2016 Camp Sunday Materials

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1 2016 Camp Sunday Materials February 7, 2016

2 January 7, 2016 Dear Clergy and Congregations, The Diocese of West Texas is blessed to have strong and growing camping ministry, including Mustang Island Family Camp, Camp Capers Summer Camp and Traveling Day Camp, and the Colorado Adventure Program at Duncan Park. These programs embody the mission of the Diocese and the Department of Camps and Conferences: to bring children, adults, and families together and help them know Jesus Christ so that they may reach out into the world in His name. We deeply appreciate your prayers and blessings for the camping ministry of the diocese throughout the year. Bishop Lillibridge has designated February 7, 2016 as Camp Sunday and asks that the loose offering and/or designated offerings for Camp Sunday be given to the Camps Annual Campaign, part of which funds camp scholarships. Each year these generous donations allow ANYBODY to attend Camp Capers Summer Camp and Traveling Day Camp, Mustang Island Family Camp, and the Colorado Adventure Program, regardless of finances. This is the goal of the Camps and Conferences Department, that every person may attend camp; finances should not stop somebody from experiencing the joys and wonders of our camping ministry. Donations can also be made online at In this packet you will find a suggested order of service for Camp Sunday that you can use in your bulletin or worship pamphlet for the service, using parts or the whole as desired. The included prayers, blessings, and readings are all suggestions for you and your congregation, chosen to help celebrate and pray for our camping programs. If part of the liturgy does not fit your preferences for a proper order of service, feel free to change it to better suit your needs. In the weeks leading up to Camp Sunday, please encourage your congregation to wear camp gear on the 7th. Please also ask individuals or families who have attended programs at one or more of our camping locations to give a testimonial about their experiences, especially those persons who were able to attend camp because of the scholarship fund, if they are moved to speak. Attending a week at camp is a significant accomplishment in the lives of all campers and worth celebrating! The contributions from Camp Sunday offerings send individuals to camp who would never have these opportunities otherwise. We want to thank you again for participating in Camp Sunday, helping this ministry to grow, and in turn, strengthening the Diocese of West Texas. If you have any questions concerning the material in this packet or Camp Sunday details, contact Rob Watson, Director of Camps and Conferences, at rob.watson@dwtx.org. Blessings, Rob Watson, Meredith Rogers, and Johnson Jeffers

3 January 7, 2016 I have been blessed to serve in many different aspects of our camps and conference ministry offerings through the years, both as a lay and ordained person. If I were to share with you the stories of transformation I have witnessed in my own life and that of my family and in the lives of people of all ages through these ministries, you would receive an encyclopedia size book. I am continually thankful that there are places where kids of all ages can come and be loved for who they are, ask the hard questions they are wrestling with in their lives in places that are safe and where it is cool to love Jesus, learn more about who they are as a child of God, sing, pray, enjoy creation, laugh, and play. Camp Sunday is an opportunity for congregations to give a financial gift for the blessing of our camps and conference ministry. Many of our participants are able to attend the programs offered at our camps only as a result of the generosity of those who give to fund scholarships. We do not want money challenges to ever keep someone from attending one of our camping opportunities. Last year Camp Sunday raised $19,041; let s raise even more this year!! Every year, those who participate in the ministries at one or more of our camps include churched and unchurched, Episcopalians and non-episcopalians, people from within the diocesan borders and beyond them. Children and families from Good Samaritan Community Services, youth from St Jude s Children s Home, and Wounded Warrior individuals and their families participate. Getting out of the daily routine, gathering with others in a safe and loving environment, experiencing God in creation, and learning more about God and yourself are just a few of the gifts offered through the mission and ministries of our Camps and Conference Department. Peace, The Rev. Lisa Mason Co- Chair, 2016 Camp Annual Fund

