stood in front of the sacred chest, where he offered sacrifices to please the Lord and sacrifices to ask his blessing. Then Solomon gave a feast for his officials.

At Home Videos

Weekly Scriptures
Read the weekly scripture each day. Find a phrase or word that speaks to you. Share your reflections with others over dinner, social media, and in prayer. Share the scripture with a child you know in the car, through a text, or in a children's Bible.

September 28, 2020: Courtney Cartwright, North Carolina

Love letter to camp...
Week Two: Longing for Guidance

This year many of our summer camping programs faced creative, spiritual and financial challenges. For many young people, camp is a significant part of their faith journey and relationships. Ministries Across Generations wanted to share importance of camp and support (financially and spiritually) the places where many people feel God's presence most.

To donate to today's camp: Caroline, North Carolina

Dearest Camp,

Since I was a nine year old little girl, looking for a place I could just be myself, you have been there for me. You gave me a place that I could be me all the time. You showed me the unconditional love of God through the many counselors, directors, and staff members you put in my life. You gave me strength to be the person God truly planned for me to be. You gave me lifelong friends who have been with me through thick and thin and who I know will always be there. You showed me that I can be a leader and that other valued my ideas and views. You also gave me a place that is always home, no matter how long it has been since I visited you.

I have been blessed to spend close to 15 years and over 52 weeks enjoying your comforts and working to give others the many blessings you gave to me. I pray that you will continue to bless my life and many others for many, many years to come.

With All My Love,

Courtney

Scripture Week Two: (From InsideOut, This is Our Prayer)
1 Kings 3:7–15

Lord God, I’m your servant, and you’ve made me king in my father’s place. But I’m very young and know so little about being a leader. And now I must rule your chosen people, even though there are too many of them to count. Please make me wise and teach me the difference between right and wrong. Then I will know how to rule your people. If you don’t, there is no way I could rule this great nation of yours.

God said: Solomon, I’m pleased that you asked for this. You could have asked to live a long time or to be rich. Or you could have asked for your enemies to be destroyed. Instead, you asked for wisdom to make right decisions. So I’ll make you wiser than anyone who has ever lived or ever will live. I’ll also give you what you didn’t ask for. You’ll be rich and respected as long as you live, and you’ll be greater than any other king. If you obey me and follow my commands, as your father David did, I’ll let you live a long time. Solomon woke up and realized that God had spoken to him in the dream. He went back to Jerusalem and stood in front of the sacred chest, where he offered sacrifices to please the Lord and sacrifices to ask his blessing. Then Solomon gave a feast for his officials.

At Home Videos

Weekly Scriptures
Read the weekly scripture each day. Find a phrase or word that speaks to you. Share your reflections with others over dinner, social media, and in prayer. Share the scripture with a child you know in the car, through a text, or in a children's Bible.

September 25. 2020: Kenny Hardway, West Virginia Region

Love letter to camp...
Week One: Longing to Be Invited

This year many of our summer camping programs faced creative, spiritual and financial challenges. For many young people, camp is a significant part of their faith journey and relationships. Ministries Across Generations wanted to share importance of camp and support (financially and spiritually) the places where many people feel God's presence most.


To donate to today's camp: In Honor of Camp, West Virginia Region

Dear Camp 

I love you all. As I think about the years I’ve been involved with camp, and the number of youth and counselors whom I’ve shared these life-shaping moments with, I’m overwhelmed. Church Camp & Conference is special. I can’t imagine my life without it. #CampMatters

I wish I knew how many times I’ve heard a senior say on their last night, “I want to come back next year, and every year after that.” I get that feeling. I’ve been blessed with this call to ministry, and by the grace of the church, I’ve been allowed to do that very thing. It breaks my heart that we didn’t get to share that conversation this year. We didn’t get to share those senior banquet speeches. We didn’t share together in that final Consecration service. We didn’t share in that great Agape Love Feast. 

When hearts break—when something is missed so greatly—it’s a sign that we have loved well. It’s a reminder to the church of how important this ministry really is. It’s an affirmation that God is still calling the church to transform hearts and lives with the gospel of great love. It’s our hearts way of telling us that God uses church camp and conference as a sacred vehicle for God’s mission in the world. It’s a painful way to be reminded, that’s for sure. But the cross points to hope beyond the pain. Pain can be given meaning. Suffering can be redeemed. 

Think of the Lord’s Supper we share. This moment where at the same time that Christ urges us to remember the past, he is simultaneously calling us into the future. This faith we share at camp, and around Table, is a faith that is real in the moment and invites us to take the wider view of God, in time. There’s a sacred remembering of the past, the sting of the moment’s pain, but also a promised hope and a reason to continue on. There’s a deepening commitment to the real presence of Christ in the ministry we share, and a collective re-dedication to the work of being made disciples together. Yes, as I reminisce on the memories of years past, I am also encouraged to the hope of years to come, and in it all I feel the very presence of Christ who promises never to leave us. 

Dear Camp, please know that the church loves you and is committed to you. Take heart in knowing that the sting you feel over missing camp may actually be God’s way of showing you love in a new way. Join me in a hopeful re-dedication to the continuing of God’s good work through the church, and through our Camp and Conference ministry together. This ministry is important! It will take us all joining together to see it carry on. Together, we can commit to “next year, and every year after that” so that others can feel the love of God and the church that you now know, in very real and powerful ways. 

We will continue on. Together. In Love.
Rev. Kenny

Scripture Week One: (From InsideOut, This is Our Prayer)
Luke 6:12–16 
About that time Jesus went off to a mountain to pray, and he spent the whole night there. The next morning he called his disciples together and chose twelve of them to be his apostles. One was Simon, and Jesus named him Peter. Another was Andrew, Peter’s brother. There were also James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus. The rest of the apostles were Simon, known as the Eager One, Jude, who was the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who later betrayed Jesus.


