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February 27, 2015:  Eagle's Wings

2/27/2015

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Prayer:  Lord, everlasting God, give me strength when I need it most.  Amen

Reading: Isaiah 40:28-31 (Click to read text)

Stop and GROW:  After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers.

QUESTION 1:  What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text?
QUESTION 2:  What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story?

QUESTION 3:  What stories or memories does this text stir in me? 
QUESTION 4:  What is God up to in this text? 
 
Reflection:
  On Tuesdays this summer at Camp Mount Luther, we will be thinking about what God gives us.  God’s gifts to us are evidence that His is A Love that Never Ends.  So far on Fridays, these devotions have considered God’s gifts to the Israelites in the wilderness and gifts that sustain physically and spiritually.  Today we consider the gift of a God who never grows weary.

What exhausts you?  Physically, emotionally, spiritually.  What just plain wears you out?  Physical fatigue?  On-going emotional expenditures?  Doubt?  We all experience it sometime or other. Those this-just-must-stop moments.

Isn’t it good to hear that our God is everlasting?  Does not faint?  Never grows weary?  He gives power to the faint, and strengthens the powerless.  What a great God.  He raises us up on eagle’s wings.  What an image.  What a hymn!  --Jim Bricker, Chaplain to Camp Mount Luther’s Summer Staff

Watch this video below of the song, "On Eagles Wings."
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February 25, 2015:  Ishmael

2/26/2015

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Prayer:  Bless our Muslim brothers and sisters today, O Lord.

Reading:  Romans 4:13-25 (Click to read text)

Stop and GROW:  After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers.

QUESTION 1:  What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text?
QUESTION 2:  What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story?
QUESTION 3:  What stories or memories does this text stir in me? 
QUESTION 4:  What is God up to in this text? 
 
Reflection:
…but also to those who share the faith of Abraham (for he is the father of of of us). v. 16

We easily remember Abraham’s son Isaac, born to Sarah very late in life.  Too often we overlook Ishmael, Abraham’s first born conceived by Sarah’s servant, Hagar.  It is a difficult story, I think.  Ishmael was treated as a son with all the blessings and rights, until Isaac was born.  Then Ishmael and Hagar were banished from the family in favor of Isaac.  But not before Ishmael received his own promise from God.  He, like Abraham, would be the father of a great nation.  (Gen. 17:20).  That great nation is today’s Arab world, our Muslim brothers and sisters who trace their heritage to Abraham, just as we Christians and Jews do.  We are all the children of Abraham.

Given the terror happening in our world, Ishmael is a reminder for us to love our Muslim brothers and sister.  Some adherents to Islam reek horrible havoc in our world.  But that does not indict all Muslims..  Most are loving, caring, graceful sisters and brothers worthy of our respect and love.

Let us today rejoice and give thanks for Hagar, Ishmael, Muslims and all who share the faith of Abraham.
--Jim Bricker, Chaplain to Camp Mount Luther’s Summer Staff

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February 26, 2015:  For All the Saints

2/26/2015

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Prayer:  We praise you, God.  For all that you have done, are doing and will do.  Amen 

Reading: Psalm 22:13-25 (Click to read text)

Stop and GROW:  After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers.

QUESTION 1:  What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text?
QUESTION 2:  What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story?

QUESTION 3:  What stories or memories does this text stir in me? 
QUESTION 4:  What is God up to in this text? 
 
Reflection:  We recognize the beginning of this psalm.  It is often read on Good Friday.  My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?  But the end of this poem is nothing but praise and worship.  It’s all about what God has done and is doing.  Certainly we can identify with that.  As we go about our day, let’s remember His grace and offer praise and thanksgiving.

But, there is something else that strikes me in this hymn.  Praise and worship comes from the living, of course.  But also, from the dead and those not yet born!!  What an idea that is.  We are one with all the saints, the living, the dead and those yet to come.  
--Jim Bricker, Chaplain to Camp Mount Luther’s Summer Staff

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February 24, 2015:  Change Happens

2/24/2015

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Prayer:  Dear God, help us to go with the changes that happen when in relationship with you. Amen

Reading:   Genesis 17: 1-7, 15-16 (Click to read text)

Stop and GROW:  After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers.

QUESTION 1:  What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text?
QUESTION 2:  What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story?

QUESTION 3:  What stories or memories does this text stir in me? 
QUESTION 4:  What is God up to in this text? 
 
