Camp Winniaugwamauk, our most precious and treasure campgrounds here in Maine will very soon be filled with campers, counselors, cooks, nurses, lifeguards, and tons and tons of GREAT ENERGY... the moving SPIRIT of God!!!
I, for one, am incredibly excited and honored to be a part of it all.
My prayer team must have been working over-time along with all the others who are praying and supporting the program because EVERY DAY more potential campers are in contact with me AND our staff is growing, too.
This morning, I am absolutely filled with gratitude for the potential of this summer... and for the reality of excitement that is building in our campers.
_______________________________
BIG NEWS!!! Jr. Camp is about to grow... We've decided to expand our age range from 3-5 grade to include 2nd graders as well. Now kids who have completed 2nd grade are invited as well. Please spread the word.
_______________________________
May God's spirit bring about the Purposes of our Creation.
Amen.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Wow! That was hard work.
So, today, we cleaned up the waterfront. Again.
Two weeks ago, we started.
Today, we continued.
Dave Long, who will be a summer hero should he do what he plans, will finish next weekend.
The waterfront at Camp Winniaugwamauk gets inundated each year with leaves and debris that blow ashore. Each year it is a large project to get it cleaned up and ready for camp. Imagine, then, what a job it is to clean it up if the job doesn't happen for a year... 2 years worth. How much would 3 years be?!?
Well, folks, we were facing more like 4 or 5 years worth. Each year the entry way to the water has gotten smaller and smaller. But this year, it's wide open! No more debris. Let me describe it this way... our water front is like Hulk Hogan's yellow shirt as he prepared to battle a wrestling foe. In recent years, it has been small openings to get to the larger lake... much like the little rips in Senor Hogan's shirt. But this year, it's all clear and ready for kids to tear in to that lake!... muck like the Hulk-Man himself, tearing that shirt right open in excitement for battle!
If that analogy makes any sense... awesome! If not, I've been shoveling and cleaning ALL DAY! and it's late... excuse my crazy brain.
Either way. Hard work, but GREAT people helping out.
I'm so excited for camps I'm just about to burst. I hope I don't... summer wouldn't be as much fun if I had to be duct taped back together.
More on camps soon.
Peace and Hope! Trish
Two weeks ago, we started.
Today, we continued.
Dave Long, who will be a summer hero should he do what he plans, will finish next weekend.
The waterfront at Camp Winniaugwamauk gets inundated each year with leaves and debris that blow ashore. Each year it is a large project to get it cleaned up and ready for camp. Imagine, then, what a job it is to clean it up if the job doesn't happen for a year... 2 years worth. How much would 3 years be?!?
Well, folks, we were facing more like 4 or 5 years worth. Each year the entry way to the water has gotten smaller and smaller. But this year, it's wide open! No more debris. Let me describe it this way... our water front is like Hulk Hogan's yellow shirt as he prepared to battle a wrestling foe. In recent years, it has been small openings to get to the larger lake... much like the little rips in Senor Hogan's shirt. But this year, it's all clear and ready for kids to tear in to that lake!... muck like the Hulk-Man himself, tearing that shirt right open in excitement for battle!
If that analogy makes any sense... awesome! If not, I've been shoveling and cleaning ALL DAY! and it's late... excuse my crazy brain.
Either way. Hard work, but GREAT people helping out.
I'm so excited for camps I'm just about to burst. I hope I don't... summer wouldn't be as much fun if I had to be duct taped back together.
More on camps soon.
Peace and Hope! Trish
Friday, May 29, 2009
Let the Self-Judgment END!
HI All,
OK, seriously... how hard is it to jump on the internet and write an update about what I'm up to. After all, that's my goal with this blog... to give people an opportunity to know where I am, what I'm thinking, and where the youth program is going.
How hard is it to put my thoughts together in a coherent form that will share a bit of my experience with the world?
How difficult can it be to DO what I say I will do?
Not that hard AT ALL, folks. Really, not that hard.
