At the beginning of Lent, I shared in a “Coffeeshop Conversations” worship with some friends about our Lent journeys. At the end, I was lamenting that I didn’t know what to give up, because the thought of trying to track an addition or subtraction from my daily life would likely add to my personal anxiety. That was when I decided I would give up my anxiety for Lent – a tall order, I recognize, but an honest attempt would be made. My friend, Naomi, challenged me: giving up anxiety would leave space in my life for something – what could it be? I answered that I knew the right answer was courage, but I also knew how very difficult it would be for me to put that into actual practice during Lent.
Now, it’s Holy Week. Our Lent journey is coming to a close. Did I leave my anxiety behind and find new courage? No. At least, not completely. I did have moments when I was reminded of my Lenten decision, and thought about what it would be like to choose courage. Sometimes I did. But what I mostly got out of Lent this year was a self-awareness. In those moments of anxiety, I paid better attention to what was triggering those feelings, and why I was having that reaction.
I have got to have the fastest voice of self-doubt in all of humanity. I was in shock at how quickly a sharp voice in my brain could tell me, “Not you.” I would watch a lovely, empowering TikTok video of someone saying, “You are worth it!” And as I smiled at the thought of ‘being worth’ whatever ‘it’ is, that voice simultaneously said, “Not you.” Or a message of body positivity that a friend would share on Facebook, saying that, “You are beautiful as you are.” For a second, my heart would sing, “Am I beautiful?” Then just as quickly, that voice would say, “They’re talking about someone else. Not you.” Or whenever my son tells me that I should find a boy or girl to date, because he wants to make sure there’s someone who loves me so that I’m not lonely when he’s not home. I know, he’s the sweetest. While I struggle to say out loud, “Thank you, baby. I’ll do that when I’m ready,” that voice in my head is saying, “There’s too much to ‘fix’ before someone can love you. There’s too much to ‘fix’ before you can be happy. The ‘you’ you are now is not acceptable. Not you.”
I have spent more than 10 years preaching about the equal worth of all persons before a loving God. I have spent more than 10 years proclaiming that part of the instructions to love your neighbor as yourself has to start with loving yourself. I have spent more than 10 years teaching girls and women to love and accept themselves as they are. I have spent more than 10 years encouraging people to be authentically themselves because they are beautifully and wonderfully made in the image of their Creator!
And never did I once think that included me.
As my self-awareness during Lent grew, I realized two things: 1. I don’t know how to turn that voice off. 2. I want to be happy now.
Yes, I have moments of joy and glee during my daily life. I’ve got two amazing kids, and there’s a lot of humor in our home. We have fun together. I love to laugh and giggle. I am happy sometimes. But being happy with myself is different. Being comfortable with who I am is not something I have ever accomplished. It has always been, “I’ll be happy when…” and, of course, those things never happened. Or when they did happen, they didn’t make me any happier with myself. Even when there were times that I felt like I was acting fully myself, in the moment, expressing my thoughts uninhibited, momentarily unaware of my anxieties about social awkwardness or about my physical body… that tends to come crashing down around me when I say something wrong, or snort too loud, or knock over my cup. And I always interpreted those moments as ‘great forces of the universe’ putting me into check; a system of balances, as it were. I can never fully be myself, because then the pendulum would swing the other way and I would create chaos or disruption for others, or bring negative attention to myself.
As I’ve noticed these troubling things about myself, and knowing Lent is coming to an end, I wonder what is to become of me after Easter. Do I welcome my anxiety back? Do I continue to listen to that stupidly quick voice in my head? Do I continue to hold myself back from being myself? Lent is a season of transformation; it is a cocoon time. If I just go back to the way I’ve always been, what was the point of Lent? Christ welcomes us at the tomb on Easter morning, and instructs us to go out into the world a new person.
I have to find a way to leave my insecurities in that tomb. I have to find a way to silence that voice. I have to find a way to be happy with who I am now. Easter is not the day we all go back to normal. Easter is the day we move forward, a new beginning. Christ didn’t leave the tomb and tell his disciples, “Let’s get back to Galilee.” Christ died and came back new, leaving the wrappings of his death in the tomb. So what will be different for you on Easter? What do you need to leave in the tomb?
