laity connections - winter 2009
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PHOT
O BY
PAR
ISH
PH
OTOG
RAPH
Y
“A true leader is first of all a servant.”
WINTER 2009
During the American Revolution, a
man dressed in civilian clothes rode
past a group of soldiers repairing a small
stronghold. Their leader, from astride his
horse, shouted instructions.
The man asked the supervisor why he
wasn’t helping.
He answered, “Because, sir, I am a
corporal!”
The stranger apologized, dismounted,
and joined the exhausted soldiers at work.
When the job was complete, he turned
to the corporal and said, “Corporal, next
time you need more men for a job, go to
your commander-in-chief, and I will help
you again.”
Too late, an arrogant corporal realized:
his new workman was the beloved General
George Washington. He also understood
why Washington inspired devotion. A true
leader is first of all a servant.
Instead, we focus on success in our
life and leadership. We want to be able
to look back on our lives with a sense
of accomplishment—and I think that
includes a certain sense of spiritual
accomplishment as well. We focus on
leadership and accomplishments, but we
forget about the Trinity that calls us to
healthy relationships and service.
As a young Baylor student, I certainly
had my dreams of success. My father stood
before me, a prime example of business
success. But I was experiencing a different
kind of success through the youth revival
movement at Baylor in those years. People
were taking note of me.
When I entered the Grocery Company
after college, I struggled to balance my
two callings. Part of me wanted to serve
my father in the Grocery Company. Part of
me wanted to pursue a different path—
preaching and leading youth revivals.
This internal division began to manifest
itself in external conflicts.
I bucked against my father, and I
gradually began to be ashamed of the way
I treated him.
A turning point came in 1969, when I
read The Conflict of Generations by Lewis
Feuer. That book spoke to me about my
relationship with my father, and I real-
Triumph in a Most Unexpected Way
Continued on page 2
by Howard E. Butt, Jr., President, H. E. Butt Foundation
ized how I had unconsciously spent a
good deal of time resisting my father’s
advice and wishes. I began to learn about
authority and submission, and I realized
how often I had lived in rebellion against
both Dad and God.
During the same time, I became aware
of a similar situation developing between
me and my own children. The very thing
I saw in my relationship with Dad, I
started seeing in my children and how
they responded to me. And they were not
unjustified in their rebellion against me.
They were not just whistling Dixie. There
was a lot in me that needed rebelling
against. The very feelings that made me
rebellious against Dad made me a tyrant
with my children. From these beginnings,
the idea of Trinitarian servant leader-
ship slowly began to take shape in my
thinking.
I was not supposed to rebel against
my father. I was supposed to serve him.
I was not supposed to act like a tyrant
with my children. I was supposed to serve
them.
Autumn in the Canyon. See special feature on pages 6–7.Frio River below dam at Echo Valley © 2009 Vicki Berry
A PUBLICATION OF LAITY LODGE PROGRAMS AND THE H. E. BUTT FOUNDATION
more than a new management theory.
It’s priesthood, conferred on us by Christ.
Where does our priesthood come from? It
comes from the Trinitarian God we worship.
Somehow in Jesus Christ, the secret of our
priesthood and the Trinity itself have been
made open. We are beginning to understand
that the God we worship is the Three in One.
God is individual and social and personal and
organizational. God is leadership and rela-
tionship and service.
This is not only good news for us person-
ally. This is good news for society, for
humanity as a whole, for our groupings—
our offices, our corporations, our govern-
ments, our philanthropic enterprises, and
our churches.
Organizations that are built on this prin-
ciple have enormous advantages over orga-
nizations that function on rebellion and
tyranny. We don’t need to spend so much
time fighting each other. In fact, we need
to relax and let God usher in his Kingdom.
He will make a hunger for himself. Repen-
tance can lead to appropriate submission
and service. Faith can lead to confidence in
the authority God has given us.
Consider Jim. He was CEO of a hospital,
but he still served ice cream at the annual
ice cream social. During the day, senior staff
members scooped gallons and gallons of ice
cream for anyone who dropped by—staff,
patients, guests, anyone.
The night shift couldn’t leave their
stations, so Jim loaded everything onto a
cart. He rolled it through three different
wings and up ten floors. He was the CEO, but
he worked all night so that everyone got a
scoop of ice cream.
Jim modeled Trinitarian servant leader-
ship by scooping ice cream, but he didn’t
invent Trinitarian servant leadership. God
did. Jesus is the incarnation of the Trinity.
He showed us how to live when he took on
the attitude of a servant, washing his disci-
ples’ feet and submitting to the cross.
If you want people to see Christ through
your actions, recognize that you are filled
with the Trinity. Be a Trinitarian servant
leader.
“When bosses try to make their employees great, a lot of the fear goes out of the workplace.”
