What began as a two-year term to lead the steering committee evolved into Peggy’s tenure as director of Happening. With a spirit of commitment and dedication, she is to be commended for her great works to ensure that each event had no stone left unturned. Fastidious in this ministry in preparation for and wrapping up retreats, Peggy consistently arrived early and left after others were long gone. Her attention to detail ensured cleaning linens and dishes to arranging furniture. She went the extra mile to match lost and found items with their owners.
While her commitment was reflected in all that she’s done in this role, it could never all be encapsulated in words.
You see, Peggy initially volunteered, with a committee, to oversee retreats at two campsites over four weekends a year at Camp Allen. Once her two-year tenure on the committee expired and no one else volunteered to serve, she continued her work with diligence.
Then, there was Covid, and for months on end, there was no Happening event. While opportunities for virtual and outdoor engagement were offered, attendance decreased. Due to the program relying heavily on experienced youth teaching new participants how to continue the tradition, unfortunately, it lost years of generational and institutional knowledge to function.
With a handful of Happening alumni and the dedicated members of the Steering Committee (who have also faithfully served beyond their original two years), Peggy led the remnant of youth still involved as they started practically from scratch to rebuild the program.
Yet, for the last two and a half years with Peggy still serving at the helm, dedicated members of the Happening Steering Committee have created space for hundreds of high school youth to connect, grow and lead. With Happening poised once again for abundant growth, it is with humble and grateful hearts for Peggy Bland and the Happening Steering Committee. They anchored the program for an entire eight years.
All involved with Happening, including Lifelong Christian Formation staff, as well as those who have served with Peggy, learned from her, and were touched by her love for God thank her immensely. She showed up, taught others how, and modeled what it means to walk in love as did Christ.
As Peggy steps down, the new director, Bonnie Walton, will serve a two-year term; thus, making the upcoming Happening a transition retreat. It will be held April 25-27.
For those who have worked with Peggy, they are reminded of the words from Proverbs 14:22 which reads, Those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness.