I know that voice is gonna be with me for awhile longer, and I know my anxieties will never leave me completely. But that doesn’t mean I’m not gonna keep working on it. It’ll never get better if I keep on as I have been, so I’m gonna try something new. I’m gonna try to find ways to tell myself that I am worthy, and loved, and acceptable just as I am. And I’m gonna get myself a pretty dress that looks like I love my body (even though I don’t feel it yet). I’m not gonna keep hiding myself from the world because of my anxiety. I’ve got to keep choosing courage.
On social media these days, I see a lot of people angry and hurting from interactions with Christians. Some of it stems from childhood, some more recent. Hate-filled comments online cursing strangers to hell and denouncing their lives as sinful leaves a bad taste in just about everyone’s mouth. And when I see the videos of people crying because they don’t understand why a ‘Christian’ would tell them their life isn’t worth living, I cry, too. And I desperately want to be the ‘good Christian’ that can show them love and encouragement. But every time I want to write, “But not all Christians are like that! I accept and love you as you are!” I can’t.
If you’ve not been aware of the ‘Not all men’ arguments, let me catch you up. Women and men have been more upfront with discussing the ways that men make others feel unsafe, unloved, unworthy; and there are men who are offended by these statements and reply back with, “Not all men.” This is not a new argument, but has been making the online rounds for many years. And while it is true that not all men attack or abuse women (emotionally, physically, etc.), the ‘not all men’ argument is not allowed. Someone who is vulnerable cannot always tell who is going to abuse them and who is not. Just because someone says, “I’m a nice guy,” doesn’t mean anything. Unfortunately, people lie, manipulate, cheat, etc. And yes, all this goes for women as well. And yes, women can also be the abusers in a relationship. And we shouldn’t leave out non-binary, either.
So yes, I acknowledge that even though there are male abusers, that does not mean all men abuse. But here’s the problem with the ‘not all men’ argument: it distracts. Instead of talking about the ways in which women feel unsafe, the ‘offended nice man’ makes the argument all about him. And we’re no longer talking about the problems of abuse, but the hurt ego of the men who don’t want to included in the statement. So while the man who says, “But not me!” may be accurate in that he’s never physically abused a woman, by taking away the conversation and the woman’s power she held in sharing her story, the ‘nice guy’ is now hurting the woman, and any other woman who could have been empowered in hearing the story. While it may feel awkward, uncomfortable, maybe even hurtful to the man hearing it, it would be more helpful to say, “I hear you,” or, “Thank you for sharing your story,” rather than, “Not all men.”
So what do I do when I hear a gay man share about being muttered at in a coffeeshop, “God hates fags”? Or when a single mom with tattoos talks about the blond, upstanding woman who tells her, “Repent from being a whore or you’re going to hell”? Or when a veteran who lost his hearing is told on TikTok, “God is punishing you by making you deaf… Repent and you’ll be able to hear again”? I am so offended by this hate that is spewed in the name of my God. This does not reflect how my church and my church family believes or behaves. It is because of my Christian love that I see the worth in them. I want to scream, “THEY DON’T SPEAK FOR GOD OR ME!” I want to write, “Not all Christians are like that! I’m not like that!” But I realized that I can’t. I can’t write, “Not all Christians,” because then I’m taking away from their story. I’m not honoring the pain that they’re going through – the VERY REAL pain inflicted on them by people who claim to believe the same way I do. If someone shared about being attacked by a Christian, and then is attacked by more Christians, saying, “Don’t lump me in with them,” that is not loving or healing – that is increasing the pain. We cannot say, “Not All Christians,” because we are inflicting further pain on the victim.
I want to believe I’m different. I want to believe the Community of Christ is different. But I cannot let myself be offended for being lumped under the same Christian umbrella as ‘those other’ people. I cannot make it about how there are different branches of the theology tree, and those Christians don’t speak for all Christians. They are hurting, and do not need a history lesson. What I can do: I can share my love for them. I can share the pain that I feel with them. I can sit with them and remind them that this person’s words do not define them. I can use my belief in the worth of all persons to support them while they move through the healing process.