Triumph . . .Continued from page 1
Gradually, I realized that my relationships
with my father and my children were a reflec-
tion of my relationship with God. I realized
that I needed to trust God to run my life.
Now, I didn’t know what that meant
exactly, but I knew that it felt like
weakness.
Trinitarian servant leadership may feel
weak, but it is not!
Jesus had perfect humility, but he was
absolutely bedrock-sure of his leadership.
Jesus exhibited both the spirit of a follower
and the spirit of a leader. Jesus understood
the Trinity—he was the incarnation of it! In
Colossians 2:9, Paul says, “For in him the
whole fullness of deity dwells bodily.”
At Laity Lodge recently, Robert Mulhol-
land connected this idea to Ephesians 3:19,
where Paul prays that “you may be filled will
all the fullness of God.” Jesus was filled with
the whole Trinity, so that we can be filled
with the whole Trinity.
Think about what this means for the way
we approach leadership. Jesus did not come
and die and rise again and pour the spirit
of the full Trinity into us for all of it to go
Pffffft! in the end.
No, this is everlasting power! When
bosses try to make their employees great, a
lot of the fear goes out of the workplace. For
this reason the Kingdom of God will never
be defeated.
The Trinity contains authority, submis-
sion . . . and unbreakable flexibility uniting
the two.
Jesus was the one person who rightfully
had authority and leadership. Yet, he walked
among men as one who served. On their last
night together, he washed the feet of his
followers. The next day, he died on the cross
for us all.
For us, it is the power of repentance and
faith. Repentance means we say we’ve been
wrong. It is an act of submission to God’s
will and God’s way. Faith means we believe
God is working in us. We can be confident,
bold leaders because the Trinity gives us
something better than rebellion and tyranny.
It shapes us all up to be more like Christ—
and more like the Trinity.
The Trinity is three persons in relation-
ship, not one person in relationship with
two others. The Trinity exists in relationship.
Similarly, we find our identities within rela-
tionship. We have no leadership apart from
relationships because we have no identity
without relationships.
When talking about leadership, it is easy
to think we’re talking about other leaders,
bigger leaders, more influential leaders. But
the challenge is not out there. It’s inside us.
To each of us, our Lord entrusts the same
kind of authority he has received. Jesus’ love
for his organization is so great that he iden-
tifies completely with its members. His lead-
ership is not hoarded; he gives it away. He is
not jealous of his prerogatives; he puts the
other person in the spotlight.
So many of us in the church are defeated
when it comes to this issue. So many of us
have a static view of community and leader-
ship. We allow the church to become an end
in itself. But the church exists to serve the
whole world.
We often talk about church in terms of
what happens on Sunday, and we sometimes
let the image of Sunday church control our
vision for the broader Church. The Church is
all of us, all of the time, bringing the fullness
of the Trinity to what we do every day.
Union with Christ is union with the
Trinity: you begin to feel like a leader your-
self. Triune love makes the other person
great. Here, then, is something completely
new in human organization. Management
specialists would describe it as perfect lead-
ership communicated through perfect dele-
gation. It’s the power of perfect unity in the
diversity of perfect specialization.
But Trinitarian servant leadership is much
2
“. . . For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
In the New Testament Gospels, Jesus reg-
ularly referred to himself as the Son of
Man. Most Christians are familiar with this
language, though few of us know quite what
to make of it.
Jesus’ own disciples were puzzled by his
use of the title Son of Man. Those who knew
him the best often heard him refer to himself
in this way. But they weren’t quite sure what
Jesus meant. No doubt, the disciples were
familiar with the title Son of Man. But their
expectations, based on the Old Testament
and on Jewish traditions, didn’t prepare
them for Jesus’ startling reinterpretation of
the title, Son of Man.
The BACkgroUnd oF The TiTle “Son oF MAn”
The phrase “son of man” was a Semitic
expression meaning “human being.” When
speakers of Hebrew used the phrase ben-
’adam, or when speakers of Aramaic, like
Jesus, said bar ’enash, they were usually
referring to someone as being human or
mortal.
But in the Old Testament book of Daniel,
the phrase “son of man” took on special
significance: “In my vision at night I looked,
and there before me was one like a son of
man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He
approached the Ancient of Days and was led
into his presence. He was given authority,
glory and sovereign power; all peoples,
nations and men of every language worshiped
him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion
that will not pass away, and his kingdom
is one that will never be destroyed” (Dan.
7:13-14). Here, the one like a son of man
received God’s own authority and kingdom.
Jewish tradition developed this image, so
that by the time of Jesus, many Jews hoped
for the coming of a Son of Man, a super-
naturally empowered being who would bring
God’s kingdom.
