PICTURED: Worship at the Chapel
Each year, the summer theme guides the worship focus and devotions for each week. During resident and wilderness camps, the theme is incorporated throughout the day in intentional and Spirit led ways including but not limited to:
- Morning breakfast devotion
- Afternoon chapel worship
- Evening campfire worship
- Cabin devotions
What’s so great about a week at camp is the opportunity for campers, staff and volunteers to put the daily lesson into practice throughout the day’s activities (i.e. hikes, games, arts & crafts, etc.). Camp is blessed to have Amy Zimbelman (Conference Minister, Mountain States Mennonite Conference) and Hannah Martin (Assoc. Pastor of Children at Beth-El Mennonite Church) create the curriculum this and past summers.
ANIMALS!!!
God saw all that was made and knew it was good. The things around us in nature point to God’s kingdom, including animals! What animal is your favorite? Why? Can you think of animals that love one another and take care of one another the way we are called to do? How have you seen this? How do you care for the animal kingdom as well? This week, we will be looking at the THREE B’s that are all part of our Rocky Mountain region: Bunnies, Bats, and Bees! We will learn how these creatures live in a way that points to Jesus and points to the Kingdom of God.
The Bible talks about nature and God’s creatures a lot! In Matthew 6:26, Jesus celebrates an animal! He points to birds and says that they set an example we can learn from:
“Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.”
As we point to some animals this week, hopefully we can learn some lessons too about celebrating God’s creation and even learning and emulating some cool aspects of these creatures! For instance, bees have different dances that show each other where the best flowers are. Always helping each other out!
Join in God’s kingdom as we explore the animal kingdom!
BUNNY DAY – Caring for self as an important spiritual practice
Matt 11:28-30 “Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Bunnies have to be really vigilant in taking care of themselves because they are vulnerable in many ways–many animals find them tasty! They have some pretty creative ways to protect themselves.
BAT DAY – Observant of their surroundings/caring for those around them
Scripture: Romans 12:15 “Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.”
Bats are not in their own little world; they are constantly sensing and perceiving the world around them and adapting to other bats and other creatures, even in the dark! How can we not get stuck in our own little worlds but care for creation around us and the people and animals who are part of our lives?
BEES DAY – Interconnectedness / Togetherness
Scripture: Hebrews 10:24, 25a “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another…”
What one creature would end life on earth the fastest if it suddenly disappeared? BEES! Bees are interconnected with each other, and every other creature and plant on the earth is interconnected with them! One of the most important and universal claims of our faith is that the image of God is in everyone, we are all part of the Kingdom of God together, and therefore, we are in this together. Life is a group project. We may feel lonely sometimes, but we are never alone or abandoned. How can we encourage each other? If we ever feel lonely, what can we do about it?