2020 SSCM Christmas Reflection
As we near the end of this most challenging year, may perspective, peace, and prayer be in our hearts. DECEMBER 19, 2020
SSCM Family & Friends –
GRACE
With grace as our 2020 camp theme, we started the year with a planned conventional program and printed brochure which you received in the Spring newsletter.
We completed the Wright Hall renovation. The SSCM Board held four e-meetings in March, April and May to discern the impacts of the pandemic and the challenging balance of safety and spirituality. Leadership during a time such as this was a challenge and about doing the right things and in the right ways. With the help of some talented Cottagers, we converted the program to an e-effort with full participation of pastors, musicians and lay people. With nearly 2,000 total views, the program reached many but we all missed the authenticity of the Tabernacle worship and elements of the close personal friendship and fellowship we know and love. While from May through August I became aware of a combination of seven Cottagers, family members and visitors with COVID-19, please pray with me every day that no more of the SSCM Family are infected. May this theme of grace heal our Cottagers, our families, our communities, our churches and our nation.
CHRISTMAS 2020
Let’s challenge ourselves to “repeat the sounding joy” first within ourselves and then with others.
Know that cards, emails, phone calls, ZOOM meetings and other means are all communication opportunities to express Jesus’ love to each other. One of the greatest Christmas gifts we can give this year is a reminder and celebration of the birth of our Lord to family and friends during a time of isolation. Physical distance does not imply spiritual distance. Know that we have constancy of purpose, constancy of focus and constancy of love for our Lord and each other. Much like everything since March, Christmas will be different this year. Be ambassadors of joy.
HOPE 2021
So where do we go from here? The pandemic rages on. There is hope for successful vaccines.
Introducing a 2021 camp theme of Hope, may we emulate the focus and model of Ranch “Hope” in this coming year. May hope reflect healing, order, peace and encouragement as we enter the new year. With hope, have the quiet confidence that we will survive and thrive in the coming years. Replace uncertainty with quiet confidence. Replace isolation with efforts to reach others. Replace frustration and anger with peace and perspective. Replace despair with hope.
Merry Christmas.
Grant Karsner, SSCM Servant Leader & President