Camp Cross in Kenneiwck

As I pulled into the gas station on the morning of March 9^th, the cloudless sky was still filled with stars. One large coffee and two hours later, an incredible sunrise greeted me as I pulled the Camp Van into the parking lot of St. Paul’s Kennewick to join the congregation for a Sunday of worship.

Meeting the congregation and getting the incredible opportunity to give the homilies built on the crescendo of the sunrise, as the congregation and I talked about Camp Cross, spun tales about it’s past (one told stories about being there in the 1930s), and eagerly discussed the new things lined up for this summer.

During the coffee hours, we talked about what Camp Cross is like for those who haven’t yet had the chance to go, as well as brainstormed ways for Camp Cross to be more effective in its mission and creative ways St. Paul’s Kennewick can continue to support it. People were excited by the idea of using invitations to Men’s and Women’s Weekends as ways to connect not only with new and young parishioners, but also as a way to build common experiences with people from different backgrounds and cultures in their congregation,.

I was also overjoyed to see the St. Monica’s guild selling decorated chocolate Easter eggs to raise money to help all the youth of St. Paul’s attend Camp this summer. St. Paul’s had also just finished a Spaghetti feed to raise money to help two children at their church, both Camp Cross campers, apply for citizenship. Finding the spirit of “Becoming Bread for the World” alive in the Camp Cross community at St. Paul’s was another powerful reminder of the love and charity that surround our Camp.

From watching the sunrise on my drive, to the handshakes and hugs of my new friends as I got back on the road, the visit to St. Paul’s, was energizing and inspiring. I’m looking forward to my upcoming visits to congregations around the Diocese, spreading my passion for Camp Cross, learning from other’s, and getting the privilege to be better connected to such a wonderful community.