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May 12, 2026 Leave a Comment

SCO Camp Meeting: A Legacy Worth Continuing & Other Highlights

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SCO District Updates: Camp Meeting Edition

May 12, 2026

Camp Meeting: A Legacy Worth Continuing

As I look ahead to our upcoming SCO Camp Meeting, July 12–19 at Hocking Hills Retreat Center in Logan, Ohio, I find myself reflecting on the many ways Camp Meeting has shaped my life.

My first memories of Camp Meeting go back to my teenage years on the district. At that age, I probably did not fully understand the depth of what God was doing, but I knew there was something special about gathering with people of all ages from across our district to worship, laugh, pray, and grow together. Camp Meeting gave me a place to belong, a place to encounter God, and a place to build friendships that would leave a lasting mark on my life.

Years later, as an adult, Camp Meeting took on new meaning. I began to see it not just as an annual event, but as a beautiful expression of the Church and a reunion of sorts. Now, as a pastor, I have watched people of all ages worship side by side, kneel at altars together, encourage one another, and mentor the next generation simply by showing up faithfully. It has been a beautiful thing in my life to watch this transpire and recognize that the Kingdom of God is bigger than any one age group, church, or season of life!

As a wife and mother, Camp Meeting has become one of our family’s most treasured annual traditions. For nearly a decade, it has been one of our favorite weeks of the year. My children look forward to it with excitement, and every year they are genuinely sad when it is over. That says something about the legacy of Camp Meeting, it is not only impacting us today; it is planting seeds for tomorrow!

This year, we are excited to welcome Rev. Garret Russell, his wife, Laura, and their children, from Waterford Naz as Garret steps into the role of Activities Coordinator. We are grateful for their willingness to serve and help create meaningful, fun, family- centered experiences throughout the week.

Many favorite activities will be returning this year, including the Giant Water Slide, Family Fun Day, the Sunday Cruise-In with DJ Mike O’Riley, Art Fun Day on Thursday led by Terri Gilkerson, Daily Devotions led by Rev. Gary Webb, and, of course, our beloved Tuesday Potluck Lunch in the Shelter House.

Camp Meeting is more than a week on the calendar. It is worship, mentorship, friendship, family, and legacy. I hope you will make plans to join us July 12–19 as we gather again and trust God to meet us in powerful ways. Please keep this special week in your prayers!

Thank you to those who have faithfully supported the legacy of Camp Meeting. God has done, is doing, and will continue to do great things!

Brittany Zahler

Camp Meeting Director

Prize Donations Needed for Family Fun Day Camp and Cruise-In

We are excited to make this year’s Camp Meeting Family Fun Day and Cruise-In a joyful, welcoming, and memorable experience for families across our district! To help make these events successful, we are asking each church to consider donating prizes valued between $5 and $50 to be used for prizes during Family Fun Day and the Cruise-In. Great donation ideas include toys, games, gift cards, car wash items, BBQ supplies, family fun items, small themed baskets, or other creative gifts. Prizes will be sorted for children, teens, and adults so that everyone has an opportunity to participate and enjoy the fun. These small gifts go a long way in helping us create an atmosphere of generosity, celebration, and connection during Camp Meeting.

Donations may be sent or dropped off to Pastor Brittany at Whitehall Naz, or they may be brought on opening night of Camp Meeting. Also, if you are interested in volunteering during Family Fun Day, or at the Cruise-In, please contact Pastor Brittany. Thank you for helping us bless our district families and guests as we gather together at Hocking Hills Retreat Center for a week of worship, fellowship, and fun!

SCO District Office Open House

Join us on Sunday, July 12, from 4:00-5:30 pm for an open house at the SCO District Office’s new location at the HHRC. Come explore the new space, meet district staff, and help us celebrate this exciting move. All are welcome!

NEWS FROM ACROSS THE DISTRICT

New SCO District Treasurer Announced

It is with great joy that we announce that Rev. Joshua Cook, Pastor at Nelsonville Nazarene, has accepted the role of SCO District Treasurer. We look forward to the leadership and professionalism he will bring to this responsibility. Pastor Josh enters this position with strong knowledge, valuable skills, and significant experience. He will begin working alongside Tom Finks this month and will fully assume the role on June 1. Please join us in welcoming Pastor Josh to this new assignment.

Contact: jcook@sconaz.org

South Point Church

Rev. Derek Citron has accepted the call to serve as Lead Pastor at South Point, effective Sunday, June 14. Pastor Derek's Installation Service will take place at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 14. We will have more information on Pastor Derek in an upcoming newsletter.

Cornerstone Church

Dr. Greg (Elaine) Mason has accepted the call to serve as Lead Pastor at (Wheelersburg) Cornerstone, effective Sunday, May 3. We will have more information on Pastor Greg and Elaine in an upcoming newsletter.

Hocking Hills Retreat Center Update

Thank you, Pastor Rob Paugh, HHRC Development Director, for the following wonderful update!

Beginning May 11, we will begin a 40 Days of Vision Campaign to help raise awareness and money for the next phase of development for HHRC. We are currently in the construction document phase and will be ready to break ground as soon as we have the money. You can learn more about this at our website at www.hockinghillsretreatcenter.org.