Reflection: Let me be the first to say, "I don't like change." Many of you are probably agreeing, "Uh-huh." Now that we got that common consensus out of the way, let's also admit that sometimes change can be interesting and exhilarating.  Shake things up a bit.  Something new instead of the same old same old. Still, any change requires adjustment and that is where the stress lies.


So, in our lesson God is establishing his covenant relationship with Abram. No more same old, same old for for 99 year old Abram.  And no more same old, same old for his 90 year old wife, Sarai. They don't even to keep their names! Abram becomes Abraham; Sarai becomes Sarah.  They will be father and mother to nations; fruitful with even kings coming from them. Canaan will be theirs and God will be their God for generations. Everlasting covenant; huge CHANGE!

You have to read verse Genesis17: 18 to find out Abraham's first response to these upcoming changes and Genesis 18:12 to find out Sarah's. You probably know already but check it out if you don't. Of course, Abraham and Sarah followed in faith as we are to, also. Covenant relationship with God means everything changes. Fortunately, we don't have to go as far as changing our names. What a legal bother that would be! But aside from that, change happens.  --Ruth Gates, Camp Mount Luther Family Camper


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February 23, 2015:  Lead, Follow or Get Out of the Way!

2/21/2015

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Prayer:   Dear God, when we think we know what should happen and try to lead you, remind us instead to follow you. Thank you for not simply telling us to get out of the way. Amen

Reading: Mark 8: 31-38 (Click to read text)

Stop and GROW:  After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers.

QUESTION 1:  What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text?
QUESTION 2:  What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story?

QUESTION 3:  What stories or memories does this text stir in me? 
QUESTION 4:  What is God up to in this text? 
 
Reflection: This has always been a difficult passage for me to understand. Peter simply does not like to hear Jesus predicting his death. Who would? Not good news, unthinkable and downright disturbing. So Peter took Jesus aside and began to rebuke Jesus who rebuked Peter right back with, "Get behind me, Satan! You do not have in mind the things of Good, but the things of men" (v. 33). Ouch. Harsh words. Why did Jesus have to come down so hard on Peter?


Pondering the story this time, maybe Jesus was simply trying to remind Peter who the leader is. It was as if, Peter had stepped out in front for moment to try to lead instead of follow as the disciple he was. Jesus could have said, "Get out of my way!" but instead Jesus told Peter to get behind so he can once again follow. That I can understand. That we can do.  --Ruth Gates, Camp Mount Luther Family Camper

 

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February 20, 2015:  Our Daily Bread, Part 2

2/20/2015

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Prayer: Lord, give us this the bread of life always.  Amen

Reading:  John 6:1-13, 31-35

Stop and GROW:  After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers.

QUESTION 1:  What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text?
QUESTION 2:  What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story?
QUESTION 3:  What stories or memories does this text stir in me? 
QUESTION 4:  What is God up to in this text? 
 
Reflection:  On Tuesdays this summer at Camp Mount Luther, we will be thinking about what God gives us.  God’s gifts to us are evidence that His is A Love that Never Ends.  Last Friday our devotion dealt with that part of the Lord’s Prayer when we ask God to give us our daily bread.  Today we consider another kind of feeding.  Jesus breaks a couple of loaves of bread and a few fish and somehow feeds more than 5000 people!  Obviously, there is more going on here than just having enough to hold us over until the next meal.

There was once a restaurant in Harrisburg called Our Daily Bread.  It was, in fact, one response to our prayer for daily bread.  But this is different.  No restaurant can give us the bread of life. Only Jesus can do that.  The bread that satisfies our hunger for ever is a gift beyond our imagination.  Obviously, it fulfills a hunger that isn’t signaled by a grumbling stomach.  The bread of life fulfills our hunger to know that we are never outside of the love and grasp of our God.  And we don’t always remember that.  Sometimes we don’t believe that.  So, it is good for us to pray the Lord’s Prayer to be reminded that God gifts us with all we need to sustain our physical lives.  It is also good for us to pray as the disciples did, Sir, give us this bread always.  A prayer-reminder that God holds us and won’t let go.  --Jim Bricker, Chaplain to Camp Mount Luther’s Summer Staff

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February 19, 2015:  A Patient God

2/19/2015

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Occasionally, we will reprint prior devotions that now reflect on the coming lectionary texts.  This is a reprint from a devotion originally published on May 21, 2014.

Prayer:  May I be patient as God is patient with me.  Amen.    

Reading: 1 Peter 3:13-22 (Click to read text)

Stop and GROW:  After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers.

