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Reflections with Camp & Retreat Ministries
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Migrating in Community
One morning this week as I looked out the window, I noticed a flock of geese against the gray rain clouds, flying in their V-formation. I was struck by the contrast between the consistency of this pattern (flight formation as well as seasonal migration) and the swirling of our world due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its seemingly endless assault on human life--and in some cases our refusal to adapt our lives to the threat of the virus.
As they disappeared from my sight, I became aware of the yearning in my life to have the freedom to move about in a carefree manner. This realization attuned me to the grief in my life. I was also aware of the sadness associated with this grief. I know that this limitation is temporary and that one day we will be able to travel freely, and yet, in this moment I experience the grief and sadness. I know that owning this emotional part of my life is an important step in seeing what I need in my life and addressing it so that I can, as Brené Brown says, “lead from heart rather than hurt.”
Recently I heard a colleague say that it is not change that we fear, but loss. With every change comes some sort of loss that can be difficult to live through. In the midst of the pain of loss, there are some things that I believe are essential to our migration to the place on the other side of COVID-19.
- We are better and stronger together – community (a key value of Camp and Retreat Ministry)
- We need to stop, rest, and reflect – spirituality (a key value of Camp and Retreat Ministry)
There are other values, of course. Limiting the list to two keeps it simple, more likely to be remembered, and allows me to focus on these two instead of wondering which of the seven others I should explore, work with, or write about first.
We have a strong community that is committed to doing this work that we call Camp and Retreat Ministries. The directors continue to meet weekly to support one another and make plans for the work that is before us. The board has met monthly during these past eight months, guiding and supporting the staff and ministry in their migration from what was to what is becoming.
The pandemic has provided us with a different understanding of time, and the opportunity to get off the merry-go-round that many of us were on, rest from the compression of life and work, and reflect on what is important to us and how we might carry that forward into the rest of the time we are in this pandemic and beyond. The pandemic has also provided us with the opportunity to face some elements of our national life and story that need a retelling: racism, sexism, and other isms that foster fear, so that we might find the road of peace to walk upon. What is it that you are reflecting on because of these dramatic circumstances?
What values are guiding you on your migration through this time, values that will carry you beyond the pandemic? Have you encountered community and spirituality during these months? Drop me a line and share!
See you on the adventure ahead,
Rev. Todd Bartlett
Executive Director of Camp and Retreat Ministries
*PHOTO: An Americorps team works in community (pre-covid) to do repairs and create a safety barrier on the Deep Creek Trail at the Alton L. Collins Retreat Center (Todd Bartlett).
Five Teamwork Lessons from Geese
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If we have as much sense as geese . . .
These five lessons are based on "goose facts" from sources as diverse as a pastor, a biologist, a Buddhist monk, and an environmentalist. It turns out geese have a lot to teach us! Read the five lessons (from BK Publishers) here.
Blessings Report
- the beauty of fresh snow at Sawtooth, Wallowa Lake, and Suttle Lake
- the excitement of brand-new Board members: Maddy Hickerson (At-Large) and Rev. Jackee Martinez (Episcopal Representative); as well as our new program division member: Rev. Ryan Baker-Fones (Episcopal Representative)
- the joy of working in community with our siblings in the Episcopal Diocese of Oregon
Please send your blessings to share in future issues of the e-news.
Thanks for honking!
One of the lessons we learn from geese is that others on the team honk to encourage the leaders in the front. We camp & retreat ministry leaders have been greatly encouraged by your financial gifts and your messages of support, especially during the pandemic. If you'd like to do some honking today, click here to send a message, or click the green button below to send a financial donation. And thank you!
