But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Gal. 5:22-23

Fruit of the Spirit

the rusty nail

“For we loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the Gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.” 1 Thessalonians 2:8

A lifetime of fun and friendship living in the fruit of the spirit.

It’s the best job in the world, but something was missing. Being staff at SEP is always great and this year was no exception. All the staff were on campus,

unpacked, and ready to go. But something was missing. CAMPERS! It’s only the best job in the world when the campers are here and last Monday all of you arrived and the camp truly came to life. The staff can have meetings, can do test runs through the activities, can talk, can move things in and out of rooms, but until the campers show up, its just not SEP.

This year we have campers come from all over Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and even America. Being staff at SEP is wonderful not just because we look after campers, or do activities with campers, or even proclaim the good news to the campers. Being SEP staff is wonderful because as the days progress at camp, the campers invite us to actually share in life with them. We don’t just do activities at the same time, we share life, experiences, joy, laughter, and even tears.

You let us share not just the good news, but in the life that proceeds out of the good news. You allow our lives to become interwoven with yours until SEP 2012 becomes a beautiful tapestry of stories, challenges, laughter, bonding, tears, hugs, and a chapter in all of our lives that will always be a part of us. Thank you campers – for making being SEP staff the best job in the world! By Al Kurzawa SEP Camp Co-ordinator2

Fruit of the Spirit

inside

“For we loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the Gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.” 1 Thessalonians 2:8

Rusty Nail ContributorsDanny Lam, Jenna Pedersen, Anna Jackowiak, Rhiannon Edge, Danielle Austin, Courtney Downes, Tara Pedersen, Jordan Watson,

For more youth information and news, log on to the Grace Communion International website, www.gci.org.au There is a Youth Ministry link on the main page which will connect you to more news and photos.

the rusty nail, what the...?Because that’s what they used to nail Jesus to the Cross.Rebecca Elliston, G2They used to pin the newsletter up with rusty nails?Shannen Symonds, G1Firstly...nails drive holes deep into things. So this nail everyone reads and it drives a whole deep into their heart -- a good hole – which is then filled with the love and enthusiasm of everything that is written inside the news-letter. But the people who are writing it are very rusty and haven’t brushed up on their skills, so when combined, the magic of the newsletter is called the Rusty Nail.A retired journalist was once digging for Noah’s Ark in Morriset, NSW. He uncovered an old newpaper which was held together by a shiny gold nail. He pulled out his finding and was happy because it inspired him to rekindle his rusty skills and write for the SEP newsletter. He never found Noah’s Ark, however he named the newsletter The Rusty Nail.Courtney Downes, G1This guy is walking around and he’s trying to think of a name for his newsletter, and while he’s walking he says to himself, “I can’t think of a name,” and he steps on a rusty nail. “Eureka!” he cries, “That’s it! The Rusty Nail!”Rachel Hughes, G1An old fellow named Rusty tried to write a newsletter with a rusty nail. Tracey Brookes, G3The Rusty Nail is something like the foundation of the whole camp. It’s the nail that holds everything together and keeps everyone together. Troy Edge, B1In a media class, when deciding on a name for the first newsletter, many names were suggested. The Rusty Nail became the favourite, symbolising the nails that pierced Jesus’ wrists and ankles as he was nailed to the cross. Geoff McLean, Visitor

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A real life Christian – living in a selfish worldSo we’ve been living in this fantastic environment of SEP now for 13 days...yet the reality will soon hit. How do we live as a Christian in the regular world back home? Most of our friends will struggle to understand the incredible spirit of love and warmth we’ve enjoyed, and the pressures of day to day living will soon reach us. Even though we’ve changed, our peers may not have – and as keen as we may be to share the amazing things we have learned at camp, no one wants to go home and reinforce the negative “Christian bible basher” stereotype. Wouldn’t it be great to create a new description of a Christian – one which proves we are capable of being normal people? A real-life Christian leads by example.

Standing against peer pressureImagine, it’s Friday night and Jacob’s having drinks at his place. Your girlfriend is keen to go, and therefore, so are you! Yet deep down you know so many things can go wrong. What do you say...what do you do?? Also, you seem to be the only one in your class who isn’t constantly sleeping around... and what about at home? Mum calls you for a family games night in the living room...yet your facebook sits there calling your name, and come on! You’re about to prestige again in God! All these goals and insight into prioritising, which you swore to follow at SEP, are going down the drain and you’re running out of motivation to stand up against the pressures of your peers. I think some strategies are in need.

