My first real memory of camp meeting in Oregon was through the service window of the Snack Shack. I was an awkward kid from the Midwest who had no idea what camp meeting was all about. But if you were at Gladstone in 1995, there’s a good chance I handed your Pronto Pups and Shamburgers to you through the window. I didn’t know much. Yet even through that tiny window into the camp meeting world, I could see the connection, the camaraderie, the joy that came from Gladstone Camp Meeting.

“These past several months have been extremely stressful for pastors and church leaders as we’ve tried to navigate a pandemic situation for which none of us have ever prepared.  With the addition of Elder Rick Jordan to our Ministerial team, we will be able to provide more support to our pastoral staff as we negotiate the steps toward reopening our churches and re-engaging our communities."

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In the inclusive spirit of Jesus’ ministry, the Oregon Conference Executive Committee marked its commitment to racial diversity through three significant historic actions during their committee meeting via Zoom on Thursday, December 3, 2020.

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I’ve heard it called Happy Valley owing, I’m sure, to the myriad “happy campers” that pepper the grounds during Camp Meeting week. I’ve also heard it called Death Valley. Maybe because of the hot, dry, dusty conditions of the hottest summers. Now it has has a new name.

I’m tired. And I’m guessing you are too. I’m tired of the Zoom calls, tired of being stuck in my house, tired of the online church services, and definitely tired of wearing a mask almost everywhere I go.