Summer worship series - “Another Way”

I’m away at church camp this week, serving as a chaplain and participating in a program with my son, but rest assured I’ll be back on Sunday ready to kick off this year’s outdoor worship series: “Another Way.”

I say rest assured, because this summer, our worship services will follow the same scriptures and themes that camp is using. Here’s an introduction from the camp curriculum, slightly adapted for our context:

Jesus often confronted the world around him with another way of being. By his example, we are reminded that God always invites us to reimagine who we are and how we do things. [In our outdoor worship], we are already finding another way, apart from [what we are used to]. In the peace of this space, we will explore what would change if we lived as our authentic selves and respected the truths of others. We will imagine how our personal change meets the change we seek in the world. Whether we are addressing unfair rules or dreaming of a time when all people belong, we know that God calls us to do a new thing and faithfully forge another way.*

Summer is—for some of us—a chance for rest, relaxation, and recreation. But whether we are taking things at a more leisurely pace or hustling to keep up, summer is also an invitation to growth. And in a world that increasingly demands our fortitude, creativity, and adaptability, it’s worth approaching our growth potential with great intention.

The format of our worship will look similar to previous summers. We’ll sing a cappella with opportunities for hymn requests. I’ll give a brief reflection on the scripture each week, followed by time for small group discussion (challenge by choice). We’ll have children’s time, prayer time, and offering/announcements as usual.

But I do hope and pray that we’ll enter this worship series expecting to be challenged and changed. I pray that we’ll come ready to listen and to share. I pray that we’ll show up with both humility and a willing spirit. And I pray that we come away in August earnestly seeking another way of being in this world.

Consider bringing a friend along. There’s always room for one more at camp!

See you Sunday,

Pastor Jen

*Adapted from the Narrative Overview (p. 8) to “Another Way” by Inside Out: Christian Resources for Outdoor Ministries, ©2024 Chalice Press.