Saturday, July 18

Saturday Send-Off

Scripture:
1 John 4:21 — “Those who love God must love their brothers and sisters also.”

Reflection:
All week long, you have been practicing what it means to love your neighbor. Not just in big ways, but in small ones. In conversations. In moments of patience. In showing up, even when you are tired. And maybe you’ve noticed something: Loving your neighbor isn’t just something you do.It becomes part of who you are.

There’s a story about Fred Rogers and his goldfish. Every day on his show, he would say out loud, “I’m feeding the fish.” He did that because a young girl once wrote to him. She was blind, and she was worried the fish might not be fed, because she couldn’t see it. So, she asked him to say it out loud. And from that moment on, he did. Every time. So she would know. So she wouldn’t have to wonder. So she could trust that someone was paying attention.

It seems like such a small thing. But it meant everything to her. That’s what loving your neighbor looks like. Paying attention. Doing small things with great love. Choosing to care in ways that others might not even notice. So as you go home, take this fish with you. (the campers will be given a goldfish keychain)

Let it remind you: To pay attention. To care in small ways. To keep choosing love. Because the question doesn’t end here… (go right into Feed the Fish, “the question” we are referring back to is “Who is our neighbor?”)

Feed the Fish:
Leader: Who is our neighbor?
All: The one we choose to love.
All: Amen.

Benediction prayer: As you go from this place, go back to your homes, your schools, your work, your everyday lives… keep loving your neighbor as yourself.

Take what you have practiced here: the listening, the patience, the kindness, the attention and carry it with you.  Notice the people around you. Make space. Choose love, again and again.

And as you go, remember: you are always welcome in this neighborhood.

Go in peace, to love and serve your neighbor and we hope to see you again next summer. Amen.