Chalice Camp Brings Students Together with Experience
Campers and mentor-leaders alike found much to learn at the Chalice Camp held at Camp Barbee, near Leesburg, Ind., on October 15-17. Almost 50 people came together to share experiences and preparation for ministry.
Chalice Camp participants Tamara Boggs (left) and Belinda Davis pause during a break in camp activities.
During the 48-hour event, attendees experienced worship in a variety of traditions from a diverse set of preachers. Breakout groups provided attendees the opportunity to discuss and practice skills of ministry, such as presiding at weddings, funerals and the Lord’s Table. Other breakout groups addressed dealing with conflict, church administration and developing leaders for 21st century churches.
A highlight of Chalice Camp is baptism practice, where campers have the opportunity to practice baptism by immersion. Campers and mentor-leaders traveled to the Koskiosko YMCA for practice in the pool there.
After practicing baptism, the commissioning service was held at First Christian Church in Warsaw. During the commissioning service, Rebecca Woods, news editor for DisciplesWorld, brought the message, and campers received a certificate along with a sprig of ivy.
The tradition of giving ivy dates back to graduation stories for the School of Missions. Missionaries, as they graduated from the school were given a sprig of ivy from the Missions Building that they were to plant when they arrived at their mission site.
This was the second year for Chalice Camp. The program originated with students at Christian Theological Seminary. Faculty and students from CTS, with representation from the Indiana Region, plan the program and activities for Chalice Camp each year.
