Once upon a week in June 2009 on the shores of Prentiss Bay, Lake Huron, there began a conference. Well, really, it was more of a “confamication” (combination of conference and vacation that can include families) of faculty folk from all parts of the country. Singles, couples, families, young and not-so-young, tenured, non-tenured, and retired faculty gathered to find colleagues conversant with the issues of today’s university world and to relax and rejuvenate.

“As always, this is the place when I rest the best, measured by the fact that I slept in every day, which I never do at home.”

“One reason that we chose to go all the way to Michigan was to get away . . . to gain some perspective.”

They gathered around a shore and in a wooded land of unobtrusive but delicate beauty on the southern edge of the boreal forest to worship the heavenly Father as Creator and Sustainer of the universe on Sunday morning as Dr. Terry Morrison presented the comparative passages of Psalm 104 and the Genesis creation account.

In a blending of liturgical styles, they came “Before the Throne” and “Crowned Him” “King of the Universe” with their songs about his holiness and power and . . .

rejoiced in his creation of “All Things Bright and Beautiful.”

They met together on weekday mornings to hear C. John Sommerville raise significant issues about the vulnerability of secularism, the increasing significance of “the human,” and the intriguing possibility of discovery and hope through discussion about religious viewpoints within the university. They considered with him the startling question of how can we change the university? They looked together at the development of canons, and the Christian canon, in particular, as an exercise in the rigors of faith foundations.

John Sommerville presented real “Possibilities for dialogue in University” and “Creative solutions.”

One remarked, “I found Q & A interaction with audience especially good.”

Plentiful free time afforded space for children to romp and adults to revel in the sunny tranquility.

Butterfly coordination!

“The time in the small groups was particularly sweet!”

“The opportunity to discuss scripture at a deep level was absolutely essential for a sense of belonging to the program.”

“This was fabulous. Thank you for having it as part of the week. It was a huge highlight. And the text and questions were excellent.”

“I really appreciated the opportunity to do a Bible study with faculty from other schools. This was special.”

A highlight: The morning small group discussions . . . the topic of resident aliens resonated with our family’s experiences in many, many ways. I found the questions thought provoking, and Stan Wallace led us through them beautifully.

“The Bible Study was the highlight of the week. The I Peter scriptures came alive.”

“Having Elliot Nelson here giving nature walks was a great asset. He did a beautiful job of exciting old and young about creation.”

“The kids had a great time. Having a Naturalist was a great idea – we were hearing all week about what they learned from him.”

“Elliott has been a wonderful addition to crew with specific duties such as guided tours, hikes, nature cabin. Love his enthusiasm. How often did I hear, ‘Elliott says…’?”

“Book reviews very helpful – right length, right place in schedule, informative. Thank you for bringing the books!”

“Got some great book titles to read.”

Recreation

“Loved all the recreational activities offered especially the early morning kayak trip.”

“My favorite part of this week is sharing stories, experiences, fellowship with others. I have had some wonderfully helpful conversations, particularly sharing insight on some of the struggles I have been undergoing this past year. It is truly a blessing to spend this week in community with other believers.”

“A truly loving and gracious community of Christian Scholars. . . .”

“Meeting others with similar backgrounds and values was also a highlight, of course. With those who also have young kids or are in early stages of their careers, simply sharing stories and experiences was a treat. “

“Wonderfully stimulating—intellectually, spiritually, and socially.”

Seminars and Groups

They dined in.

They dined out.

Some “groups” were smaller than others.

Kitchen camaraderie

A path for friendship

“At the same time, I learned a lot simply by meeting those at the other end of their careers. The image of the Morrisons walking hand-in-hand beautifully captures this for me. It was so good to spend a week in the presence of people about whom God will one day say, ``Behold, my beloved professor, in whom I am well-pleased.’‘ I would have liked to learn more about their lives and struggles, but their mere existence was already an inspiration.”

“A truly loving and gracious community of Christian Scholars who challenged me and stretched my thinking. I really appreciated God’s creation and the refreshing, nourishing atmosphere in which He blessed my soul!”

“Truly, I feel transformed and would urge other Christian Scholars to engage in this conference!”

Some good things come to an end. Many returned over the lovely Mackinac Bridge to their homes and universities all over the United States. They may return the way they came, but they do not return the same as when they came, for they are the Lord’s people. They will live – ever after.