Prayer 1653: Closing Eucharist at Camp Phoenix

O God, we place our offerings before you this day.
We offer you our thanks for the glory of your creation.
We offer you our love,
to be given to you and to each other.
We offer you our song.
We offer you our faith.

Many of us will come to your table today.
We thank you for the blessing of fellowship.
Help us to walk away renewed for the path today will bring.
Help us to go out into the world,
rejoicing in the name of the Lord.
We cast before you our cares and concerns
and ask for your saving help for those whom You love.

Amen.

Sermon for Camp Phoenix, 2017: Christmas Presence

We have been on quite a journey this week. We started with the anticipation of Advent, as we looked forward to the coming of God to live among us, seeking a home among us and in our hearts. We centered our week on the celebration of Christmas, even though we are in the middle of summer, to remember that the coming of Jesus as God living among us can be celebrated at all times and in all places. We ended the week with a celebration of Epiphany, when the coming of the Wise Men reminds us that Jesus is Savior for all the world, not just for people of his own region or culture, but for everyone.

Jesus came to teach us how to be fully human, and in doing that, to be children of God following in the footsteps of the Son of God. What can we learn about this from the stories of Jesus’s birth?

Jesus was born as God-with-us to remind us that we all have been made by God and are deeply loved and precious in God’s sight. Each of us and ALL of us are so treasured by God that God sent God’s Son to us. Jesus came to show us that the way of God is the way of real justice and real peace. Jesus came as a healer to show us that the way of God is the way of reconciliation, kindness, forgiveness, and loving each other.

And the truth is, it’s sometimes hard to find real justice and peace in the world, because it’s hard to find real community in the world. If we all lived by ourselves, we wouldn’t need to talk about justice and peace, or healing hurts that many people carry from the actions of others.

So Jesus came to show us how to live together as a community of faith, calling us to see that our differences as individuals can be embraced rather than being things that divide us. Here at Camp Phoenix, we come together as a special community. We come from all over the diocese and even beyond. Yet we live together in family units—sparrows, finches, robins, blackbirds, falcons, owls, eagles. And as we do crafts and swim and play games and learn new songs and pray together, we come to see that Jesus’s presence can shine forth out of every single one of us.

As we think about the Christmas season, most people think of presents-- P-R-E-S-E-N-T-S.
But I want to ask you to think about something else: PRESENCE.

Jesus is the living presence of God’s wisdom and mercy in the world. That presence still today shines like a light from the hearts of all those who seek to live into the promises we will make in a few moments as we are reminded of our baptism, and as Jonas and Alastair will soon promise along with us: promises to renounce evil, put our trust in Jesus, and try to live according to his example for us, as it has been handed down to us throughout time, and as we hear summarized every time we pray before Communion.

The presence of God is made visible to the world through our words and actions, especially as we seek to serve Christ in ALL persons, whether friend or stranger, and love our neighbors as ourselves even when they annoy us. The presence of God is made known to the world through us, as we are willing to strive for justice and peace among all people, and as we respect the dignity of every human being, of every precious life we encounter.

Jesus came into the world as one of the most fragile things imaginable: a newborn human baby, born into a poor family in a dusty barn—not even a house! in one of the most oppressed corners of a powerful empire. But he came into that particular family for a reason—so we would know that God understands all the problems we may have in our lives: so that we would know that Jesus himself understood injustice, and poverty, and oppression.

Jesus faced all kinds of challenges that while he was growing up could have made him angry and resentful, because his family did not have it easy from the moment of his birth. But instead of lashing out, Jesus responded with love, with real strength, in seeking to show us a better way to live in which we truly care for each other—in which we heal each other, forgive each other, and cherish each other.

God came to dwell with us AS one of us so that we could learn how to live as eternal children of God. Presiding Bishop Michael Curry has a saying he likes to use: “If it’s not about love, it’s not about God.” Jesus again and again reminds us to love God, and love your neighbor, and love yourself, too, as being a beautiful child, beloved by God, whether you’re three months old or 9 years old, or 12 years old, or even 62 years old.

Jesus came into the world as a vulnerable little child to remind us that we are all children of God. Jesus is still present among us today, and asks to come into our hearts and minds and spirits. It is good that we remember that we close each night here at Camp Phoenix singing a special prayer remembering that we share that same baby Jesus who needed a place of safety, a place of sanctuary. And we can give it to him, as our best present or gift—the gift of ourselves, offered to God and to each other:

Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary,
pure and holy, tried and true.
With thanksgiving, I’ll be a living
sanctuary for you.

As we get ready now to remember our baptisms together, as one Camp Phoenix family, we will remember that at our baptism, we promise to be sanctuaries, pure and holy, for God. As a community of faith, we can help each other be sanctuaries for God. We promise to love each other and support each other as followers of Jesus forever, even after camp is over. Even when camp comes to an end, the love that Jesus brings into the world will remain with us and keep us together as one family of God, always.

Amen.

