Good morning campers,
Despite the dismal forecast, it was great weekend at Mimanagish. The spirits of those who made the journey up that infamous Boulder road to camp overwelmed the dreary Memorial day weather. Camp is beautiful this time of year with galaxy of Glacier Lilies and Shooting Stars blooming amidst the pine needles of the forest floor, and the new growth of green respoding to the rains. The Boulder River is on the rise and sang to us all weekend. Becoming immersed in the process of creation and renewal is why we gather and is the flowing spring of our ministry.
Those who show up for this weekend like to work. As I arrived later on Saturday, I was greeted with the buzzing of chainsaws as the Ryders converted the winter's dead fall into fire wood. Everywhere people scurried about much like a colony of ants carrying things from one end of camp to the other, cleaning, organizing, scubbing; you name it, it was happening. In between rain showers, the back of the craft lodge and front of the dining hall were power washed, being readied for staining. The Chapel and Craft Lodge were cleaned and organized as well as the lower camp cabins. A huge bonfire burned all day and into the night to warm those working outside. Inside, Cathy Baker gave Janet and Marcia bread baking lessons which filled the dining room with the aroma of communion. Meanwhile, the beleaguered wood stove in the retreat wing began it's makeover. The Ferguson clan had gathered from far and wide this weekend and supervised the operation as I rebuilt the base.
Being at camp is more than just doing. The heart of Mimanagish is about being in relationship, with our Creator, with creation, and with eachother. I was again so deeply reminded of this by the Ferguson family. They had gathered this weekend to consecrate the memorial wall in the Craft Lodge with a plac honoring their daughter Jenny. As memories were shared, the sense of just how profound this ministry is in our lives rose above all the logistics we often find ourselves caught up with in doing camp. I walked from the room holding the Fergusons and freinds with the vast emotional landscape of celebration and loss swirling and dancing in my heart, back out into the forest. My tears minged with the rain as I felt the pristine mountain air fill my lungs. I didn't really know Jenny, but that's not the point. I was moved by the depth of love present, by the relationships that were woven in song, laughter, tears, heartfelt sharing, good times and bad, into this tapestry we call outdoor ministry. This the love Jesus walked , this is why we were there. This is why we gather at the river. This is our Ministry.
So, camp is ready for the summer. We all drove back down the mountain tired, sore, and so filled with hope and enthusiam.
Relationships were renewed, new beginnings rising from our memories of the past, and singing waters a touchstone to carry with us as we transition back into the busy lives we all lead. We had stolen time away from those busy lives and were blessed with the baptism by immersion in creation and love. Life is good. I hope each and every one of you can steal some time this summer from the busyness of your life to be gifted and blessed by this ministry of the outdoors.
Walk gently upon this sacred ground, Tom