4 January 7, 2016 I grew up at Camp Capers. From age nine through high school I went every summer and every chance I could in between. I made my closest, lifetime friends at camp; I met my husband through camp; I was transformed by camp from a shy and timid child into a confident, secure young woman ready to take on the challenges of the world. Camp made all the difference in the world to me because it was there I could see so clearly that I was loved by God, loved by the staff, and valued by my peers. What a meaningful and life changing realization that was to me as a child, an adolescent, and a teenager! Since then, I have been privileged many times as an adult to go to Camp Capers, to Mustang Island Conference Center, and to Duncan Park in Colorado. The love of God, and the love and acceptance of other participants at the events I have attended, is still just as important, meaningful, and transformative as it was when I was a kid. And of course, we are all called to share this transformative love especially with those who are in need or struggling in life. That is why this year s Camp Sunday is so important. In a stressful, scary world full of sniping politicians, terrorist threats, and constant pressure to perform at school or work, God s children need the opportunity to be filled up with self-esteem and hope and love. Thank you for encouraging your congregations to give generously this year. Their gift is not only a financial one, but also the gift of fuller, richer, more hopeful lives filled with the knowledge that we are all loved by God and by His people. Appreciatively, Susan Steves Thompson Co-Chair, 2016 Camp Annual Fund

5 The Collect for the Day O God, who before the passion of your only begotten Son revealed his glory upon the holy mountain: Grant to us that we, beholding by faith the light of his countenance, may be strengthened to bear our cross, and be changed into his likeness from glory to glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. The Collect for Camp Sunday: Almighty God, giver of all life, Your creative hands have molded the dry land and gathered the waters into beautiful places for your children to experience your glory, to build relationships, to find you; your spirit moves in your church to inspire the lives of generations of children, youth and adults with generous and tender love. Move in us as we seek to strengthen the ministries we share, that we may be empowered by your presence to draw all people to you. Keep us ever mindful of the gifts and opportunities before us for the formation of children and families, that, when they ask to see Jesus we might show them the way through the generous and creative camping ministries of our church and diocesan family. Through Christ, who welcomes us to walk with him in unity with you through the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. AMEN First Lesson Exodus 34:29-35 Moses came down from Mount Sinai. As he came down from the mountain with the two tablets of the covenant in his hand, Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God. When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, the skin of his face was shining, and they were afraid to come near him. But Moses called to them; and Aaron and all the leaders of the congregation returned to him, and Moses spoke with them. Afterward all the Israelites came near, and he gave them in commandment all that the LORD had spoken with him on Mount Sinai. When Moses had finished speaking with them, he put a veil on his face; but whenever Moses went in before the LORD to speak with him, he would take the veil off, until he came out; and when he came out, and told the Israelites what he had been commanded, the Israelites would see the face of Moses, that the skin of his face was shining; and Moses would put the veil on his face again, until he went in to speak with him.

6 Psalm 99 1 The LORD is King; let the people tremble; * he is enthroned upon the cherubim; let the earth shake. 2 The LORD is great in Zion; * he is high above all peoples. 3 Let them confess his Name, which is great and awesome; * he is the Holy One. 4 "O mighty King, lover of justice, you have established equity; * you have executed justice and righteousness in Jacob." 5 Proclaim the greatness of the LORD our God and fall down before his footstool; * he is the Holy One. 6 Moses and Aaron among his priests, and Samuel among those who call upon his Name, * they called upon the LORD, and he answered them. 7 He spoke to them out of the pillar of cloud; * they kept his testimonies and the decree that he gave them. 8 O LORD our God, you answered them indeed; * you were a God who forgave them, yet punished them for their evil deeds. 9 Proclaim the greatness of the LORD our God and worship him upon his holy hill; * for the LORD our God is the Holy One.

7 Second Lesson 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2 Since, then, we have such a hope, we act with great boldness, not like Moses, who put a veil over his face to keep the people of Israel from gazing at the end of the glory that was being set aside. But their minds were hardened. Indeed, to this very day, when they hear the reading of the old covenant, that same veil is still there, since only in Christ is it set aside. Indeed, to this very day whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their minds; but when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit. Therefore, since it is by God's mercy that we are engaged in this ministry, we do not lose heart. We have renounced the shameful things that one hides; we refuse to practice cunning or to falsify God's word; but by the open statement of the truth we commend ourselves to the conscience of everyone in the sight of God. The Gospel Luke 9:28-36, [37-43a] About eight days after Peter had acknowledged Jesus as the Christ of God, Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah"--not knowing what he said. While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, "This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!" When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen. [On the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, a great crowd met him. Just then a man from the crowd shouted, "Teacher, I beg you to look at my son; he is my only child. Suddenly a spirit seizes him, and all at once he shrieks. It convulses him until he foams at the mouth; it mauls him and will scarcely leave him. I begged your disciples to cast it out, but they could not." Jesus answered, "You faithless and perverse generation, how much longer must I be with you and bear with you? Bring your son here." While he was coming, the demon dashed him

