Mark P. Schowalter

Spiritual renewal...

Posted: 07/14/2009

It's been ten days since the close of camp. What a marvelous week with old and new friends. The setting is a quiet lake in northern Wisconsin. The place is called Moon Beach Camp, one of two camps belonging to the 'United Church Camps, Inc.', an affiliate of the wisconsin Conference United Church of Christ. This was the fifth year of directing Family Camp for my wife sue and I. Both of us find such a spiritual renewal in planning, executing, and enjoying the week of camp. Our priority is to make every "camper" feel welcome, that they have a place at our table. And throughout the week we mix and match as many families as we can to sit with each other at meal times to get to know one another. We encourage folks to slow down and enjoy the meal as a family... something that many of us don't do because of busy schedules, hectic lives, and convenience. We do all of the normal camp stuff; swimming, boating, hiking, campfires, somores, singing, etc. What sets us aside from other camps is that we gracefully include the message of the gospel through our programs, our fellowship, our activities. All are welcome to participate. All are encouraged to participate. One of the unique things about Family Camp that I enjoy is the individual character and personality of each camp. Each year it is different... made up of the families who come and participate. This year was no exception as the group of folks who gathered had some historical and/or personal connection to Sue and myself. We enjoyed getting re-acquainted with friends from as much as 35 years ago. Suddenly here we all were together sharing stories of life's journeys which had brought us to that moment... that moment called camp! I invite you to check us out in the future. You can find the camp information about the two different camp-sites in wisconsin at www.ucci.org. Peace flows likes a river, life's ebbs and flows bring a newness unlike anything else. Mark

25 years of Ordination!

Posted: 07/07/2009

It is June 7, 2009, but the setting is something right out of a Norman Rockwell painting.  A picturesque little white church, in a sweet little southern Wisconsin town.  The peonies, and the bridal wreath in full bloom as the robins hop around on the perfectly manicured grass outside the church.  The sun streaming through the clouds just after a morning summer shower, and the communion hymn being sung so loudly that even the heavens know it is time to 'come to the table'.  Picturesque for sure. Wonderful!  The word most would use about the scene outside of the First Congregational Church in Genoa City, Wisconsin.  It is a wonderful little church.  But what lies inside is what makes this church a wonderful little church.  The people of First Congregational make it what it is and what it has been for over one hundred years.  I was privileged to be able to spend my second Sunday  worshiping with the people of First Congregational.  It was a special Sunday there, as it was the 25th anniversary in the ministry of their pastor, the Rev. Mark Schowalter.  I was there to be a part of the celebration for this gifted  man. To watch the outpouring of respect and love for Pastor Mark speaks to who First Congregational is, not what it is.  It is not a pristine little white building, it is a mansion of dedication, respect, love, acceptance and encouragement!  I want to thank the people of First Congregational.  They are welcoming, loving and real.  There is so much good that comes from the hearts in that building.  God Bless you all, Annie  (from the fourth row on the right)