by Office Manager | Dec 17, 2014 | 2014, Newsletter Articles
In the spring of 2014, our church embarked on the Vital Ministries Journey (VMJ) process. VMJ is a deliberate approach, using study and reflection of short Bible passages in a small-group setting, to examine who we are as a congregation and what we aspire to be. More than 40 of us participated in the small groups. We then got together for a celebration gathering after church one Sunday, where we shared the perspectives of our individual groups and reflected on what the VMJ process meant to us. The Board and the Deacons then met in a retreat setting where we further shared our findings.
It has always been our intent to continue with the VMJ process as we move forward in our lives together at the Oakton Church of the Brethren. We named a small working group comprising Leslie Connolly, Rob Powell, and Gretchen Zience who were responsible for strategizing what our next steps might be. To that end, this working group has met and has discussed how we should go forward. We decided that we would like to provide our reflections through several installments that we will share in the bulletin and newsletter.
Therefore, this first installment is meant to recap briefly where we’ve been in this journey, as we’ve summarize above. In the future, we’ll talk about what we heard you say about what is important in our lives together. We’ll also reflect on where we want to go in the future and how we think we’ll get there. In the meantime, please feel free to contact any of us if you have questions or comments.
Leslie Connolly, 571-296-7097
Rob Powell, 703-476-1656
Gretchen Zience, 703-244-7190
by Office Manager | Dec 17, 2014 | 2014, Newsletter Articles
Rev. Musa Mambula of the Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN, the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) will be speaking at Meadow Branch COB on Sunday afternoon, December 21, from 4-5:00 pm. Rev. Mambula will update us on the situation in Northern Nigeria where the Boko Haram has been persecuting Christians, the majority of whom are EYN members. There will be an opportunity for a love offering to support the Nigeria Crisis Fund of the Church of the Brethren which will be matched by the Mission and Ministry Board up to $500,000. For more information on the event please call Meadow Branch Church (410-848-7478). For updated information on Nigeria, go to www.brethren.org and follow the links.
by Office Manager | Dec 16, 2014 | 2014, Newsletter Articles
You are invited for Christmas Eve Worship, Communion, and Candle-lighting on Wednesday, December 24 at 7:00 p.m. Angela Finet will bring a message on the theme “The Response to the Knock” and there will be congregational singing, soloists, and instrumentalists. Please plan to add this worship opportunity to your holiday schedule.
by Office Manager | Dec 12, 2014 | 2014, Newsletter Articles
Now you can plan ahead. Remember that there are scholarships and discounts available. Please contact Jerry Anne Kines, our camp ambassador, or Shepherd’s Spring if you have any questions.
Traditional Camps
Mini Camp: Grades 2-3
June 17-19 Cost $205
Designed for campers with little or no camping experience, Mini Camp serves as a stepping stone to our week long camps.
Junior Camp: Grades 3-5
June 21-26 Cost $375
In addition to the traditional camp activities like swimming, nature exploration, and crafts, choose from several different special adventures which are all part of the fun that helps young campers discover God’s beautiful creation.
Middler Camp: Grades 6-8
July 5-10Cost $395
Traditional camp activities, plus campers choose from a variety of special activities like canoeing and caving, as well as new choices like photography and painting.
Youth Camp: Grades 9-12 July 12-17 Cost $415
This week will energize you to build upon God’s word and take the Christian community of camp into your daily life. The joys of camp are here in friendship, variety show antics and camper’s choice activities.
Adventure & Specialty Camps
NEW! All Star-Eclectic Sports: Grades 4-5
June 28-July 1 Cost $280
This is not your normal sports camp! Co-ed sports skill training in multiple non-traditional sports of your choice, such as four-square, nine-square, bocce ball or kickball. Come exercise your mind, body and faith.
Junior Wild: Grades 5-6
July 19-24 Cost $385
Here is a camp to put your survival skills to the test. Learn how to live off the land, build a shelter and maneuver a canoe. Camp out under the stars one night and join us for the camp where we encourage you to get in touch with both God and your “wild” side.
Outdoor Adventure: Grades 7-12 (age divided)
August 2-7 Cost $415
Sharpen your outdoor skills while surrounding yourself in God’s beauty. For the beginner outdoorsman, you will start in a cabin and spend a couple nights in a tent as your skills progress. For the more advanced scout, you will have a survival night where you will collect and gather material to build a shelter. Adventures are waiting for you!
Down on the Farm: Grades 6-8 July 26-31 Cost $405
Learn what it’s like to live a day in the life of a farmer. Spend a day at the Carroll County Fair where we will get to experience tractor pulls, pig racing and see many of God’s creatures. Learn how to weave fibers from an Alpaca, make pickles from a cucumber and much more!
NEW! Creative Arts: Grades 4-8
August 9-11 Cost $230
It’s all about expressing your creative side. If you like to sing, act, or create artwork, then this camp is for you! Come grow in your faith while having the chance to experience your inner artist.
Intergenerational Camps
Big & Small Camp: K-2 w/adult 18+
June 28-29 Cost $150 per pair
30 full hours of camp! A great overnight camp for our youngest campers. Bring your favorite adult to enjoy arts & crafts, pool time, Bible stories, games, and campfires. “Small” campers will stay with their “Bigs” during camp.
Grand Camp: Ages 6-10 w/grandparent
July 5-7or July 19-21 Cost $250 per pair
Spend some quality time with your grandkids. Make connections through a variety of activities such as swimming, hiking, games, campfires, Bible studies, and much more. Enjoy a two night stay in the Lodge and an opportunity to share your faith experience.
Family Camp: Any Age!
August 14-15 $100 for family up to 4
Families and Individuals of all ages are invited to come and have a relaxing time away from the busyness of everyday life. Have the choice of camping out or staying in a cabin. You can also be a part of our Celebrate Summer Festival.
Celebrate Summer Festival: August 15 Everybody
Make plans to join us for another glorious end to the summer camp season. Come enjoy the pool, the trails, craft projects and garden produce! More details will be available as plans progress.
Service and Training Camps
Harvest Hands: Adult Service Camp 18+
June 9-12 and August 10-15 Cost $260
Work with staff as we make preparations for the summer season or come later in the summer to help with our Summer Festival. In the evenings enjoy the camping experience with campfires, worship, singing and meeting new friends.
LIT: Leaders in Training 16+
June 14-19 Cost $150
Are you ready for a challenge in servant leadership? Don’t worry, it will be fun too! You will spend a few days training and then get to shadow a counselor. After completing the L.I.T. session, participants may be invited back as volunteers for an additional week of camp.
Shepherd’s Spring Outdoor Ministries Center
PO Box 369
Sharpsburg, MD 21782
301-223-8193
www.shepherdsspring.org
by Office Manager | Dec 10, 2014 | 2014, Newsletter Articles
The smells of fresh baked apple and pumpkin pies are no stranger to the Fellowship Hall at Oakton Church of the Brethren. Now with the 21st consecutive year behind us, we can sit back and marvel at all that actually goes into putting the craft show together. Lunch was served each day to those from the local community who came to browse through items from the approximately 30 vendors who participated this year. Hundreds of sandwiches were made (can you imagine all of those hard-boiled eggs?!) and many bowls of soup and chili were consumed! Vendors filled the tables in Fellowship Hall with jewelry, wreaths, ornaments, bows, blankets, quilts, dolls, aprons and so many more beautiful items! Many thanks go to the ladies of the Women’s Fellowship Committee who were able to pull off a fabulous event, yet again … and to the many volunteers who helped set-up, cook, serve lunch, take money, package items and clean-up – this wouldn’t have been a success without you all!