But instead, I think I'll just not... because if I don't, then I can judge myself each time I think about what I'm NOT doing. And if I'm not judging myself, being my most horrible critic, then what would my mind have to do?
Would I then have time to ponder the beauty of spring? Smell the gorgeous lilacs as they continue to bloom? Eye my lillies each time I step out into my driveway? Sit and breathe in the change of season in all its wonder? Love, enjoy, laugh with all my softball players each afternoon as we toss the ball around? Stand in awe of my nieces and nephew as they grow so fast?
Would I then have time to let the excitement grow for a tremendous summer of camps and faith-related events? Would I stand in awe as I consider myself walking in the footsteps of so many AMAZING people who have worked with youth in camps in the past?
Perhaps, I would have time, then, if I stopped judging myself, to let my mind be clear... open... expansive... to appreciate life and the opportunities therein...
Well... good news! By GRACE, and acceptance of myself and my life and my humanity, I have largely LET THE SELF-JUDGMENT END. And I have, as stated in Romans, found that as I stepped out into the Goodness of God, God was there waiting for me with so much more than I could have imagined.
I have enjoyed all of the things above.
I am getting so excited for a summer of... well, for a summer of something NEW!
And, I'm finally writing a blog post.
My hope and prayer is to continue each week... and that I'll hear some feedback from you.
In peace and with Hope, Trish
OK, seriously... how hard is it to jump on the internet and write an update about what I'm up to. After all, that's my goal with this blog... to give people an opportunity to know where I am, what I'm thinking, and where the youth program is going.
How hard is it to put my thoughts together in a coherent form that will share a bit of my experience with the world?
How difficult can it be to DO what I say I will do?
Not that hard AT ALL, folks. Really, not that hard.
But instead, I think I'll just not... because if I don't, then I can judge myself each time I think about what I'm NOT doing. And if I'm not judging myself, being my most horrible critic, then what would my mind have to do?
Would I then have time to ponder the beauty of spring? Smell the gorgeous lilacs as they continue to bloom? Eye my lillies each time I step out into my driveway? Sit and breathe in the change of season in all its wonder? Love, enjoy, laugh with all my softball players each afternoon as we toss the ball around? Stand in awe of my nieces and nephew as they grow so fast?
Would I then have time to let the excitement grow for a tremendous summer of camps and faith-related events? Would I stand in awe as I consider myself walking in the footsteps of so many AMAZING people who have worked with youth in camps in the past?
Perhaps, I would have time, then, if I stopped judging myself, to let my mind be clear... open... expansive... to appreciate life and the opportunities therein...
Well... good news! By GRACE, and acceptance of myself and my life and my humanity, I have largely LET THE SELF-JUDGMENT END. And I have, as stated in Romans, found that as I stepped out into the Goodness of God, God was there waiting for me with so much more than I could have imagined.
I have enjoyed all of the things above.
I am getting so excited for a summer of... well, for a summer of something NEW!
And, I'm finally writing a blog post.
My hope and prayer is to continue each week... and that I'll hear some feedback from you.
In peace and with Hope, Trish
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
I Love it when the Spirit Moves... especially when I get to write and share!
Happy Almost Easter to All!
I believe it was just a couple of blog posts ago when I stated my intent for this whole operation on blogspot. I wanted to provide a place for people to regularly follow "me" (as Youth Ministry Coordinator), my thoughts, my adventures with youth.
There are two major obstacles to that attempt:
1) I am a move "as the Spirit moves" type. I clean, call, go, do, eat, etc.. as the Spirit moves. Although routine and discipline are great for me, I sometimes forego them to my nature... to move and change course and direction as naturally as the wind.
2) For the past 6 weeks or so, I have not been able to keep up with following myself. Mostly, I have followed my car, and Trixie (the female name for my Toyota Matrix; when in his male form, I call him Matthew or Matty... I like to give my car liberties to be whatever I need it to be) has taken it upon herself, seemingly, to turn her wheels to the tune of about 4,000 miles in the past 6 weeks.
