Time-Travel Thursday
Camp Fun:
It’s craft time. Make a small time-capsule to remember the spring/summer of 2020. Maybe include a picture of yourself, and a note to yourself in 2030 when you can see what things came about that were not anticipated through this spring.
Sing Along
God is Bigger than the BoogieMan
Our God is So BIG!
I Will Sing of the Mercies of the Lord Forever
Think-About
Remember when…gas was $0.63/gallon? Or bread was $0.50 a loaf? Or $0.15 could buy you a stamp? Remember when – at Camp Cherith there were platform tents to live in as an Explorer camper? Or, in 2020 when we opened the new pool?
Remember when? A quick Scripture survey… In the NIV version, remember is mentioned in 231 Scriptures – Here’s a few.
Genesis 8:1 – God remembered Noah
Genesis 19:29 – God remembered Abraham
I Samuel 1:18 – The Lord remembered her (Hannah).
God remembered His people, and also encourages us to remember His goodness and faithfulness.
Deuteronomy 8:2
Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands.
Samson prayed in Judges 16:28
Sovereign Lord, remember me.
The psalmist write in Psalm 25:6
Remember, Lord, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old.
Remembering is important so that there is a recollection of the past, but also can be used as a stepping stone into the future opportunities that God presents in our path. Our God is SO BIG! As Creator, Keeper of the Stars, and the One who names them, yet, also the One who we can call Abba, Father, Daddy, he knows us so intimately. He remembers us as His creation who is precious and dearly loved.
Talk-About
How has the Lord been good to you in your life? What do you remember from the past of how God has remembered you, or brought His favor to be evident in your life?
Today, talk with someone about the faithfulness of God in your life’s journey.
Wild Wednesday
Camp Fun
What is your favorite pool game? Maybe concentration? Sharks and minnows? Marco Polo? Enjoy a ‘cool’ memory in the heat of the summer! If you have a pool, play some pool games.
Sing Along
Sally the Camel
I’ve got a River of Life
You are My Hiding Place
Think-About
What do we in the “heat of the day” when the pressure is turned on and the temperature gets warmer and warmer? Will we like the camel in the picture above stand in the stagnant water? Or will we choose to access the life-giving truths given to us from the abundant source of Living Water? (see John 4:14). Another way to say this is from Luke’s Gospel in chapter 7, verse 45, where it states this in the Amplified translation:
The [intrinsically] good man produces what is good and honorable and moral out of the good treasure [stored] in his heart; and the [intrinsically] evil man produces what is wicked and depraved out of the evil [in his heart]; for his mouth speaks from the overflow of his heart.
Our heart is a place we can protect as there will be words coming out of our mouths based on what is in our hearts. Let’s choose to be inputting thoughts of that which is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things (Philippians 4:8). As we make God our Hiding Place, throughout the day, we can trust Him to help us to have songs of deliverance overflow from His heart to ours, in the cool or heat of the day.
Talk-About
1. What is one way to input God’s truth into your life?
2. Ask God to help you if a situation is difficult before answering quickly.
Christmas in July
CAMP FUN
Set up: Wrap small items/gifts in layers of plastic wrap or wrapping paper rolling everything up into a big glob of gifts.
Play: Have everyone sit in a circle. Set a timer for 30 seconds and give the glob to the first person to open unwrap until a gift is found (or time runs out). Then, pass it on to the next person in the circle who gets the next gift (or until the time runs out). Keep unwrapping the ball until the most interior gift is found! Everyone gets to keep the treasures they unwrapped.
Sing along
We Wish you a Merry Christmas
Hallelu, Hallelu, Praise Ye The Lord
We Three Kings
think-about:
Feliz Navidad! Buon Natale! Crăciun Fericit!
This all says the same thing…in other words: Merry Christmas! Hope Christmas in July was a great day to reflect, remember and consider the significance of the birth of our Lord and Savior. As we remember the gifts brought to the Savior King, born in a manger, who humbled himself, and in due time was lifted up, let us remember the gift that God is Himself…a gift to us. His gifts of splendor, love, joy, peace and the present of His presence is beautiful!
As the greeting “Merry Christmas” is translated into many languages, there is a word of praise or exultation that transfers through languages and cultures. This word is “Hallelujah” sometimes spelled “Alleluia.” The word comes from a two-word phrase which means “to Praise” and “God,” coming together as a boast or exultation in the one who alone is worthy of all praise and adoration.