And don’t get me started on people who say, “Love thesinner, hate the sin”…
Youth Camps are part of our rich camping tradition within Community of Christ. They provide an opportunity for children and youth to gather in safe space to learn, nurture, and grow in their relationship with God, self, and others. We are offering 4 youth camps and 4 reunions at our 3 campgrounds this summer. Register today!
For camp program questions, contact the Youth Camp Director
For questions regarding the GPNW Camping Program, contact Sean Langdon (slangdon@cofchrist-gpnw.org, 425-293-6366)
REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT: Please register and pay online at http://gpnwCofC.eventbrite.com/. Contact Mission Center Membership Services Administrator Jill Brunette (jbrunette@CofChrist-GPNW.org, 425-207-8712) for a Youth Camp Registration Form only if you cannot register online.
EARLY BIRD DEADLINE: Receive a discounted registration fee when the camper registers and either pays in full or submits a completed Financial Aid Form with camper’s portion of payment by the Early Bird deadline.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Final registration and payment deadline is TWO WEEKS before camp. Registrations and payments postmarked after the deadline will be accepted at the discretion of the Camp Director.
TWO-FOR-ONE DISCOUNT: We offer a Two-for-One discount when a GPNW camper brings a friend who is new to our GPNW summer camping program. Online, enter promotional code “241” by clicking on the blue “Enter Promotional Code” link located in the top right of the pop-up window after clicking on the green “REGISTER” button. Be sure to enter your friend’s name you are partnered with when asked. Your friend must also submit a registration.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: Limited financial assistance may be available from the GPNW Mission Center. Be sure to contact your congregation for potential financial support before requesting assistance from GPNW. A completed Financial Aid Form and camper’s portion of payment must be submitted by the deadlines indicated. Contact Mission Center Membership Services Administrator Jill Brunette for a Financial Aid Form, instructions on starting the Financial Aid process with your congregation, and the appropriate discount code BEFORE registering online.
CANCELLATIONS: Please notify Jill Brunette of your need to cancel as soon as possible. Refunds will be made as follows:
Before Registration Deadline: 100%
On or after Registration Deadline, prior to first day of camp: 2/3
On or after first day of camp: No refunds.
VISITORS AT CAMP: We offer a “closed camp” experience at our youth camps. There are to be no visitors unless recruited by the Camp Director. This includes youth who cannot attend the whole week but want to drop in for part of the day. Visitors cause disruption to the camp experience and create potential safety concerns.
SPECIAL NEEDS CAMPERS: Parents of special needs campers must contact the Camp Director prior to registration to discuss arrangements for a possible attendant (who must be a registered youth worker). Because we have volunteer staff, the camps are not equipped to provide trained assistants. We want to be inclusive in our camping program, and we also want to provide a safe and secure environment for our campers.
WORTH OF ALL PERSONS: All are welcome at our Youth Camps. There is to be no discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, political affiliations, religious beliefs, race, national origin, and range of human ability. The teachings at our youth camps must reflect Community of Christ Identity, Mission, Message, and Beliefs, as well as Policies and Statements. Our staff seek to provide a safe place for all including the use of preferred names and gender identities. We also seek to recruit staff who represent the diversity we welcome and celebrate at camp. To share how we can provide a more inclusive experience for your child or to express any concerns, please contact the Camp Director or GPNW USA MC Camping Ministries Director.
TRANSPORTATION: Transportation to and from camp is provided by the parent/guardian. If your child is sent home for behavior or health concerns, it will be the responsibility of the parent/guardian to arrange transportation from the campground in a timely, efficient manner. Campers should arrive and depart camp according to published times. Late arrival or early departure will not typically be allowed, as they are disruptive to the camp experience. If you have special circumstances, seek the Camp Director’s approval in advance.