The Great News... It seems that my Matrix has been following the Call of a Great Source of Life, Peace, Inspiration, and Wellness. And my ride, in turn, has been tremendous!
8 Quick Updates:
1) My Lenten Journey of Time offered to God has led me to a thankful and unreservedly loving place of Spirit. One of my happiest outcomes has been that I catch myself smiling much more frequently and at odd moments! I hope this is shared with others.
(I should admit that many days I did not complete my original objective of 30 specific minutes of reverie with God... perhaps some might say then that I failed. I don't feel that way AT ALL. When our intentions are pure, our lives are transformed. This, I believe.)
2) Priesthood Retreat in Rhode Island... AWESOME.
Met many new people. Received great suggestions and inspiration for the youth program. Showed off the webpage! allarecalled.org Spent more time with "We Share" doc from the church... please read this if you have not. It is worthy of time and reflection.
http://www.cofchrist.org/discernment/weshare/default.asp
3) Jr. High Ski Retreat in Freeport... GREAT! 12 kids / 12 - 15 adult helpers
Read all about it and see pics at allarecalled.org under the retreat tab.
So fun! And many, I hope all, will be back for camp.
I hear Freeport is getting some youth "stuff" going now! Go Freeport!
4) IYF Bangkok... only about 40 days until Jon and Nate head for Thailand.
In Lexington, we got started on our pilgrimate with them and their super-exciting trip with a family night, Bangkok Trivia Challenge, and a start up to the send-off service. Again, more info about the trip and the guys on youth webpage... Am I repeating myself? I'm telling you, there's lots of info there! =]
5) About half of camp mailings/ invitations for youth to attend are out... the rest will go in a couple of days! (If you know any young people grades 3-12 or anyone willing to help out, get in touch!)
6) April is camp planning month for me and things are coming together. We've still got a long way to go to be fully staffed and ready for youth but the directors of both Camp Winniaugwamauk (me) and Camp Muddy Cove (Kendra King and Matt Schmetz) are hopeful, serious about what we're doing, and extremely excited with maybe a few nerves, for camps this year. There will be many ways to help out listed on the "news and needs" tab at allarecalled.org soon.
7) Holy Week classes and church services with Bill Gardner and guest ministry Jan and Allen Kraybill have been, thus far, among the greatest church and worship experiences of my life. Monday in Brewer, Tuesday in Jonesport, and tonight in Stonington... they were meaningful, relevant, thought-provoking, and Spirit-infused. It is a great opportunity to learn from Bill. (I know he signs my paycheck, but he'd sign it even if I said bad stuff about him, I think =] ) I have been reminded of how knowledgeable he is and how much I always enjoyed, as a teenager and in my early twenties, listening to and learning from him. I enjoyed it very much again this week. And Jan.... her gifts are beyond words. She touched my very Soul.
8) American Camping Association Annual Conference in Manchester, New Hampshire and time with Tiverton congregation.
Oh man! This was one of my favorite weekends ever! Loads of ideas for camping and a vision for the youth program is formulating more fully in this brain of mine... many thanks to all those interested and especially all those prayers being offered!
The Spirit has moved, and I have finally written.
I would like to say I'll write again next week. ...
Until next time...
May communities of peace, true love, and joy take shape around you, Trish
I believe it was just a couple of blog posts ago when I stated my intent for this whole operation on blogspot. I wanted to provide a place for people to regularly follow "me" (as Youth Ministry Coordinator), my thoughts, my adventures with youth.
There are two major obstacles to that attempt:
1) I am a move "as the Spirit moves" type. I clean, call, go, do, eat, etc.. as the Spirit moves. Although routine and discipline are great for me, I sometimes forego them to my nature... to move and change course and direction as naturally as the wind.
