 |
| Jenn Killpack |
 |
| Diane Martin |
 |
| Jamie Varvaro |
SPEC Takes an “Uncharted” Adventure
Jamie Varvaro, Diane Martin, and Jenn Killpack are co-directors of SPECTACULAR, a sports, arts, and leadership camp July 23–30 at Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa. With about 1,100 campers and leaders, it is the largest annual gathering of youth in Community of Christ.
The directors recently visited with Kristi Hettrick of Integrated Communications about the camp, which serves teens who have just completed grades 10, 11, or 12. The mission of SPECTACULAR is to create a safe, Christ-centered community that encourages young women and men to discover God and their inherent worth while expressing their giftedness.
Q: Could you tell us about yourselves?
Jamie: I live in Columbia, Missouri, and am married to my Graceland sweetheart, Janelle. We have four children and three cats. I’m a bit of a techie/gadget nut. If Apple makes it, I own it! I love sports, coaching soccer, traveling, and music. I own an advertising agency and am pastor of the Fairview Road Community of Christ. I also direct reunion, and junior and senior high camps for the Gateway USA Mission Center.
Diane: I am the executive assistant to the Presiding Bishopric at International Headquarters. I am married to Larry Martin and have three daughters, three stepsons, and two cats. I sing and play the piano and am in a bowling league. My husband and I love to travel.
Jenn: I live in Raymore, Missouri, with my husband, Dave Killpack, and my three kiddos. We don’t have any pets because three little kids keep us plenty busy. SPEC is actually my hobby because my full-time job is working on the Integrated Communications Team at International Headquarters.
Q: What’s the theme for SPECTACULAR this year?
Jamie: Our theme is “Uncharted.” We hope it will take us beyond the comfortable places we’ve been before because we are called to go deeper and to go further than we can imagine. There will always be a significant element of faith needed as we open ourselves to God’s Spirit and navigate our life’s journey.
Jenn: Life is an “Uncharted” adventure! Some days we feel as if we are sailing along on calm, familiar waters. While other days we are thrown off by storms and rough waters that make life challenging. At SPEC we will be exploring how the symbol of water, God, and our lives connect.
Q: How did you become involved with SPEC?
Jamie: After a number of years as a delegation leader, I was asked to be on the SPEC committee and was responsible for the worship and celebration planning team. I am in my fifth year as a co-director. One of the most outstanding experiences has been the Communion services on the lawn. I’ve felt the Spirit move throughout that experience in some pretty significant ways. Blessing changes lives, and my joy comes from witnessing that blessing and seeing young people become changed for good.
Diane: Twelve years ago, I worked in the Forefront Youth Ministries office, and I volunteered to be on the SPEC committee as the financial officer. Then, in 2006, I was asked to serve as director. This will be my fifth year as director. What gives me the most joy at SPEC is the sense of community. No matter how a person comes to SPEC—whether with friends or without knowing anyone—by the end of the week they know they are part of a much-bigger community.
Jenn: When I was in my 20s, Susan Naylor (then the director), asked if I’d be interested in coming to SPEC to take photos and update the website. That was my first “job” at SPEC. After that, people just asked me to do other things. I kept saying yes, and—Wow!—now I’m one of the directors! What gives me an almost-overwhelming sense of joy is the knowledge that this amazing event is put on entirely by volunteers!
Q: How do you see SPEC tying into the mission initiatives outlined by President Steve Veazey in April?
Jenn: SPEC has always been about big ideas. The mission initiatives put words to concepts that are already part of the SPEC experience. This event is primarily an example of Develop Disciples to Serve. Through worship, classes, team-building, and community experiences, campers are introduced to ideas and practices that encourage invitation, compassionate ministries, and justice and peacemaking. It’s exciting to have words to describe what we have already been doing!
Q: What could congregations and youth leaders do to help promote the SPEC experience?
Jenn: SPEC is an experience like no other…so make a commitment in your congregation to get all your kids to SPEC! Don’t let lack of funds be a roadblock—there are camperships available and even a first-time friend discount program. The best people to motivate kids to go to SPEC are kids who have been to SPEC.
Q: How has your experience at SPEC each year changed the way you approach ministry/work/home life?
Jamie: The amazing thing about SPEC is that it’s a continual work in progress. …Consequently, the SPEC experience has enriched my life because I refuse to settle for things to remain “as is” and instead aspire…for transformation.
Diane: Being part of SPEC has helped me see people in different ways. I no longer focus on what separates us…, but what we have in common and what brings us together. I am challenged to be a better person, to recognize my own gifts and share them. I am more willing to move in faith, even when I am uncertain about the outcome. I recognize God will bless me as I continue to move into uncharted territory.
Jenn: SPEC has challenged me to listen more. Lots of people have really good ideas when we take the time to listen and process with them. It also has challenged me to sit with discomfort instead of trying to avoid it. But each time I have journeyed with God into uncharted territory, I have been amazingly blessed.