Nancy Shumaker
Canon for Children’s Ministries
What child has not enjoyed the “Harry Potter” series? The mystery, excitement, and magic of this story has captured the imaginations of children and adults of all ages. This summer Chapel Rock joins the fun of Hogwarts School. It is our hope that all the young Muggles will leave this week of fun with a deeper sense of who they are as a child of God who is loved unconditionally and eternally.
What does Harry Potter have to do with the emphasis on deepening our faith in Jesus? Harry’s story is directly parallel to the major characters in the Bible who when called by God cannot imagine how they of all people have been chosen to carry out unimaginable deeds. A summary of the Bible stories used is Moses is Called by God, Jesus Calls His Disciples, Elijah and the Still, Small Voice of God, The Temptations in the Wilderness, and The Resurrection of Jesus.
In the daily Transformation Classes with Professor McGonagall we will learn that God knows each one of us by name. He puts us to tasks we cannot believe we can do. He calls us in prayer. He calls us to a lifetime of commitment to his work. We will see how temptation comes when we least expect it. We will learn the joy of self sacrifice for the good of others and how important it is to respect the dignity of every human being.
The underlying theme for the whole week is Living Through Your Baptismal Covenant, and on Friday we will visit with Professor Dumbledore and reexamine the promises made for us by our parents at our baptism. The morning concludes when we go to the Mirror of Erised and discover who is at the center of our lives.
We have of course added our own brand of magic to enhance the children’s enjoyment of this wonderful adventure. Sign up today for a ticket on the Hogwarts Express for a week of discovery of ones self and an examination of our relationship with God and more fun than a wand of magic can create.
If you have any questions please call Nancy Shumaker, Canon for Children’s Ministries at The Episcopal Diocese of Arizona at (602) 254-0976 ext. 2224, or e-mail her at nancys@azdiocese.org for more information.
Wizards and Wonders: A Hero’s Journey with Harry Potter:
Session I June 15th -June 21st
Session II June 22nd - June 28th
Session III June 29th - July 5th
2008 Camp Registration forms now available!
On the net: http://chapelrock.net
On the net: http://www.leaderresources.org/wizardsandwonders
