Leadership Camp was a retreat to the mountains for learning, uplifting, and creating a stronger community of faith within and among many of the leaders of St. Matthew’s. From teens to seventies, we represented the great spread of our family tree. Like every tree, our church has roots and shoots – the invisible deep roots that anchor us in the rich soil of our Christian heritage to the young shoots that are the promise of a continually renewing presence of youthful vigor that affirms new growth will maintain the spread of the tree of life of St. Matthew’s ever upward and outward. We opened our weekend with a Friday evening gathering where each of us cut a leaf to put on the tree, a visible reminder even among the bare winter trees on the mountaintop that our tree was alive and well and, indeed, ready to leaf out even in January. We each hung our leaf on the place called St. Matthew’s tree where each would serve, identifying the fruits we hoped to bring forth in ministry as we developed strength in unity of purpose with a plan for wholesome and inclusive growth. In the quietness of evening worship, we closed with wholeness of family prepared for the coming day.
A beautiful pastel dawn greeted early risers, and all gathered for breakfast at 8 a.m. followed by a short devotional time under the guidance of Bob Lesche. The goals overview of “Defining Leadership Roles” was led by Rev. Ginger to assure we were working together for the BIG picture of how to mesh the diverse Leadership Roles into energized and cooperative working ministries. Of course, that dreaded word meetings had to be addressed and realigned as ways to be in ministry. Some members of the Nominating Committee brought the point home with levity in a brief skit – special thanks to Cyndy Gann, Jane Thessin, Jackie Gerard, Janis Webb, and George Wood 
for laughter! George Wood then paced us through a rapid but thorough overview of technology just to give us a comprehensive view of the terrific communications possibilities through varied means of technology at our disposal. Jackie Gerard and Dick Baker then grounded us in budget concepts, which are a hard line reality in any institutional life, including a church. And in a constantly moving collage of activities we found ourselves at a two hour lunch and break time from noon to 2:00 p.m. Break time can mean getting-to-know-you-time, as people went off to claim their own means of re-energizing after lunch. Jen McClurg drove a van of eager hikers over to the next ridge: Ryan, Miranda, and Linda C. where we caught up with Dawn Henry and Carl Long for a brisk walk in the crisp January air that brought us to a ridge top view of the Potomac River and Harper’s Ferry. Other hikers stayed closer to the Conference Center building, while small groups clustered inside for chatting and laughter. The afternoon found us looking at SMART goals, which some folks have heard buzzed about and put into use with COM planning. No mystery, just an acronym for organizing our goal-setting. Goals need to be Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Time-based. Good advice for life, liberty, and the pursuit of organization! Thanks, Mary McClurg, our DOT.COM (which is just a techie acronym for Director of the Council on Ministries).
Kathy Wadsley upheld the standard of spiritual care, and the special challenge to those whose job is immersed in Sunday work to “Remember the Sabbath, to keep it holy”. Indeed, we all are challenged in busy urban lives and families to take that spiritual time as a serious part of our faith nurturing. Sabbath Keeping matters for keeping yourself energized. It was a treat to welcome the Rev. Dr. Ianther Mills, our District Superintendent, to bring fresh words to the balance of the afternoon and on into the evening sessions. She brought us a rich look at why people need “the church”, why people need Jesus, and why people need St. Matthew’s. Through such questions as “Who are you?”, “What are you capable of?” and “What gifts can you share?” we grew our thoughts into “What does GOD desire for St. Matthew’s” with focus on “Who is your community?”, “Who is/is not being served?, and “What are opportunities for ministry?” We could see a future of multi-cultural diversity that is multi-generational and family oriented. We are working toward a shift from 20% of the members doing 80% of the work to 60% of the members actively engaging in ministry and mission work – so get ready to jump on board ‘cause this train is truly bound for glory! After dinner, we numbered off in small groups for “Paper Bag Skits” created by Cyndi Gann and George Wood as props for ads for St. Matthew’s. George filmed them, so we don’t know where they might pop up! Lots more laughter, applause, and appreciation for ingenuity. Evening gave us a further look at “Why do people need St. Matthew’s?” with Rev. Mills presenting significant data about where we live, how we can serve, and WWJD?? It initiated thoughtful and challenging discussion. This final two-hour session closed with nighttime devotions led by Ginger, and so to sleep.
Sunday morning dawned another lov
ely winter’s day, and after breakfast we all rode over to the “other” ridge where the Camp and Conference Center had a beautiful chapel strikingly situated to give worshipers the view down to the Harper’s Ferry valley that was so enjoyed by yesterday’s hikers. A deeply meaningful service was guided by Isaac Borocz, Linda Cooper, and communion led by Ginger Gaines-Cirelli. We were the message, sharing our own depth of feeling for the weekend. With scripture readings, prayer, hymns, and individual words we lived our faith. It was touching, tearful, joyful, and full of personal witness and fellowship. We, representing the leadership of St. Matthew’s, were touched and honored to be able to represent this spiritually rich congregation and look forward to linking hands with each of you for future growth. By next January, we truly anticipate that 60% of you really will be alive in an active faith expression in St. Matthew’s and the communities where we live. The true “leadership” to the community lies in the actions of every one!
—Linda Cooper
