We just had our first Arts Camp staff meeting of the year! In preparing for that meeting I have to admit I felt a bit of anxiety. I get that feeling this time every year because I’m mindful of the weight of the task and I sometimes question if we as a church can pull it off again. As I was reflecting on gearing up for another summer, Pastor Bob’s voice resonated in my head with the big question he regularly asks the staff. Why? Why are we doing this. If we can’t answer the why then we need to examine if the program is worth the time and effort. So…here is my why.
ARTS CAMP IS FULL OF OPPORTUNITIES…
- Arts Camp gives us the opportunity to connect with our community.
Each time we connect with a new family we develop a better picture of what our community is like and the needs that are present here. Arts Camp can help us better understand how to minister to our neighborhood. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
- Arts Camp gives us the opportunity to demonstrate the love of Christ
We offer our camp for just $10.00 a child. We do this at a very minimal cost because Arts Camp is a gift to our community. Offering a quality program at a minimal cost allows us to serve our neighborhood and “wow” our community with the love of Christ. (John 13:35)
3. Arts Camp gives us the opportunity to fulfill the Great Commission
As God’s people we are called to share the gospel and we have a mission field right in our back yard. Arts Camp gives us a place to fulfill Jesus call to go and make disciples and to experience the joy of doing so. (Matthew 28:19)
- Arts Camp gives us the opportunity to build community within the church
People coming together with a common vision is what makes Arts Camp so rewarding. Seeing different generations of people working side by side toward the same goal is a huge benefit to running our camp year after year. We share our gifts, talents and life in Christ together. (Romans 12:4-5)
- Arts Camp gives us the opportunity to see people transformed
We run Arts Camp every summer believing that God has the power to change lives. We know that when the gospel is presented that the Holy Spirit can move in powerful ways and it is our hope and prayer that through the week that many will come to salvation. (Romans 1:16)
Arts Camp…crazy, loud, draining, amazing, fun, and life changing. This is our 11th year running Arts Camp On the Hill and sometimes we ask ourselves should we do this again? Is it a valuable effort? Is it worth the cost? As we consider the amazing opportunities God has laid before us I think we can answer that question with a resounding, YES!
Wendy Huizinga
Director of Music and Worship Ministries
Orchard Hill Church
