Sailing Away in Vermont
by Robert Mitchell
“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” —Philippians 1:27
The reflection from the waters of Lake Champlain served as a backdrop as 125 women from the Northern New England Division set sail for a lunch cruise on Saturday, Aug. 24, from Burlington, Vt.
Envoy Stacylee Liskey, who is in charge of the Burlington Corps, said the event was billed as “Lunch on the Lake.” Women from throughout the division—which includes Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine—gathered on the cruise ship Spirit of Ethan Allen III for a 90-minute tour. They shared a meal, a devotion, and breathtaking views of the lake.
The devotion was based on Philippians 1:27: “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel.” The connection with the lake served as a great metaphor for the women.
“We talked about [how] our lives, just like the water, reflects when we look at it,” said Major Nicole Ross, the women’s ministries secretary in the Northern New England Division. “Our lives ought to be a reflection of Jesus and His love for us.”
Liskey said six women from her corps took part and they all had positive feedback.
“It’s important for women to see other women, not just the ones we see on a weekly basis in our local corps,” Liskey said. “We make connections and then have relationships that either hold us accountable or hold us up when we need it. That happens not only in our local corps, but also in our division. It’s great when we can get together as a fellowship of women believers and support each other.”
Ross said the women, who contribute greatly to Salvation Army ministries in the division, enjoyed the fresh air on the lake and creating a spirit of fellowship, unity, and togetherness.
“I think a lot of the people we serve don’t have the opportunity to see places like this that are very much tourist destinations,” she said. “A lot of the feedback I heard is it was very exciting for a lot of them to see Vermont. Many of them, having lived in New Hampshire and Maine their whole lives, had never seen Lake Champlain.
“The fellowship of women is also a powerful thing. When we come together, we do make up a pretty powerful force for good.”
For more information on The Salvation Army of Northern New England, go to easternusa.salvationarmy.org/northern-new-england. The Salvation Army of Greater Burlington, Vt., can be reached at easternusa.salvationarmy.org/northern-new-england/greater-burlington.