MEDICATIONS: All medications must be listed on the registration form. Prescribed medications must be in the container dispensed by the pharmacy, with pharmacy instructions intact. Over-the-counter medications must be in the original manufacturer’s container, labeled with the camper’s name and specific instructions. All medications stay with the Camp Nurse in a secure location.
WHAT NOT TO BRING: Weapons of any kind, illegal drugs, alcohol, marijuana, bad attitude, inappropriate reading material, foul language, large electronics such as laptop and gaming systems, and large amounts of cash. It is also discouraged to bring snacks including candy & gum. These items may be confiscated at the Camp Director’s discretion.
WHAT TO BRING:
BEDDING: Sleeping Bag and Pillow
CLOTHES: Jeans or other long pants, T-shirts, Shorts, Swimsuit(s), Jacket/Sweatshirt, Pajamas, Underwear, Socks, Sturdy closed-toe walking/hiking shoes/boots, Sandals, Shower sandals
TOILETRIES: Towels, Beach Towel for water activities, Soap, Shampoo, Deodorant / Antiperspirant, Comb or brush, Toothbrush and toothpaste, Sunscreen, Insect repellent, Lip balm
SPECIAL ITEMS: Bible, Flashlight & batteries, Camera
The camp and mission center are not responsible for any lost or stolen items at camp.
For children entering Grades 3-9 in the Fall of 2022
Kids Camp/Jr. High Camp @ Remote
These two camps will happen alongside each other at Camp Remote with some activities together and some separated by grade.
3 PM on Sunday, July 31, to Noon on Wednesday, August 3.
KIDS CAMP THEME: LEGO: Build for Jesus!
As disciples, what and how can we build for Jesus? In the Bible, we will teach the campers what was built and how others came to help Jesus. Using skill building, building crafts, and learning the basics of how our church has built for Jesus will be just a few things with kids camp this year.
At this camp we will learn that each of us holds a tremendous treasure that has been given to us by God and that while each of us has a very unique, rough, imperfect shell . . . that shell holds a trove of valuables that we can use to make our world a better place. Come to camp and learn how to use your treasures for good. A highlight of this year’s camp will be the fun of celebrating 4th of July together!
Camp Mungai this year is an expanded grade experience for those entering grades 3-9 in the Fall of 2022.
4 PM on Sunday, August 14, to Noon on Thursday, August 18
THEME: Jesus is the Rock
Join us at Camp Mungai this year as we go Prehistoric! We will explore the many ways that Jesus is our solid foundation, and the One we can trust to guide us when our path gets rocky and life gets hard. So if you enjoy fun crafts, epic outdoor games, playing with friends, good food, and exploring nature, then Camp Mungai is the place for you!
DIRECTOR TEAM: Sue Wheeler (253-939-7082), Sandy Webb-Johnsen, and Jean Cravy (360-969-3188), Mungai@CofChrist-GPNW.org
EARLY BIRD FEE: $205 by July 15 or REGISTRATION FEE: $245 by July 29
For youth entering Grades 10-12 in the Fall of 2022 and 2022 Grads
Sr. High Camp @ Remote
3 PM on Sunday, July 10, to Noon on Saturday, July 16
THEME: Reflection of the Prodigal Child
We have all heard the Story of the Prodigal Son. Have you ever really thought about it though? Did you know there are three movements in the Story? This week we will delve deeper into the story and see if we can’t find where we fit into this story. The themes of homecoming, affirmation, and reconciliation will be newly discovered by all who have known loneliness, dejection, jealousy, or anger
4 PM on Sunday, August 7, to Noon on Saturday, August 13
THEME:Belong
Kimtah 2022 is all about belonging. Throughout the camp we will journey with the theme of “Belong”. Through classes, worships, and conversations we will explore the daily themes of “I Belong”, “You Belong”, “They Belong”, and “We Belong”. We will push ourselves to go beyond our comfort zones in how we view ourselves and those around us, for all of God’s children are of worth. So, plan today to come to Kimtah 2022 and be thinking about who you can invite to join to camp with you!