Loving those who don’t love you backSo SEP is finished. Our amazing friends here that we’ve made are going back to their separate homes, and the intimidating task of loving our other, not-so-loving friends, is looming ahead. Seriously, how are we supposed to care and love our peers back home when they don’t have the same desire in themselves? Surely we all have that group of friends that sit together during school break times and gossip – and not just about anyone, but other friends you hold dear. As a Christian in an un-Christian world, how do we stand up for what’s right, without losing popularity status with everyone else? Here in SEP, your dorm mate might be the biggest pain in the neck at times, yet you learn to love and understand each other’s differences, and in some cases can become great friends. At home, the desire to love and keep calm can often be lost, when our peers push our self-control abilities. Guys, you probably can think of someone you’re keen to get even with and a punch up may well soon be under way... and girls? Gossiping about that annoying chick in your home economics class isn’t really what God wants us to do. So the big question is, how can we stay loving and accepting Christians in an environment where the majority of our friends aren’t very loving in return?

Being acceptedWe’ve been told repeatedly at SEP that God loves us dearly and accepts us for exactly who we are. In fact he actually said that in his eyes, Eph 1:4 we are holy and blameless. As teenagers growing in Christ, we

learn to be confident in ourselves because we can trust in God. We accept everyone and outward appearance doesn’t influence how we treat one another. Yet this all changes back at home. Society has developed this idea of a perfect body image, and our peer groups are formed, or excluded, based on this external judgement. For guys, you have to be super fit, and wear the expensive brand clothes. Not to mention you’re pretty cool if you sleep around. For girls, promiscuity is a big issue. To hang out for the day in the mall, you’re expected to wear the very latest fashion of clothing – which seems to be becoming more and more inappropriate by Christian standards. No one in this world wants to stand out and be excluded, yet how do we dress to God’s standards without being an advocate for teenage outcasts? At SEP we do what we want to do without worrying what people think. In the real world we do what we have to do in order to fit in. The lifestyle changes, but trust me, the coping strategies have stayed the same.

Keeping the SEP spirit after we go homeFinally, an obvious challenge I’m sure we’ll all face at some point is our push for independence. There comes a stage where what Mum and Dad say just isn’t enough – we seek for other answers, looking to prove God’s existence, and his love and commands for ourselves. Our school, uni and work colleagues have varying values and beliefs, and life’s decisions become like an outing at sizzlers. There are so many dish options to choose from, some good, some not-so-great, and the task of

deciding what’s best is left entirely up to us. Well, that’s how it seems anyway. There is a constant pressure on teenagers to conform, and first deciding, then standing up for what’s right, is an extra hard task when we have few local friends who share the same SEP spirit. Coping strategy: - having a community of people who share our religion. Youth groups, contacting SEP friends, being part of congregation etc.

ConclusionRemember guys, we aren’t in this world just looking forward Jesus’ return. We are here to enjoy every breath of life our all powerful, all loving God has given us, and participate fully in the richness of living. Learn to live in harmony with one another, and in tune with the song Jesus wrote in our hearts. Live by the fruits of the spirit: Love, Joy, Patience, Kindness, Peace, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-control, and remember, you shouldn’t judge life on how many breaths you take, but on how many times life takes your breath away.By Courtney Downes

Life Challenges

Fruit of the Spirit

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A banquet night of celebration with food and dance. What a night to remember what God is doing for all of us.

Fruit of the Spirit

dancesep clAs

s

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Giving God The whole person, with all his senses, with both mind and body, needs to be involved in genuine worship.

-Jerry Kerns

Fruit of the Spirit

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Giving God The whole person, with all his senses, with both mind and body, needs to be involved in genuine worship.

-Jerry Kerns

his year SEP brought a new light to worship. We as campers and staff decided to really think about what the concept of worship actually

is and what it may mean in our daily lives. Through many discussions, we have come to realize worship can be more than just a song. There is no doubt that music has an incredible, universal way of bringing people together and honoring God selflessly and soulfully. Worship though does not need to have limitations. It’s not even just single acts, but rather encompasses an entire lifestyle! It is choosing to worship God with your life. Worship has the ability to transcend worldly boundaries. In its purest form, worship is what our souls were designed to do; it is the inner most part of our being. It is about what we put our time and energy into and where our heart is pointed as we perform actions in our lives.

