The BWC is blessed to have three different camp and retreat sites offering a wide range of programs in stunning locations at Harmison, Manidokan, and West River. This summer grow in love of God, self, neighbor, and nature with our traditional Adventure and Discovery Camps for all ages, or through specialized programs like Camp Joy (a service-based program), Deaf Camps, Sailing Camps, Leadership Camps, Mini Camps (partial week), Day Camps, and more!

Get your family and your church ready to join the fun this summer by celebrating Camping Sunday on February 8.

Find out more by visiting our website www.bwccampsandretreats.com or contacting our office at or 410-867-0991.

PowerPoint Word Outline

Camping Sunday (February 9)

Call to worship

One: You are the salt of the earth.
Many: We give flavor to the world, preserving the love of Christ at work.
One: You are the light of the world.
Many: Even amidst the night of pain and sorrow, we shine the light of Christ’s love.
One: You are the fresh breeze of a new life.
Many: We remind the world to return to the peace and beauty of creation.
One: You are God’s hands and feet.
Many: We are working for healing in a broken world.
One: You are to live out God’s call of love and justice.
All: We will guide the world to reconnect with God through community and creation.

First reading Psalm 112:1-9 (10)

Praise the LORD! Happy are those who fear the LORD, who greatly delight in his commandments.

Their descendants will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed.

Wealth and riches are in their houses, and their righteousness endures forever.

They rise in the darkness as a light for the upright; they are gracious, merciful, and righteous.

It is well with those who deal generously and lend, who conduct their affairs with justice.

For the righteous will never be moved; they will be remembered forever.

They are not afraid of evil tidings; their hearts are firm, secure in the LORD.

Their hearts are steady; they will not be afraid; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes.

They have distributed freely; they have given to the poor; their righteousness endures forever; their horn is exalted in honor.

The wicked see it and are angry; they gnash their teeth and melt away

 

Pastoral prayer ideas

There is much that is broken in the world right now.
As Mr. Rogers said, “look for the helpers” who in the midst of the chaos and pain, seek to bring peace and comfort.
What are the ways your congregation can offer that to the world right now?
How can we put our prayers into action?
God’s call is for us to be salt and light and to fulfill the laws of love and justice in a painful world. 

Gospel reading Matthew 5:13-20

“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything but is thrown out and trampled under foot. “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. People do not light a lamp and put it under the bushel basket; rather, they put it on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” 

Sermon ideas

Camp and retreat experiences help us to reconnect to God, each other, and creation. It’s an excellent way, when you feel the saltiness or light of God fading, to bring back your inner light. Camp and retreats also show us a glimpse of the kingdom of God, what it looks like to really live into community, amongst creation, and to push ourselves to grow in love of God, self, neighbor, and nature. Once we live in the kingdom community at camp or during a retreat, it’s easier for us to work to recreate that same community of love and justice in other places in the world.

Questions to think about: (each paired with a principle of UMC camping, in the bullet point)

Where are the places you feel the world needs more salt or light?

What are the things that make you lose your salt/ light?

How can our communities help us feel reconnected to God and the image of God within us?

• Camping principle: Providing Opportunities for People to Quench Their Thirst for God
• Extending genuine Christian hospitality and community
• Collaborating with UM churches and agencies

How does nature help us reconnect to God and ourselves?

• Teaching creation care and appreciation

What are the best communities you’ve been part of? How have they been a light for you?

• Nurturing Christian faith and discipleship

How are we called to be salt and light in the world?

• Developing Christian spiritual leaders
• Equipping guests to do love and justice 

Camping principles from: 7 Foundations of United Methodist Camp and Retreat Ministries

Offertory

Could benefit campers from your church attending camp, camp scholarship fund on site, or general donation to camp. 

Song suggestions

• Gather Us In TFWS 2236
• Pass It On UMH 572
• This Little Light of Mine UMH 585
• You Are the Salt of the Earth
• As A Fire is Meant for Burning TFWS 2237
• Bring Forth the Kingdom
• Welcome by Mark Miller