May 27, 2003

CHURCH CAMP 2003

"All 4 One" was the theme of this year's Church Camp. Besides having a Musketeer bonding connotation (several times our theme was mistakenly announced, "One for All"), it reminded us that the One who unites us is Jesus Christ, and that we exist as a church for him. Our unity in diversity was lived out in a wonderful way during our weekend away.

Forty-four ABCers made their way up the San Bernardino Mountains to Alpine Camp and Conference Center in Blue Jay last Friday. We were an impressive group in our range of age (toddler to senior), race and background. The director of guest relations mentioned twice that we blessed her because of our diversity. In the hundreds of groups that come through her camp, rarely does she see a group like ours spread over age and race.

Our group activities and program were designed to encourage togetherness, to cross over boundaries, to enjoy each other and God. We were touched by Zariah Lee's (age 6) mealtime prayer for all those who do not know Jesus. Several ABCers shared their reflections on what the church means to them in a moving and deeply encouraging session. We used our imagination, created stories with and without words, worshiped together, shared our faith with one another, sang and laughed a lot.

And we had fun. Boy, did we have fun. Two pig games were played. One was with pig dice (see RLou Norquist if you don't believe it). The other was a basketball game between Amelia Crawford, RLou Norquist and Sarah Fiala. We broke a world record by sending a hand squeeze around the circle of 40+ in 8.5 seconds! All the kids in the swimming pool jumped on Robert DeVaughn's back and still he managed to break free. Benjamin Zobrist kicked Pastor Connie out of his group with gusto, and enjoyed doing it. Bill Fiala declared that he wasn't going to bed until he won at Rummicube, and kept a handful of people up to midnight until he did. Val Hines won the "Best Friend Award" by providing everyone with ear plugs to fend off snoring in the cabins.

The children were thrilled to be excused from "church" on Sunday for a scavenger/nature walk, learning about their Creator outdoors. Ron Eckert's magic stick mystified Bill Lebsch, Robert DeVaughn, and just about everybody else except Matt Bassett. In a lighthearted moment we sang a rousing rendition of "RLou, RLou, RLou, RLou-ia, Praise Ye the Lord," and the "Obladi, Oblada Church Goes On" song.

It had been over ten years since we'd gone away as a whole church body for a weekend together. Thanks to Diane Lee who recognized that it was time we had church camp again, and pushed us to make it happen. And thanks to the hard working committee who made this weekend possible: Ron Eckert, Bill and Sarah Fiala, Diane Lee, Glenn Molina, Lois Shotlow, Marilyn Webster.

We had such a good time that I think we're on a roll. I'm already thinking about next year. If you considered church camp, but didn't quite make it this year, you'll have another chance. I'm going to suggest the theme "Y'All Come!" because it would be that much better with you!

–Pastor Connie Larson DeVaughn (Mountain Top Pastor)

(Thanks also to the faithful who stayed “in the valley” and supported the church with their attendance. Some who had read the book Left Behind were worried at first, but after they were reminded it was Church Camp weekend, they relaxed and enjoyed worship.

–Pastor George Van Alstine (Valley Bottom Pastor)