New Church Life March/April 2016 | Page 78

new church life: march/april 2016 participant questions about the beliefs of the New Church. These quickly got to the heart of the matter, with considerations of marriage in heaven, the Second Coming, and the oneness of God. About 50 people were in attendance, some of whom participate in worship activities with Peter, and others coming to see what the New Church is all about. During the week we were there, I had the privilege of ordaining Peter into the second degree of the priesthood, as well as performing two baptisms and a confirmation. The two baptisms represent a neat story. A woman named Vinitha Mary was baptized together with her daughter. Vinitha is the wife of Alex Thomas, a young man who discovered the Writings, and was himself baptized in the Pittsburgh New Church while on assignment for work in that city. Not only did the Church gain two new converts, but Alex has decided to begin training for the ministry. It will take him a number of years via our distance learning program through the Theological School, but he will be a great addition to the priesthood when his studies are complete. The rest of the trip consisted of visiting with the various people in India who have come in contact with the New Church, and considering with Peter and Göran the next steps for the Church there. We look forward to returning one day to visit with these new friends and to see their progress. (See photos on page 185.) summer camps Glencairn Museum’s Medieval Summer Camp returns this June: Session I (June 20 – 24) Session II (June 27 – July 1) | Daily 8:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. Campers age 9, 10 and 11 are invited to join us as we step back in time and spend a fun and adventurous week exploring Medi eval life. Overseen by the King and Queen and their lords and ladies, each day is packed with activities such as archery, crafts, boar hunts, cooking, sword play and more. To request a registration brochure or to reserve a spot please call 267.502.2990, or email [email protected]. For more information please contact Christine McDonald at 267.502.2995 or christine.mcdonald@ glencairnmuseum.org. Academy Summer Camp is open to all young people currently in eighth and ninth grades to come and spend a week learning more about the New Church and the Academy of the New Church Secondary Schools. It will run from July 10 to 16. The camp offers interesting classes and games to keep things fun, plus a different social activity each evening. Students get a taste of dorm life, meet some of the regular faculty, and get to know potential future classmates. 180