Faith is the reality of what we hope for, the proof of what we don’t see. -Hebrews 11:1 (CEB)
Snow, sleet, and ice froze out the beginning of this week. It was the most disappointing sort of winter weather in that while roads were impassible and schools were closed, there was no possibility of snowballs or sledding. These were cold, wet days to keep people indoors and bored.
Yet we can also see that the days are growing longer. Spring is coming, and summer not long behind it. I was privileged last year to help lead worship for campers at the Pinelands Center, our beautiful United Methodist camp facility about an hour south of here in the Pine Barrens. Through the work of volunteer crews from churches, financial contributions, and developing new relationships our capacity has increased to where we are able to offer four weeks of camp this summer.
These camps provide an opportunity for the youth in all of our churches to disconnect from the familiar and reconnect with God. Each week is packed with activities every kid can enjoy, from athletics through drama. It’s truly time well spent. Information on signing up and more will follow in the coming weeks.
For those of us who have aged out of organized summer camps, it’s not too early to begin to plan your own means of reconnecting with God and the people you love this Summer. What are you doing to keep yourself energized, awake, and alive in faith even in these short days and long nights? What practices are keeping you hopeful and connected?
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Ben
Lenten Small Groups