A Blank Canvas: Making Your Mark

This time of year, we are all just plain busy. With the school year in full swing, the holiday season fast approaching, and preparations underway for winter, we yearn for rest and an easier routine. During busy times, we seek places and spaces that offer rest, connection, and renewal. There is such deep, restorative value in slowing down, taking a breath, and being fully present with the people around you. Ordinary Time, a faith-centered rhythm at Camp House in the summer months, provides participants an opportunity to find rest and to gather as a community to reconnect with the Creator, creation, and perhaps even our creative sides. 

For 5 weeks this past summer, participants at Camp House were led through activities for learning, creating, playing and being. There was time for devotions, worship, education and artistic classes led by pastors, musicians, educators and artists.

Meg Erke, a 2D mixed-media artist from Minneapolis, led a community painting project and saw the magic of the camp community in action:
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“The community painting project created during week 1 of Ordinary Time at Camp House was delightful to watch unfold throughout the week. I set up the canvas, easel and paints, made a few marks to get the ball rolling and walked away. Each time I came back to check on the painting it changed and evolved.

It was impossible to tell who had contributed which marks but it was clear that many hands continued to nudge the work forward. Periodically I’d notice that the painting had stalled and people weren’t sure where to go next and I’d fill in a little bit of the background or help highlight an area and folks would jump back in. The finished product was a perfect metaphor for camp and community. The nurturing and supportive environment let each person trust that their additions would benefit the whole.

This ministry is impossible without each individual’s contributions and presence, and your participation has a greater impact than just on yourself. In Meg's words, ​"It’s hard to predict what each person will contribute to the community but in hindsight it’s clear that the beautiful finished project would be impossible without each individual's contributions."

Learn more about Ordinary Time at Camp House. 

You may not know it, but you make camp and this ministry special for everyone. Your kindness and generosity are imperative to that legacy continuing on.

On November 21, Green Lake Lutheran Ministries will be participating in Give to the Max Day, with the goal of raising $30,000, ensuring that the joy of God’s love will continue to spread and ripple on. Through your donations, you change lives and we need your help! Will you join us by making a gift on Give to the Max Day? 

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