So, let’s praise the one who is worthy of all honor, glory and praise, the King of King and Lords Himself, who gives us the gift of Himself, through Jesus.
Thoughts to Ponder:
What gift of God do you need most to show up in your life right now: peace? Joy? Love? Endurance? Ask God to provide that gift to you as you seek His presence today.
Celebrate who God is to you!
Token Tuesday
Camp Fun
Set Up: Get a tray and gather 10-15 small items that will fit on the tray.
Play: Set the tray out for 2 minutes and let everyone study the items. Cover the tray or remove it from view. Everyone write down as many items as you can remember. The person who remembers the most wins!
Sing Along
Second-Story Window (Nursery Rhyme Song)
I’ve Got Peace Like a River
Never, Ever Walk Alone (2019 Theme Song)
Think-About
Sometimes tokens or reminders can come in many forms: a written note, a picture, a text, a song, a spoken word, or in community with other folks. At other times, words received need to be “thrown out the second story window” if they are not beneficial to the hearer. In Ephesians 4:29, it says it this way:
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
As we intend our communication to be thoughtful and beneficial, we know that we have a King, on His throne who remains the same and His Word, the Bible, says this about Him:
Hebrews 13:8, states this,
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Our King is still the King in through this current crisis that we are enduring through. This is such a great reminder, as we know and can experience life not alone, but with the one who gives us peace like a river, joy like a fountain and whose love is like the ocean. Be reminded of these truths today as the day unfolds!
Talk-About
In what way can you put this truth into action… Can you write a reminder note to someone else who needs to be uplifted today? Can you text a friend a kind word? Or draw a picture of what God’s peace, joy and love look like?
Find It Friday
Camp Fun
Find something new, find something old…
Find something hot then something cold…
Look around then jump up and down,
Find something that will sustain itself off of the ground.
Look for something that goes up, look around for a pet called a pup,
You’re done for today, so pat yourself on the back and say “Hip, Hip, Hooray!”
Sing Along
Junior Birdsman (look!)
Blind Man
Shout to the Lord
Think-About
Today, is a fun day to scavenge and look for various random items. As we were looking for items that went a certain way, just consider “Junior Birdsman” and how he views the world around him- He is up in the air upside-down! Huh?!? What does that mean to me?
Do I look at things in an upside-down fashion, or am I looking at life, with my eyes gazed and fixed upon the Lord?
There are situations in life, it is said, that make us either bitter or better. Think of the blind man, in that song which is referenced in Mark 10:46-52. He was looking for his sight, and found the one who had made sight even possible! The blind man could have felt bad for himself in the situation, but he decided to cry out and ask Jesus for help.
Friends, let us too, be bold in our requests as we enter in the throne room of grace in prayer. Let us ask the Lord to move in mighty ways, as Ephesians 3: 20-21 puts it: 20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Talk-About
-What are you focused in on to give you strength for the day?
-What is it that my mind thinks about constantly, that puts into motion the actions I display?
Further reading:
Psalm 121 –
Hebrews 12:1-3
Pig Roast Event Cancelled
Due to continuing gathering and traveling restrictions in New York State, we are cancelling the Pig Roast Event. Hope to see you next year!
Throwback Thursday
Camp Fun
Paint a rock with #CampCherithRocks and post it to social media. Then, place it in a location where someone else can learn about Camp Cherith
Sing Along
Goldilocks and the Three Bears Rap/rhyme
Jesus Loves Me Rock
Jesus, Lover of my Soul
Think-About
As we consider “Throwback Thursday,” let’s think about times in our lives that are maybe considered the “good old days.” Heard that phrase before? Maybe a grandparent reminiscing, maybe a friend reflecting about the past. How life was different before or after a certain event. Like this year, even, thinking of the days pre-remote learning, or before covid struck. In Goldilocks’ song, she has to say “Bye-bye-bye-bye” to the bears and move forward in her journey.
It could have been easy for her to be stuck in her problem, and similar to our lives, it is sometimes easy to find ourselves stuck in the pits of problems that once plagued us.
