Connections

8/1/18

As I write this, I’m sitting at Wallowa Lake United Methodist Camp, surrounded by the amazing Wallowa Mountains. The shouts of young people are ringing out, as the camp hosts a group of about 60 teenagers from Lapwai, Idaho (seat of tribal government for the Nez Perce), for “culture camp,” which is three days of intense activities and classes focusing on Nez Perce culture. I was invited to accompany my spouse, Todd (executive director of camp & retreat ministry for the Oregon-Idaho Conference), here as he helps to coordinate a ceremony later today that will mark the legal transfer of a piece of river bottom property from the Wallowa Lake Camp to the Nez Perce Tribe.

Section of Wallowa Lake Camp rightfully returned to the Nez Perce.

It’s become clear to me in the few hours I’ve been here that this is a place of healing and renewal. The facility itself has been reborn over the last 20 years. In the late 1990’s, it was determined the site was not sustainable in its then-current condition, so the logical action was to sell it.  Instead, those who loved the camp stepped up to the plate. The physical plant has undergone a complete transformation, largely through volunteer labor and donations. The staff is

committed to gracious hospitality, and it shows in myriad details as guests are lovingly welcomed. Beyond that, the mountains, trees, and animals exude a sense of sacred power.  This is a place where the Spirit of God is almost tangibly present. And I anticipate that the ritual this afternoon—where a rock, which was given to the Nez Perce in a profoundly moving ceremony at Annual Conference last June, will be returned to the river—will be a powerful witness to the transformation that is possible through healing and reconciliation.

And what does all this have to do with the Southeast Portland Parish? I’m not entirely sure, but I do have a sense that

there are connections! For one thing, next Sunday evening as we share around the table at the Sellwood Faith Community, I know that Todd and I will both be witnessing to the renewal of our souls through this place and this experience. But it’s also about new life. It’s about a church that closed (Sellwood UMC), and a new and vibrant entity growing up. It’s about being willing to let go of old hurts and perceptions in order to do a new thing.  It’s about seeing the possibilities for growth when others see only problems. And it’s about each one of us taking the time to go to a place of healing and beauty in order to have our souls renewed. I pray that Pastor Eilidh will return to us later this month having experienced her own time of healing, renewal, and new passion for the transformative ministry we are doing here in Southeast Portland.

Rev. Laura

Editor’s Note, you can learn more about the return of Wallowa Lake Camp Land to the Nez Perce in this article on the Oregon-Idaho Annual Conference Website:  Wallowa Lake ceremony honors rightful return of land to Nez Perce.