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Temple Talks
Here are three temple talks you can use prior to your Camp
Sunday. Please feel free to adapt them and/or make up your own!
Temple Talk 1 (use three weeks prior to your Camp Sunday)
I am speaking to you today as (insert your congregation’s name) Ambassador to Luther Point Bible Camp. Today begins a month of focusing in on our relationship with Luther Point and the opportunities there are for each of us to be involved in camp life. It is important for us to remember that Luther Point is our camp. We, along with 75 other congregations, are the association of congregations that comprise Luther Point Bible Camp. It is exciting to be part of Luther Point’s mission of “Forming Faith, Pointing to Christ.” Forming faith is best done in the context of personal, trusted relationships. Outdoor ministry is effective at faith formation because the structure of camp life is heavily focused on camper to camper and camper to counselor relationships. In this outdoor, distraction free setting it is easy to build and strengthen Christ-centered relationships. Luther Point has a rich history of strong summer programming for all ages as well as new, year round retreat offerings for adults. In coming weeks I will be telling you more how your faith can be strengthened at Luther Point Bible Camp. Then on (insert Camp Sunday date here) we will be celebrating Camp Sunday here at (insert your congregation’s name) and you will have the opportunity to register for camp.
Temple Talk 2 (use two weeks prior to your Camp Sunday)
As (insert your congregation’s name) Ambassador to Luther Point Bible Camp I want to talk with you today about who camp is for. Everyone who is on a Christian faith journey is continually developing their faith. Luther Point’s programming recognizes this truth as they offer opportunities for people of all ages to experience God’s love and grace at camp. This year Luther Point continues to celebrate Camp in All Seasons. This refers to camp offerings in more than just the summer months as well as retreats for people in all seasons of life. There are retreats are being offered throughout the year. They include a Retiree Retreat, Prayer Shawl Retreat, Quilting Retreat, Scrapbookingn Retreat, Volunteer Retreat, and Grandparent/Grandchild Retreats. A registration form with more details is available by our Luther Point display.
Summer is also an important time to offer a variety of programs. These opportunities range from Confirmation camp, to canoe camp, to guitar camp, to family and singles camp, to drama camp. New this summer is also a Choir Camp and Craft Camp and a new emphasis in Outpost Camps and in Senior High Servant Camp. The opportunity to be a B.U.D.D.I.E is also available. These are just some of the many programs offered from June-August. You can find a complete listing of all the programs in the camp registration brochure. If you have a desire to attend camp there is a program that will fit your interests.
Finally, Luther Point believes that all people, regardless of their ability to pay, should be able to experience camp. So, in addition to the financial assistance we provide campers here at (insert your congregation’s name), Luther Point also offers camperships for those with financial need. In 2007 Luther Point gave away over $35,000 in camperships. So, clearly there is need and Luther Point has responded.
Remember that in a couple weeks on (insert date of your Camp Sunday) we will have our Camp Sunday Registration Day here at (insert your congregation’s name). So start now to prayerfully consider which camp experience will help you grow closer to God.
Temple Talk 3 (use one week prior to your Camp Sunday)
This is the third Sunday now that I as (insert your congregation’s name here) Ambassador to Luther Point Bible Camp have had the opportunity to encourage you to become involved in camp life. Next Sunday will be (insert your congregation’s name) Camp Sunday Registration Day. I encourage you to decide which programs you will attend and come prepared to register then.
Aside from your participation in camp programs and retreats, there are a couple other ways I would like to invite you to be a partner with Luther Point in it’s faith formation ministry. As you may recall from last week, I told you about Luther Point’s camperships. Every person who wants to attend camp, regardless of their ability to pay, is able to go to Luther Point because of the camperships. Luther Point depends on the financial gifts of generous donors to keep the campership fund healthy. You might consider giving a financial gift to help ensure that those in need can attend camp.
Another way to partner with Luther Point is to consider giving of your time through serving. There are always projects underway at camp and Luther Point depends greatly on the work of it’s volunteers. There are some scheduled volunteer days throughout the year and also opportunities to volunteer how and when you are able. Whatever your talents, gifts, availability or age Luther Point is a sure place to put them to good use.
Thirdly, if you can’t make it to camp yourself but would like to encourage someone else in your life to attend, Luther Point has gift certificates available. These can be purchased in any amount and put towards any program or retreat. This is a great gift idea for a child or adult in your life who would enjoy the camp experience.
Finally, remember Luther Point in your prayers. My prayer is that we as a congregation may begin to see more and more how important Luther Point is as an extension of our ministry here at (insert your congregation’s name). I also pray that you as individuals can be part of Luther Point so that you can experience God and meet Jesus on this unique, Christ-centered, holy ground.