JeSUS AS The SUrpriSing Son oF MAnThus, when Jesus spoke of himself as
the Son of Man, his disciples understand-
ably expected him soon to be revealed in
heavenly, sovereign glory. For example, two
of Jesus’ disciples, James and John, once
asked to sit at his right and left in his glory
(Mark 10:37). If Jesus was the Son of Man,
they wanted to share in his spectacular
sovereignty.
Not surprisingly, the other disciples were
miffed by the attempt of James and John
to one-up them. In response, Jesus brought
a word of admonishment to all, focusing on
his crucial role as the Son of Man: “You know
that those who are regarded as rulers of the
Gentiles lord it over them, and their high
officials exercise authority over them. Not so
with you. Instead, whoever wants to become
great among you must be your servant, and
whoever wants to be first must be slave of
all. For even the Son of Man did not come to
be served, but to serve, and to give his life
as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:42-45).
Leadership among the followers of Jesus
will be different from what is common in the
world. In the kingdom of God, leaders are
not to be people of domination and authori-
tarian rule. Rather, they are to be servants,
even slaves. Why? Why such a countercul-
tural and unexpected notion of leadership?
Following the Surprising, Serving Son of Manby Mark D. Roberts, Senior Director and Scholar-in-Residence, Laity Lodge Email: mroberts@laitylodge.org
Because Jesus was the utterly unexpected,
shocking, serving Son of Man. Even though
one day Jesus would reign gloriously in this
role, he came as the Son of Man, not “to be
served, but to serve.”
Jesus filled the notion of the Son of Man
with new content drawn from the image of
the Suffering Servant of God in Isaiah. This
Servant “was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities; the punish-
ment that brought us peace was upon him,
and by his wounds we are healed” (53:5). He
even “poured out his life unto death” for the
sake of others (53:12). Jesus saw himself as
the Son of Man who was fulfilling the role
of the Suffering Servant. He had come not
just to serve, but even to give his life for the
sake of others.
The CAll To ServAnT leAderShipThus Jesus called his disciples to follow
him, knowing that the path to glory trav-
eled through self-giving sacrifice. Those of
his followers who aspired to greatness would
learn to embrace the humility of Jesus. They
would discover that true leadership involved
servanthood, giving up even one’s life for
the sake of others.
As was true for the first apprentices of
Jesus, so it is true for us today. We are all
called to follow him in the way of servant-
hood. When we confess Jesus as the Son of
Man, we not only look forward to his future
glory, but also remember his self-giving
suffering as God’s Servant. Moreover, we
commit ourselves to imitate Jesus in his
servanthood, discovering a new mode of
living and leading. Because Jesus was the
surprising, serving Son of Man, we who follow
him will be servant leaders as well.
3
Daily Reflectionby Mark D. RobertsLaity Lodge Senior Director and Scholar-in-Residence
Growth Comes Bit by Bit
READ Mark 8:1-10His disciples replied, “How are we supposed to findenough food to feed them out here in the wilderness?”[Mark 8:4]
Mark 8 begins with another large crowd gatheredaround Jesus to hear his Teaching. Jesus hadcompassion for the people because they were hungryand lacked food. When he told his disciples of hisconcern, they answered: “How are we supposed to findenough food to feed them out here in the wilderness?”(8:4)
12.1.09view
online
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send anote toMark
For more than seven years, TheHighCalling.org, a website of
Foundations for Laity Renewal, has been featuring Daily
Reflections on Scripture. Each day, we focus on a short biblical
passage, offering words of explanation and inspiration, ques-
tions for deeper reflection, and a prayer based on the text for
the day.
For five years, the Daily Reflections were written by Eugene
Peterson, who led us devotionally through various chapters of
the Bible. Beginning in January 2008, the Reflections have
been composed by Mark
Roberts, Senior Director
and Scholar-in-Residence
for Laity Lodge. Mark is
working his way through
the whole Bible, though
at a pace that will take
more than five years.
“It’s a great honor
and privilege to write
the Daily Reflections,”
Mark says. “I love being
able to dig into Scripture, examining its meaning and relevance,
and then sharing what I have uncovered with our readers. Daily
study of and prayerful reflection on God’s Word enable us all to
grow in faith. These Reflections are helping me, and, I hope,
many others, to know God more intimately and to live out our
faith each day.”
We receive regular notes from subscribers to the Daily
Reflections telling us how much this resource means to them.
One woman recently wrote: “I thought I knew how to communi-
cate with God, until reading the Daily Reflections. I’ve learned
to just talk with him as if he were standing in front of me. Be
myself. From the heart. I appreciate your commentaries on the
Scriptures. But, most of all, I LOVE THE PRAYERS. I have read
them while praying and want to be able to flow in the spirit
of prayer. Bless you! I’ve shared this with my friends who want
to really grow in the knowledge of the Lord and embrace the
intimacy found in sincerely, effectually, and fervently praying to
our Father. Thank you, thank you, thank you.”
