BECOMING A BLESSING: MEMORIES FROM OUR 2026 PSI REUNION
Friends,
The 2026 PSI Reunion, themed 'Become a Blessing,' welcomed a large group of both new and returning campers. We began Saturday night with a beautiful Land Acknowledgement prayer for Buckhorn written by Glenn Johnson. We were able to express gratitude to the Carlsbad Congregation for their generous donation to make camp affordable for so many to attend. President Janné Grover was our featured guest minister for the adult class and other opportunities to share in ministry for and with the community, and she was amazing. The Holy Spirit was obvious in so many ways, supported by a wonderful Pastoral Care Team, and the entire community that cared for each other in every way needed. We got a superstar Graceland University representative, Christian Biwott, who participated in so many ways as the product of the Graceland experience and Kevin Grover was also there as a part of the Graceland Admissions office. Erika Wilson returned as our camp nurse and kept us all healthy and attended to.
The sacraments were abundant in April Sweetings baptism and confirmation, a beautiful communion service and message by Larry Mc Guire, Laura Bolton’s setting apart as our new Mission Center President, Denise Leichter was ordained as an Evangelist, and Crystal Moreno was ordained as an Elder. On any given day you could witness the Laying on of Hands for many with special needs. The special called conference allowed us to hear the names and testimonies of Pam Lindamood as High Priest, Steve Davis as High Priest-Evangelist and Gina Norton as High Priest-Evangelist with unanimous votes of support. We enjoyed a lovely reception to say goodbye to Larry and welcome the Bolton family now residing in Crestline. Andrew Huse was present to offer his special music, and receive abundant love and support from the community, and we got a flavor of David Bolton’s musical talents. The “We Remember” service offered the names of those who have died since our last reunion, and we got to listen to the Josh Groban song “Lord, I’m here, but not OK” and name the multitude of life journeys that brought all of us to camp and were named beloved. Elene Cloete, Executive Director from Outreach International, offered inspiring stories and how the Participatory Human Development Model works for many great successes.
We also had a great deal of fun at our carnival under the leadership of Crystal Moreno and a BIG team of volunteers, and a talent show hosted by Bryce Gunter with some real talent and loving support of a packed audience. There were chats Under the Pines, and a book review of “The Correspondent” which challenged many of us to return to the gift of handwritten notes and cards. The Young Adults were back together enjoying each other and offering service and presence to the community. We embraced the Mission Prayer at an international level being spoken in English, Spanish, French, Swedish, and through the experience of American Sign Language.
There were so many highlights, and we hope that everyone that attended will complete our reunion survey for next years planning. Next year’s date, similar to this year, will be announced in September after the Mission Center Team and the Buckhorn Board can review.
Living the Mission Prayer went far beyond content to the core of how it can actually be done. To all the many people who offered soooo much to the planning and experience…THANK YOU!
See you again next year,
Denise Leichter and Paul Harding