Summer Ministry Highlights
Luther Park Bible Camp
June 24-29
This summer’s theme at Luther Park was This Changes Everything! ‘This’ referring to the gift of grace promised in Ephesians 2:8, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.” Everyday campers experienced how God’s grace changes how we live and how we can show that grace to our neighbors through Bible stories and various interactive activities.
- Monday’s story of the Road to Emmaus taught us that Grace is Jesus.
- Tuesday’s story of the Good Samaritan taught us that Grace is Love.
- Wednesday’s story of the Prodigal Son taught us that Grace is Forgiveness.
- Thursday’s story of the Great Commission taught us that Grace is Presence.
Mission Experience
Flathead Valley, Montana
The Senior High Youth had an adventurous week serving with Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp for the summer mission trip. The journey began with a 25-hour train ride to Whitefish, MT, where upon arrival we were cheerfully greeted by FLBC staff. During our stay we assisted in the Kalispell Thrift Store run by Flathead Industries, helped convert an old mall into a new non-profit hub with United Way of Flathead, and supported youth through construction and relationship building with the Boys & Girls Club of the Flathead Reservation. To end our time in Montana, we braved and survived whitewater rafting through Buffalo Rapid. As we boarded the train back for Minnesota, we were sent with the Montana Blessing:
May your visions be as boundless as the breath of our sky
May your soul have the strength of our mountains
May your life be as peaceful as our gently falling snow
And your days be as many as the trees
Coming home after doing service work can be confusing, because suddenly we look at our lives back home in a different way. Sometimes we zoom out and refocus – or perhaps reframe the shot altogether – we see life more clearly. If we take a close look, we might discover that we see and notice God more clearly too.
2019 Destination: Chicago!!
Vacation Bible School
This Changes Everything, Incredible!
“For by grace, you have been saved through faith, this is not your doing; it is the gift of God” ~Ephesians 2:8
Children and Youth had incredible fun while learning Gospel Bible stories of; The Road to Emmaus, The Good Samaritan, The Prodigal Son & The Great Commission during the morning session.
Afternoon adventures included trips to the state capitol and Crayola Experience, swimming at Lake Elmo and an afternoon learning about our ministry companion, “Friends of Huruma” in Tanzania.
Annual Congregational Camping Trip
The 2nd annual congregational camping trip was a success! By popular vote we headed to Highland Ridge at Eau Galle Lake, Spring Valley, WI on June 15-17 with a potluck dinner Saturday evening the 16th. Planning is already underway for the 2019 weekend!