First Lincoln Chapel
Congregational Retreat Held at Wesley Forest
by Debbie Snare
It has been a good year for the Lincoln Chapel Outdoor Ministry Program; a
successful Spaghetti Supper in April, Camperships which made it possible for
several young people to attend United Methodist Camping Events during the
summer, and a renewed interest in camping opportunities for all ages. Thanks to
the enthusiasm of Outdoor Ministries Coordinator Judy Blair, and the leadership
of Lincoln Chapel, another new event was added to the roster: the very first
Lincoln Chapel Congregational Retreat, which was held at Wesley Forest on
Sunday, September 30. Under clear blue skies and abundant sunshine, we enjoyed a
lovely afternoon, full of fellowship, fun and good food. In attendance were
forty of us, adults as well as many children, which made the day all the more
enjoyable. Upon our arrival, the adults set about preparing the pavilion for a
picnic, while the children got busy doing what they do best: playing! There was
something for everyone: badminton, horseshoes, basketball, hide-and-seek, and
simply running around non-stop. While our traditional crock pots simmered, the
adults just soaked up the atmosphere of the forest setting, then we all explored
the area around the cabins--Moms and Dads locating the restrooms, which really
were modern!--sharing happy conversations, and relaxing. The fresh air felt
wonderful, such a peaceful place to spend a Sunday afternoon with loved
ones.
After a delicious meal, we met for prayer and devotions, led by Marcia
West, who shared her favorite passage from the Bible concerning nature:
"As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your
ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. As the rain and the snow come down from
heaven, and do not return without watering the earth and making it bud and
flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my
word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will
accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. You will
go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into
song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Instead
of the thornbush will grow the pine tree, and instead of briers the myrtle will
grow. This will be for the Lord's renown, for an everlasting sign, which will
not be destroyed." --Isaiah 55:9-13
This uplifting devotional set the stage for a wonderful time of sharing
among the group, how we have enjoyed the beauty of this season and the changing
leaves, special moments spent in nature, and of course, the best stories were
told by the children. There was also some sharing among the youth about their
camping experiences at Wesley Forest and Greene Hills this summer. Isaiah's
poetic imagery of trees "clapping their hands" left me with a joyful feeling. I
have always loved to watch the trees swaying in the wind, and now, I will often
think of them as "clapping their hands" in praise of their Creator.
Next, we broke up into groups, some of us (including all the children,
naturally), went on a nature walk, led by Tom Strausbaugh, who shared some of
his wisdom gained through many years of service in the Forestry Department. He
led us among the trees, identifying many of them--magnificent creations we don't
often see in such splendor in any other setting, and also native plants. He
shared interesting facts, and how the forests of Pennsylvania have changed over
time, and opened our eyes to treasures of nature, nestled right along our path.
The children had a grand time, exploring just off the beaten path, collecting
rocks, unusual pieces of tree bark, and gently scooped up several surprised tree
frogs, then returned them safely to their habitat, as we wandered through the
woods. We came upon the famous "Monkey Bridge", a series of three cables
stretched across a nearly dry creek--two cables to hold onto, one to walk on.
The older children navigated the bridge with ease; however, the Moms unanimously
declined to try this out! Kudos to Margaret West for most correct answers to
Tom's nature questions!
Those in the other group enjoyed an entertaining trivia question game with
Judy Blair serving as emcee, and we returned to find them laughing about classic
"West End" humor. More fun and fellowship, as the day wound down, roasting
marshmallows, chatting around the campfire and watching the children play...it
was a truly wonderful day. As we made our way home, I felt exhilarated from
having spent a day outside in God's beautiful creation, and I found myself
looking forward to the Second Annual Congregational Retreat!