One of the main focuses of worship class at SEP this year has been to help campers understand that their lives are a blessing and we can bring glory to God day by day. When asked what worship was to them, campers said it can be anything from the way we listen, serve, and talk to others, to the way we

Giving God work, encourage one another, and place a focus on God each day. God is intimately involved in every moment of our lives and the more opportunities we take, and time we devote to opening our hearts to his love, the more we realize he is always there-loving us, guiding us, accepting us and holding us close. Many campers expressed feeling closest to God when out in nature, away from the busyness of it all and surrounded by his majestic works. It is in moments like those where we can truly bask in his creation, in awe of the wonders so beyond our own power.

Others expressed it is when performing service that they feel closest to God, when doing selfless acts of kindness and love for others.

There are many ways in which we can worship. We are each unique individuals and as his children, we can share our love for him and with him in many ways. Whether in big groups or on our own, inside or outside, day or night...there is no reason why we should limit or hold back from the endless opportunities in which we can honor and glorify God. Worship is an attitude of deep respect, of adoration and love for our creator, our father, our provider, our friend.

more than a song.

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Fruit of the Spirit

“Here we go!” By Dave Eastwood

Fingers clench tight, the engine roars, white water surges! Another mountain climbing ride launches to life as we take off around the lake. Every rider has a different mountain. For some it’s to merely stand up on the water, for others, it’s a slalom run worthy of a tournament position. Regardless, the mountains are real.We love to see nerves and apprehension transformed into Luna Park style smiles as campers face their initial fears, realise that yes, they can, and do it!!Our resident ski crew photographer, Andy Clare can’t help himself on the camera. Snapping those campers’ smiles (and those more unconventional departures!) he says “Mate, it’s fantastic. They’re unreal!”One of camps 36 most eligible bachelors were heard to say

“Waterskiing is fun and fun and fun…..and fun” We can only agree.Another couldn’t decide whether biscuit riding or dancing was his highlight at camp. We love the dance crew, but we reckon we know which way he’ll decide…JWe’ve seen such a tremendous effort & willingness from every camper and staff member to have a “red-hot” go and all of us here on Ski Crew really love your work. Whether you’re a skier, boarder or tuber, we delighted with the progress you’ve made. Come back next camp, we can’t wait to get back together out on the water and do it again!

walking on water is possible...

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Fruit of the Spirit

Buck up!Do your damndest and fight.It’s the plugging away that will win the day!

SEP 2012ADVENTURE

RACE

Courage • PerseveranCe • Teamwork • enDuranCe • goals

Quotes from campersDave Willett’s response to his wife’s observation that it was family dinner time: “oh, mini-camper feeding frenzy”Spud during the quiz night: “the new one is the current one”Melissa was overheard on her mobile phone to say, “can you call me back in a couple of weeks .....I’m really busy”Hans, when crossing the river with Levi on the adventure race and the river became uncomfortable for Levi, “hang on to me Levi. I’ll just walk across”.Matt Gudze at communion: “Let’s start at the start”Carissa: “The girls are pretty feral”, when what she was referring to was the state of the girls bathrooms.

Adrian: “Yeeeeeeeeah!”Emma at staff introductions to campers: This pigmently blessed Canadian works in advertising. But at SEP he will be putting together our camp newsletter. He has been quoted as saying, “ I don’t write the stuff, I just make it look good.”

What is it that brings you back to SEP each time?“The atmosphere is different. It’s like a family reunion. It’s a two year gap between camps, it’s nice catching up with everyone again.”

“I get paid! Camp changed my life so much when I was a camper. I feel it would take a life time of camps to pay it forward.”

“Reliving old memories with old friends and making new memories with new friends and doing things that I don’t get to do any place else... I mean how many places do you go and get escorted to dinner every night”

“Faith, Fun and Friends!”

“The opportunity to focus on God, and have God loving friends.”

“The friendships and support from the staff. The incredible sense of belonging and how the encouragement from every single person is so satisfying and makes the atmosphere so loving and warm.”

