Perth Easter camp has become a sacred tradition! This year was no exception. Up to 30 folks of all ages gathered over the weekend to share fun, worship, classes, campfire, recreation and lots of food (eating six times a day!). Our themes focused on remembering the sacred Easter story, being Alive in Christ, and the invitation to Heal the Earth as stewards of God’s creation.
We were thrilled to welcome Australia Mission Centre’s Youth and Young Adults Minister, Kristie Woodward who led several class sessions and shared in worship and music ministry. She helped us explore the sacredness of creation and practical solutions to improve the health and wellbeing of the world around us. Her husband Craig also joined us as volunteer chef for the first time and did a wonderful job! David Edwards helped out in the kitchen too.
We also welcomed Amelie Woodward and Talie Law from the eastern states. They led the children’s classes, a trivia night and shared their experiences of CPlus ministries and the trip to World Church Headquarters and Graceland College from the Pilgrimage ’24. It was a blessing to have these young people share their stories of building sacred relationships across the world-wide church. Our children especially enjoyed connecting with them. Vienna Staaden enhanced the fellowship of camp by leading recreation each day and night owl board games for those keen to stay up late!
Anita Staaden led the Good Friday worship. She shared testimony of being led by God to raise awareness of the climate emergency declared by so many environmental scientists and organisations, including our own denomination. Her craft activity over weekend commenced a wider environmental project she is offering to the Perth community from May 4th at our Woodlands church facility. Through various organisations she has obtained discarded fishing ropes and nets retrieved from the oceans. Her plan is to stitch those together and repurposed them as works of arts. With other volunteers she hopes to create a large mural for public display to highlight the plight impacting our environment, in particular the coral reefs around the world facing potential destruction.
Steven O’Dea provided ministry on the keyboard for our worships, and his daughter Alexandria played the trumpet as a special treat in the Sunday Communion service! Peter, Kristie, Vienna and others contributed to leading songs around the campfire while marshmallows were toasted with great enthusiasm! Adrian O’Dea worked his magic on the laptop and power points throughout for classes and worships, and Peter kept things on track as camp director and presiding over worships. David Lonsdale shared healing ministry with many through his gift of Reiki. Other highlights included mixer games and an Easter egg hunt organised by Anita
There were a few first time Perth visitors to Serpentine, discovering the beauty of the bush setting and its connection to the church community. The Serpentine Retreat Centre was originally built by the church in the 1960’s before being sold in the late 1970’s. We have maintained a positive relationship with the new owners since then and enjoy reconnecting with a place that has a spiritual significance for so many within and outside the church community.
Thanks to all those who made this Easter camp possible again! It is always a wonderful opportunity to share together in sacred community. Long may our camps continue!!
Peter Lonsdale
Co-Pastor at Perth Congregation
