In 2006, Time Magazine named their annual “Person of the Year” in an unconventional manner. Noting the sudden rise of social media, YouTube, and other content creators, the cover of the magazine didn’t have a photo of a person, but instead had a picture of a computer screen that declared “You” as the person of the year.

If this is the first you’ve heard of this award you’ve won, congratulations!

We’d like to propose a different angle on this award as we think about the upcoming National Gathering. Allison and I have been a part of the planning process for two of these events now and a common thread always arises in our meetings.

More than the speakers, the location, workshops, vendors, and everything else, the key component of every event is our community. All of the other components certainly add value, but they are really just the context for the conversations we have with each other.

When we hear an amazing speaker, we gather to share how it may have encouraged a new way forward for our ministry. We attend workshops where we hear thoughtful questions and comments from colleagues, giving unique perspectives to the topic at hand.

Isn’t this true at our camps and retreat centers as well? For all the planning and effort we put forth in an amazing program, we all know the success of our programs can rise and fall with the staff and campers who are present each week. Having a week filled with returning campers always reminds us that the program could fade totally away and they would still have the best week of their summer.

The community we have in our organization is special. We have a wide range of experience, perspectives, and insights. To be that robust community takes all of us. For those who are new to this career, you can hear common experiences from fellow new leaders and the long-view wisdom from veteran camp and retreat ministry pros. Conversely, if you have been doing this for a while, isn’t it always good to hear the bright optimism and enthusiasm of those who are just wrapping up their first couple of summers?

If you have never been to a UMCRM National Gathering event before, we invite you to join us in Texas in January. We are confident this is a community that can help you both grow professionally and encourage you personally. 

If you have been to a National Gathering and haven’t registered yet…we understand. Your schedule is endlessly full and “one more thing” is easy to put off for another day. But consider this as doing something for yourself as well. For all the deadlines that loom, could this be a countdown on your phone that you can look forward to as an oasis? It’s helpful to our planning team to know that you’re coming, and your registration fees may be paid in the new year if needed. We encourage you to sign up today, and hope you will bring fellow staff members and a few board members or volunteers, as well.

While we can’t promise a Time Magazine cover, the truth of that sentiment can still apply in a way. The most important part of the UMCRM and the National Gathering is certainly “You,” but even more, we like to think it is about “Us.” A community called to ministry in beautiful, unique, quiet settings that are set apart so God can move in the lives that seem immovable. We are blessed to steward these “WonderFull” places. Let’s gather together to remind each other of that blessing this January!

Nick Coenen has served as the Director of Pine Lake Camp in the Wisconsin Conference since 2005. He is Co-Chair of the 2025 National Gathering Design Team along with Allison Doyle from Lakeshore Camp (TN). His ministry is fueled by the love of Jesus, his amazing spouse Jamie Coenen, and Count Chocula cereal.