dave geenen's blog

Hey all,
I spent a summer in my college days working for "Group WorkCamps" and have seen a lot of youth changed by some of the work they have done. I don't like Group's theology or approach to this type of ministry, so, as the years have gone on, I have worked with a pastor in Wayland, Michigan to develop a workcamp in Frankfort, Michigan, that will be more Disciple in theology but have a great balance of work in the community with the benefits of camp with the authenticity of building community. Please let me know if this interests you, we are looking for some help in various areas, and would love to see this take off. Leaders please contact us! Volunteers, please consider coming!

Crystal Commission of the Michigan Region, Disciples of Christ
announces the first ever week-long Work Camp at Camp Crystal.

When: August 5 – 11, 2007

Where: Crystal Camp
2365 S. Shore East
Frankfort, Michigan 49635

Who: Open to youth, young adults and adults (grades 9 – age 115.)
(Youth should have completed 9th grade)

Work: We will be assisting the elderly and low
income residents in the Benzie County area with home repair and rehabilitation. Working with the residents of the area and opening up the space at camp for them to come, worship and rest. We will focus on building relations with the community gathered and God by striving to be God’s “Hands and Feet” in mission.

Well, I finally broke down and settled on starting a blog. I was like this when the whole cell phone phenomenon began while I was in college – refusing to get a cell phone because it was the new ‘in’ thing. I guess now I can be labeled an official POMO disciple.

As I am sitting in my Systematic Theology class at Fuller Theological Seminary and we are discussing the BEM (Baptism, Eucharist, Ministry) document produced by the WCC and adopted by the DOC, I wonder what happened to Baptism in the Disciples Church? I mean, most churches do have baptisteries (which for many are hidden by doors or platforms). Most any Disciple church on a given Sunday will do an excellent job emphasizing the communion table, the center of our worship, the welcoming place where God invites all of God’s children to take, eat and remember. It’s not ours, it’s God and God says all are welcome. What do we remember? Do we remember our baptism into the body of Christ? Remember the life, death and resurrection of our Lord Christ Jesus, which we are baptized into? The Meaning of Baptism according to BEM says that Baptism is; 1. participation in Christ's Death and Resurrection, 2. Conversion, pardoning, and cleansing, 3. the gift of the Spirit, 4. Incorporation into the Body of Christ, 5. Sign of the Kingdom of God.