United Church of God

"Back to Nature" Church Campout a Success

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"Back to Nature" Church Campout a Success

Brethren, including some from the Charlotte congregation, came on Friday afternoon to set up camp. Cool fall temperatures in the 50s were ideal for enjoying fellowship around the campfire, a beautiful star-filled sky and a nearly full moon.

All the campers shared breakfast together Sabbath morning. After this, fellowship was enjoyed around the fire. Services were held on a large deck overlooking the rocky stream that used to be the site of an old mill. As this was a back-to-nature camp out and we weren’t using electricity, Gayle Hoefker played her flute to accompany the hymns. Scott Hoefker gave the sermon. It was titled “Halloween and the Gar-
den of Eden.” With no amplification he had to project over the continuous sound of the rushing waters cascading below.

After services, the guys grilled hotdogs and gathered potatoes and sweet potatoes that were cooking in the coals. Salads, beans and fruit were provided by the ladies, and we all enjoyed a scrumptious dinner on the deck.

After dinner, we once again enjoyed the campfire and shared peanuts roasted over the fire, s’mores, and hobo cherry pies. The moon was our street light, but it also delighted us with a beautiful “moon dog.”

Breakfast on Sunday morning was provided and served by the pastor, deacons and their wives. We cooked eggs, pancakes, sausages, potatoes and coffee on camp stoves. Everyone ate till they were filled. Some ventured out into the woods and along the stream for a hike. Evidence of beavers was seen, but none were sighted.

Later on tents and sleeping bags were packed up, and we talked about “doing it all again next year.”