Friends,
I think of summer as my busiest time, which seems counterintuitive in a church where one thinks of Easter and Christmas as the biggest seasons of the year. Don’t get me wrong, those keep me busy too, but summer programming consumes me. This year is no exception. Beginning with Affirm, THE youth event for the SE Synod, sixth grade on up come together for in-depth units concentrating on creation, Jesus’ journey, insights in discipleship and self-awareness, and salvation. All of this takes place on the University of West Alabama campus with dozens of pastors and dedicated youth leaders. Next, is a trip to Lutheridge with camps for first grade on up that celebrate outdoor ministry with a study emphasis on the boundless measure of God. Following these two weeks of adventure, St. Mark’s will host two day camps. Each camp will have a different focus – the first, on loving our Neighbors around the World; and the second, celebrates the gift and bounty of water in Rivers of Life. Both themes are in support of ELCA World Hunger, educating kiddos with new ideas and about new places.
Each of these camps puts me in a different role: registrar and admin duties; teacher; and then all of that plus whatever is needed for our own day camps. The biggest role, however, has no title, really, it is being present for the overwhelming joy at being a part of something grand: observing and experiencing the love of God with so many wonderful people – new and known. It is worth every minute of planning, sweating, driving, and angst for all that wonder and joy! …Though I may need a nap when it’s over.
Happy, joyous Summer!
Traci Billman, Director of Christian Education
Last modified: June 14, 2022