Reunions are part of our rich camping tradition within Community of Christ. They provide an opportunity to gather in sacred community for play, worship, discipleship formation, and fellowship as we rekindle friendships and create new ones. We offer three family reunions for anyone to attend at each of our campgrounds as well as a reunion for adults at Samish Island Campground. Scroll down to the reunion want to attend and register today!
For reunion program questions, contact the Reunion Director
For questions regarding the GPNW Camping Program, contact Sean Langdon (slangdon@cofchrist-gpnw.org, 425-293-6366)
REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT: Please register and pay online below. Alternatively, send your completed Reunion Registration Form and full payment to Attn: (name of reunion), Community of Christ, PO Box 60227, Renton WA 98058. Make any checks payable to “Community of Christ.” All payments will be processed when received. Advance freewill offerings cover costs not included in the registration fee and are appreciated to help meet the reunion budget.
EARLY BIRD DEADLINE: Receive a discounted registration fee when registration and full payment are received or postmarked on or before the Early Bird deadline.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Final registration and payment deadline is noted for each reunion. Registrations postmarked after the Registration deadline will be accepted at the discretion of the Reunion Director.
CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS: Please notify the Reunion Director of your need to cancel as soon as possible. Refunds will be made as follows:
Before Registration Fee deadline: 100%
On or after Registration Fee deadline, prior to first day of reunion: 2/3
On or after first day of reunion: No refunds
PART-TIME & DROP-IN:
Attending During One Meal Time, No Overnight Stay: If you attend reunion during a single meal time (whether or not you eat the meal) and do not stay overnight, RSVP directly with the Reunion Director. A Reunion Registration (online or form) is not required. A single drop-in meal fee will be payable on site.
Single drop-in meal fees:
Family Reunion at Lewis River: $6 per person (ages 11 & up), $4 per child (ages 5-10), and free for ages 4 and under
Family Reunion at Samish Island: $10 per person (ages 12 & up), $5 per child (ages 6-11), and free for ages 5 and under
Family Reunion at Remote: $6 per person
Adult Reunion at Samish Island: $10 per person
Attending During Two or More Meal Times, No Overnight Stay: If you attend reunion during two or more meal times in a day (whether or not you eat both meals) and do not stay overnight, RSVP directly with the Reunion Director. A Reunion Registration (online or form) is not required. Your director will provide you with your fee, payable on site.
Any Part-Time Overnight Stay: If you plan to stay the night on site for any length of time, you must complete and return a Reunion Registration Form and pay the daily rate indicated on that form.
SPECIAL DIETARY REQUIREMENTS: Our cooks do their best to meet the special dietary requirements and food allergy needs of our campers. Sometimes those needs cannot be met due to limited cooking staff. It is a best practice to bring some personal food with you to supplement what is provided. Please only indicate a special dietary requirement if this is reflective of your everyday diet.
EVENT RULES: Not following the printed or announced rules and reminders of camp may result in you and your family being asked to leave the camp experience.
Participate in a daily work assignment if physically able.
Follow the health, safety and property care rules of the campground.
Be courteous and respectful of others and their property.
No pets of reunion campers allowed on campground property.
Do not possess or use recreational marijuana, medical marijuana, alcohol, or illegal drugs on campground property. Do not use e-cigarettes or tobacco products on campground property.
You must be the parent or legal guardian, or have consent of the parent/legal guardian, to register and/or sponsor any child/youth under the age of 18.
Sponsors of children and youth must be a minimum of 21 years of age or older AND a minimum of 5 years older than the children and youth they are sponsoring. Children and youth must stay with their sponsor, who is responsible for their whereabouts and behavior. Children and youth are those under the age of 18.
Community of Christ is not responsible for any lost or stolen items at reunion.
Follow any COVID-19 Guidelines announced or posted by Reunion Leadership, Campground Staff, and Mission Center Leadership Team.
WHAT TO BRING: Appropriate clothing and shoes, Toiletries, Towels & Washcloths, Shower Sandals, Sunscreen, Insect repellent and protective clothing, Bedding, Swimwear & Beach Blanket (for water activities), Spending money for snacks at canteen (if desired – for family reunions only), and Lawn or beach chair (if desired).
