International Easter Rally: Part 9 - Lifebook, Atherstone and the Closing Communion Circle

It was Wednesday morning that I awoke with the painful realization that this was the last day of Easter Rally. Over so quickly, yet I was amazed at how much we packed into our short time in England. But, it wasn't over yet! We had a full day ahead of us to learn, explore and grow together in community.

The Canadian teens led our last morning matins worship. It was a service of thanksgiving and gratitude. They passed out Canadian flag pins. Jordan played guitar and sang The Lord's Prayer. It was nice.

The morning session was lead by Andy Leather. Andy projected a series of thought-provoking pictures of images and people around different themes, such as natural disasters, being alone and joyous community. We broke up into smaller groups and talked about how "real" we are and how we deal with isolated or difficult people that we encounter. We talked about how we can help others in need and what we can do to make the world better in our own community around us and far away. In our workshop, Andy charged us with a mission to develop our own "Lifebook" artistic profile that represents the real person, not the Facebook person that we all put out there for the whole to see. Andy helped us examine the masks that we wear and discover qualities and traits that we may need to let go off or reconsider. He really helped us apply the theology that we learned about in previous sessions.

After lunch we gathered outside for a walk to the nearby town of Atherstone. The walk took us along a pretty trail and where I discovered my first kissing gate. The path wound and then widened onto a golf course which we followed along into the quaint English village. Atherstone was larger than I expected and had plenty of shops and stores to explore. We set the teens free to roam for an hour while I went to a market to find "exotic" British candy to bring home to my daughters and royal wedding souvenirs for ladies back home in the States. We arrived back at Purley in the late afternoon and the teens had a bit of time to relax and also prepare an act for the evening social (talent show/skit night) to be held after supper.

We ate the potatoes that we hunted the night before for dinner. I met with interested teens from all the representative countries and the SCYL about future international youth activities as well as the formation of an international Swedenborgian youth group. There was much excitement and energy in the group and we agreed it was an effort worth pursuing.
Then, we gathered for group pictures while there was still enough light. After pictures, the teens presented the leaders with cards and gifts. I was given a card signed by all the teens, a Purley Swedenborg mug (which I had wanted ever since I first saw it) filled with Purley tea, and a Derby County football jersey! It was very touching and I was nearly moved to tears by the generosity of so many wonderful people. After a short break we gathered for the social.

At the social we were treated to a variety of acts and talents, including a a funny skit with Pam and Joesph, a card trick by Jordan, a beautiful cover of "Landslide" sung by Celie on the guitar, a song by Abby, and the big closing act of the very talented Miles performing an amazing musical juggling act with glowing balls in the dark. After the social, Steve introduced some fun indoor circle games for us to play. Meanwhile, Rev. Catherine and Rev. Jack were hard at work preparing a beautiful closing campfire worship space.

Once full darkness settled in and the stars were sparkling above, we walked down to the campfire. Catherine and Jack arranged everything so perfectly and truly created a sacred and inviting place. Jordan provided music on the guitar and lead us in the hymn, "Seek Ye First". Rev. Catherine led the service and spoke about how our differences in saying the Lord's Prayer builds united diversity that strengthens our community. Rev. Jack conducted the communion portion of the service. I led a burning ritual where I asked a teen representative from each country to step up and join me around the campfire. The five of us held a paper chain link circle which represented our diverse yet united community. We then dropped it in the fire releasing it to heaven with a prayer to keep our travels safe, our friendship strong, and our love useful to the larger community that we soon will rejoin. After the service, we sat around the fire and sang tradition songs from different countries including national anthems. This was the perfect closing to a great day and a fantastic Easter Rally at Purley. The teens got to stay up late and hang out in the upstairs hall for awhile. Then, everyone hugged, said goodnight, and headed off to bed in the wee hours of the morning to try to get a bit of sleep before our pre-breakfast departure to start the long journey back home.