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Reflections with Camp & Retreat Ministries
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Wonder
As a part of the Board of Camp & Retreat Ministries meeting this past Saturday, we continued our conversation about our vision. One of the words that has meaning for the members of the board and is part of our conversation about our vision is this word: Wonder.
One day this week while I was out walking, I came across three black-tailed deer who were browsing along my route. I slowed down and watched them for awhile and then I continued on my way. When I returned to that same spot they were still there, though on the other side of the street this time, in a small orchard. As I approached, they looked warily at me but continued to nibble on the grass. And then I stopped near them and watched. One of them came relatively close to me to check me out.
As he walked by, I was struck by the beauty of his fur. That cannot be said of all deer that I have come across lately, but he and his two companions all appeared healthy. I was also struck by the calm and stately way he walked past me, while keeping an eye on me.
I have seen deer through a rifle scope and down the end of an arrow, but I have never seen a living deer this close to me. There were a few moments of fear as I wondered what threat I might pose and how the deer might react but standing still and calm I was able to observe one of God’s beautiful creatures and to experience wide-eyed wonder.
For me, beauty and awe are often part of my experience of wonder. Joy is also sometimes felt in the experience and certainly from time to time a little fear (rock climbing or kayaking are two activities that can elicit fear in me). Through all of them, I am aware that God is present in some way, maybe not front and center, but certainly infusing it all.
Sometimes we experience wonder in unplanned ways and at other times we can create environments that allow us to come in contact with elements of God’s creation that can cause wonder to arise in us. Camp and retreat ministry is often a source of wonder-filled moments. No matter how you have come to experience wonder, when was the last time that you did experience wonder? How did you feel in the moment, or now as you think back on that experience? I hope you will share your reflections with me.
See you on the adventure ahead,
Rev. Todd Bartlett
Executive Director of Camp and Retreat Ministries
*PHOTO: A neighborhood encounter with wonder (Todd Bartlett).
QCamp Coming Soon
QCamp offers a safe, accepting space for young adults (ages 18-25) from the LGBTQ+ community to join in spiritual intention--a weekend where the burden of explanation is lessened, and campers may feel more comfortable expressing their authentic selves. Within that comfort there will be opportunities to build friendships, connect to nature, and encounter the Spirit. This event is scheduled for July 30th to August 1st at Camp Magruder. Look for registration information coming soon at www.gocamping.org.
Blessings Report
- Completion of the Sacred Ground groups
- New Labyrinth at Suttle Lake
- Learning new skills – making pretzels at Wallowa Lake!
Please send your blessings to share in future issues of the e-news.
*PHOTO: Making (or, more accurately, eating!) pretzels at Wallowa Lake (David Lovegren).
The Wonder of Giving
It doesn't take much effort to recall an experience of wonder from a retreat or at camp. It might have been an unexpected encounter with wildlife, or watching the sun slide into the ocean, or seeing the shy kid suddenly open up with joy, or learning how to make pretzels, or relishing how good it feels to hug a friend! And it also doesn't take much effort to express your gratitude for wonder-filled camp memories by clicking on that green button. Your donations are wonderful!
