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BY AMY MARSHALL
Special to the UMConnection

Camping and retreat ministries can play a vital role in growing Acts 2 congregations. Over the years, the retreat experience has proven to be a powerful tool to draw people to Christ, inspire spiritual growth and even aid many in hearing the call to various forms of ministry.

We in the Baltimore-Washington Conference too often overlook our own camping and retreat centers at Harmison in the mountains near Berkeley Spring, W.Va.; at Manidokan near historic Harpers Ferry, W.Va.; and at West River by the Chesapeake Bay, as valuable resources for attracting and growing disciples. In fact, in recent months, secular agencies and other denominational churches have been using the facilities with greater frequency.

However, many individuals and churches within the conference are testifying about the impact our camps have on their ministries and lives.

Retreat and camping ministries has an important, and perhaps critical, role to play in God?s three great gifts: the gift of Christ, the gift of Christian community and the gift of calling.

By its very nature, retreat and camping ministry removes us from the comforts and routines of daily life that can so often muffle the voice of God. Through the temporary disruption of our lives that we experience in retreat and camping settings, we create a space and place for God's gracious gifts to be received and deepened.

'For my journey as a spiritual leader, the importance of the opportunity to spend time at West River in hours of solitude and prayer cannot be over-stated,' said the Rev. Rebecca Iannicelli of Centenary UMC in Shady Side.

'I have led a variety of retreats for youth and adults throughout the past 20 years,' said the Rev. Judy Emerson from Ebenezer UMC in Sykesville. 'It has been my experience that once congregations participate in this type of ministry, individuals return united as a group. Our conference is blessed to have such wonderful facilities available to help us grow in our discipleship.'

'I have led a variety of retreats for youth and adults throughout the past 20 years,' said the Rev. Judy Emerson from Ebenezer UMC in Sykesville. 'It has been my experience that once congregations participate in this type of ministry, individuals return united as a group. Our conference is blessed to have such wonderful facilities available to help us grow in our discipleship.'

'Sometimes, the hurtful nature of teenaged gossip or rivalries are revealed on retreat weekends, and the group then has time to learn about how the Christian community deals with negatives in loving and healing ways. The bottom line is that when you give God a full weekend with your youth, the Holy Spirit?s opportunities become endless!'

The Rev. George Weitzel from Messiah UMC in Glen Burnie shares his experience. 'For many years my congregation held some wonderful and spiritual weekends for families and individuals at Camp Harmison. The outdoor setting was great for acting out Bible stories, having an old-time camp meeting and even creating a labyrinth. Sunday worship was always special as each person shared something from their weekend and we joined in a circle to serve each other Communion. The table was always decorated with flowers, seed pods and anything else from our outdoor environment. Out of these experiences came true Christian fellowship, more intentional disciples and new leadership - a discipleship adventure outdoors.'

Several spring weekends are still available to small groups or churches that wish to hold retreats at one of the camping facilities. Call the Retreat and Camping Office at (800) 922-6795 to make a reservation. For more information, visit www.bwcumc.org/camping.

Upcoming Camping/RetreatActivities:

Feb. 25 - Churches Celebrate Camping Sunday

March 31 - Manidokan Work Day

April 23 - West River Older Adults Day Away - Speaker: Bishop Forrest Stith