Where I've been

It has been two weeks since I've posted here, and honestly, I've missed it. But these two weeks have been holy and busy and totally worth it. The first was spent with seven of my EYC (Episcopal Youth Club - fancy way of saying youth group) at Mission on the Bay in Bay St. Louis, MS. We were one of the last groups to go through MOB as they are closing in less than a month. We've been three times, and have seen the Mississippi Gulf Coast make amazing strides in that time, but there is still much to do. Pics can be seen here.

This past week I've been at our Diocesan Camp and Conference Center, Camp Beckwith (www.campbeckwith.org) working with my friend and colleague Ben on the 4th and 5th grade camp session. The topic we chose was based on Adam's job description - to work in and take care of God's Creation. We used the Dr. Suess classic made-for-TV movie, The Lorax, as our jumping off point. It was great. The kids got into it, especially the song writing activity on day one.

The Kiwis – to the tune of “I Wanna Be a Billionaire”
We want to save the world so freakin' bad
All those trees and flowers that we had.
We love all the animals, sharks and monkeys
Swinging from the branches in the trees.

Every time I close my eyes
I see a better world inside
Star gazing every niiiiiight
I swear
The world should start to care
for the trees that give us air.

Wocka Wocka – to the tune of “The Adam's Family”
We thank you Lord for giving
this air we need for breathing
The grass, the animals, and flowers
that keep us company

Cookie Monster – to the tune of “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star”
Family, fishes, birds above
These are all things that we love

We are thankful for these things
They're the reason why we sing.

Nature, animals, clouds above
These are all things that we love.

Piggly Wigglies – to the tune of “We will Rock You!”
Playin' in the sun, having lots of fun
Stayin' in the trees, felling that breeze
We got a smile on our face, loving God's grace
Swimmin' in the bay, till the end of the day
Singin'
We Love
We Love
God's Creation!
(Repeat)

Aargh! We Wanna go to Chick-Fil-A – to the tune of “Spongebob Squarepants”
Who makes cool stuff for all to see?
JESUS CHRIST!
He's good and holy and makes things for me
JESUS CHRIST!
If nature and beauty be something you wish
JESUS CHRIST!
Then look at the Pandas and Calypticus
JESUS CHRIST!
Etc.

– to the tune of “I Love Rock 'n Roll”
I love trees and grass
Looking at the stars
and petting giraffes

I love dogs and cats
Walking down the beach
and flying with the bats

I love fish and leaves
Playing with snakes
and buzzing with the bees

I love God and Christ
For giving us the world
both day and night

The A-Team Group – to the tune of “Eye of the Tiger”
All across the world
God's creation exists
But above all else we have caves
Inside the cave you can find bats and bears
Caves are really wet, dark and scaaaaary
We love caves what can we say
That's all we ever think about

Team Extreme Group – to the tune of “Row, Row, Row your boat”
We love God's creation
Yes, yes, yes we do!
Fishing and swimming and sailing and climbing
That is what we do.

But we can't do any of these things
if we abuse the earth
so don't use too much of God's creation
now this song is done.

I was also invited back to preach and celebrate the summer staff's closing Eucharist, which was a holy time and a blessing for me. It made me realize just how thin Beckwith Chapel is and wonder out loud (via facebook) why there isn't a regular worshiping community there.

So, I'm back, and eager to jump back into scripture whilst I continue to dream about what God has in store. Thanks for the break, and welcome back.