QUESTION 1:  What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text?
QUESTION 2:  What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story?
QUESTION 3:  What stories or memories does this text stir in me? 
QUESTION 4:  What is God up to in this text? 

Reflection:
You've probably heard this passage before.  It is reminding us that sometimes we will suffer for the sake of the gospel.  It also reminds us that it is better to suffer for good than to suffer for evil.

The last part of the passage reminds us of the importance of our baptism.  It also shows us that the story of Noah points to baptism.  When I read this to write this devotion, I was particularly struck by this part of our text:  "...when God waited patiently in the days of Noah, during the building of the ark..."  Wow!  God waited patiently.  I never really thought of God having to wait.  After all, whatever God says, it happens.  God can make things occur on God's time, so the idea of God waiting patiently really struck me.

And then I wondered how often God has waited patiently on me.  If God did it for Noah, surely God has waited for me.  Maybe I wasn't quite ready for whatever God had planned for me.  Or, maybe I was too anxious and God felt I needed a "cooling off" period.  God definitely knows me better than I know myself and my needs!

Going forward, I'll probably wonder more often about the times that God is patient with me.  I guess patient really is a virtue!    And if God can be patient on Noah and me, maybe I can learn to me a little more patient with others. 
--Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director  

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February 18, 2015:  Everything is Honky-Dory, Dory!

2/18/2015

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Prayer:  Dear God, may we always find a way to add a fun verse to our songs of life. Amen

Reading:  Genesis 9: 8-17 (Click to read text)

Stop and GROW:  After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers.

QUESTION 1:  What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text?
QUESTION 2:  What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story?

QUESTION 3:  What stories or memories does this text stir in me? 
QUESTION 4:  What is God up to in this text? 
 
Reflection: How many years have children been singing the song about Noah and the Ark? I think I first heard it at church camp a very long time ago. Some call it "Arky, Arky". Some call it " Rise and Shine".  Everyone knows it starts with:


The Lord said to Noah there's gonna be a floody, floody;
Lord said to Noah, there's gonna be a floody, floody.
Get those animals (clap!) out of the muddy, muddy;
Children of the Lord!

Sooo.....Rise and shine and give God the glory, glory!
Rise and shine and give God the glory, glory!
Rise and shine and (clap!) give God the glory, glory,
Children of the Lord.

And so on thru the verses. Build him an arky, arky. Animals came by twosies, twosies. Rained and poured for forty daysies, daysies.  It just keeps going until...how to end it? I thought the end was when the sun came out and dried up the landy, landy and everything was fine and dandy, dandy.  Then one time some cheeky person added the animals left by threesies, threesies. Well? Okay? That could be.

But I think my favorite ending ties in with our text today. God gave the sign of a rainbow to remember the promise and covenant he established between him and all life on the earth.  Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. So, sing along with this last verse:

So, this is the end of, the end of my story, story.
This is the end of, the end of my story, story.
Everything is (clap!) honky-dory, dory,
Children of the Lord!

Sooooo.....Rise and shine and give God the glory, glory!.....

--Ruth Gates, Camp Mount Luther Family Camper

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February 16, 2015: Get Your Finger Out of Your Ear!

2/18/2015

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Prayer:   Dear God, surprise us with the washing of your love.  May we keep our ears open to your Good News and smile. Amen

Reading: Mark 1: 9-15 (Click to read text)

Stop and GROW:  After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers.

QUESTION 1:  What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text?
QUESTION 2:  What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story?
QUESTION 3:  What stories or memories does this text stir in me? 
QUESTION 4:  What is God up to in this text? 
 
Reflection: It was one of those Sundays when we are reminded of our Baptism by the pastor flinging water from a pine bough while walking up and down the aisles. I love it.  Everyone is in anticipation of being either gently sprinkled or perhaps splatted with a bit more than expected. There are smiles as the drops land and sometimes a chuckle as folks pat dry open hymnal pages.

But one time a church member must have taken a direct hit of water straight into his left ear because he spent the next few minutes poking it with his finger and shaking his head to the side. He definitely was neither smiling nor was he chuckling though I suspect he was being a bit overdramatic with exaggerated discomfort.

Jesus was baptized by John in the Jordan River and, when he came up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well-pleased." (v. 10,11)

Soaking wet or slightly damp, in our Baptism we are told we are loved children of God. Let's make sure we keep our fingers out of our ears, hear the Good News and smile.  --Ruth Gates, Camp Mount Luther Family Camper

 

 

 

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February 13, 2015:  Our Daily Bread

2/13/2015

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Prayer: Thanks, God, for everything.  Amen

Reading:  Luke 11:1-4 (Click to read text)

 

Stop and GROW:  After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers.