Family Reunion @ Lewis River | Living Jesus… Living Peace
Sunday, June 26 (2:30 PM) – Friday, July 1 (Noon), 2022
Enjoy the renewal of friendships and the wide range of ages joining in fun and fellowship at Lewis River Reunion! Families gather around the creek. Children and grandchildren play with glee. Teens reconnect with old friends. Adults gather for chats under a tree. The adventurous explore the waterfalls up the hill or swim in the river below. Music, laughter, learning, new opportunities for discipleship, and sharing one’s heart are all possibilities within the week’s experience.
Family Reunion @ Samish Island | Living Jesus… Living Peace
Sunday, July 10 (2:00 PM) – Saturday, July 16 (Noon), 2022
When we said our goodbyes at Samish Reunion in July of 2019, we had NO idea it would be 3 years until we’d be able to gather once again in our sacred space. We have all missed the annual pilgrimage and traditions each summer brings as we share and grow in fellowship, worship and cherished activities.
As we look with excitement to plan and prepare for a week of true REUNION, we are finding new ways to slow down the pace of the daily schedule, so that we may all enjoy time to visit, re-connect and embrace the opportunity to gather. Time honored traditions such as Worship, Salmon BBQ, Arts & Crafts and Campfires will weave into a relaxed week that we hope everyone can attend.
As always, we need YOU to make this highly anticipated camp a success. Where do you see yourself helping out? Teaching a class? Kitchen Cook/Help? Leading Arts & Crafts or Recreational Activities? Music Ministry? Bring your talents and join us for an “EPIC 2022 SAMISH REUNION!!”
Family Reunion @ Camp Remote | Living Jesus… Living Peace
Saturday, August 6 (2:00 PM) – Friday, August 12 (Noon), 2022
Come and enjoy the peaceful beauty of Camp Remote while experiencing the ministry, fellowship, great food and fun that Remote Family Reunion offers. We anticipate a great week with guest ministry provided by High Priest Sara Tubbesing, former Arizona Mission Center President, and as well as our own Mission Center President Kim Naten.
Highlights will include powerful worships, engaging classes for all age groups, intergenerational fellowship services, lively chats, fun and spiritually uplifting campfires, and MUCH MORE!
Adult Reunion @ Samish Island |The Voices of the Islands
Saturday, August 20 (3:00 PM) – Thursday, August 25 (Noon), 2022
Apostle Mareva Arnaud and her husband Muna are traveling from French Polynesia to be our guest ministers at the 2022 Adult Reunion, along with our own GPNW Invitation Support Minister Sean Langdon. Come and celebrate the diversity, community, joy and song of Tahiti and the Islands of French Polynesia. Hear stories of cultural diversity, expanding mission, and generosity as a way of life. We will close the week with an island Coronation Reception for our guest ministers, and a Tahitian Song Competition (Te Tatauraa te Himene), called an Oaoaraa!
We’re also excited for an enhanced reunion experience as this will be the first year the Singles and Adult Reunions are blended together! The week will include some elements drawn from the Singles’ Reunion as well as Adult Reunion program—flavored of course by the salt of the tides and the winds of the oceans! Bring your ukulele, hand drum, or guitar!
COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement for Adult Reunion
Given the older, vulnerable population that typically attends the Adult Reunion, the decision has been made to require all campers be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 vaccinations in order to attend the 2022 Adult Reunion this summer. For this definition, fully vaccinated means having received the primary vaccination dose(s) at least two weeks prior to the start of reunion. A representative of the Reunion Directing Team will contact all registered campers to request a copy of proof of vaccination. If one is not provided prior to reunion or during registration at reunion, the camper will be asked to leave until a copy can be provided.
The Adult Reunion Directing Team has also determined that masks will be required for all indoor activities, except when consuming food or beverage. If this COVID-19 guideline for participation at Adult Reunion changes prior to reunion, that will be communicated. All Reunion Directors reserve the right to enforce COVID-19 masking or social distance guidelines for participation at reunion this summer.
