44: Summer Update
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Dear Extended Family,
Thank You
As many of you know, Sandi, John, and I traveled to Pittsburgh August 18 for a Memorial Service for my Mom who lived 76 years there. Thank you to all who prayed and supported us. God met us in the service and at the reception following, where we were able to reconnect with so many people that had been so close to her for many many years. It was very different not having her there. She always had a smile on her face and so enjoyed getting together with her friends and family. She would have been beaming to see how many gathered together to remember her and celebrate her life. We will all miss her, and are glad the separation is temporary. Soon we will all be together again, in the presence of our Savior Jesus the Christ, who conquered death and is alive forevermore.
Family Camps
Over Labor Day weekend I had the privilege of attending the Annual Family Retreat at Miracle Mountain Ranch in NW Pennsylvania. From Friday to Monday we studied the word, worshiped, had great food, encouraging fellowship, and evening haywagon rides. I could have spent all fall there.
One of the camp activities was face painting. But since I have no hair, there is a larger “canvas” for the artist. She decided to paint a gecko. While she was painting an observing camper commented that I needed a small bunny on my head. Then I would be able to say that have a “little hare on my head” 🙂
The next week I had the opportunity to attend a camp at the other corner of Pennsylvania at Spruce Lake in the Pocono Mountains. This was the first Family Camp where I was directing the activities as well as leading the worship services. It was a special time with families from as far away as Florida, Illinois, and Kentucky, and as near as New Jersey. An additional blessing was having 5 families attend who had a child with a disability.
This past Sunday I returned from a Family Retreat in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. I didn’t know anyone when I arrived and by the time I left we were friends. That is one of the reasons I like family camps. After eating, worshiping, playing, and interacting with folks around the clock, meaningful relationships are formed. I know many of the families I met this fall better than I know any of the neighbors on my street.
As one family wrote on their evaluation, “It was refreshing and a great time of bonding and learning from so many other families. I definitely want to do this yearly.” At family camps, every family supplies something unique and special to the body of Christ.
Podcasts
This week I recorded my first podcast. With God’s help, I am planning on producing a new one each week. If you are interested, you may access the first one here.
On a personal note, I am becoming more acquainted with the person and work of the Holy Spirit. I hope to be writing about this behind the scenes member of the Trinity in future missives. Until then, I hope you each are enjoying a lovely fall season.
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. 2 Corinthians 13:14
Steve