We’ll be hosting several workdays throughout May, and we’d love to have your help! Here are the dates:

May 11–13
May 20–21
May 26–28

If you can join us, just send an email to rob@hockinghillsretreatcenter.org or call 614‑205‑8023 to let us know you’re coming. If you’re available on other days, reach out and we’ll make it work. There’s plenty to do for every skill level.

We also have permission to burn some of the leftover tree‑top and stump piles from 6 pm to 6 am. If you’d be interested in staying overnight to keep an eye on the fires, let us know!

New Cabins – Lake is Stocked – New Fire Rings!

The final four cabins are nearing completion! Just a few more finishing touches inside and out and they will be ready for our campers. We can sleep over 150 in the cabins!

The Lake is looking really great and was stocked over a week ago with bass, perch, crappie, bluegill, hybrid bluegill, catfish, shellcracker and LOTS of minnows. We also saw thousands of tadpoles as we were stocking. Still to come is the dock, kayaks and beach area.

A local company made some fire rings so we can provide safe area’s for campfires. Campfires are amazing areas to connect with friends and family and roast some s’mores!

This Saturday – May 16 – HHRC – Downstairs of the District Office

LDI – Training with Dr. Stan Reeder

Crucial Conversations

We’re thrilled that Dr. Stan Reeder, former USA/Canada Regional Director, will be joining us on Tuesday, August 11 to lead us in exploring how to navigate crucial conversations in and outside the church. His depth of insight will make this an LDI experience you won’t want to miss.

Stan Reeder served as a youth pastor and lead pastor of growing churches in Canada and the United States for 25 years before serving for 11 years in the role of Superintendent for the Oregon Pacific District Church of the Nazarene.

In 2020 Stan was elected as the Church of the Nazarene’s Regional Director for USA/Canada and recently retired. He has a doctorate from Fuller Theological Seminary with an emphasis in Strategic Planning.

Stan enjoys hockey, rock climbing, and backpacking. His wife Janet has retired from serving as Vice President of Patient Care Services in a national healthcare provider. Stan and Janet have two grown sons, a wonderful daughter-in-law, and one beautiful granddaughter.

Crucial Conversations with Dr. Stan Reeder – South Central Ohio District

It’s not too early to start planning for the

2026-2027 Children’s Quizzing season!

Young Clergy Refresh Day

Young Clergy Refresh Day is a one-day gathering designed to encourage, renew, and connect young pastors across our district. Join us on September 12th at Hocking Hills Retreat Center for a time of spiritual refreshment, practical encouragement, and meaningful community with other young clergy (40 and under). Whether you’re feeling energized or running on empty, this day is for you. Registration and more details will be available in July.

Ministry Team Retreat

October 2-4, 2026

We’re thrilled to share that our next Ministry Team Retreat is set for October 2–4 in the peaceful beauty of Amish Country. We are honored to welcome Rev. Dale Schaeffer (Steph), District Superintendent of the Florida District, as our guest speaker for the weekend.

Prepare for a meaningful time of rest, fellowship, and spiritual renewal. It’s the perfect opportunity to step away from the busyness of ministry. Watch for additional information and registration coming soon.

SABBATICAL

From May 3 through June 13, our District Superintendent, Dr. Eddie and Diane will be on sabbatical. During the next five weeks, please contact District Secretary Kevin Angel (districtsecretary@sconaz.org) with ministry-related questions, or Director of Connections & Communication, Darla Batson (dbatson@sconaz.org) with calendar/event/communication-related questions.

RESOURCE HIGHLIGHTS

Make It Matter: Turning Summer

Outreach Into Lasting Change

NMI welcomes you to a dynamic Zoom training event on June 15th at 6:00 PM (EST) – designed to inspire and equip you for a powerful summer of ministry.

Summer brings countless opportunities for community outreach. In this training – led by Sam and Kristi Senica (USA/Canada Mobilization) – you will discover practical, creative ways to turn outreach into meaningful connections that impact your community.

Know someone who has a heart for outreach? Invite them to join us! You won’t want to miss it!

Spanish translation available.

Zoom Link

Start an Upward Sports Ministry Now!

Regardless of your church size or location, sports ministry is a powerful tool to reach your community. Through a 6-12 week sports league, families are invited in, relationships are formed, and lives are impacted.

Did you know Upward Sports offers a $500 sports ministry grant exclusively for Nazarene churches? In addition, Upward is giving away two free soccer goals when launching a full soccer league!

Start your league today!

May 16: Missions Workshop – HHRC

June 14 – 17: Middle School Camp – HHRC (completed 6th grade through completed 8th)

June 17 – 20: High School Camp – HHRC (completed 9th grade through completed 12th)

July 1 – 7: Nazarene Youth Conference (NYC)

July 12 – 19: District Camp Meeting

July 19 – 22: Children’s Camp (4th through 6th grade)

July 23 – 25: Children’s Camp (1st through 3rd grade)

August 11: Crucial Conversations – HHRC Register here:

Crucial Conversations with Dr. Stan Reeder – South Central Ohio District

October 2 – 4: Ministry Team Retreat (MTR) Amish Country

Pray for our District Superintendent, Dr. Eddie, and his wife, Diane, as they begin their sabbatical May 3 to June 14. Ask God to bless them with deep rest and a refreshed spirit.

Pray with us that God will help us plant many new congregations in the next 5 years, both within the I-270 outer belt and across the district. Who might God be calling? Where might God be calling?