At Home Activities

Weekly Scriptures
Read the weekly scripture each day. Find a phrase or word that speaks to you. Share your reflections with others over dinner, social media, and in prayer. Share the scripture with a child you know in the car, through a text, or in a children's Bible.

September 24, 2020: Alissa Tribble, Florida Region

Love letter to camp...
Week One: Longing to Be Invited

This year many of our summer camping programs faced creative, spiritual and financial challenges. For many young people, camp is a significant part of their faith journey and relationships. Ministries Across Generations wanted to share importance of camp and support (financially and spiritually) the places where many people feel God's presence most.

To donate to today's camp: The Retreat at Silver Springs, Florida

Hello, My name is Alissa Tribble and I have been attending camp at The Retreat since going into 4th grade (I am now finishing 11th grade). I am a member of First Christian Church of Disciples in Jacksonville/Mandarin, of where I first became aware of The

Retreat. 

I don’t remember much from my first years at camp besides my counselor Lexi, Sydney Hoopaugh as my cabin mate, my fear of the monkeys, and the creation of my belief in the blue fire. I have always wanted to be able to immortalize each and every memory created at camp, but I have found I am only able to do so with the pictures we are given at closing worship and the ones we are solely left to remember. 

Every summer, I am able to come to a place where I have fallen drastically in-love with and spend a week with beautiful people I have yet to know and others I’ll never forget. This year, I would be attending CYF Conference for my Junior year (3rd year). Overall, my time at The Retreat has been unforgettable, but my last two years at CYF has been at an all-time high. I have learned so much more about our Father, in heaven and how to maintain my hope and faith within him. Now, everything is growing complicated and is leaving me and many people in my life unsure about what’s to come, regarding COVID-19. 

Recently, I have been immensely struggling with my faith and my overall well-being. Many people in my family have fallen sick and a few that I have held closely to my heart have recently died (none of which impacted by from COVID). Normally, at the end of every school year when we come to camp and begin the week, I and along with everybody else am able to bring ourselves back together and prepare for the rest of our year, and everything to come afterwards; knowing the following year, we can spend another wonderful week at camp. I know you all may not have much control over if camp can still physically go on, but if it is at all possible, we are all desperately pulling for this summer. Almost everybody from this previous summer at CYF has stayed in contact in an ongoing group chat and we talk weekly, if not every day. We have been nonstop talking about all of our memories and our favorite times at camp. For a few people in the group, it is supposed to be their last year at camp as they have graduated high school, others have already had their last. Me and about seven people from said group chat got together last September in Orlando and reminisced as it would more than likely be our last time seeing one another. 

For me, this camp is a place where i feel secure and safer than i have felt anywhere else. In more ways than one, I have fallen in-love with The Retreat and I’ll continue to pray my heart out that it can and will still go on in July. I know you all will have your decision made in a week from today, but I pray if all circumstances fall in place, we can still commemorate this year and come together for a week of worship and gratitude with amazing, beautiful people. I love all of you for creating and maintaining such a magical and peaceful sanctuary for all of us to come to and share. We are all a family. 

Thank you all for what you do. Sincerely, Alissa Tribble, fellow loving camper:)

Scripture Week One: (From InsideOut, This is Our Prayer)
Luke 6:12–16 
About that time Jesus went off to a mountain to pray, and he spent the whole night there. The next morning he called his disciples together and chose twelve of them to be his apostles. One was Simon, and Jesus named him Peter. Another was Andrew, Peter’s brother. There were also James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus. The rest of the apostles were Simon, known as the Eager One, Jude, who was the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who later betrayed Jesus.


At Home Activities

Weekly Scriptures
Read the weekly scripture each day. Find a phrase or word that speaks to you. Share your reflections with others over dinner, social media, and in prayer. Share the scripture with a child you know in the car, through a text, or in a children's Bible.

September 23, 2020: Paige Beach Cook, Northern California Region, GYC Adult

Love letter to camp... 
Week One: Longing to Be Invited

This year many of our summer camping programs faced creative, spiritual and financial challenges. For many young people, camp is a significant part of their faith journey and

relationships. Ministries Across Generations wanted to share importance of camp and support (financially and spiritually) the places where many people feel God's presence most.

To donate to today's camp: Community of the Great Commission, Northern California

This very week, same time each year, our Christian youth gear up for a week of summer camp...  The excitement of seeing old friends & anticipation of creating new ones, the longing for the unconditional support of their peers, experiences & faith journeys, the sights, smells, sounds of nature & laughter, midnight serenades, magical campfires, obnoxious repetitive tribal chants & the lullabies of crickets.  I will truly miss the lack of sleep,  mosquito bites, questionable food  but most of all... I miss you. Until we meet again my dear humans, be of warrior spirit & of servants heart

Peace Paige Beach Cook

Scripture Week One: (From InsideOut, This is Our Prayer)
Luke 6:12–16
About that time Jesus went off to a mountain to pray, and he spent the whole night there. The next morning he called his disciples together and chose twelve of them to be his apostles. One was Simon, and Jesus named him Peter. Another was Andrew, Peter’s brother. There were also James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus. The rest of the apostles were Simon, known as the Eager One, Jude, who was the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who later betrayed Jesus.

At Home Activities

Weekly Scriptures
Read the weekly scripture each day. Find a phrase or word that speaks to you. Share your reflections with others over dinner, social media, and in prayer. Share the scripture with a child you know in the car, through a text, or in a children's Bible.