QUESTION 1:  What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text?
QUESTION 2:  What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story?

QUESTION 3:  What stories or memories does this text stir in me? 
QUESTION 4:  What is God up to in this text? 
 
Reflection:



On Tuesdays this summer at Camp Mount Luther, we will be thinking about what God gives us.  God’s gifts to us are evidence that His is A Love that Never Ends.  We will pray every day.  This day we will pay close attention to Give us today our daily bread.

For our devotions today, let’s consider Martin Luther’s commentary on this part of the Lord’s Prayer.

In fact, God gives daily bread without our prayer, even to all evil people, but we ask in this prayer that God cause us to recognize what our daily bread is and to receive it with thanksgiving.

 

He goes on to explain what “daily bread” means.

Everything included in the necessities and nourishments for our bodies, such as food, drink, clothing, shoes, house, farm, livestock, an upright spouse, upright children, upright members of the household, upright and faithful rulers, good government, good weather, peace, health, decency, honor, good friends, faithful neighbors, and the like. (Evangelical Lutheran Worship, pp. 1163 f.)

Jim Bricker, Chaplain to Camp Mount Luther’s Summer Staff

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February 12, 2014:  God Shines Forth

2/12/2015

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Prayer:  God, help us to see your light and the revealing of your son.  Amen. 

Reading: Psalm 50: 1-6 (Click to read text)

Stop and GROW:  After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers.

QUESTION 1:  What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text?
QUESTION 2:  What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story?
QUESTION 3:  What stories or memories does this text stir in me? 
QUESTION 4:  What is God up to in this text? 
 
Reflection:  Epiphany is a time when Jesus is revealed to the people.  It’s a time for us to reflect on where we see Jesus each and every day of our lives. 

This season of the church year is coming to a close, as next week we will begin the Lenten Season, starting on Ash Wednesday.  But this Sunday, we celebrate the transfiguration, when Jesus was shining bright in white garments. 

In our Psalm appointed for this Sunday, David tells us that “Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines forth.”  I really liked that line when I read it.  God shines forth.  To me, it reminds me that God goes ahead of me, lighting the way, guiding a darkened path.  It reminds me that God is with me every step of the way. 

As you go about your day and prepare for the start of the somber season of Lent, look to see where God shines forth in your life.  What path is God lighting for you?   --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director

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February 11, 2015:  Shine, Jesus, Shine

2/11/2015

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Prayer:  Help us to shine our light before others.  Amen. 

Reading: 2 Corinthians 4: 3-6 (Click to read text)

Stop and GROW:  After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers.

QUESTION 1:  What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text?
QUESTION 2:  What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story?
QUESTION 3:  What stories or memories does this text stir in me? 
QUESTION 4:  What is God up to in this text? 
 
Reflection:  This Sunday, the story of the Transfiguration features Jesus, shining brightly, white garments glowing.  Jesus is our light.  In our passage today from 2 Corinthians, we are reminded that light shines in darkness.

Jesus revealed his glory to his disciples by way of glowing.  His light shone and affected the disciples.  Today, look for ways that you can let your light shine.  How can you reveal Jesus through your actions and have them affected by what you do?  --Chad Hershberger, Executive Director

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February 10, 2015:  “…and I’m going with you!”

2/10/2015

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Prayer:  Dear God, help us to journey together faithfully with those around us through whatever is to come.  Amen

Reading: 2 Kings 2: 1-12 (Click to read text)

Stop and GROW:  After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers.

QUESTION 1:  What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text?
QUESTION 2:  What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story?
QUESTION 3:  What stories or memories does this text stir in me? 
QUESTION 4:  What is God up to in this text? 
 
Reflection:  One of my favorite lines in Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy comes near the end of the first book when the Fellowship is breaking up.  Frodo determines he must continue on his journey alone but Sam, his faithful companion, absolutely will not leave his side.  Frodo says, “I am going to Mordor (alone).” and Sam responds, “Of course you are.  And I’m coming with you.”

The text today about Elijah and Elisha reminds me of that scene.  The Lord was about to take Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind so Elijah tells Elisha to stay behind while he goes to Bethel.  Elisha would hear none of it responding, “I will not leave you.”  Once they get to Bethel, the prophets there tell Elisha the Lord is going to take his master away that day.  Again, Elisha brushes it off with a, “Yes, I know, but do not speak of it.” 

