The Busy “Off-Season”
Camp and Retreat Ministries
Rev. Mary Thompson Executive Director of Camp & Retreat Ministries POB 850 Alcoa, TN 37701 (423) 667-8269 marythompson@holston.org
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While serving in a local congregation, I remember having a parishioner tell me that “I must be very bored when it wasn’t Sunday and I didn’t have anything to do.” While the comment was made sincerely, it also showed a deep unawareness about what ministers do day-in and day-out. I have found in camping ministry that many have a hard time wrapping their minds around what it is our Camp & Retreat Ministries staff do when it is not summer. You may have wondered the same thing! I hope you will find this update from Camp & Retreat Ministry to be informative and maybe even a little reassuring that you aren’t the only one busy on your “days-off.” “Spreading joy and hope feels especially important right now.” That was one of many powerful things shared with Holston Camp Directors at Lake Junaluska the week of November 10th. It was shared by author, entrepreneur and speaker Joan Garry. The Holston Camp Directors and I were fortunate enough to receive continuing education at the largest ever camp gathering aptly named The Great Gathering. Shane Claiborne, Barbara Brown Taylor, Joan Garry, and Luke Powery were among the many speakers. It was a windy and cold time at Lake Junaluska (see picture to fully understand how windy it was); however, we found our hearts strangely warmed from the time we had to get away at a retreat center and soak up new ideas, fellowship together, and to be reminded that we are not alone in our work. We left inspired. Aren’t retreat centers (and God) great for that?! Having just finished the Advent season at your congregation, I pray that you feel recharged to continue to spread joy and hope in your church and community. I know we at our camps feel emboldened to stand beside you in your ministry. Besides attending The Great Gathering in November, our camp staff had 6 Board of Directors meetings in the span of just a few weeks. Our final meeting occurred November 22-23 at Camp Dickenson. During this two day meeting, the CRM Board of Directors met with Camp Directors, Camp Board Chairs, Cabinet Representative
