Amy Peeler

A Story Featuring a HoneyRock Pastor

By HoneyRock Center for Leadership Development

July 18^th, 2022

Follow along as we continue with stories featuring our HoneyRock pastors over the next few months! As HoneyRock continues to grow in year-round programming, we hope to partner with pastors who are willing to volunteer in both the summer and the school year months.

Interested in serving HoneyRock this way? Email leah.wolf@wheaton.edu.

WHO IS A HONEYROCK PASTOR?

"During the school year, camp pastors offer a chance for students to hear from new voices around important faith questions and topics and engage in meaningful conversations. Camp pastors typically lead our community in devotions throughout the week and teach several sessions on a faith related topic. Students also get the benefit of meeting with the Camp pastor one on one if desired to ask follow up questions. "

Charlie Goeke, School Year Programs Director

"Camp pastors volunteer their time here to serve all members of the HoneyRock community. They offer pastoral support for our staff members and campers alike. Throughout the summer, camp pastors guide our summer community through vocational training and necessary discipleship, equipping those to serve at HoneyRock & the greater mission of the church."

Ashley Paige Kiley, Camp Programs Director

AMY PEELER

Amy Peeler is Associate Rector at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church and Associate Professor of New Testament at Wheaton College. She discovered a joy for studying and teaching Scripture as a junior in college and now gets to practice that passion six days a week! She works alongside her best friend, husband Lance, who is the music director at St. Mark’s and an adjunct professor at Wheaton. Their three children, Kate, Maxson, and Kindred are all campers at HoneyRock this summer.

How did you get connected with HoneyRock?

Amy: I found out about HoneyRock right when I began teaching at Wheaton in 2012. At the end of my first school year, I was invited to teach Wheaton in the North Woods and accepted. It was a wonderful experience for me and my family and we have come pretty much every year since.

What made you want to serve as a volunteer in this position?

Amy: I had served as camp pastor in 2019, and was glad to do it again. I believe in the mission of HoneyRock and want to support it anyway possible. I loved the chance to meet the summer and permanent staff and come alongside of them as another spiritual resource. It is also a beautiful place to spend time in reflection and worship.

Why do you think the role of a camp pastor is so important during summers at HoneyRock?

Amy: The summers are intense, and sometimes it is helpful to have a person here who is not your superior to bounce questions off or discuss challenges. It is just nice to have another person to pray with you and know that once they leave someone continues to lift you up throughout the summer.

Can you tell us what your past week has looked like as a HoneyRock pastor?

Amy: I arrived late Saturday night and so jumped into preaching on Saturday morning. It was wonderful to share from God’s word and celebrate the Lord’s supper. Since that day, I’ve had many opportunities for one-on-one meetings with staff, to listen and pray with them. I’ve enjoyed leading devotionals a few times, and getting to know the other families who are vacationing here this week.

What is your favorite part of pastoring the summer community at HoneyRock?

Amy: Getting a chance to step out of the busyness of my own schedule and get a glimpse into the deep work God is doing at a place like HoneyRock. I am blessed to be a small part in a movement of God’s Spirit.

Thank you, Amy!

We are so grateful for Dr. Peeler's partnership in ministry with us. From Sunday teachings, to morning devotions, and all the meaningful conversations in between - we are glad you could be with us!