Lutheran families gather to worship, learn, and play in a two-day outdoor retreat.

EAST REGION – One positive amidst all the negatives surrounding COVID-19 is that many Christians (who are not immuno compromised) are eager to find safe venues to meet since so many events have been cancelled. This past July, several families met to worship, learn, and play at a two-day outdoor retreat. Led by Rev. David Smilek and Rev. Harold Ristau, the topic was “Surviving COVID-19 and its Implications for Christian Life and Worship.”

In addition to teaching and worships, a non-stop campfire, multiple ziplines, and a hammock village provided fun for all ages. Government restrictions limited the number of attendees and activities but didn’t stop believers gathering around the Word. Many families who were able to participate were previously registered at the second annual Lutheran Catechetic camp, which was to take place at Camp Pioneer, New York, but which was cancelled.

These Lutheran families have been meeting together in camp settings for the last five years, bound together not only by a common confession of faith in the Lord, but a common concern for their children remaining solid in the teachings of the Lutheran Church at a time when many Lutherans are falling away from Christianity or being tempted to join other denominations. Their numbers continue to grow.

This fall, a follow-up retreat was held led by Rev. James May, a missionary and visiting professor at Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary (CLTS – St. Catharines, Ontario), who spoke on the topic “How are confessional Lutheran missions different?” The event was so popular that more one-day retreats are being planned. The events are sponsored by CLTS. For more information, contact the seminary.

Elise Ristau