Today in “Rooted and Grounded in Love” we lift up Kerry Steever who has been serving at Placerville Camp for 23 years.
Putting the wellbeing of their campers first, Placerville Camp (the outdoor ministry of the South Dakota Conference) has been closed down since April and will remain closed at least until September. However, it’s ministry continues to manifest in new and creative ways throughout the camp season. The camp has been and will continue to share videos of the morning watch, camp moments, some silly skits starring the Steevers, and more. Pastor Kerry Steever shared, “Our goal is to keep the campers connected to Placerville, it’s leadership, and other campers as well.”
Even with cancelled camps this summer, there’s still a lot of work to do at Placerville and Pastor Kerry Steever has been grateful for the outpouring of financial gifts and gifts of time. “My joy comes from the campers who wish to come to Placerville to do physical labor to get a variety of projects done that need to be done annually, but especially projects that can be done without having people in camp and having the good weather to get them done.”
When asked what is bringing him joy in these times Pastor Kerry Steever responded, “My church family is very important to me. We all are there for our church and for each other. Placerville has been and is a church now for so many.”
“Kerry Steever lives his call to care for the children and adults who gather at a Placerville Camp in his whole being,” shared Conference Minister Rev. Brigit Stevens. “This summer’s cancellations are disruptive to his daily rhythm and soul, and yet, he is grounded in his passionate care for those who would have been campers this year! For over two decades, he has tended to the sacred space and programs of Placerville Camp and reflected the love and light of Christ to everyone who visits there through the beauty of Creation itself in the Black Hills of South Dakota.”
Placerville has been and is a church for so many.
Thank you Pastor Kerry Steever, the rest of the Steever family, and all those helping at Placerville this summer for your positivity and perseverance in creating community!
“Rooted and Grounded in Love: Leaders of Extravagant Welcome and Justice” is a space to lift up and give thanks for leaders in our conferences who are leading with love and safety amidst the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic.