If Not Now, When? If Not You, Who?
Results Inspire Generosity
Reflection by Rev. Allen Harris
This past summer, for the first time since I arrived as your Regional Minister, I made a point of attending every single camp, conference, and retreat that happened at Camp Christian, including those of the Heartland Conference United Church of Christ. I will complete that goal when I attend the Disciples Fellowship Retreat over the Labor Day weekend. I did this, even though it meant I couldn't be in our local congregations quite as much as I have been in the past, for two reasons. First, I wanted to witness and celebrate the wonderful ministry being done by our dedicated and gifted volunteers and staff as they offer the highest quality faith formation for children, youth, young adults, and adults who attend our programs. Second, I wanted to be available to share what is happening with our “If Not Now, When? If Not You, Who?” campaign and to answer questions and address concerns about it.
What I received was more gratifying than I could have ever imagined! The excitement around the new pool, pool house, and picnic pavilion was positively palpable, even electric! Every week, there was not only enormous energy buzzing around these signature improvements to our single greatest physical asset, Camp Christian, but a genuine desire to tell friends, family, and neighbors about it. I also shared how our facilities would become more accessible to more and more of God's beloved children. Almost every single week there was someone present who would significantly benefit from wider and smoother paths with more lighting at nighttime, a handicap parking pad, or even just a manageable grade to get across the two bridges over Lake Snoopy!
And while the additional staffing for the Regional Church Office wasn't quite as glamorous to the campers as a pool or accessibility improvements, I was aware that the mere fact that I could take the time to be fully present at camp this summer, and even be spiritually fed myself, where I had to strain to do so in previous summers illustrated how much expanded staffing is already allowing me to be more present for the important aspects of Regional Ministry.
And so, I returned home and in discussion with my husband, we decided to increase our monthly recurring pledge to the "If Not Now, When? If Not You, Who?” campaign. The results we are already experiencing, and the excitement around the construction of what will become the centerpiece of the Ohio Regional Ministry Center at Camp Christian, inspired even more generosity in my heart and soul. I hope when you come to Camp Christian for our Regional Assembly October 10 – or for one of the *many* retreats, trainings, meetings, or reunions being planned in the coming months – you will be inspired to give more as well.
Most Gratefully Yours,
Allen
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