8 to the ground in convulsions. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, healed the boy, and gave him back to his father. And all were astounded at the greatness of God.] Sermon Nuggets Camp Sunday is an opportunity to both celebrate and give thanks for the ministry we share and a time to encourage others to join us. It is also an opportunity for people to give financially so that cost is never an obstacle in participating in the offerings of our camps and conference ministries. For the message this Sunday, rather than a traditional sermon, invite some of the leaders in your church (the priest, youth, camp alumni, Family Camp participants or others) to share their personal camp story. People often refer to time at camp as a mountaintop experience so let the appointed gospel for this Sunday help you tell the story. Maybe several speakers of different ages and different camp experiences might be effective, such as a parent or grandparent from Family Camp, a youth from Camp Capers, and a youth or adult from Duncan Park. If your church or your speaker(s) have pictures pertaining to their experience at camp, show a slideshow or video clip. People may choose to describe the people at camp, the place, the beautiful landscape, the food, or the community. Or they may choose to share about the meaning of the experience or the relevance of the experience to their lives now. They may want to speak about how camp has affected their family or their family members. They may want to share how a camp experience has empowered them or helped them overcome obstacles in their lives. The sermon can be a wonderful opportunity to share a personal experience about the transforming nature of God at work in a safe, nurturing environment where the meaning of unconditional love comes alive. (Remember, if you want someone from the camps and conference community to speak at your congregation, please contact Meredith Rogers at meredith.rogers@dwtx.org) Prayers of the People: We pray for the Church and its holy mission. That as brothers and sisters in Christ, we may be united together in proclaiming the love of God in all that we do. We pray for all ministries of the Church, especially the camping ministry of this Diocese: Camp Capers, Colorado Adventure Program at Duncan Park, and Mustang Island Family Camp; that these offerings of grace may provide a safe environment for persons of all ages to see and share the Kingdom of God.

9 We pray for our Church leaders: all bishops, priests, deacons, and lay leaders. We pray for all those serving as deans, chaplains, and teachers this summer at camp; that they may support and strengthen all camp participants and leaders while faithfully proclaiming Christ s love. We pray for all camp staff and counselors who will serve this summer; that they may live out the love of Jesus Christ with energy and excitement as they mentor and serve the children, youth and adults gathered at all three camp sites. We pray for the mission of camp ministry in our diocese and all those who support it with their time, talent, and treasure; that we may continue to find new ways to offer these gifts to all who are drawn to encounter your love in this community of grace. We pray for this nation, our leaders, and the world; that they may seek justice and equality for all people, and together we may promote peace across this land. We pray for the earth; that we may live into our calling from the beginning of time as good stewards of Your creation, as we learn to protect and conserve the beauty of the mountains, rivers, and beaches. We pray for this community. That by loving our neighbor we may be a place of healing in a broken world. We pray for those who are suffering or in any kind of trouble; may you send your healing Spirit to comfort and protect them. Help us to always remember that you are our light in the darkness; an outstretched hand when we are alone.

10 We pray for the departed; that you may safely guide them into your loving embrace where they may rest in your eternal Kingdom. The Blessing of the Offering for Camp Sunday Almighty God, we thank you for the generosity of those you have called to the churches of the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas today. Pour out now your blessing upon this offering. Let those who benefit from this generosity find themselves touched by you through the camp experience they will have this summer. May time spent at camp strengthen the bonds of affection amongst them and between them and our Church, and may their experience grow us all, in fellowship with one another, into the head, who is Jesus Christ your Son. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

*Confession & Forgiveness (All may make the sign of the cross, the sign marked at baptism, as the presiding minister begins.)

*Confession & Forgiveness (All may make the sign of the cross, the sign marked at baptism, as the presiding minister begins.) Welcome to to Trinity Lutheran Church Sunday, March 3, 2019 8:30 am ~ Transfiguration of Our Lord Love God, Love Our Neighbors, Serve the World Prelude *Please stand if able Welcome *Confession & Forgiveness