Dear Friends,
This week I have had the privilege of serving as pastor and preacher for high schoolers at the Warren W. Willis United Methodist Camp in Fruitland Park. Lenora has also been here this week, serving as pastor and preacher for 4
th
and 5
th
grade campers.
This place is one of the gems of our Florida Conference of the UMC. It is here that hundreds of youth over the past 60+ years have heard a call into ministry. It is here that thousands of them have experienced the presence of Christ in a way that changed their lives forever. And it is here this summer that several thousand more are having an opportunity to get real with God.
Among this week's campers are 15 of our own children and youth from Trinity, the first time in a long time that has happened. Some of you who have memories of this place have shared your excitement about this with Catherine and me. I can't wait for our students to come home and tell others about their week so that next year even more can come and have their own encounter with God.
I am grateful to serve a church, both locally and as a part of the Florida Conference, that has such a strong commitment to nurturing children and youth in their faith. When we invest in them, we are making a lasting impact for the sake of God's kingdom.
I look forward to seeing you this Sunday as we continue the Unexpected Journey in worship. Remember to bring reusable tote bags for refugees as our mission emphasis this week and join your Trinity family for lunch at noon.
Grace and peace,
