webmaster posted on December 15, 2011 15:57
What should be done with a dozen nativity sets that can no longer be used? That was the dilemma faced this fall by a neighbor of Moses Merrill Camp and Conference Center, American Baptist Churches of Nebraska’s only camp and conference center. These varied representations of the 
Christmas story were important to her, and she wanted them to continue to bless others as they had blessed her. After a visit to the Camp to participate in the Fall Festival this year, she knew that her beloved collection would be both well-treated and also shared with others here, so she entrusted her collection to us. Now JoAnn Johnson’s nativity sets have joined the other decorations used each year for Advent and Christmas Eve services at Moses Merrill.
The services are led by churches from the region or by ABC-NE staff. From the first year in 2006, these worship services have been seen as outreach to our neighborhood and larger community. One family who attended a Christmas Eve Service stayed for refreshments even though their girls were excited about enjoying the cookies and fellowship yet also wanted to get home to open a Christmas present. In addition to the Advent Season worship opportunities, we have connected with our neighbors in new ways with a few of them regularly attending our summer worship services (one has become our pianist and a regular volunteer). An “innocent” question from one neighbor in 2008 about Easter resulted in our initiating an Easter Sunrise Service in 2009. This service is attended almost exclusively by neighbors—both those close to Moses Merrill as well as those in neighboring communities. Breakfast is served following the Sunrise Service.
Attendance is affected by a number of factors, including weather! With a range from six to sixty, our attendance averages 20-25, even on Christmas Eve. We enjoy those who attend only once, many out of curiosity, as well as those who have become regular participants in Moses Merrill activities. Perhaps a few, de-churched or unchurched, will connect with God through these informal worship opportunities. Each year we are blessed as we see God working; sometimes we are delightfully surprised as we strive to be God’s hands and feet in a conference center setting.
MaryBeth Robertson, Director
Moses Merrill Camp and Conference Center