Song and Story Fest
Shenandoah Song and Story Fest:
Streams of Mercy, Never Ceasing!
July 6-12, 2008
Brethren Woods Camp & Retreat Center
Keezletown, VA
A unique Family Camp featuring
Brethren musicians and storytellers
in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia
After 300 years of trying to figure out our relationship to God and how to follow the Way of Jesus, it’s time to pause to tell stories and sing a song of petition and praise! This year’s Fest takes its theme from a great hymn of the church, “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing.” It describes the struggles of remaining faithful during times of wandering and confusion, of needing mercy while seeking justice, of singing even while we’re searching. Daily themes will address being:
- Called: To the Mountain of God’s Unchanging Love
- In-Vited: Wading into a Merciful Stream
- Baptized: Fully Immersed in the Great River of Life
- Wildernessed: Wandering from the Fold of God
- Returned: No Longer a Stranger in Danger
- Sealed: Giving our Hearts to God’s Kin-dom
- Sent: Praising the Fount, Calling Others Home
Celebrate God’s Love with us at Brethren Woods!
An Intergenerational Camp for All Ages – Single persons and families of any size and shape will enjoy this combination of performance and participation in the woods and hills of the Shenandoah Valley.
Song & Story Fest #12 – This is the twelfth summer in a row for these Song and Story Fests and our first visit to Brethren Woods Camp & Retreat Center, operated by the Shenandoah District, Church of the Brethren. We will be returning to the week before Annual Conference in Richmond, VA. We will begin Sunday evening, July 6 with supper at 5:30 pm, an opening campfire, and some music and dancing. The Fest will close Saturday morning, July 12, after breakfast, worship, and hugs.
On Earth Peace will again co-sponsor the Fest, providing leadership and administrative support.
Brethren Woods is nestled on 115 acres in the rolling woodlands adjoining the George Washington National Forest, about 15 miles northeast of Harrisonburg, VA, just off of Rt. 722 (4896 Armentrout Path). Hiking trails wander through dense stands of native hardwoods and transitional forests and offer a multitude of plant and animal life and a self-guided nature trail. A central small human-made lake provides opportunities for nature study, fishing, canoeing and paddleboats. Afternoons will offer a Swimming Pool, a Canoe trip, and a high and low Ropes Challenge Course, and a hike to the Falls. Of course, Basketball, Volleyball, Four Square, Horse Shoes, Softball, Frisbee, Soccer, and Ping Pong, are also available. Linetta Ballew is the Program Director and the phone number is 1-540-269-2741 if you need additional information or assistance.
Housing will be in retreat centers, cabins, and hogans, though you may choose to bring a tent and there is room for a few RVs with a few electrical hookups. Please bring your own bedding and towels and a lawn chair if you can fit it in. Campfires will be near the Lake, and we’ll again have a large gathering and performance tent to protect us all from any sun or rain.
Vegetarian options will be available at all meals. If you have special dietary or housing needs, please note them on your reservation and we’ll do our best to meet them. Bring a new Table Grace to add to our repertoire.
Registration and fees due June 15, 2008, to On Earth Peace.
Financial assistance – Contact Bob Gross, On Earth Peace Director, (260-982-7751) if you need financial help.
On Earth Peace
Song and Story Fest
P.O. Box 188
New Windsor, MD 21776-0188
Phone: 410-635-8704
Fax: 410-635-8707
Ken Kline Smeltzer, Director
1452 Willowbrook Drive
Boalsburg PA 16827-1668
814-466-6491
