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.