September 22, 2020: Jordan White - Camp Wakon-Da-Ho, Kentucky

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: Camp Wakon-Da-Ho, Kentucky

"Life is a very unique thing. In life we live, grow, and find our purpose. Life brings changes within ourselves, our relationships with others, and in our walk with God. For me life is a journey. A journey filled with special people. On that journey we find special places. Places that makes the complexity of life make sense. Wakon-Da-Ho has been a spacial places. Here is why....." https://youtu.be/uK9LTLBOm9E

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.

Welcome! Light a Candle with Campers, 2020

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: Ministries Across Generations is collecting money to donate to the camping programs that participated in Light a Candle. Please donate here to Ministries Across Generations (memo: Camp/Light a Candle).

(From Rev. Dr. Olivia Bryan Updegrove, Minister for Ministries Across Generations at Disciples Home Missions, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

The idea of “Love Letters for Camp” came from the leaders of the Young Adult Commission who were grieving the loss of physical summer camp, alongside their younger friends and older mentors. For many, including me, camp is a sacred and holy space. People who attend church camp regularly are more likely to remain actively faithful as adults.

There are many good and “needs improvement” aspects of camp, but overall it is a place where years of relationships with others and with God have kept me most attuned to the movement of the Spirit in every day life. I have written MANY “love letters” to campers, counselors, directors, church members, and myself.

As I listened to the Youth Sunday sermon a few months ago at one of my former churches as I ran, I began to “ugly” cry at how proud I was of the voices I was hearing. There were four active seniors at that church who I had taken to church camp as 2^nd graders. It has been seven years since I handed them off to another amazing pastor who granted me permission to share my love letter with them.

Ryan, Carli, Kyle, and Tommy (Morgan) – COVID Grads in 2020

I was humbled to baptize you years ago. At that time, I hope you learned that there are many “stops” on a faith journey. Baptism is just one of them. Graduation is one of them. College is one of them. At times these stops may seem like you will never get back on your faith “train,” but my prayer for you is that you do.

At some points in life’s struggles (because there are always struggles), I hope you will remember the communities of faith that love you. I hope you can see the people who sat in the pews around you. I hope you can remember the laughter of mission trips, youth group gatherings, and most importantly mountain top camp experiences. Can you see the cross at the top of that mountain? Depending on which way you go, it makes a difference on how hard it may be to get there. The cross, and what is represents, is always waiting to welcome you at the top of the mountains in life. It is waiting when you have tears, when you have joys, when you need silence, and when you need to hear the echoes of the humans that love you.

For many years, the words of Rev. Susan Gonzales-Dewey ring true, “You are a beloved child of God and beautiful to behold.” Let your beauty shine! Let your heart feel the love! COVID-19 can’t stop it! You can’t stop it! 

If you listen, the cross will call you back to the journey of faith, and if you can’t seem to find it; Find camp… find the cross… and there you may find who God has called you to be amongst crazy 2^nd graders and teenage angst.  It is there that you have helped me find Jesus. Thank you!

Rev. Dr. Olivia

Week Four: Deuteronomy 6:4-9
Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart. Recite them to your children and talk about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise. Bind them as a sign on your hand, fix them as an emblem on your forehead, and write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

(The Message)
Attention, Israel!
God, our God! God the one and only!
Love God, your God, with your whole heart: love him with all that’s in you, love him with all you’ve got!
Write these commandments that I’ve given you today on your hearts. Get them inside of you and then get them inside your children. Talk about them wherever you are, sitting at home or walking in the street; talk about them from the time you get up in the morning to when you fall into bed at night. Tie them on your hands and foreheads as a reminder; inscribe them on the doorposts of your homes and on your city gates.

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.

*The view represented in these devotions come from a variety of diverse perspectives. We do not seek to agree but seek to welcome all to the conversation and the table

Love Letters to Camp! 2020, Begins September 21

 “Love Letters to Camp”

This year's Children's Sabbath celebration will be Sunday October 18, 2020.

The Light a Candle Prayer Vigil uses a different focus scripture each week related to the overall theme as we prepare for Children's Sabbath. You may follow along each day with us online as daily reflections are posted. The devotions will begin Monday, September 21, 2020.

Other Resources for organizing worship and awareness can be found at the Children's Defense Fund website.

Follow daily posts here on the blog or at: 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LightaCandleforChildren

Weekly Scriptures (From Hear Our Prayer, InsideOut Summer Curriculum) 

Scripture Week One 

Longing to be Invited 

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. 

Scripture Week Two 

Longing for Guidance 

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. 

Scripture Week Three 

Longing for Change

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. 

Scripture Week Four 

Longing to Celebrate! 

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. 

*The view represented in these devotions come from a variety of diverse perspectives. We do not seek to agree but seek to welcome all to the conversation and the table.

October 18, 2019

I will be in the church in 10 years. . .

Children and teenagers from the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) were asked why they would be in the church in 10 years. The National Study of Youth and Religion found that almost 60% of emerging adults made their first commitment to live their lives for God before the age of fourteen. (See footnote)

(From Rev. Dr. Olivia Bryan Updegrove, Minister for Ministries Across Generations at Disciples Home Missions, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

"I will be in the church in 10 years... if these young people are still in the church and we have not failed them. While many of these comments are sweet and filled with kindness; many of them are calling "the church" out for its lack of love for all people. They are aware that all people are not valued in all of our churches, and that they may not be valued alongside them when they grow into who God has called them to be. In fact, many of them already knew that they may not be in the church in the future, and others were determined to stay active and change things as they have seen other adults in their lives do."  