“New friendships you make. Sense of community and hanging out with people you usually wouldn’t.”

“How we all come together from all across Australia. I mean how cool is that?”

• Fastest camper 4:19min SCP• Fastest staff 4:7mins The Mighty Boosh• Course length: 8-10km

Facts

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ancient egypt/rome/greece

getdown withyour funkyself

mmxii2012

activities

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Camp Record29.1 sec

luke silva

Fruit of the Spirit

G1/B1 Left to RightFront Row: Ross Weir, Eric Thorn, Caleb Bishop, Troy Edge, Peter Orford, Cory Tooke

2nd Row: Jake Gubb, Luke Jurd, Michael Greenham, Sam Alter, Tongli Panuve, Julius Peters

3rd Row: Katherine Pascual, Katie Clark, Courtney Downes, Rachel Hughes, Kathleen Best, Grace Merriman, Caitlyn Penrose, Bianca Thomas, Mischka Marshall, Nadia Worthing, Lara Nicholls, Tamarah Kevill

4th Row: Jon Richardson, Shannen Symonds, Janelle Jackowiak, Sierrah Thorn, Tegan Nagtegaal, Mia Perkins, Tara Pedersen, Clayton Harris

Back Row: Shanndara McNamara, Ben Richardson, Sandy Gudze, Matt Gudze, Darren McLean, Leah McLean

G2/B2 Left to RightFront Row: Kian Worthing, Dylan Butler, Matthew Jurd, Jarrad Nagtegaal, Jason Eastwood, Tim McLaughlin

2nd Row: Adrian Gordon, Nathan Gubb, Danny Lam, Luke Silva, Lachlan Watson, Jordan Turkington

3rd Row: Robbie Muyargas, Danielle Kevill, Charlotte Gooding, Shenae Pedersen, Jessica Keeble, Elysia Downes, Brittany Wirth, Nicole Squelch, Steph Burchard, Gabriella Cicero, Malorie Raymakers, Beck Elliston, Carissa Warren

Back Row: Ella Jansan, Jacqui Symonds, Charissa Panuve, Mark Symonds, Shanara Howard, Beverly McLean, Ramona Packham, Christine Pedersen, Taylah Newton, Hans Pedersen, Jessica Hughes, Drew Garratt

G3/B3 Left to RightFront Row: Chris Alvares, Wilton, Jansan, Jordan Watson, Luke Nicholls, David Clark, Jordan Clare

2nd Row: Shaun David, William Gilliland, Julian Ricketts, Beau Newton, Matt Cullen, Shane Bishop

3rd Row: Albert Pascual, Nadia Peters, Emma Weir, Jessie-Louise Tooke, Brianna Steel, Nikita Marshall, Dejana Greenham, Jenna Pedersen, Danielle Leiminger, Mikayla Taylor, Tracey Brooks, Alyce Verheijden, Zane Garratt

Back Row: Emma Willmann, Danielle Austin, Dan Willmann, Rhiannon Edge, Josh Jurd, Carey Pedersen, Jessica Morgan, Danielle Packham, Matt Sianidis, Anna Jackowiak, Mary Bourchier, Jessica Steinhuebl, Randall Bourchier

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Fruit of the Spirit

Twas’ the night before SEP, when all throughout the land,The leaders started preparing for something rather grand.An adventure that occurs only once every two years, A journey created through smiles, sweat and tears. As the staff lay resting on their last peaceful night, Campers started to descend in their cars and midnight flights. Greeted by an early sunrise, and a three hour wait ahead, Some chose to make random friends, while others went back to bed. After the surprisingly quiet bus trip, we watched the staff emerge, Cautiously and curiously, asking who had the guts to return. But in all fairness, it was quite the joyful scene, Hugs and handshakes all round, to old friends and people never seen. With introductions over, we are directed to our dorms, Shrieks of laughter fill the halls as we find our names on doors. Bags are dropped and shirts are donned, in red, blue and grey, Congregating in the worship hall, to start a brand new day. Praise to the Father and Jesus Christ, we sing to the beat of the drum, Jurdy and Spud slapping the bass, with Albie the energetic one. Singing tall and proud amongst the singers, we join and clap along, Coming together as a community through music, guitar and song. The art of discussion is easy to grasp; make eye contact and don’t shrug, For who knew there was a relationship between an apple and our God?Moral skits, scripture readings and an off task story here and there, Make for an interesting life lesson that we all intend to share. With our lovely brother and sister dorm, whom we really love, Through kitchen duty and escorting, and the odd high five or hug. Okay we really do adore them, I can honestly say, But wait... sorry guys... Al said no horseplay.