2) For the past 6 weeks or so, I have not been able to keep up with following myself. Mostly, I have followed my car, and Trixie (the female name for my Toyota Matrix; when in his male form, I call him Matthew or Matty... I like to give my car liberties to be whatever I need it to be) has taken it upon herself, seemingly, to turn her wheels to the tune of about 4,000 miles in the past 6 weeks.
The Great News... It seems that my Matrix has been following the Call of a Great Source of Life, Peace, Inspiration, and Wellness. And my ride, in turn, has been tremendous!
8 Quick Updates:
1) My Lenten Journey of Time offered to God has led me to a thankful and unreservedly loving place of Spirit. One of my happiest outcomes has been that I catch myself smiling much more frequently and at odd moments! I hope this is shared with others.
(I should admit that many days I did not complete my original objective of 30 specific minutes of reverie with God... perhaps some might say then that I failed. I don't feel that way AT ALL. When our intentions are pure, our lives are transformed. This, I believe.)
2) Priesthood Retreat in Rhode Island... AWESOME.
Met many new people. Received great suggestions and inspiration for the youth program. Showed off the webpage! allarecalled.org Spent more time with "We Share" doc from the church... please read this if you have not. It is worthy of time and reflection.
http://www.cofchrist.org/discernment/weshare/default.asp
3) Jr. High Ski Retreat in Freeport... GREAT! 12 kids / 12 - 15 adult helpers
Read all about it and see pics at allarecalled.org under the retreat tab.
So fun! And many, I hope all, will be back for camp.
I hear Freeport is getting some youth "stuff" going now! Go Freeport!
4) IYF Bangkok... only about 40 days until Jon and Nate head for Thailand.
In Lexington, we got started on our pilgrimate with them and their super-exciting trip with a family night, Bangkok Trivia Challenge, and a start up to the send-off service. Again, more info about the trip and the guys on youth webpage... Am I repeating myself? I'm telling you, there's lots of info there! =]
5) About half of camp mailings/ invitations for youth to attend are out... the rest will go in a couple of days! (If you know any young people grades 3-12 or anyone willing to help out, get in touch!)
6) April is camp planning month for me and things are coming together. We've still got a long way to go to be fully staffed and ready for youth but the directors of both Camp Winniaugwamauk (me) and Camp Muddy Cove (Kendra King and Matt Schmetz) are hopeful, serious about what we're doing, and extremely excited with maybe a few nerves, for camps this year. There will be many ways to help out listed on the "news and needs" tab at allarecalled.org soon.
7) Holy Week classes and church services with Bill Gardner and guest ministry Jan and Allen Kraybill have been, thus far, among the greatest church and worship experiences of my life. Monday in Brewer, Tuesday in Jonesport, and tonight in Stonington... they were meaningful, relevant, thought-provoking, and Spirit-infused. It is a great opportunity to learn from Bill. (I know he signs my paycheck, but he'd sign it even if I said bad stuff about him, I think =] ) I have been reminded of how knowledgeable he is and how much I always enjoyed, as a teenager and in my early twenties, listening to and learning from him. I enjoyed it very much again this week. And Jan.... her gifts are beyond words. She touched my very Soul.
8) American Camping Association Annual Conference in Manchester, New Hampshire and time with Tiverton congregation.
Oh man! This was one of my favorite weekends ever! Loads of ideas for camping and a vision for the youth program is formulating more fully in this brain of mine... many thanks to all those interested and especially all those prayers being offered!
The Spirit has moved, and I have finally written.
I would like to say I'll write again next week. ...
Until next time...
May communities of peace, true love, and joy take shape around you, Trish
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Ash Wednesday & My Birthday
About 2 weeks ago, a friend of mine and I were discussing our birthdays and birthday parties. She is now 14 and so was more interested in a super-fun friend-inviting bash, of course. As we were talking, we discovered that her birthday fell on Mardi Gras... perfect, a Mardi Gras party celebrating her birth. How fun! We soon discovered that my own day of birth happened to fall, this year, on Ash Wednesday. An Ash Wednesday-themed party? How fun?! I was skeptical...