Week Four: Deuteronomy 6:4-9
Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart. Recite them to your children and talk about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise. Bind them as a sign on your hand, fix them as an emblem on your forehead, and write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

(The Message)
Attention, Israel!
God, our God! God the one and only!
Love God, your God, with your whole heart: love him with all that’s in you, love him with all you’ve got!
Write these commandments that I’ve given you today on your hearts. Get them inside of you and then get them inside your children. Talk about them wherever you are, sitting at home or walking in the street; talk about them from the time you get up in the morning to when you fall into bed at night. Tie them on your hands and foreheads as a reminder; inscribe them on the doorposts of your homes and on your city gates.

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.

*Faith Formation with a New Generation by Lisa Brown, Tanya Eustace Campen, Lynn Barger Elliot, and Lee Yates

*National Study of Youth and Religion

*The view represented in these devotions come from a variety of diverse perspectives. We do not seek to agree but seek to welcome all to the conversation and the table

October 17, 2019

I will be in the church in 10 years. . .

Children and teenagers from the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) were asked why they would be in the church in 10 years. The National Study of Youth and Religion found that almost 60% of emerging adults made their first commitment to live their lives for God before the age of fourteen. (See footnote)

"I will be at the church in 10 years because of the mission trips and church camp."

"I love the opportunities I get to perform music."

"I love going to camp. I love doing my classes reading my bible and more."

"My church collects rice, collects beans, and collects money and clothes for homeless people all over the world."

"I want to be in choir. And I want to be a big part of church and a big part of faith and action."

Week Four: Deuteronomy 6:4-9
Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart. Recite them to your children and talk about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise. Bind them as a sign on your hand, fix them as an emblem on your forehead, and write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

(The Message)
Attention, Israel!
God, our God! God the one and only!
Love God, your God, with your whole heart: love him with all that’s in you, love him with all you’ve got!
Write these commandments that I’ve given you today on your hearts. Get them inside of you and then get them inside your children. Talk about them wherever you are, sitting at home or walking in the street; talk about them from the time you get up in the morning to when you fall into bed at night. Tie them on your hands and foreheads as a reminder; inscribe them on the doorposts of your homes and on your city gates.

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.

*Faith Formation with a New Generation by Lisa Brown, Tanya Eustace Campen, Lynn Barger Elliot, and Lee Yates

*National Study of Youth and Religion

*The view represented in these devotions come from a variety of diverse perspectives. We do not seek to agree but seek to welcome all to the conversation and the table

October 16, 2019

I will be in the church in 10 years. . .

Children and teenagers from the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) were asked why they would be in the church in 10 years. The National Study of Youth and Religion found that almost 60% of emerging adults made their first commitment to live their lives for God before the age of fourteen. (See footnote)

"I will still be in the church in ten years because without my church community I will struggle to reach my goals of helping others who struggle mentally or with mental health. Without the support of my church I would not be where I am today. I would most certainly not be the person that I am today without my family who have helped guide me in my faith."

"I will be in the church when I grow up because my friends will still be there and to better learn about my faith."

"Love."
 
Week Four: Deuteronomy 6:4-9Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart. Recite them to your children and talk about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise. Bind them as a sign on your hand, fix them as an emblem on your forehead, and write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

(The Message)
Attention, Israel!
God, our God! God the one and only!
Love God, your God, with your whole heart: love him with all that’s in you, love him with all you’ve got!
Write these commandments that I’ve given you today on your hearts. Get them inside of you and then get them inside your children. Talk about them wherever you are, sitting at home or walking in the street; talk about them from the time you get up in the morning to when you fall into bed at night. Tie them on your hands and foreheads as a reminder; inscribe them on the doorposts of your homes and on your city gates.

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.

*Faith Formation with a New Generation by Lisa Brown, Tanya Eustace Campen, Lynn Barger Elliot, and Lee Yates

*National Study of Youth and Religion

*The view represented in these devotions come from a variety of diverse perspectives. We do not seek to agree but seek to welcome all to the conversation and the table

October 15, 2019

I will be in the church in 10 years. . .

Children and teenagers from the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) were asked why they would be in the church in 10 years. The National Study of Youth and Religion found that almost 60% of emerging adults made their first commitment to live their lives for God before the age of fourteen. (See footnote)

"I will be involved with the church through tithes."

"I believe that I will still in church in 10 years because of the community, I feel with the people I go to church with and their support helps me do things I aspire to do. Having common interests such as our belief in Jesus really contributes to the community I feel and my faith."

"I think that helping around the church will keep me in it. I will be in a committee or I will do a small job in the church."

Week Four: Deuteronomy 6:4-9
Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart. Recite them to your children and talk about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise. Bind them as a sign on your hand, fix them as an emblem on your forehead, and write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

(The Message)
Attention, Israel!
God, our God! God the one and only!
Love God, your God, with your whole heart: love him with all that’s in you, love him with all you’ve got!
Write these commandments that I’ve given you today on your hearts. Get them inside of you and then get them inside your children. Talk about them wherever you are, sitting at home or walking in the street; talk about them from the time you get up in the morning to when you fall into bed at night. Tie them on your hands and foreheads as a reminder; inscribe them on the doorposts of your homes and on your city gates.

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.

*Faith Formation with a New Generation by Lisa Brown, Tanya Eustace Campen, Lynn Barger Elliot, and Lee Yates

*National Study of Youth and Religion

*The view represented in these devotions come from a variety of diverse perspectives. We do not seek to agree but seek to welcome all to the conversation and the table