The Daily Reflections appear on TheHighCalling.org website.
We also email them to over 9,500 subscribers who receive a
new devotional each morning in their inbox. If you would like
to receive this resource for your spiritual growth, just visit
TheHighCalling.org and look in the right column for Email
Settings. With a couple of clicks, you’ll be signed up to receive
the Daily Reflections each morning.
A good Way to Start Your day
new Year WishesBy Verdell Krisher, a Laity Lodge retreatant
Glory be to God who by his mighty power
at work within us is able to do far more
than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of—
infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes.
Ephesians 3:20
From the God of new beginnings comes a year
with its pages yet unturned.
I wonder . . .
What joys? What sorrows? What valleys?
What mountaintops? What turning points await us?
What will be written on these pages when we
read them back to ourselves at a time yet to come?
I wonder . . .
Will we meet the days with a sense of aliveness
and anticipation?
Will we allow ourselves tears when we hurt
and celebration when we rejoice?
Will we throw open the doors of our inner beings
and invite God in?
Will we stretch out our arms to embrace those
who need our touch?
Will we accept another’s embrace
when we are in need of comfort?
I wonder . . .
Will we say “Yes!” to life,
and trust God with all our tomorrows?
May the unturned pages of this new year reveal to us all how long,
how wide, how deep, and how high His marvelous love really is.
Autumn at Blue Hole © 2009 Linda Worden
4
by Tina Howard
As my family easily drifted off to sleep
after a long, full Saturday, I lay awake
on my bunk considering what I would write
about our experience. What am I taking away
from Laity Lodge Family Camp aside from the
fact—albeit important—that camp was fun?
A particular message? A point John (John
Hill, Family Camp Director) made during the
devotional?
And what came to mind were faces.
The smile on John’s face as he welcomed
us when we pulled into camp for the first
time. The friendliness of Jay (Jay Norris,
IT Technician), who was just there to help
set up, but was happy to greet us, offer
his assistance if we
needed anything, and
tell us what exciting
things to expect from
our weekend. The
delight in each college
student’s eyes as
they played with our
daughter and gave
her giant hugs. And
the joy on her face
each time she saw
one of those students
like Cody (Cody Niles,
college staff) or when
they called out to her
from across the way.
Mary’s (Mary Echols,
Hospitality Director)
warmth as she answered our questions. Clark
(Clark Niles, Program Leader), Emily (Emily
King, college staff), the kitchen staff . . .
each person who served us over the weekend
did so joyfully. Not as though they were
doing a service, but
as though they
truly loved being
available to us. As
if they got just as
much pleasure and
benefit from serving
us as we did from
receiving their care
and thoughtfulness.
They wanted to
be there. They wanted
to serve us.
And I realized that this is why Jesus
talks about serving others and why he says
that our love for
each other is
our testimony to
the world. True
s e r v i c e — t h a t
which comes out
of the overflow
of our love for
Christ and his
pouring into us—
is enjoyable both
to ourselves and
those we serve.
Servant leader-
ship is powerful
and moving. And
contrary to our
natural tendency.
I think of the
number of times I trudge through service
because it’s what I’m “supposed” to do. And
certainly service does often require personal
sacrifice. But it doesn’t have to look and
feel like drudgery. And it becomes a shining
impactThe Foundation receives feedback from many of the people who use our facilities in the Canyon. The writers of these notes,
emails, and letters graciously let us know how much their time in the Canyon meant to them. We even hear about life-changing decisions that are made during their visits. All of us are truly blessed and encouraged every time we read these.
The Impact column was designed as a way for us to share a few of the inspiring stories that come out of the Canyon. If you have a story about your time with us that you feel will benefit others, please contact Keith Mirrer at 830-792-1235 or email him at kmirrer@laityrenewal.org. Let your Impact story encourage others!
A Servant’s heart
testimony when we can find a way to see the
beauty and enjoyment in it. We have to force
ourselves to look beyond the sacrifices we
must make in order to serve (because that’s
not the point anyway). We have the oppor-
tunity to be used by God to love his people.
Imperfect, messy us—he chooses to use us!
As he continues to pour into us, from our full
cups we can easily pour into each other.
I left Family Camp with many thoughts
and reflections, but this vivid picture of
servant leadership is among the most
important. That thought also got me
thinking about how we are all gifted
differently and how awesome it is when we
serve through those gifts . . . but that’s for
another post.
____________________________________
Tina Howard has been a member of
HighCallingBlogs.com for several years now.
This article is reprinted from her blog
spaghettipie.wordpress.com. Tina is a stay-
at-home mom by day, freelance writer and
blogger by night, and nonprofit consultant
and volunteer somewhere in between.
Copyright 10/1/09. Used with permission.
