Parish Kick-Off Day – Crosstalk Ministries Day Camps

Yesterday was Parish Kick-Off Day (well, really it is a HALF Day). A time when we gather as many as possible of the Clergy and Coordinators from host Churches in the general area of Montreal to spend time sparking excitement for Day Camps!
Parallel events are organized, locally, both in Toronto and Edmonton.

I must confess that, when I met on Friday with 3 stalwart helpers my heart was heavy as I reflected that I would not have a lot of good news to share with them on Saturday.

I was pleased that we were able to set up the hall in advance this year as I always prefer to arrive on the day with everything ready to roll because there are always last minute glitches!

Yesterday morning dawned dark and gloomy with driving rain. UGH!. However, at least people do not begrudge giving up a June Saturday morning to sit in a basement hall when it is NOT sunny outside!!

All the helpers did a superb job. We had great Worship Music, played by Josiah, Christopher read us an inspirational passage of Scripture from 1 Chronicles, Jessica and her “Team” gave an informative overview of a typical Day Camp Daily Schedule.

Next we all enjoyed a hearty snack, set out by Jill and baby Owen.

After Snack we had a music Workshop led by Josiah and Emma and finally we joined in a time of questions and sharing and an extended time of prayer, wrapping up with some more praise songs.

I think all those present appreciated the Crafts Samples which we made last month. We asked everyone to take a moment to fill out the Feedback Form and, as I leafed through them last evening, it appeared we had met our goal of providing a suitably informative event.

For myself it certainty was a blessing to be able to share, face to face, with this group the urgent need for more Travelling Team Members to sign up.

I also posted the chart showing the dates and locations of all our Day Camps so people were able to see the places where there are glaring holes needing to be filled.

I’d like to say that all my doubts and fears were blown away, but that would not be really honest. I most certainly felt encouraged and very thankful to know that even more people are lifting the situation in prayer.

There is, always that nagging fear in my mind that I could be doing more, contacting more people, sending out more messages. The hardest part is waiting.

Today, I was able to find Sabbath peace, as I did some work in my garden.

On this Trinity Sunday afternoon I sang the ancient Hymn St. Patrick’s Breastplate and meditated on Isaiah 40 verse 31

“…..but those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength…..”

I think that waiting is the hardest lesson to learn!

As I turn my face towards another new week, I’m really hoping to feel that renewal of strength and zeal so that, along with the “waiting” part, I can also feel I’m “doing” more to fulfill God’s plan for Day Camps 2012.

When one is feeling a bit “down” Ice Cream always improves one’s mood!!! This week I made some yummy Ginger Ice Cream, give it a try!

1/3 cup candied ginger, chopped
1/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup water
3 egg yolks, beaten
1/2 tsp gelatin
1Tbsp cold water
2 cups whipping cream

Cook the ginger, sugar and water until soft ball stage ( 230F), then gradually blend into egg yolks and cook in a double boiler until mixture is thickened.Remove from heat. Soak gelatin for 5 mins. in 1 Tbsp of cold water. add to egg mixture. Cool in fridge until really cold but NOT set, fold in stiffly whipped cream.

Place in shallow plastic container with a tightly fitting lid and freeze until firm.

Makes 6-8 servings.