I've thought about the contrasting parties (not ever seriously considering having an Ash-Wednesday themed party, by the way) and laughed a lot since our quick talk. Man, she got all the luck between the two of us, I thought and smiled. But then, it dawned on me. What a great day to celebrate, actually, as I considered what I would do/"give up" for Lent. This year, Lent will be a celebration of my birth, birthrights, and creation.
I believe the general idea of Lent is to "give up" something that is important to you with the idea that one is creating space for a greater spiritual awakening. An opportunity for the Living Spirit of God to take up residence in each of us. Generally, I don't like the idea of "giving up". It sounds like I've been defeated before I've even begun. I do better thinking of it as an "offering"... just a personal preference.
So, this year, I've decided to "offer" my time to God. Of all the ways in which I withhold my life from God, prevent myself from entering into the realm of Spiritual Living, my schedule and to-do list are tops. I can bind myself to scheduling my time and getting this/that done in a certain time frame, thereby accomplishing "something". If I accomplish "something", my life must be full and complete. "Not so" SPIRIT would say. It is only in living and breathing peace, love, and harmony in a spirit of thanksgiving, that we are truly alive. Accomplishments and this/that must fade away to grasp the true nature of life and living.
Thus, I am offering my time for the next 40 days. I will offer 30 minutes a day of time to intentially be alone with God, especially giving thanks. Maybe 30 minutes at once, maybe 3 10-minute breaks, maybe 30 1-minute stretches of immense thankfulness. I hope that through this offering of time, an aspect of life that separates me from god, I will become more mindful of my own Spirit and the Great Spirit co-existing at all times, in all places.
May you be blessed in your journey of Lent, whatever that may be.
Peace and Hope, Trish
I've thought about the contrasting parties (not ever seriously considering having an Ash-Wednesday themed party, by the way) and laughed a lot since our quick talk. Man, she got all the luck between the two of us, I thought and smiled. But then, it dawned on me. What a great day to celebrate, actually, as I considered what I would do/"give up" for Lent. This year, Lent will be a celebration of my birth, birthrights, and creation.
I believe the general idea of Lent is to "give up" something that is important to you with the idea that one is creating space for a greater spiritual awakening. An opportunity for the Living Spirit of God to take up residence in each of us. Generally, I don't like the idea of "giving up". It sounds like I've been defeated before I've even begun. I do better thinking of it as an "offering"... just a personal preference.
So, this year, I've decided to "offer" my time to God. Of all the ways in which I withhold my life from God, prevent myself from entering into the realm of Spiritual Living, my schedule and to-do list are tops. I can bind myself to scheduling my time and getting this/that done in a certain time frame, thereby accomplishing "something". If I accomplish "something", my life must be full and complete. "Not so" SPIRIT would say. It is only in living and breathing peace, love, and harmony in a spirit of thanksgiving, that we are truly alive. Accomplishments and this/that must fade away to grasp the true nature of life and living.
Thus, I am offering my time for the next 40 days. I will offer 30 minutes a day of time to intentially be alone with God, especially giving thanks. Maybe 30 minutes at once, maybe 3 10-minute breaks, maybe 30 1-minute stretches of immense thankfulness. I hope that through this offering of time, an aspect of life that separates me from god, I will become more mindful of my own Spirit and the Great Spirit co-existing at all times, in all places.
May you be blessed in your journey of Lent, whatever that may be.
Peace and Hope, Trish
Thursday, February 19, 2009
I Am Celebrating...BIGTIME!
This week's post is very brief. I missed writing last week as all of my technological and computer-based efforts were directed toward completing one task... a youth ministry webpage.
It is done. I am ecstatic. I hope you love it and USE IT! I kind of hope your impressed... is that vanity or pride??? (OOPS! oh well... )
allarecalled.org OR allarecalled.com (they are one in the same)
Peace to you and yours, Trish
PS If you were waiting for some words about the Jr. Retreat, you can find them on the webpage, under the retreat tab, along with pictures, and soon, videos of the weekend.!!!!! I'm so happy.
