Introduction
I remember so vividly going over the packing list for summer camp. The checklist of clothes and bug spray, fishing equipment and sunscreen. Since the camp I went to was a travelling camp on a customized school bus, we each packed in 2 longneck beer boxes that slid into a custom overhead rack. I later used the boxes for packing all kinds of things and they always brought back great memories of my time at camp. But not everyone who went to camp has great memories. Even if your memories of camp are great, as we become adults we can look back on certain aspects of our experiences with a different understanding of what was going on at the time. This summer we’re taking time to look back on specific elements of experiences that are common to those who have gone to camp, specifically but not limited to church camp, and examine these experiences in light of what we are all coming to know and practice about our faith now. We may not need sunscreen or bug spray, but it will take an adventurous spirit and willingness to experience new things.
Grace and peace y’all,
John Ray and the teaching team
Reflection Questions:
- How have you experienced the Bible in the past? How was it introduced to you and what role has it played in your faith story and development?
- Do you find your relationship with the Bible to have been helpful, harmful, mixed?
- Would it be possible for you to engage with and understand the scriptures as a tool that reveals God’s character and relationship with people? What would that look like?
- If you had been taught to use the scriptures in this way, do you think your faith and relationships with God and others would have looked different?
- Is there any part of you that needs healing because of how the Bible has been used or presented to you?
Communal Confession for Vine and Branch
Rejoice, Grace Church this time culminates our Sabbath day, our gift of rest and renewal.
We rejoice in this time for worship and wonder.
God gives us Sabbath as freedom from and freedom for.
God is worthy of worship, our Creator, Healer, and Inspiration.
Hang on Grace Church, we were never promised an easy road.
Jesus bids each and all of us to take up our cross and follow Him.
We have the promises and person of Jesus with us every step of the way.
Because we have this we will endure, even though we struggle.
We have the testimony of those who have gone before us to encourage and enlighten us.
Because we have this we will follow their example and receive their encouragement.
We have been given each other to rejoice with, grieve with, grow with and work with.
Because we have this community and all these things we will not lose heart or be forever discouraged.
Grace be to you now and forever in the Name of our Lord Jesus
Lord’s Prayer
Christ, who taught us to pray saying:
Our Father who is in heaven, hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come, your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread and forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who’ve sinned against us.
Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
For yours is the kingdom, and the power,
and the glory forever. Amen.
