We are just under two weeks away from Camp Meeting, July 14-21, 2024. Our Camp Meeting Chairman, Rev. Kevin D’Ettore, and the board have done a terrific job preparing a week packed full of terrific activities with a Worship and Preaching Team that are second to none. Rev. Nick Robertson led the worship team at General Assembly and is gifted and Spirit led. Drs. Graves and Chambo are known for their preaching and will move us to let the Spirit transform our lives. Rev. Dennis King will be leading our devotions each morning and if you have never heard Pastor Dennis teach, you should make it a priority to be present. He is outstanding and will help you walk with Jesus.
Additionally, we have two Coaching for Effective Leadership (CEL) opportunities. We reasoned that with a leadership team this gifted, it would seem a waste to not have the chance to learn from them in a leadership environment. On Tuesday, Dr. Graves will offer a CEL on preaching, then we’ll break for lunch, and Rev. Nick Robertson will offer a CEL on worship. With the weekly worship service being central to our churches, I’d encourage you to attend if you can. You’ll walk away with new tools for your tool belt.
Additionally, Dr. Samantha Chambo offers the unique perspective of being both the spouse of a minister and a clergy person herself. On Friday, Dr. Chambo will offer a CEL on the topic of Women in Ministry and Ministry Spouses at the Old Dutch Restaurant in Logan. Again, what an opportunity to hear from a leading voice in our denomination. Everyone is invited but be sure to pre-register.
On Saturday, in addition to tons of fun family events, we will have our “ReTool Road Trip: Detour Ahead.” As you recall we had three ReTool Road Trips slated for this year, but with the change in my role, we have decided to gather for the first one and share some plans for the weeks and months ahead. I hope you, your staff, and perhaps even some church leaders from your congregation can join us that morning at our Logan church.
For the CEL events and the ReTool Road Trip, you need to pre-register, so be sure to do that as quickly as possible. All the events involve a meal, and we want to account for everyone who plans to attend.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to be with our pastors and churches one final time as DS. It seems we just got started and now God has changed our course. I rest in knowing that what was a surprise to all of us was not a surprise to God. I trust the Lord and the leaders of the district to discern who will be our next DS. I’m praying for SCO as I have fallen in love with this team of pastors and leaders. I hope to have the chance to see you at camp meeting this year. Until then, may the Lord be with you.
-Dr. Sam
