This year, Lakeside is extending the Camp Meeting experience and will celebrate an American Hymn Festival with the theme “I Will Sing of My Redeemer.”
We are delighted to welcome Preaching Pastor of the Week Rev. Dr. Joy J. Moore, United Methodist elder and professor at Friends University, and our Teaching Pastor of the Week, Rev. Dr. David Thomas, also a Methodist elder and contributor to Seedbed. Together, they will lead us in gospel-centered preaching and powerful teaching throughout the week.
REV. DR. JOY J. MOORE
Moore is an “Ecclesial Storyteller,” which may sound mystical, but it means she tells the stories of Scripture in ways that help communities understand who they are, where they come from, and what faith requires of them. Her work is biblical, theological, socially engaged and mercifully not just a collection of life lessons wearing a church hat.
Originally from Illinois, a bishop once suggested that she took itinerancy far too seriously. The evidence: appointments in Michigan, Minnesota, Kentucky, North Carolina, California, Indiana, Alabama, London, England, and now Kansas, where she will serve as Professor of Theology and Biblical Interpretation at Friends University.
An ordained elder in The United Methodist Church, Moore has served Michigan churches in urban, rural and suburban communities, calling them to become communities of hope, honesty and hospitality. This week’s Preaching Pastor is generously supported by Rev. Dr. T. Mac & Susan Hood.
REV. DR. DAVID THOMAS
Thomas helps lead Awakening Project, an ever-widening circle of friends and partnerships seeking the deepening movement of God’s grace in this generation. A seasoned pastor, he earned a PhD in historical theology studying patterns of prayer that have preceded the great awakenings in American history. This week’s Teaching Pastor is generously supported by Steve & Barbara Browning.
SCHEDULE OF SPECIAL EVENTS
In addition to the events below, join us for Lakefront Worship, Hoover Worship and Sunset Praise on Sunday; Morning Prayer, Faith for Living Hour, Picnic in Perry Park and Centering Prayer throughout the week. Pick up a 2026 Soulitude: Faith Walk Devotional booklet to guide you on a prayer walk throughout Lakeside. Copies are available at the Lakefront and Hoover Worship Services, and at the Administration Office and hotel desks.
SACRED HARP A CAPPELLA HYMN SINGING
3:30-5:30 p.m., Sunday, July 26
South Auditorium
Sacred Harp singing is an American shape-note tradition known for its strong four-part harmony, unaccompanied voices and full participation by the gathered community. Singers sit in a hollow square, face one another and sing from The Sacred Harp, a tune book first published in 1844. The music is vigorous, communal and rooted in early American hymnody. Experienced singers and newcomers are welcome.
NATIONAL HISTORIC CAMP MEETING CELEBRATION
7:15 p.m., Sunday, July 26
Hoover Auditorium or Livestream
The second National Historic Camp Meeting Celebration welcomes guest preacher Rev. Dr. Kenda Creasy Dean, Professor of Youth, Church and Culture at Princeton Theological Seminary. She will share a dynamic message based on the theme of the event: “Remember! Celebrate! Share!” Read more and view livestream at lakesideohio.com/campmeeting2026.
HEALING & HOLY COMMUNION SERVICES
Noon-12:30 p.m., Monday July 27-Wednesday, July 29
Lakeside United Methodist Church
Join us for a service of Scripture, prayer, anointing and Holy Communion. The service will include prayers for physical, emotional, spiritual and relational healing. All are welcome.
HISTORICAL CAMP MEETING PRAYER EXPERIENCE
1:30-2:30 p.m., Monday, July 27
Fountain Inn Aigler Room
Rev. Dr. David Thomas guides participants through a prayer experience inspired by the ways prayer was practiced in historic American camp meetings. Drawing on his expertise in the camp meeting tradition, he will lead forms of prayer intended to make room for the work of the Holy Spirit.
“AMERICAN HYMNS OF PILGRIMAGE, LAMENT & DELIVERANCE” PUBLIC HYMN SINGINGS
3:30-5 p.m., Monday, July 27-Tuesday, July 28
South Auditorium
All are invited for a public hymn singing featuring American hymns of pilgrimage, faith, journey and homecoming. The program includes hymns and songs from across the American Christian tradition, sung together. All voices are welcome, no experience or registration required.
EVENING WORSHIP SERVICE
5:30-7 p.m., Monday, July 27
Lakeside United Methodist Church
Rev. Dr. Joy J. Moore and Rev. Dr. David Thomas will lead the service in powerful preaching and prayer along with the Chautauqua Choir to lead our music, celebrating 250 years of American hymns.
“BILLY SUNDAY: SPORTS & FAITH” LECTURE
1:30-2:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 28
Fountain Inn Aigler Room
Lakesider Rev. Dr. Greg Linville presents an engaging lecture on Billy Sunday, the former professional baseball player who became one of the best-known American evangelists of the early 20th century. The program will explore Sunday’s life, preaching, public influence and place in the history of American revivalism and camp meeting traditions.
MEET & GREET RECEPTION WITH REV. DR. DAVID & KAREN THOMAS
3-4 p.m., Tuesday, July 28
207 Cedar Ave., home of Wes & Cindy Steury
Join Rev. Dr. David and Karen Thomas for an informal Meet & Greet Reception hosted by Wes and Cindy Steury at 207 Cedar Ave. All are welcome.
LHS LECTURE
1:30-2:30 p.m., Wednesday, July 29
Fountain Inn Aigler Room
Dave Boling of the Lakeside Heritage Society (LHS) will present a lecture about “Lakeside’s First Years: 1873-1876.” Learn about Lakeside’s founding vision and first camp meetings, as well as the preachers, reformers and community leaders who shaped its identity.
MEET & GREET RECEPTION WITH REV. DR. JOY J. MOORE
2:30-3:30 p.m., Wednesday, July 29
Lakeside United Methodist Church
Meet Rev. Dr. Joy J. Moore, Preaching Pastor of the Week, during an informal reception in the church parlor. All are welcome.
EVENING WORSHIP SERVICE
5:30-7 p.m., Tuesday, July 28
Orchestra Hall
Rev. Dr. Joy J. Moore will offer engaging preaching, along with the Chautauqua Choir offering praise through music. Please note: Vespers by the Lake will not be held this week.
HYMN & PRAISE SERVICE
5:30-7 p.m. Wednesday, July 29
Orchestra Hall
Experience the presence of God through song, prayer and readings. The service features Michael Shirtz and the Chautauqua Choir.
CLOSING COMMUNION
12-1 p.m. Thursday, July 30
Lakeside United Methodist Church
The extended Camp Meeting experience and American Hymn Festival conclude with a worship service and Holy Communion. Rev. Dr. Joy J. Moore, Rev. Dr. David Thomas and Rev. Kimberly Orr will lead this closing service as we gather for Scripture, preaching, prayer, music and the sacrament of Holy Communion.
Come for a morning, an afternoon, an evening or the whole week. Our Extended Camp Meeting Experience and Hymn celebration at Lakeside will be a time to worship, learn, sing, pray and be renewed together.
