Thanksgiving: Camp Marshall will be celebrating its 75th year of ministry in 2022. Let's prepare for that year by thanking those who had the vision to build a ministry for families and youth going back several generations.
Perspective: When we think about Camp Marshall on Flathead Lake we often forget to remember those who made this ministry possible. Every cabin, building, path and place of worship was due to the giving / gifting of members who attend Episcopal Congregations across the Diocese of Montana. Also, and perhaps most especially, the staff and volunteers who made time to hold up the person of Jesus Christ for so many through gifts of time, talent and treasure. Last, but not least, this unique expression of love is coordinated through the Diocesan Office (pictured above) by Bishops and lay leaders who do so much in the background going back to well before 1947 the year camp became a part of the diocese.
Recipients of GRACE: This Thanksgiving weekend - take a moment to see the churches that have given so much to this ministry for youth and families. In "light" of that giving, gifting (often sacrificial) our website has a page with a photo directory to honor these congregations. As you look over the pictures pray God's blessing for their members (both with us and whom have passed) and to thank them for making this ministry possible. Remember, that all of us are recipients of GRACE.
Our place in all of this: We are all of us passing through this life. It is good to be thankful and just as good to seek ways to be a blessing for those we will never meet. I would ask that all of us pray for how God might use us to be a blessing for the next generation(s) to come. When we receive grace there will be no way to repay those who have blessed us (hence the word grace). However, we do have a shot at paying it forward. Pray this Thanksgiving weekend about how God might be calling you to make a difference for the sake of his Son Jesus Christ for the next generation(s). I have no idea where this pryer will lead you. Only this, prayer will begin moving your heart.
From the Book of Common Prayer:
For Joy in God's Creation; O heavenly Father, who hast filled the world with beauty: Open our eyes to behold thy gracious hand in all thy works; that, rejoicing in thy whole creation, we may learn to serve thee with gladness; for the sake of him through whom all things were made, thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
To see these congregations: CLICK HERE
Yours in Christ,
David Campbell
Executive Director
Camp Marshall