To keep us otherwise entertained, choice is far and wide, Basketball, touch, cricket, and the most important game of pride. New South Wales verse Queensland, we recreate the game, Maroon against Blue, who will do the walk of shame?The Adventure Race marks the halfway point, and a brilliant day at that, A test of fitness, knowledge and direction, with plenty of sunburns and lost hats. We run and canoe for hours, with what seems like little rest, Covered in mud, we cross the finish line, knowing we did our best. The evening dances cause a stir, much to our delight, With creative themes and a chance to dress up, we dance into the night. Crazy line dances, and dipping and spinning our lovely partners around, Or to run and mosh like aeroplanes, sending a tremble through the ground. The night draws near, lights are out, and security is out in force, For those who wish to try their luck, without getting caught. They say if you can catch a rabbit, you can catch a camper too, But rabbit hunting is thin these days, so fluff will have to do. In the last few days we tend to appreciate the people that got us through, The sport, the dancing, the adventure race, and of course the kitchen crew. Nutritious meals, meticulously planned to the minute and the bell, We thank them for their work behind the counter, and stove top as well. To finish the week, a grand finale, a banquet is set for two, Dressed up girls wait nervously for boys to take them through. A candlelit meal, with pulled out chairs and a desert that is to die for, Followed by an unforgettable night of swing and slow on the dance floor.It is sad to think that such an adventure happens only every two years, Memories made, friends rarely forgotten, the people we hold dear. Photos remain the evidence of our jam packed jubilee, For that is the spirit of Morriset, it’s the spirit of SEP.

Front Row: Matt Morgan, Clayton Harris, Jon Richardson, Robbie Muyargas, Drew Garratt, Mitch Morgan, Luke Weber, Erik Pedersen, Kirk Jackson 1st Row: Jim Thomas, Brenda Gordon, Margaret Fenwick, Brenda Nicholls, Al Kurzawa, Elizabeth Kurzawa, Sheryl Richardson, Bev McLean, Keith McLean, Andy Clare 2nd Row: Sarah Jordison, Shanndara McNamara, Leah McLean, Emma Willmann, Debbie Steinhuebl, Mary Bourchier, Sandra Gudze, Christine Pedersen, Mark Symonds, Dale Asmus, Sally Mills-Murray, Sue Willett, Dave Eastwood 3rd Row: Dave Jordison, Ben Richardson, Darren McLean, Dan Willmann, Andrew Steinhuebl, Randall Bour-chier, Matt Gudze, Hans Pedersen, Jacqui Symonds, Darby Asmus, Dave Murray, Dave Willett, Graeme Eastwood 4th Row: Alyce Verheijden, Nadia Peters, Tam Kevill, Zane Garratt, Katherine Pascual, Josh Jurd, Sue Ozanne, Michael Jordison, Danielle Kevill, Matt Sianidis, Melissa Penrose, Carissa Warren, Kristie Higgins, Albert Pascual, Steff Eastwood, Jessica Morgan

Staff 2012 Left to Right

camp by numbers• Number of staff 64• Number of campers 84• Number of mini-campers

14• Number of meals per

camp 45,375• Eggs used each breakfast

6 dozen• Loaves of bread for

breakfast 10• Milk used each day for

breakfast 12L• Number of watermelons

eaten per camp 60• Number of loads of

camper washing per day 8

• Washing powder used per camp 10kg

mini campers Ben 9, Alekai 8, Jenny 8, Levi 8, Gienna 6, Melanie 5, Conner 5, Juliet 4, Kaela 3, Joshua 2, Karina 21 mths, Oscar 1 1/2 yrs, Mawson 16mths Hamish 6mths

The Spirit of SEP By Dejana Greenham

SponsorsA very big THANK YOU to the numerous financial sponsors and contributors that made SEP 2012 happen.

To view waterskiing photos and films go online at:frogwaterski.com frogfilm.com.au12