Elijah again tells Elisha to stay put while he goes on to Jericho but Elisha again responds, “I will not leave you.”  The prophets in Jericho tell Elisha the same thing and Elisha responds the same way, “Yes, I know, but do not speak of it.”

Next stop, Jordan and, as before, Elisha tags along despite Elijah’s urging.  Why?  Elisha is determined to stay by his master and will not be deterred.  Still, Elijah is about to ascend to heaven so he asks Elisha what he can do for Elisha before leaving.  “Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit,” was Elisha’s request and it was granted.

We are on this journey of life faithfully together.  With whom would you have this conversation?

(Name): “I am going to (through) __________ alone.”

You: “Of course you are.  And I’m coming with you.”

--Ruth Gates, Camp Mount Luther Family Camper

 

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February 9, 2015:  Camp Transfigures

2/9/2015

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Prayer:  Help us, Jesus, to encounter you in new and exciting ways. 

Reading: Mark 9:2-10 (Click to read text)

Stop and GROW:  After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers.

QUESTION 1:  What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text?
QUESTION 2:  What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story?
QUESTION 3:  What stories or memories does this text stir in me? 
QUESTION 4:  What is God up to in this text? 
 
Reflection:  This Sunday, congregations all across the Upper Susquehanna Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America will be celebrating “Camp Mount Luther Sunday.”  Early in my time as director of camp, I felt it would be good to have a synod-wide designated day to celebrate the work of outdoor ministries.  Since the synod council designated this observance, it has been held on the third Sunday of January.

But this year, we will begin a new tradition.  Upon the action of synod council last year, we moved Camp Mount Luther Sunday to Transfiguration Sunday.  This year will be the first time we celebrate the day on this Sunday.  It was my recommendation to do this because I think that the story we read this Sunday reminds us of the importance of what we do in outdoor ministries.

The disciples went up to a mountaintop.  There, they encountered Jesus in a new way—dazzling white.  They wanted to set up camp.  Peter wanted to build some tents so they could stay there forever.  But they couldn’t.  They had to leave that place and continue to do their work among the peoples.

Children, youth, and adults come to the mountaintop of Mount Luther and encounter Christ in new and exciting ways.  They, too, have to go back to their “normal” life and then share that experience and share Christ with others. 

As you hear this story on Sunday, think of the ways that camp transfigures those who come here to be renewed!  --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director

 

 

 

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February 6, 2015:  God Provides

2/6/2015

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Prayer:  Help us, Lord, to see all that you provide to us, just as you provided Moses and the Israelites with manna in the wilderness. 

Reading: Exodus 17:1-7 (Click to read text)

Stop and GROW:  After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers.

QUESTION 1:  What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text?
QUESTION 2:  What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story?
QUESTION 3:  What stories or memories does this text stir in me? 
QUESTION 4:  What is God up to in this text? 
 
Reflection:
This summer, Day 2 of our curriculum, “A Love That Never Ends” will have us asking the questions, “What does God give us?”  In this passage, the people of Israel are complaining about not having enough water. They are unhappy and are taking out those feelings of unhappiness on Moses.

This passage reminds us that God gives us enough.  Sometimes it may not feel like it’s enough, but isn’t it?  Today, I challenge you to go on a hunt to find things that God has provided for you and your family.  Maybe start with the letter A and think of things that start with each letter of the alphabet.  Or, maybe make a list of all that God provides for you on a daily, weekly, monthly, yearly, or lifetime basis.  (And make sure “unconditional love” is on that list!)

As you do this, do you find anything that someone else might need more than you do?  If so, collect these things and donate them to an organization that distributes items to people in need.  That will be one way that you can show love toward others!  --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director

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February 5, 2015:  God Names the Stars

2/5/2015

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Prayer:  Take care of us, God, as you take care of the stars in the sky. 

Reading: Psalm 147: 1-11, 20c (Click to read text)

Stop and GROW:  After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers.

QUESTION 1:  What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text?
QUESTION 2:  What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story?
QUESTION 3:  What stories or memories does this text stir in me? 
QUESTION 4:  What is God up to in this text? 
 
Reflection:  Have you ever heard the commercials for the “Star Registry?”  It’s a place that you can send money to and have a star named after you or someone you want to honor.  It was on the radio a lot when I was younger, and I always thought it might be neat to do it.