Todd, Tina, and daughter Madison at Roundup
Madison Howard and Cody Niles (college counselor)
5
Janel Pahl, Master Photographer and Photographic Craftsman, shared photos of
Laity Lodge scenery with us after her recent fall visit to a retreat. Her professional
work spanning over 25 years to international acclaim and worldwide publication is
available as perfect gifts, professional décor, or home design at janelpahlcafe.com.
Learn more about her at JanelPahl.com.
Foundation staff Vicki Berry and Linda Worden also contributed photos.
The rushing water sounds of this waterfall at Laity Lodge encourage walkers to pause. © 2009 Janel Pahl
The footbridge below the Laity Lodge dam invites retreatants to cross the Frio. © 2009 Janel Pahl
The entrance to Echo Valley in full autumn color © 2009 Vicki Berry
As drivers enter the river, the Cypress trees give welcome. © 2009 Linda Worden
The rocks in the cliffs at Echo Valley call out to the imagination of guests. © 2009 Vicki Berry
The boats waiting at the Laity Lodge Lake can be paddled up the Frio. © 2009 Janel Pahl
6
The entrance to Echo Valley in full autumn color © 2009 Vicki Berry
Enjoy coffee at Laity Lodge in cups crafted by Tested By Fire Pottery, owner Rob Grimes.© 2009 Janel Pahl
Pistachio tree near the camp office in full color © 2009 Linda Worden
A perfect place to relax at Echo Valley Lake © 2009 Vicki Berry
Twisted Cypress trunk and driftwood © 2009 Janel Pahl
View of the small waterfall at Laity Lodge through the Cypress foliage© 2009 Janel Pahl
Road to Comanche Outpost and Linnet’s Wings © 2009 Janel Pahl
7
Did you know this LLYC couple? The couple is Claire (Temple) and Daniel Makins. Below, Daniel shares their story—how they grew, learned, and felt God’s presence in the Canyon.
I went to LLYC after meeting Frog at a Camp movie night in San Angelo. Claire is a third generation attendee of Laity Lodge programs. Her grandfather was an Episcopal priest who brought his church out to Laity Lodge. Her parents are artists who have worked several retreats over the years. Her mom and stepdad actually married standing in the river below the Lodge dam in 1989. Claire’s family felt strongly that she could benefit from attending Singing Hills and Echo Valley, and she did.
Claire and I were 13 in 1992 when we met at camp. We danced for the first time in the river at a Doug Cooper produced “surprise” dance on the way back from Blue Hole. I believe he was hanging from the rappelling site dressed in his “KISS” costume. We both remember sneaking off from the Sugar Shack, drinking too much root beer, and burping through rodeo dances, and, more importantly, sitting on the docks at Cross Talk truly learning how to be with God and each other at the same time. Our shared desire to grow closer to Christ and each other concurrently is rooted in hearing Frog’s words, “He died with his arms wide open . . .” The feeling we had holding hands for the first time
during Roundup talks still lingers and has been a constant reminder of our story. Swaying back and forth to the same old songs each summer is impor-tant and not a hollow ritual.
Later, as camp counselors, I taught archery. Claire taught clay, hunting sports, beads, and power napping. (Yes, Claire says power napping was a camp activity.)
We live in San Angelo now where I am a professional songwriter and also work part-time for the San Angelo Cultural Affairs Council (arts council). Claire is a literature, history, and Spanish teacher at a local private school but will be “retiring” to be with our growing family. We have one child, Cal, and we’re expecting another little boy in March!
We’ve been to Laity Lodge several times, primarily as a guest artist and for staff retreats. We have also stayed at the Quiet House and highly recom-mend it.
Claire and I loved growing up at LLYC and cannot imagine our lives without the experience and envi-ronment it afforded us. As a writer, the ability to channel such powerful memories, emotions, and sensations is invaluable. Time changes all things, but the hearts of those who work at camp remain fixed on a common point in the cross. We look forward to when our kids are old enough for Camp.
Without the opportunity to stop and center ourselves, we would be lost. Camp, and now Laity Lodge, offer just that. It has been said often that the Canyon is one of the “thin places” where heaven and earth seem less partitioned. Dan Roloff (Communica-tions Publishing Manager) likewise remarked that on his first stay in the Canyon, a retreat leader had discussed “theology of place.” It is very evident, even in the air.
When I go back to the Canyon, I take a deep breath involuntarily. And suddenly I am more “there” than I was just seconds earlier and more contemplative as to how precious our lives and earthly time are. We are all designed with hearts vast enough to accommodate enormous quantities of love . . . which is conveniently abun-dant at Laity. We would like to thank all who have contributed time, vision, and good works.
