Together At Camp

From Dr. Lauranne Harris (5/4/16):

Our camp was at a wonderful forest retreat with tall pines and log houses. We stayed together in our own 2 story cabin with beautiful views and nice rooms to share.  We had a kitchen and the first night we made chicken barbeque outside.  The weather may have been cool and rainy but we were warm and happy together.  

We drew names at the beginning of camp so we could be secret angels - everyone had someone to write notes to and give small gifts/candy and pictures we made.  The second day we could reveal ourselves to our partner and there were lots of hugs and smiles as we thanked each other for the loving support.  Lauranne led a lesson on how we need to walk the path the Christ has shown us and we in turn should lead others.

We had 2 small groups and went around the camp meeting other people and wishing them Happy Easter and giving small gifts to the children (we brought bubbles to blow).  The small groups also talked about the lesson and we made pictures to demonstrate walking Christ's path. We also talked about God's forgiveness and wrote our sins in the sand and then wiped it clean just as God does for us.  We had times for singing and learned some new songs together. 

The end of our first day, we had a wonderful worship using Lectio Divina and the story of the woman who washed and perfumed Jesus' feet. We had a painting of this by a Korean artist that was printed on the current Russian version of the Upper Room devotional book (theirs is called Место Встречи).  We used that for silent meditation and wrote our impressions. We were led by Marina K. and Kira with questions to ponder silently then we had a very moving time of silent prayer to end the candle light service. 

We were off to bed and then up early the next day for singing and morning devotions. We had a wonderful buffet breakfast at the camp restaurant and then had crafts where we made lots of cards to give to friends and family. We used the ideas that Jo Ragsdale sent as patterns and there was lots of creativity shown.   We packed up and left camp with wonderful memories, lessons learned and the fellowship continues on.

May 2016 - Ulyanovsk, Russia

From Dr. Lauranne Harris:

I arrived in Ulyanovsk by train on Saturday April 30 - Pastor Nadya, her husband Stas and Sveta met me at the train with beautiful flowers.  We went home and began getting ready for Easter Sunday- we painted and decorated eggs and made a special Easter dessert which is kind of like a cheese and egg and raisins molded into a container that prints the cross on each side and symbols in Russian of Christ is Risen (Христос Воскрес) which is then spread on a beautiful cake called Kulich.

Pastor Nadya and Stas at home in the kitchen

We went to church at the Retirement Home where Pastor Dena leads the St. Luke's UMC- Dena preached, we had songs and worship and shared Easter cakes and candies. We also visited our friend Lyuba (who is a poet and very enthusiastic about the world and her faith) because she and her husband were physically unable to come down to the church room.

We had choir practice at church then the Easter service attended by about 60 people.  Sveta gave a wonderful talk and showed pictures from Annual conference that she attended with Nadya last week where she represented the church members.  Fellowship with tea and Easter treats was a highlight after service.  

Marina directs the choir in practice

Paper butterflies cover as a symbol of resurrection

Alexei Gusaev on guitar and his wife Irina sing with Mila Veksina

Tania and some of her students recite verses

Choir director Marina Kornilova, Pastor Nadya Nushtaeva, and Lauranne Harris

  Communion closed our worship service on Easter

Gathering for fellowship and Easter goodies

After Easter service we took communion to a homebound member and enjoyed her cat, Boris

Boris the cat

Some of the 21 people and 3 children who came to camp

Jo Ragsdale sent patterns and ideas which we used to make unique cards to send to friends and visitors

Enjoying food and fellowship in the dining room at camp

Katy shows her work on the cards

Visiting a nursing home - Saying goodbye

Hi again everyone.  We didn't have an internet connection last night on the train back to Moscow, but we're now in the hotel and able to share our final day in Ulyanovsk.

It began with a trip to a local nursing home.  Old friendships were, once again, renewed.

The warmth from everyone filled the room.  The residents were so happy to see us, and they had prepared songs to put on a show.

Sam Horse had a hilarious introduction.  He said, "I'm Native American.  I meant to bring my drum and feathers so I could perform for you all, but I didn't have enough room.

"It's my fifth time here.  I just thank God I’m able to come and renew friendships and be with each and every one of you today."

Residents read poems they wrote to us.

Their band is called "Assorted" because, in their words, "We are all different, but we make one family."

Another resident has a generous invitation.  "If you want to come and stay with us, you're always welcome."

Several people asked us for our e-mail addresses to stay in touch.

It was a difficult goodbye at the train station.  St. Luke's theme is "Sharing God's love and bringing hope to the world."  They filled our hearts with love and hope for a better future.

Although words had to be translated during the entire visit, the feelings did not.  God's love is a universal language.  In that sense, we spoke to each other fluently.

Thank you Ulyanovsk.