Some words of wisdom are shared on this topic by the Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, where in chapter 3:12 - 14, he writes:
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
We are with God’s help, to move ahead, not letting the past glory days, or shame-filled sorrows define us. Yes, there is a need to stop and reflect on the past, but it doesn’t mean that we get stuck in the muck, or get over-proud in the commotion that seemed to be loud. Rather, let’s be ready to set our feet upon the Rock of our Salvation, who is also the lover of our soul. He cares, and He knows what we need to sustain and keep us as our daily source of strength.
Talk-About
What are times in your life you’ve been stuck in - (either that were good or bad times)? How can you take one step forward today?
Identify the area
Confess it to God
Recognize His strength and might
Thank Him for victory, since HE is our ROCK!
Wild Wednesday
Camp Fun
Creatively rearrange the letters from the verse that follows into a long list of at least 15 things that God has created.
Genesis 1:1 – In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.
Examples: trees, bear, deer, steer (penguin – no letter “p” in the verse)
Sing Along
Old MacDonald had a Farm
Who’s the King of the Jungle?
What a Mighty God we Serve
Think-About
Lions, tigers and bears, on my! A common saying, but also reality that God has created them all – the mountains, the sea, and even the universe. He created our galaxy, and the stars are named. Wow!! How big, yet intimate is our God. As creator of the entire universe, and Designer of His Creation, how amazing, and WILD! As we explore Wild Wednesday, let’s reflect on how BIG, and mighty of a God we serve. As the song says, “angels bow before Him, heaven and earth adore Him, what a Mighty God we serve!” How incredible!
Continue to think that Jesus was with God in the beginning of Creation – according to John 1:1-3, says this:
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.
IN the beginning, yet still ever present today. What a gift! How WILD! Will you choose with me today to revel in awe of God who is now so accessible to us through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus, but yet, reigns as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. That’s pretty wild to think, ponder and appreciate.
Talk-About
What do you enjoy about God’s creation?
Have you asked God to “create in you a clean heart, and renew a right spirit within you?” Psalm 51: 10 – 12 says it this way. If not yet, why not ask Him today, to create a new beginning in your own life…he’s ready and willing to sustain us. If you have, maybe there’s some restoration that you can ask God for to change some part of you to be more like your Maker.
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
Tune Tuesday
Camp Fun
Remember three-legged races? Share your memories…and maybe play with a family member or two if you’re able.
Think-About
As we journey together in life this summer, on this virtual platform, let’s be people who rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus (I Thessalonians 5: 16 – 18).
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. (ESV)
As we are tethered to our Abba, Daddy, like connected when our four-legs become three in the three-legged race, we are also strengthened with the everlasting love of Jesus, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, who demonstrated power to raise Jesus from the dead, to press on, continue walking in the journey, and move into new territory. May we be people who give thanks in all circumstances, not necessarily for the circumstance, but through the circumstances; for we can rejoice always, and continue to pray for God’s highest will to be accomplished, on earth as it is in heaven.
Talk-About
What step of the journey are you on with our Maker? Do you know Jesus as a historical figure? Or are you walking with Him daily?
What is a step that you can take to get to know God better?
"Marvel"ous Monday
Camp Fun
Ever remember playing “Duck-Duck Goose?” Revive those memories, and share your experiences, or if possible play a game with your family
Sing-along
6 Little Ducks went out to Play
Jesus Loves Me Rock
Jesus, Name Above all Names
Think About
Servants of God, who have had the opportunity to serve at Camp Cherith of WNY, have the honor, and privilege of writing to you , even though we may be scattered about, in different villages, towns, counties, states, and maybe even countries, that we are united by our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. This is similar to James’ opening in James 1:1 that says this:
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,
To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations:
Greetings.
Let us “marvel” in this day today that Scripture is still relevant, and speaking to us just as much in our day as it did in the days when James wrote this letter to the people who were scattered and dispersed around the area. How beautiful that the Holy Spirit is still alive and active, at work in our community where we may find ourselves. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up (Galatians 6:9).
Just like in the game of Duck-Duck-Goose, each person has a specific role to play and when the goose is called, they spring to action! Be reminded that God calls us in, despite, and through our situations to share his truth actively. Marvel in His presence, His faithful promises and provision of the way of salvation, and share these gifts with those around you, wherever you may find yourself.
Talk About
What truth did you need to be reminded of most?
-You are valued
-You are significant
-You are made on and for a purpose.
Why does this matter that we take action in sharing truths with others in our sphere of influence?
How can you share a truth with someone in your life today? What is a practical step for you to take?