A Calm Place in a Time of Transition
In the midst of change and a family move, one family has found their footing at Fortune Lake. The Semmler Smiths – Pr. Brahm, Pr. Sarah, Meta, and Sybil – recently learned that they would be moving to a new community. For Pr. Sarah, this means a new call as Associate Chaplain at St. Olaf College. For the girls, this means a lot of unknowns as they wonder about schools, friends, sports, church, and social lives. And for all involved, this means an anticipated time of transition and grief, coupled with hope for what is to come.
Brahm and Sarah intentionally chose a day during their recent intergenerational camp week to tell their daughters their news. They knew that changes like these often bring up big feelings, and that Fortune Lake was the right place for their children to receive the news. Pr. Sarah later wrote: “We cannot thank you enough for the love and care you showed us last week. We felt so supported in our transition news, and inspired by your faith and compassion. You will always be our Fortune Lake family.”
We never truly know where life will bring us, but we know that God is with us, and in the best cases, the community is there to support us. Through life’s ups and downs, through family moves and unexpected losses, through transitions and celebrations, Fortune Lake remains a safe space for people of all ages to connect with God, one another, and God’s good creation. Here we are reminded that we are children of God, we are not alone, and we always have a place to which to return and be reminded of these truths.
As we reach the midpoint of our camp programs, we are so grateful for all of the camper families who have entrusted us with a portion of their precious summer days. Like the Semmler Smiths, many have been nurtured in their faith and supported in their lives.
We could not do this important work of holy presence without the generous financial support of our donors. We ask you to consider a gift toward the ministry. Can you help Fortune Lake remain a place of respite and calm in the midst of life’s transitions and change? Jesus is our refuge, and Fortune Lake provides a place where all can experience and live into that truth. Thank you in advance for your support.
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