In our passage today, David reminds me that it is not really our place to name stars.  He writes, “God determines the number of the stars; God gives to all of them their names.”  This verse jumped out at me when I read this passage because this summer, we are studying Abraham as part of our curriculum.  As part of that story, God tells Abraham that his descendants will be as numerous as the stars in the sky—stars that God names and cares for as part of God’s kingdom.  –Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director
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February 4, 2015:  Weak, But Strong

2/4/2015

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Prayer:  Help us, Lord, to be strong even in time when we feel weak.  Amen. 

Reading: 1 Corinthians 9:16-23 (Click to read text)

Stop and GROW:  After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers.

QUESTION 1:  What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text?
QUESTION 2:  What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story?
QUESTION 3:  What stories or memories does this text stir in me? 
QUESTION 4:  What is God up to in this text? 
 
Reflection:  Yesterday, our passage was reminding us that when we are weak, God will raise us up like eagle’s wings.  God will be our strength.

I find it interesting that in today’s reading, Paul tells us that being weak can often be a good thing.  He says that when we are weak, we can relate to others that are weak, and use that to proclaim the gospel.  Wow!  Can you think of a time when you felt downtrodden, only to find someone else who could relate to your story and in turn, you could share your faith with that person?  I know there have been times when someone I knew was going through something and I could share a story about how I experienced a similar issue and share how I got through it.  In fact, just this past weekend the opposite happened to me.  I had someone share his story about an occurrence in his life which made me know that God was directing my paths as well. 

The Bible is full of stories of people who were perceived to be weak, but in God’s eyes were strong.  Can you think of some of those?  --Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director

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February 3, 2015:  On Eagle’s Wings

2/3/2015

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Prayer:  Help us, dear God, to feel strength in you.  Amen. 

Reading: Isaiah 40:21-31 (Click to read text)

Stop and GROW:  After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers.

QUESTION 1:  What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text?
QUESTION 2:  What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story?
QUESTION 3:  What stories or memories does this text stir in me? 
QUESTION 4:  What is God up to in this text? 
 
Reflection:  Two songs come to my mind when I read this passage.  The first, and most obvious, is the hymn, “On Eagle’s Wings.”  You may have heard it before.  In Evangelical Lutheran Worship, it is Hymn #787.  The chorus reminds us that “And he will raise you up on eagle’s wings, bear you on the breath of dawn, make you to shine like the sun, and hold you in the palm of his hand.” 

The second song that I think of is “Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Simon and Garfunkel.  They sing, “When you're weary, feeling small; When tears are in your eyes, I will dry them all.  I'm on your side!” 

Both of these songs are good reminders for us, as is this passage from Isaiah, that God is there for us.  When we are feeling weary, exhausted, and feel like there is no place to turn, God is there, waiting for us to swoop in and raise us up like an eagle.  We can gain strength from our God to be able to continue to run, and walk, and deal with all of life’s struggles.  –Chad Hershberger, Camp Mount Luther Director

 

 

 

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February 2, 2015:  Groundhog Day

2/2/2015

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Prayer:  Dear God, help us to remember to find a solitary place where we can pray each day. Amen

Reading: Mark 1: 29-39 (Click to read text)

Stop and GROW:  After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers.

QUESTION 1:  What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text?
QUESTION 2:  What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story?

QUESTION 3:  What stories or memories does this text stir in me? 
QUESTION 4:  What is God up to in this text? 
 
Reflection:  Well, it is Groundhog Day and poor Punxsutawney Phil, the weather prognosticator, will have to come out of his hole so we can all know if spring is just around the corner…or (gulp!) not.  That poor groundhog.  Maybe he just wants to be left alone?


Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. (v. 35)  Now, there is a good reason to get up early in the morning and, I think it is safe to say, for most of us if we are up that early we would rather be alone.  At least until the coffee kicks in.  Well, Jesus had his quiet time, but sure enough once the others awoke, they went to look for Jesus.

What I think is really cool about this passage is that after this solitary time of prayer, Jesus had a plan; a plan he came to while alone with God, away from the busyness of the day before when he healed many and despite the fact that, “Everyone is looking for you!”  His plan?  “Let us go someplace else…so I can preach there also.  That is why I have come.” (v. 38)

I don’t put a whole lot of faith in weather forecasting by whether or not a groundhog sees his shadow first thing in the morning of February 2nd, but I do believe if we take some solitary time each day to pray, we will have a better idea of what our next steps should be and why we are taking them.  Thanks be to God!  --Ruth Gates, Camp Mount Luther Family Camper

 

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