Hello Blog Friends and welcome to a Wednesday Words post!
Last month a group of team alumni from three countries and spanning the almost FIVE decades of the Day Camp ministry, came together on the four Sundays in Advent for our annual study program. This year, the program was based around the book “The Greatest Gift”, by Ann Voskamp, which unpacks all the Bible passages used in the Liturgy of The Jesse Tree.
For each of the sessions, we spent an hour listening and responding to a reflection, prepared by an alumnus and based on one of the passages. There was an option to decorate a tree ornament while pondering on some questions, prepared by our leader, and the hour also included two lyric videos, chosen to reflect that week’s theme.
The pictures below show some of the ornaments we created as well a whole Jesse Tree, with all 25 symbols. Sprinkled in between are a few quotes from the participants. It is going to be hard to beat the popularity of the Advent 2024 program, but at least we have 11 months to work on it!
“Thank you for organising the online Alumni advent lessons. That really helped bring meaning and devotion time to my Advent season.”
“I enjoyed Esther’s reflection very much. Her questions on Shalom in ALL of our relationships were timely for me. So nice to have met new faces even if it’s virtual!”
“This was a really special Advent Study”
I really think the Advent reflections helped me, even missing two and not completely getting it right! It was good to have had the intention to be still and to rest and prepare in that way.”
Many thanks to those who lead and each person who participated.