|
|
|
|
Our Mission:
Supporting lifelong faith formation in the home and congregation.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
From the President's Desk
Dear friends,
Our CEN Historian, Beth Wolslegel, nominated Heather Eggert for this month's "6 Questions" interview. Heather is the Executive Director of Lake Wapogasset Lutheran Bible Camp, as well as a wife, mother and all-around Renaissance woman!
So grab a cup of your favorite beverage and meet Heather!
Blessings,
Pastor Juli Lejman-Guy, President
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6 Questions and a Cup of Coffee with... Heather Eggert
My name is Heather Eggert and I proudly bear the titles of; wife, mom, cook, runner, bicycle enthusiast, gardener, camp director, quilter, crafter & occasional procrastinator. Having a wide array of hobbies and activities is what fuels me, though I don't claim to master any of them. I'm more of a dabbler and enjoy learning and experiencing new things. Our three teenaged daughters help remind me that I'm not as cool or hip as I think I am! I am a hot mess of a middle-aged mama, a perfect mix of sinner and saint, who daily needs to remind myself to lean deeply into God's rich promises of love, grace and mercy.
1. Can you describe your call to ministry?
I serve as the Executive Director of Lake Wapogasset Lutheran Bible Camp. Wapo and Ox Lake Bible Camps are in Amery, Wisconsin, and Wilderness Canoe Base sits near the end of the gunflint trail in Grand Marais, Minnesota. I've served 25 years with this organization in various roles. I don't have a big, wowie event that helped lead me into this career, but in looking back, I can see God laying out experiences and opportunities that have fostered a deep sense of calling to outdoor ministry. I am passionate about providing places of grace for people to deepen their relationships with others, and to discover and nurture their faith in Jesus Christ. There is power in Bible Camp experiences, and I am grateful and humbled to walk alongside people at our sites.
2. What is the best part of your ministry now?
This is an easy question for me to answer. The best part of our ministry is that we are building leaders for the church. If you've run across a camp enthusiast, you may very well have heard about the powerful impact that a camp experience can have on a young person. In fact, an overwhelming majority of seminary students and pastors cite their experiences at Bible Camp as the most significant experience in their faith journeys. Watching a camper or a college-aged staff lean into a camp experience and giving them space in a safe environment to poke and prod around in their faith lives - the way they view the world and God's position in it - is such a privilege. The 2nd best part of our ministry, in my opinion, is that there seems to be a growing hunger for camp and retreat opportunities. I really believe people are yearning for spaces to step away, engage in a faith centered community, and allow themselves to ask/muse/wonder/celebrate their faith in Jesus.
3. What is one fact about you that would surprise people?
I'm not sure! I have 2 fake front teeth due to a toboggan accident when I was in college. Is that surprising? I know that I keep surprising myself with the way my faith life continues to grow and morph and twist to and fro. I think I've always had the impression that once you enter into mid-life, you must certainly have it all figured out. My advice is to enjoy the mysterious journey!
4. What are three things Christian educators need to keep their eye on?
- The changing landscape of our communities, families and churches. Continual growth and an openness to new ideas are key to unearthing valuable faith practices that will be engaging, formative and practical.
- Creating safe spaces for people (and children) to ask questions and engage in faith-based and other conversations with folks who may have a different perspective. This is an exciting time for the larger church - to be a hospitable, loving, non-judgmental place for people to gather or seek shelter or comfort.
- Send your people to camp! Did you know there are well over 100 ELCA outdoor ministry sites across the country? You can learn more about Lutheran Outdoor Ministries at lomnetwork.org. I will speak for the whole as I offer a far-flung invitation to come and check us out! We would love to be in conversation with you and your church or ministry organization. How can we develop opportunities that will uplift and support each other?
5. What are some of your favorite resources?
6. How can we pray for you?
It is so humbling to ask for prayers from all of you. Thank you that might lift up these needs:
- Prayers of celebration for a safe summer at our sites. We welcomed over 5,500 children and families into our programs this summer. We are grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside these people as they learned about Jesus
- Prayers for our organization's desire to build and grow programs and facilities over the coming years. Pray for wisdom, vision and the ability to connect these dreams with financial support
- Prayers for families and communities that know division more than unity, for those that feel left out and on the fringes. Help us to grow into people who readily reach out in love as we seek to meet the needs of our neighbors.
- Prayers for ministry leaders. Lord, equip us with what is necessary for the tasks at hand. Help us to react and respond wisely.
----------------- If you would like to recommend a Lutheran or others with a passion for lifelong learning for the "6 Questions and a Cup" column, please let us know!
|
|
|
|
|
Prayer Pause
Almighty God,
We pray that through the events in our lives, you bless us with your love. Grant that we may know your presence, see your love at work, and live in the light of the event that gives us joy forever - the coming of your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us to live as your disciples. Help us to be your hands and feet in the world around us.
Amen.
|
|
Our Facebook group continues to grow with over
1,000 members!
|
"How to Create a Safety Plan
for Your Church"
Our whole church approach is for anyone seeking to intentionally create a peaceful environment for people of all ages. Attend a four-hour workshop in your region.
Click
here for more information or to register!
|
| |
|
Christian Education Network of the ELCA
Vision Statement
Building a community which equips, encourages and empowers those engaged in lifelong faith formation in a changing world.
The CENetwork will:
- Identify and evaluate resources and educational opportunities
- Facilitate communication and conversation
- Offer guidance, networking and mutual support
- Nurture spiritual growth online and face to face
Check out our website
|
| Contact Us |
|
CENetwork of the ELCA
P.O. Box 9304
Rochester, MN 55903
Phone messages may be left at
(507) 721-0057
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
