The Emrgent Church: Brookwood

The context of Baptism is always in the Church, the Body of Christ, and in our tradition "in" church. What we mean by this is often a pulpit, stained glass, wood or stone walls, etc. At Camp Brookwood these past two years, Baptisms have occurred outside, with a traditional font and Pascal Candle, but in a meaningful way for the youths who attend senior camp.

In the Early Church the preparation was an intense 40 days and the ritual itself was very symbolic. It pointed to the journey from darkness into light, from death into life, from outside the church to inside the Church, this is why the font is mostly at the back of the church.



Brookwood exemplifies that journey and has brought young dedicated Christians who were once "outside" the Church inside, through witness, prayer and faith.

I am overjoyed that the person who I drove to Dusty's baptism, one year ago to the day, dedicated himself to the Lord, by receiving this sacrament among "his church" community. As much as we think of Camp Brookwood as a "camp" and nothing more, what I have come to realize is that it is a church, a community of believers who have committed themselves to this place, but more importantly to the support of one another in Christ Jesus.

It is with great joy that we join in thanksgiving for Sam Kelly, for his sponsors and family, and for the Rev'd Peter Gillies and the Rev'd Ellen Curtis. The church is emerging in a new way in some parts and we need to recognize the Lord's presence in these changes.