By Beth Seaton - June 19, 2023
In September, 2019, I was visiting my friend, who spent her summers at the CSA. This was maybe the fifth time I had been to visit over the years. I loved coming to the woods near Crystal Lake and Lake Michigan. But this was the first time I was no longer working full-time, meaning that I could actually envision myself stepping into that summer life of hers—the one I had envied for decades. Our kids had already graduated from college, but I imagined us all getting together here in the summer—biking, hiking, swimming, playing games. And that day, we spotted a cottage for sale. Two months later, it was ours!
Our first summer at the CSA was in 2020. Covid was in full force and there was not much going on there. But it turns out that it was a great way for us to get acclimated. Had it been a normal summer I think we might have been overwhelmed. There is so much to learn. What is a Managing Director? Who’s in charge of maintenance and grounds? What is a Meeting House? What is the Assembly Building? What meetings should I go to? Where is the lounge? What is the CSA status of my grown children? When are lifeguards on duty? Where does my garbage go? Why can’t we use those tennis courts?
Having a friend who has been coming to the CSA for years was really my lifeline. She introduced me to people, answered my questions, and made sure I knew some basics. If not for her, I might have been a little frustrated and lost. A bit like that kid in the lunchroom on the first day at a new school—wanting to be included but fearful of being an interloper.
Cynnie Hood hosted a tea for new members during the summer of 2021. There were four or five new CSA member families at the tea who had no generational connection to the CSA. We were all first-generation, new members so it felt good to be formally acknowledged and welcomed. In 2022, Kate Kirkwood hosted the tea and receptions were held for new members after church services. This summer we are hosting a new member tea in the lounge (it’s inside the Assembly Building, by the way), on August 2nd from 4:00-5:30pm for all newcomers.
We have made new friends and we absolutely love coming to our new summer home. Our grown kids have come to visit us in the woods, and they love it too. Thank you to everyone for making us feel welcome! Just remember, if you see a new face at church, at the beach, or on the tennis courts, go ahead and introduce yourself—it means a lot.
Some of our newest Assembly members were honored after church in July of 2022. Pictured are Suzanne and Tom Lenz, Madeline Hart, Ron and Beth Reagh, Beth and Fred Seaton, Heather and Bill Brands, and Molly, Paul and Laura Bickle