Please feel free to drop us a line via www.danielmakins.com.
nAMe The CoUple WinnerBrooke (Williams) Howard was the first
to correctly name Claire and Daniel and won a $200 credit toward her choice of a retreat at Laity Lodge, Laity Lodge Youth Camp, or Laity Lodge Family Camp! She will be using her $200 credit towards Family Camp in the spring with other alumni and their families.
llYC Alumniby Sabra Boone, LLYC Alumni Relations Director www.facebook.com/LLYCAlumni
Claire, son Cal, and Daniel Makins at home in San AngeloClaire Temple and Daniel Makins in 1992 at Camp
nAMe The CoUple ConTeST
8
Joel and Brooke Howard and daughter Ruth
As a camper at Singing Hills in 1986, on staff as a counselor in 1998, and serving the two following summers as the Assis-tant Girls’ Director at Singing Hills, Brooke reflected on those years, “Even though I don’t have as long a history with Laity Lodge Youth Camp as many alumni, I am so grateful to feel connected and a part of its great legacy of faith. I’ve made countless friends and learned so much about God’s love through my experiences at Laity Lodge Youth Camp.”
Brooke and her husband, Joel, live in Austin and have a two-year-old daughter named Ruth. You may have run into Brooke and Joel at the Laity Lodge Reunion in 2007. They are very involved in All Saints Presbyterian church.
Winner oF drAWing For CoUpleS Who MeT Their SpoUSe AT CAMp
The last Laity Connections asked other couples who met at Camp and later married to contact us with their names and stories. Twenty couples responded, and we’ll be sharing all their names and some of their stories with you in future issues.
The winning couple from our drawing for a Laity Lodge Family Retreat is Kara and Adam Anthony. We hope your time there will be a time to renew friendships, build community, and refresh you as a family together. Congratulations!
If you have ever been to a Creativity
Retreat at Laity Lodge, you are most
likely familiar with the name “David
A. Redding.” Dr. Redding, a nation-
ally recognized Presby-
terian minister,
has been the fea-
tured speaker at
the Creativity and
other retreats at
Laity Lodge since
the early 1970s.
His wit, humor, and
God-given talent for
storytelling have
endeared him to
thousands of people.
Well, good news
for Dr. Redding’s
fans! If you enjoyed listening to and
learning from Dr. Redding at Laity
Lodge, you will love reading his most
personal and meaningful stories in
his new book, The Origin of My Faith.
This book uses Dr. Redding’s stories
to trace the incidents and memories
of his life that gave him the solid
spiritual foundation that guides him
today. Written with his unique poetic
and warm personal style, Dr. Redding
draws you into each story and makes
you a witness for each scene.
According to Dr. Redding, “Trust
in God is not transmitted by genes
or cells, or merely through the holy
words of the Bible, essential as they
are. Faith that flourishes is caught
by a contagion of earthly relation-
ships with those who spark you with
the unexpected intrusion of the Spirit
of God.” In The Origin of My Faith,
Redding tells about how Jesus Christ’s
living presence captured his imagi-
nation and loyalty and inspired him
to share these stories of the “Living
Hope.” Dr. Redding shared these
stories first with his “long-loved”
friends at Laity Lodge.
Donald T. Kauffman, an author and
editor, read the book and commented,
“Fifty years ago, I
thought I knew all about
everything Christian.
Today, I’m still trying
to understand many
things Jesus said—
and I’ve been helped
immeasurably by this
new book from David
A. Redding . . . It
makes me feel as if
I’m standing in the
crowds listening to
Jesus and getting
the message.”
All of the art in the book, including
the cover, is the work of Redding’s
son David M. Redding, whose wild-
life paintings have been on exhibit
in the historic building of Princeton
University and many other galleries
throughout the United States.
Editorials for Life magazine and a
feature he wrote for Reader’s Digest
plunged Dr. Redding into a writing
career that resulted in 25 published
books. He considers the book He Never
Spoke Without a Parable his life’s
work. He has been the minister of the
renowned Flagler Memorial Presbyte-
rian Church in St. Augustine, Florida,
and the celebrated Liberty Presbyte-
rian Church in Delaware, Ohio. He was
married to the former Dorothy Ruth
McCleery, who passed away in April
2008. Dorothy and David have eight
children.
The Origin of My Faith is available
online at http://www.davidredding.
com/books.html and the Laity Lodge
Store at http://www.hebuttfdn.org/
LaityLodgeStore/index.asp.
good news for david A. redding Fans
9
For additional information and schedule updates, visit www.laitylodge.org.