Prayer 1652

Heavenly One,
we raise our hearts and voices
in praise and thanksgiving:
hear our prayer.
Forgive us for the hurts we have caused,
and bring us to new life in your mercy.
Make us disciples,
living into your wisdom and truth,
bearing your light into the world.
Lead us into reconciliation and justice,
that we may walk in the way of healing.
Lord, we ask your blessing,
and lay our concerns before you as we pray.

Amen.

Prayer 1651

Enter into our hearts, Blessed Jesus:
The whole earth rejoices as your light is revealed!

Unify our hearts and spirits
within your Beloved Community, O Emmanuel,
That we may reveal your saving love.
Forgive us our sins against you,
each other,
and your creation;
Teach us to walk in your healing ways forever.
Draw us into deeper understanding of your power and grace: 
Lead us in mercy and compassion for all.
May all people turn to the Light of Love Incarnate,
and see anew the wonders of creation, we humbly pray.

Holy One, we bring before you
our cares and our thanksgivings:
Pour out your peace over those we now name.

Amen.

Prayer 1650: Day 4 at Camp Phoenix

Jesus, Light of the World,
Shine upon us and grant us peace.
Strengthen us to bear your light into the world,
Rejoicing and praising your name.
Make your home in our hearts,
To guide us wherever we go
Walking in love and hope.
We lift our prayers to the Prince of Peace,
And ask your blessing upon these beloveds.

Amen.

Prayer 1649: Inspired by the Magnificat

Almighty One,
Our souls proclaim your greatness;
Our spirits rejoice in You, Our Savior!

Have mercy on all who call upon You
from generation to generation,
for You are our help and hope.
Lift up the humble,
and shelter all who seek refuge
beneath your mighty arm.
We rest upon the promise of your mercy:
extend the power of your blessing
over those we now name.

Amen.

Prayer 1648: On the 1st Day of Camp Phoenix

Blessings and praise to You, O Lord of Hosts:
we come before You, to worship and give thanks.
The shades of night are drawn aside:
your glory fills the skies with beauty.

We thank you, Father, for the gift of your Son,
sent to teach and heal us,
to knit us into one Spirit.
Lead us in holiness and justice,
as you have taught us, Lord Jesus:
may we seek to do your will in all things.
Hallow and bless this day, we humbly pray:
fill it with justice, amity, and fellowship.

By the power of the Holy Spirit,
preserve our hearts and minds in hope,
and grant your peace to those we now name.

Amen.

Prayer 1285- Praise to the Creator

The Lord is our light and our salvation: let us praise God with joyful hearts! 

Holy One, you are as close to me as my own breath which God has given me: let me praise You forever. 
With each beat of my heart may I remember God's goodness and mercy to me: let me praise You forever. 
With each move that I make may I remember God leading me in wisdom and justice: let me praise You forever! 

We are all your children, Lord, wonderfully made in your image: let us praise You and turn to You in hope and trust forever! 

Have mercy upon us and grant us your blessing, especially upon those we now name.

Amen.

Prayer 1284

The final full day of Camp Phoenix includes a celebration of the Eucharis near the lake.

(based on the Beatitudes) 
Let us gather to worship the God of Peace and Lord of Life, proclaiming our love and devotion! 

Lord Jesus, you called us to live by the values of love, honor, and mercy, as you proclaimed from mountaintop, sea, and valley. Inspire us to remember that the way of blessing is the way of honoring and loving the oppressed, sorrowing, and humble. Open our hearts to proclaim your good news of salvation and peace in every action we take, we pray. 

Let us comfort the suffering and stand with those who endure injustice or oppression. Give us the grace to proclaim your righteousness, mercy, and compassion, O God, as our Savior taught us. Give us healing hands and hearts for those who suffer in body or spirit, and pour out your blessing upon those we now name.

Amen.

Prayer 1283

Lord of Life and Light, we give thanks for the dawn of another day, and ask your blessing as we laugh, love, learn, and pray together. You call us to transformation and compassion as hearers and doers of your Word: guide us in learning paths of peace and unity. 

May the day be filled with joy and may we care for each other and take delight in each other. May we remembering the love you share through creating and sustaining this beautiful world you have made our home. 

Help us to be hands of healing and care, loving each other as You always love us. Bend near, Lord Christ; place the kiss of your blessing upon us, and upon those for whom we pray.

Amen.

Prayer 1282

A typically glorious sunset at Camp Phoenix from last year.

Blessed Jesus, may we rise like the morning mist off the lake to give you thanks and praise for this day. May we hear the song of birds, and join our voices in the chorus of praise to God throughout creation. 

We thank you for the lives of saints who live among us, and ask your help in living as witnesses to your grace and truth. Be with all who suffer fear or pain this day, O God, and watch over and welcome those whose lives are in distress. Holy One, guide the hands and hearts of the healers, especially the doctors, nurses and social workers who tend the sick. 

We ask your favor to rest especially upon those for whom we now pray.

Amen.

Prayer 1281- for the second day of Camp Phoenix

Pray without ceasing.

Almighty God, Holy One: You have graciously brought us in peace to this new day, and awakened us to the glory of your morning. Bless us, O Lord, and help us to be a blessing in the world you have placed us within. Help us to be joyful and reverent at play in your glorious creation; help us to gentle and patient with each other when tired. Abide with us as we work and play and pray, as we sing our praises to You, O Precious Lord. We ask your blessing especially on those whom we now remember before You.