It is done. I am ecstatic. I hope you love it and USE IT! I kind of hope your impressed... is that vanity or pride??? (OOPS! oh well... )
allarecalled.org OR allarecalled.com (they are one in the same)
Peace to you and yours, Trish
PS If you were waiting for some words about the Jr. Retreat, you can find them on the webpage, under the retreat tab, along with pictures, and soon, videos of the weekend.!!!!! I'm so happy.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
February 6-8 in Brewer, Maine... CREATE PEACE!
Hi Guys and Gals!
I thought you might be interested in what we are doing in Brewer this weekend. It's our first retreat of 2009. We're attempting to garner as many 3-5 graders as we can to celebrate, have fun, make friends, and learn under the theme Create Peace!
Here is our weekend agenda... next week's blog will feature highlights. There will also be a video-highlight reel of the weekend on Facebook on our NEMCY group... New England Mission Center Youth. Peace Out! Trish
Create Peace
Junior Retreat in Brewer, Maine; Friday, Feb 6 to Sunday Feb 8
Schedule is a guideline. Time’s can be adjusted as “the spirit moves”.
Friday Evening
7:00-8:30: Settle in, Introductions, Getting To Know You for youth/staff, Cookie Decorating
8:30-9:00: Snack, Introduce Theme and weekend agenda, What is Peace-Seeking?
To 9:30ish: Campfire
By 10: Lights Out; Big Day tomorrow!
Saturday
7:30: Rise and Shine
7:45: Breakfast, Clean Up, DRESS WARMLY!!!
By 8:30: Leave for Hermon Mountain
9-11:30: Snow Tubing at Hermon Mountain
12:00: Lunch at Church and Clean Up
1:00: Leave for Great Skates
1:30-4:30: Great Skates Fun & Games
5:00: Supper at Dysart’s
6:30-7:00: “What is Peace-Seeking?” Part II
7 – 9: Creating Peace Activities & Crafts
9:30: Lights Out
Sunday Morning
7:30: Rise ‘n Shine
8:00: Breakfast, Clean Up and Area Clean Up
9 – 10: Post Retreat Interviews/ Song Practice / Peace-Seeking Part III
10-12 Sunday School & Church
I thought you might be interested in what we are doing in Brewer this weekend. It's our first retreat of 2009. We're attempting to garner as many 3-5 graders as we can to celebrate, have fun, make friends, and learn under the theme Create Peace!
Here is our weekend agenda... next week's blog will feature highlights. There will also be a video-highlight reel of the weekend on Facebook on our NEMCY group... New England Mission Center Youth. Peace Out! Trish
Create Peace
Junior Retreat in Brewer, Maine; Friday, Feb 6 to Sunday Feb 8
Schedule is a guideline. Time’s can be adjusted as “the spirit moves”.
Friday Evening
7:00-8:30: Settle in, Introductions, Getting To Know You for youth/staff, Cookie Decorating
8:30-9:00: Snack, Introduce Theme and weekend agenda, What is Peace-Seeking?
To 9:30ish: Campfire
By 10: Lights Out; Big Day tomorrow!
Saturday
7:30: Rise and Shine
7:45: Breakfast, Clean Up, DRESS WARMLY!!!
By 8:30: Leave for Hermon Mountain
9-11:30: Snow Tubing at Hermon Mountain
12:00: Lunch at Church and Clean Up
1:00: Leave for Great Skates
1:30-4:30: Great Skates Fun & Games
5:00: Supper at Dysart’s
6:30-7:00: “What is Peace-Seeking?” Part II
7 – 9: Creating Peace Activities & Crafts
9:30: Lights Out
Sunday Morning
7:30: Rise ‘n Shine
8:00: Breakfast, Clean Up and Area Clean Up
9 – 10: Post Retreat Interviews/ Song Practice / Peace-Seeking Part III
10-12 Sunday School & Church
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)