laity lodge Summer 2010 retreats
June 3-6 (Thurs-Sun)
laity lodge retreat with dale Bruner and Mark robertsSPEAKERSdale Bruner - Professor Emeritus of Religion, Whitworth College;
Spokane, WA. Now residing in Pasadena, CAMark roberts - Senior Director and Scholar-in-Residence, Laity
Lodge; Boerne, TXMUSICIANSnathan Tasker - Australia’s premier Christian artist gabe Scott - Instrumentalist; Nashville, TNARTISTJim Janknegt - Painting and drawing; Austin, TX
Lodge: $390/Black Bluff: $465
June 10-13 (Thurs-Sun)
laity lodge retreat on the integrated life with Allan Josephson and John MedinaSPEAKERSAllan Josephson - Professor and Associate Chair for Child &
Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Louisville School of Medicine; Louisville, KY
John J. Medina - Research consultant and director of the Brain Center for Applied Learning Research at Seattle Pacific University, author of Brain Rules; Seattle, WA
MUSICIANSStephen Clapp - Dean Emeritus, The Juilliard School, violinist;
New York, NYSean Jackson - Director of Music at St. John’s Episcopal Church,
pianist and organist trained at the Juilliard School; Stamford, CTARTISTAnita horton - Raku ceramic pottery; Addison, TX
Lodge: $390/Black Bluff: $465
June 17-20 (Thurs-Sun)
laity lodge retreat with Buddy greene and rodney reevesSPEAKERSBuddy greene - Singer-songwriter, guitarist, harmonica stylist;
Brentwood, TN rodney reeves - Dean, Courts Redford College of Theology and
Ministry, Professor of Biblical Studies, Southwest Baptist University; Bolivar, MO
MUSICIANSodessa Settles - Vocalist and one of the founding members of
The Princely Players; Nashville, TNBuddy greene - Singer-songwriter, guitarist, harmonica stylist;
Brentwood, TNARTISTSCarolyn (Wink) Winkler and Jill (Tink) Stover - Knitting and
needle felting from Yarns in the Farms; Beverly Farms, MAolga Samples davis - Creative writing; San Antonio, TX
Lodge: $390/Black Bluff: $465
June 22-27 (Tues-Sun)
laity lodge Creativity retreatSPEAKERSTod Bolsinger - Senior Pastor, San Clemente Presbyterian Church;
San Clemente, CAMark roberts - Senior Director and Scholar-in-Residence, Laity
Lodge; Boerne, TXMUSICIANSCharles Webb - Dean Emeritus, Indiana University School of Music,
pianist; Bloomington, INesther kim - Prize winner of several international violin
competitions, currently studying music at Indiana University School of Music; Bloomington, IN
Joseph kaiser - Cellist; Bloomington, INARTISTSCarolyn (Wink) Winkler and Jill (Tink) Stover - Knitting and
needle felting from Yarns in the Farms; Beverly Farms, MAJim Morris - Jewelry-making; Kerrville, TXrobert and Claudia Feuge - Wood working; Fredericksburg, TXolga Samples davis - Creative writing; San Antonio, TXMarcus rogers - Bird carving; San Antonio, TX
Lodge: $650/Black Bluff: $775
July 8-11 (Thurs-Sun)
laity lodge retreat with Timothy george and Chris SeaySPEAKERSTimothy george - Founding Dean of Beeson Divinity School,
Executive Editor for Christianity Today; Birmingham, ALChris Seay - Pastor of Ecclesia, author, founder of the Voice
Project; Houston, TXMUSICIANSAshley Cleveland - Recording artist, winner of three Grammy Awards
including 2008 for Best Rock Gospel Album; Nashville, TNkenny greenberg - Instrumentalist, lyricist, producer; Nashville, TNARTISTSSteve halla, Wood cutting and printmaking; Louisville, KY
Lodge: $390/Black Bluff: $465
10
R E T R E AT R E G I S T R AT I O N F O R M
Registration for Laity Lodge retreat to be held ____________________ (give dates). n Lodge Room n Black BluffPlease enclose deposit ($100 per person). Deposit applies to the total cost and is nonrefundable.
Name(s): Mr. n Mrs. n Ms. n ____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Address: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Special needs: _______________ Daytime phone: (______) ________________ Roommate preference (if any): _____________________________________
Method of payment: n Check n VISA/MasterCard Please make checks payable to lAiTY lodge and mail to p. o. Box 290670, kerrville, TX 78029-0670.
VISA/MasterCard #: ___________________________________ Exp. Date: ___________ Signature: ______________________________________________
List first and last name(s)
City State Zip
We are grateful to the M. D. MattheWs founDation for proviDing funDing for neW anD eMerging speakers for laity loDge. M. D. MattheWs founDation-funDeD speakers are inDicateD by
G after the speaker naMe. gifts to the laity loDge speakers funD alloW us to invite
leaDing thinkers anD teachers to our retreats.
