My first experience at Tiona Reunion unfolded with a quiet sense of anticipation, the kind that comes when you step into a space shaped by years of tradition yet open to new stories. I arrived wondering how this new setting, and my fellow campers, would compare to the many church reunions I had attended previously at other locations. Almost immediately I was reassured as I sensed the gentle rhythm of community life settling around me. The lake, the ocean, the trees, the open sky, and the simple beauty of the campground created an atmosphere where time seemed to slow down, making space for deeper connection. The blessings of community were apparent in abundance.
What struck me first was the warmth. Not the weather; I was told that it was quite mild for this time of year, but the people. Conversations began easily, as if long-standing friendships were simply waiting for me to join them. I continued to be overwhelmed by the hospitality and the genuine acceptance that I have been offered ever since I set foot in this amazing country. There was no pressure to perform or impress; instead, there was a shared understanding that everyone came to this special place seeking renewal, companionship, and a touch of the sacred woven into everyday moments.
Worship at Tiona felt both grounded and expansive. The messages were thoughtful, and relevant, the music heartfelt, and the setting itself invited reflection. I found myself listening not only to the words spoken but also to the quiet between them; the rustle of the wind in the leaves, the laughter of children, the banter of young people happy to see their friends again, the soft shuffle of people gathering for worship and settling into their seats. It reminded me that spirituality is often discovered in the spaces where community and creation meet.
“Sacred Space” morning devotions at the Tiona Chapel, shared meals, themed focus classes, and informal gatherings added their own layers to the experience. I was overjoyed to join the band for the “Good Morning, Tiona” jam sessions. I learned stories of past reunions, heard testimonies of faith shaped over decades, and shared in the simple joy of being present with others who value belonging and purpose. Even the unstructured moments; walking along the water, sitting under a tree, or chatting late into the evening, became part of the tapestry of the week. It confirmed to me, once again, the Community of Christ Historic Sites Foundation’s slogan that “Your Story is Church History”. Thank you to all who shared their sacred story with me during that special week.
By the time I left, I realized that Tiona Reunion had offered me more than a retreat; it had given me a glimpse of what intentional community can look like when people choose to show up with openness and grace. We embraced a special community that continues to be called to create and dwell in joy, hope, love, and peace. My first reunion here in Australia was not just an event but an invitation; an invitation to slow down, to listen, and to discover anew the quiet blessings that emerge when faith, nature, and fellowship come together.
Dennis Carr
