By: Richelle Thompson

In elementary and middle school, we learn about the importance of being good citizens. We place a high value on civic-mindedness, on tending to your community and neighbors.

But we often lose sight of this value when it comes to our churches and leaders. Too often, we want to hoard the talent of our priests, staff, and lay leaders. The thinking falls somewhere along the lines of, "We're paying them to work in our church, diocese, agency, etc. Not to gallivant off to some other congregation for a training program or to serve on a diocesan committee or to assist with decision-making and planning on a church-wide level." I suspect there's a latent sense of not-enough-ness. If our priest/staff member/bishop/lay leader is spending time helping someone else, he or she might not have enough time for me/my family/our church.

I hear those concerns. And it is important to maintain a balance between the primary place of service and ministry beyond that location. But we are called to minister to the Church (capital C) and to the world. Our baptismal vows do not limit us. We don't promise to continue in the apostles'teaching and fellowship only in our neighborhoods. Our response to seeking and serving Christ in all persons is not, "I will, but only where I worship (or get paid)." Rather we are called to serve Christ in all people, to respect the human dignity of every human being.

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These four fabulous evenings will take place @ the Athens-Chilesburg Elementary School at 933 Jouett Creek Dr. (corner of Hays and Jouett)

All are welcome!

The Cathedral Domain constantly works to strike a balance between providing the best camping experience possible and keeping camp fees affordable.  We've managed to avoid raising fees for several years but this year it is necessary to raise the cost by $10 per day.  This means that the cost for Mini Camp has increased from $190 to $220.  All other camps have gone from $375 to $435.  Unfortunately, the 2014 Camp brochures were printed and distributed prior to the decision to increase fees. If there are camp brochures in your church, please return them to Mission House to be corrected or note the new fees by hand. Even though fees have increased,  scholarships are available. The Camps and Conferences Board is committed to our long standing policy that no child or youth should be denied the camping experience because of financial hardship.  It is also important to remember that even with the increase in fees, camp at the Cathedral Domain still costs significantly less than other camps (the national average for a week of camping is $735), while remaining a top-notch, American Camping Association accredited facility.