Now We Gather in this Place

At each closing Eucharist this summer, we sang Now We Gather. It has become a favorite of mine over the last couple months. I often find myself, weeks after our last session ended, waking up with it in my head and missing being in the chapel with campers and camp staff to celebrate another amazing week and to partake in the Eucharist together. In particular, I have been struck by how relevant the words are, not only for summer camp but any time folk are able to spend time here at Waycross:

Now we gather in this place, to feel your strong embrace Defend us Lord from all assaults of the enemy Give us the will to walk the Road, and strength enough to share the load With the friends that you give as your earthly family

How many ways we refuse The one who loves us endlessly How many things draw us away A jealous God waits patiently

Images of wealth and power Feed the lie so carefully And in time we bow down Forget who are are meant to be

It is easy in the freneticism of this world to be distracted, to get discouraged, to forget who we are meant to be, to become skeptical about our relationships. At Waycross, during summer camp or at any program we offer throughout the year, we live in intentional community, reminded that we do not, cannot make it on our own. At Waycross, we do not live for ourselves alone.

We gather at Waycross with intention, to be reminded who we are meant to be, and to try, even for a moment, to live in a community that celebrates and honors the dignity of each person. I believe that this is what makes camp so magical, that keeps people wanting to come back time and time again.

This is also something we want to offer folk of all ages, throughout the whole year. I hope that you will take a look at the events coming up this fall and winter and that you will join us here at Waycross. See below for dates and details.

Come and remember who you are meant to be!

~Sara Gunter, from Aug. 1, 2024 “Upcoming 2024 Waycross Events”

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