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Reflections with Camp & Retreat Ministries
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The Way of Jesus
I lift my eyes to the hills,
From where does my help come?
My help comes from the Lord
Who made heaven and earth.
(Psalm 121)
This psalm reminds me that there are things beyond my ability to solve or resolve and I need to turn to others, including God, for help in troubling times. And we have had troubling times, haven’t we? When we thought we couldn’t handle one more problem, it walked in through the door and plopped itself down on the couch for an undetermined length of stay. A couple of quotes to provide some light and humor to these particular uninvited guests in our lives. William Shakespeare wrote, “Unbidden guests are often welcomest when they are gone.” And Benjamin Franklin offered these words: “Guests, like fish, begin to smell after three days.”
While we might want to rush these uninvited and unwelcome guests out the door, what if we took the opportunity to hear what they have to say to us about ways? There are many who are pointing out the ways in which the virus has shone a light on the weaknesses in our healthcare systems. The fires remind us again of the ways of nature and that our ways are adding fuel to the fire. The protests and voices are rising above the way things have always been and declaring that there is more work to be done when it comes to the way our systems help some and hinder others. The more of these lessons we take to heart; the more we work to find ways to make changes to the way we live our lives, the sooner we will reach the destination that we seek: the Way of Jesus.
Bishop Elaine Stanovsky has provided a roadmap for part of this journey. You can find her Episcopal address in three parts on the Oregon-Idaho Conference website. (You will need to scroll down the page to find parts 1 and 2.) In short, the road map directs us to Do No Harm: while we follow protocols to protect ourselves and others from COVID-19, we are called to delve deeply into our spiritual lives, that we may grow in the Way of Jesus. Do Good: the bishop outlines a method for dismantling racism by engaging with seven actions as they relate to our lives and our ministry settings. They are:
- Learn the history and current reality of racism, anti-blackness, Native American exclusion, anti-immigrant attitudes, implicit racial bias and white supremacy.
- Examine the visual images present in worship spaces and facilities, newsletters, for imagery that is culturally biased or exclusionary.
- Reflect on traditions, decision-making, and communication styles that assume and privilege Euro-centric culture and values.
- Examine the values and people prioritized in church budgets and activities.
- In word and deed, intentionally appreciate and honor the God-given goodness of a diverse human family.
- Intentionally welcome the wide diversity of God’s children into full, authentic voice and leadership in our churches.
- Initiate and enter into partnerships with groups in the community that are not now present in each congregation.
And finally, Stay in Love with God by weaving together a connectional future for the United Methodist Church. We understand the strength of connection in Camp and Retreat Ministries because the staff at the six sites is committed to working together and to supporting the mission that we all share. Together we have weathered challenging times and together we are living into this current reality.
And together we remind one another of the love of God for each of us, and that our faith is rooted deeply in what God has created, is creating, and will create in the future. As we travel, pilgrims on this untrodden road, we know that we do not walk The Way alone. May we always remember that our help comes from God and from the community to which we belong.
See you on the adventure ahead,
Rev. Todd Bartlett
Executive Director of Camp and Retreat Ministries
*PHOTO: The view at Wallowa Lake Camp when lifting one's eyes to the hills (Todd Bartlett)
Camp & Retreat Report to Annual Conference
Todd Bartlett shared a video report on Camp and Retreat Ministries to the Oregon-Idaho Annual Conference, meeting via Zoom webinar (and live-streamed for guests) last Wednesday, Sept. 16. You can view the short video here. Many thanks to Greg Nelson (spouse of the Board of Camp & Retreat Ministry's chair, Karen Nelson) for producing the video!
Blessings Report
- The blessing of making plans for an online version of Suttle Lake's Transformations Prayer Retreat this fall
- The blessing of rain in the midst of wildfire season
- The blessing of projects completed by dedicated volunteers at Sawtooth
Please send your blessings to share in future issues of the e-news.
Which way will you choose?
It's not unusual for a clergy person in Oregon-Idaho to share that they first heard a call from God while at camp. Kids and adults alike experience a new sense of clarity about following Jesus during a week at camp or a weekend retreat. You may be one of those who chose to embrace the Way of Jesus with help from camp & retreat ministries. And you can be part of the team that supports that ministry today. Just click the green button to make your donation.
