|
|
Greetings!
At the tail end of 2024, Walter Scott is thrilled to report another thriving year of ministry. We have hosted dozens of groups, boast a growing camping program, have dedicated volunteers, and have fiscal stability that is planning for the future. In January we'll be compiling a narrative budget for that month's newsletter to better tell the story, but for now we are grateful for rest after the good work that the Walter Scott community has made possible this year.
To all who have donated, volunteered maintaining the facilities, helped make our youth camps meaningful, watched the eclipse, read this newsletter, laughed at the goat pictures on social media, or done one of another dozen things which make this ministry possible, we are grateful for you. We wish you all the best in 2025 as we continue journeying together.
Peace on the Journey,
|
Resident Minister and Caretaker |
|
The following article appeared on social media and was published with light edits in the Effingham Daily News.
Here at Walter Scott, we have now had our solar panels installed and tied into the grid for around 18 months. As part of that, we wanted to share the experience thus far, some of the numbers, and how this is a viable (and affordable) way to care for Creation that anyone or any church, business, individual, family, or nonprofit entity can do.
Maintenance: To begin, our solar panels have been wonderful and very low maintenance. While some folks... |
We were excited to be selected as the topic for Harold Smith's history paper as he works on his ministerial education. With his permission, we are sharing the paper that recounts the faithful witness of this ministry.
Walter Scott History By Harold Smith
If you and/or your kids are looking to experience God’s creation in a way that is totally unique, I have a suggestion for you. When I say the words “church camp,” it may bring back pleasant memories of swimming, hiking, crafting, Bible study and such. But when it comes to church camp in the 21st century, until you’ve been to Walter Scott Camp and Learning Center, you ain’t seen nothing yet. |
|
Registrations are open for our 2025 camps! Check out all the camps, add them to your calendar, and explore the "Bring a Friend" discount for more information by following the link below! |
Are you interested in volunteering at our youth camps in some capacity in 2025? Perhaps you're a minister who wants to join our Sabbath of the Stovetop program? Maybe you're interested in helping in the kitchen, being a camp nurse, counseling, or even directing camps? If this is you, make certain to let us know by filling out our volunteering form or checking out the Sabbath of the Stovetop page for more information! |
|
|
This past month we tested out making a 'Dead Hedge', which is pretty much what it sounds like. You put posts about every 4' lengthwise and about 18" apart in width. You then stack limbs, branches, and other woody material (throwing in some leaves as well if you'd like) to make an ecologically positive barrier. Insects, birds, and small critters can make a home in the gaps, smaller creatures can still fit through, and it uses very little to no outside materials (posts can be made out downed wood as well) to make it a low-climate-impact fencing solution.
For us, this is a great way to utilize the woody invasive plants we have (once they're fully dead) and keep the goats where they should be. For others, it can be a useful wind break. At the same time, we recognize that fences can inhibit wildlife, and its important to have sections that can be laid down when not in use so wildlife can still travel safely. This might not be a solution for everyone, but expect some dead hedges popping up around Walter Scott in the years to come. Thank you to Rev. Kris Light for telling our Caretaker about this technique and allowing him to ask questions |
|
Winter is a time at Walter Scott for projects! This winter we are planning on doing some work in the main hall with scaffolding (fixing fans, fixing ceiling issues, and repairing the speaker system), installing smart thermostats, attempting some maple syrup collection, testing new partition usages, and fixing up mini-kitchenettes in sleeping areas. If any of these or any of the items on our Adopt-a-Project list capture your interest, let us know, we're always happy for help and to work with your schedule and availability! |
|
Photo Gallery...Follow us on Instagram for more! |
|
This next section is a recurring article about the theme of Creation Care. Each article is written by a different member of the Disciples diaspora who are linked to Walter Scott. The topics, views, and focuses will vary, but the connection with faith and practice will remain constant. |
Vegetarian By Rev. Judith Thomas
I am about to tell you a story that, when it happened, was not funny in any way. But now telling it I can’t help but laugh at the seriousness with which I took myself. So, all that is to say, don’t feel bad if you laugh, because I do too.
Our food arrived. Mine was just a bowl of ... |
|
The Land Beneath Our Feet |
One of the most impactful actions individuals can take on climate change is to reduce their meat consumption. Meat farmed for mass production continually infringes on forests (like the Amazon) while depleting groundwater. For those who want to go vegetarian or vegan that's great, but any reduction in meat consumption makes a difference. If this completely new, try having one less day a week with meat on your household menu. |
|
|
|
|