July 14-18 (Wed-Sun)
laity lodge retreat with earl palmer and dan BlazerSPEAKERSearl palmer - Author of numerous books, most recently, Trusting God,
Pastor Emeritus, University Presbyterian Church; Seattle, WA dan Blazer - J. P. Gibbons Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral
Sciences and Vice Chair for Education and Academic Affairs, Duke University Medical Center; Durham, NC
MUSICIANSAshley Cleveland - Recording artist, winner of three Grammy Awards
including 2008 for Best Rock Gospel Album; Nashville, TNkenny greenberg - Instrumentalist, lyricist, producer; Nashville, TNARTISTMeg lowry - Painting; Austin, TXMarcus goodyear - Poetry; Kerrville, TX
Lodge: $520/Black Bluff: $620
July 22-25 (Thurs-Sun)
laity lodge retreat with Andy Crouch and Michael lindsaySPEAKERSAndy CrouchG - Senior Editor, Christianity Today International
and author of Culture Making: Recovering Our Creative Calling; Swarthmore, PA
Michael lindsayG - Author of Faith in the Halls of Power, Assistant Professor of Sociology and Associate Director of the Center on Race, Religion and Urban Life, Rice University; Houston, TX
MUSICIANSara groves - Singer-songwriter, winner of Christianity Today Album
of the Year for 2009; Minneapolis, MNARTISTginger geyer - Pottery; Austin, TX
Lodge: $390/Black Bluff: $465
July 29 – August 1 (Thurs-Sun)
laity lodge Women’s retreatSPEAKERlaura robinson harbert - Clinical psychologist and ordained
Presbyterian minister; Pacific Grove, CAMUSICIANSChristine and Scott denté - Out of the Grey recording artists;
Nashville, TNARTISTBea Brock - Fabric artist; Kerrville, TX
Lodge: $390/Black Bluff: $465
September 3-6 (Fri-Mon)
laity lodge labor day retreat with J. i. packer and Mark robertsSPEAKERSJ. i. packer - Professor of Systematic and Historical Theology,
Regent College, author of Knowing God; Vancouver, B.C.Mark roberts - Senior Director and Scholar-in-Residence, Laity
Lodge; Boerne, TXMUSICIANFernando ortega - Singer-songwriter of contemporary Christian
music; Albuquerque, NMLodge: $390/Black Bluff: $465
11
Winter 2009
LAITY LODGE PROGRAMSH. E. BUTT FOUNDATIONPost Office Box 290670Kerrville, TX 78029-0670
Return Service Requested
© Laity Renewal Foundation®
Non-profit Org.U.S. Postage
PaidSan Antonio, TX
Permit #244
progrAM MiSSion STATeMenTSlAiTY lodge®, a Christian retreat center, is dedicated to our common quest to know Christ
and what that means in the ordinary secular relationships of our lives. It is a place where people are free to explore choices leading to growth in creativity, effectiveness, and servant leadership.
lAiTY lodge YoUTh CAMp is a coed, interdenominational Christian youth camp focusing on spontaneity, fun, and relationships to show kids the best two weeks of their lives, while sharing with them the Gospel message and love of Jesus Christ. LLYC is dedicated to providing campers with healthy fun in an emotionally safe learning environment.
lAiTY lodge FAMilY CAMp is an interdenominational Christian family camp designed to strengthen relationships within the family system by providing a relaxed, fun-filled opportunity for families to be together in an atmosphere dedicated to Christ.
FoUndATion Free CAMpS provide free camping facilities for qualified church and community-service groups. The program especially targets children and youth groups in Texas communities who would not otherwise be able to afford such an experience. The goal is to provide a place conducive to healthy Christian character development.
TheHighCalling.org serves to connect people in the ordinary circumstances of life with the faith that undergirds and sustains all that we do.
lAiTY leAderShip inSTiTUTe is dedicated to the theological and relational development of Trinitarian Servant Leaders who foster renewal in organizations. Our goal is to provide significant support in the renewal of executives and to help them develop an ability to integrate a vital faith into their daily work.
FOR THIS AND PREVIOUS ISSUES OF LAITY CONNECTIONS, VISIT www.hebuttfdn.org/AboutFoundation/Connection.asp
laity lodge ..........................830-792-1230laity lodge Youth Camp ........830-792-1220laity lodge Family Camp.......830-792-1220Foundation Free Camps .........830-792-1210development ........................830-792-1206Communications ...................830-792-1234laity leadership institute .....830-792-7573
lAiTY lodge progrAMS• LaityRenewalFoundation • LaityLodge • LaityLodgeYouthCamp •LaityLodgeFamilyCamp • FoundationFreeCamps •LaityLeadershipInstitute
h. e. BUTT FoUndATionAll programs are conducted on the h. e. Butt Foundation property.
The h. e. Butt Foundation is a private operating foundation established in 1933 by howard and Mary holdsworth Butt.
Core pUrpoSeTo serve god by creating opportunities for people to encounter god for the transformation of daily life, work, and our world.
MiSSionThe renewal of society through the
renewal of the Church Church renewal through renewal of the family Family renewal through renewed individuals
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