Amen.

Prayer 1280

The first full day of Camp Phoenix dawns, and I remembered this sunrise from last year. I will miss it this year!

Almighty God, we thank You for watching us through the storms of the night, and for bringing us in safety to this new day. 

Bless us and keep us, that we may fill our hearts with your love for the tasks that await us as we do your will. You are our strength and our stronghold, O God: may we see your glory throughout creation and rejoice! May we walk gently among each other and upon this beautiful earth, our home. 

Tend to the sick and the weary, Lord Christ, and give us the strength to love them and comfort them in your Name. We pray especially for those commended to us in their need, and ask your blessing upon them.

Amen.

Prayer 1278

Camp Phoenix in the Diocese of Missouri opens tomorrow! Prayers for the campers and staff!

Holy One, we rise before you, grateful for rest and hopeful for peace this day. Breathe on us, Breath of God, and inspire us to new devotion to love and brotherhood, as Christ taught us to live. Let us hold fast to the gospel of peace and justice, and to each other, beloveds of God, one and all. 

Lord, we lift up prayers especially for the healers and workers of justice and shalom, for all who seek to heal the hurting. Gather to you all the hurting and sorrowful, encircling them in your unfailing care and grace. We pray to you especially for all whose needs have been made known to us.

Amen.

Prayer 921- Day Six at Camp Phoenix

The campers and staff at Camp Phoenix, 2015.

Most Precious Creator, we rise and give thanks to You this day. We thank You for awakening us with a song in our hearts and a prayer upon our lips and a spirit filled with love for You. We thank You for the beauty of this world you are making, and seek to be better lovers of it. We thank You for the loved ones from whom we take our leave, and the loved ones to whom we return. We thank You for safe journeys and warm beds, and we pray for those without them, that we can help them. Bless and and keep us safe within your hands, and envelop within your care those we now name, O Loving One.

Amen.

Prayer 920- Day Five at Camp Phoenix

Friday morning just after sunrise at Camp Phoenix.

Almighty God, we rise from our beds to bow before You in worship and thanksgiving: may we abide with you today. May we seek first of all the kingdom of God and God's righteousness, and work together to God's glory. May we give thanks for the saints in our lives, and honor them and follow their example. May we seek to become saints in the life of the world, rejoicing in the power of the Spirit of Truth. With arms around each other, may we sing out your praises, Lord Christ, and make ourselves a sanctuary for You. Heavenly One, we remember your mercies without end, and ask your blessing upon those we now name.

Amen.

Prayer 919- Day Four at Camp Phoenix

A dragonfly on the steps of Hickory Lodge at Camp Phoenix.

Heavenly One, Lover of Our Souls, guide us in wisdom through this glorious day that You have made. May the light of your gospel shine from us with renewed brightness, that our joy and love may draw others to you. May we love each other and care for each other as Christ loves us, and enfolds us within his mercy. May the grace of God rest upon us and uplift us as on eagles' wings, and may we be set upon the paths of peace and hope. Protect us as we play together, work together, and pray together. Bend near, Spirit of the Living God and breathe out the peace of God upon those we now name.

Amen.

Prayer 918- Day Three at Camp Phoenix

Most Merciful God, Blessed Jesus, Spirit of Truth: we praise You for bringing us in love and joy to the glory of the morning. Like your servant Martin Luther King, lead us to the mountaintop of your truth to see the broad plain of justice and peace before us. Make us into a community of saints who live and work and sing within the beauty of the gospel. Knit us together in compassion and perseverance, that we may embody the love of Christ. Watch over all our loved ones, and keep them in the cool shade of the shadow of your wings, O God. We ask especially that you send your Spirit of healing and tranquility to rest upon those we now name.

Amen.

Prayer 917- Day Two at Camp Phoenix

We added copper sulphite to the campfire last night!

Most merciful God, You have brought us into your light and truth, and called us to gather in your name. Like our brother St. Francis, may we walk gently upon the earth, and be instruments of your peace to all creation. May we cast your gospel far and wide like a sower scattering seeds, and build up your faithful people in love. May we be one with the poor and oppressed, and take our place alongside those in need. Blessed Jesus, place the hand of your blessing upon us in all our endeavors, and especially on those we now name.

Amen.

Prayer 916- Day One at Camp Phoenix

I will be spending the week at Camp Phoenix, the summer camp for the Diocese of Missouri. Here, the older kids take part in our spiritual program.

Almighty God, Holy One: You have graciously brought us in peace to this new day, and awakened us to the glory of your morning. Knit us together into a company of saints and witnesses, that we may joyfully sing out your truth and love. Help us to be led by the example of those who have gone before us in the faith of Jesus Christ. Help us to be joyful and reverent at play in your glorious creation; Help us to gentle and patient with each other when tired. Abide with us as we work and play and pray, as we sing our praises to You, O Precious Lord. Grant your blessing upon those we now name.

Amen.