Silver Lake Garden Party Fundraiser Will Honor Rev. Davida Crabtree Oct. 14

By Brian Lapis

FARMINGTON -- The Silver Lake Community will honor The Rev. Davida Crabtree for her steadfast support on Sunday,

Oct. 14, with the second annual Silver Lake Award. Davida was a camper at Silver Lake's very first summer in 1957 and a member of the camp's summer staff in 1961. She has continued her steadfast support  of Silver Lake through her career in pastoral ministry, conference ministry, and in retirement. 

While Davida's life has been visibly shaped by Silver Lake's ministry, her reach extends far beyond Silver Lake. Many of those who have been personally impacted by her offered testimonials to the importance of her work in the wider community.

 

When I began my work as a conference minister, I chose Davida to be my mentor. I thought, "Why not ask the best?"  When she agreed, I was thrilled. Since that time, and now years after my time as a conference minister, she remains one of the few trusted leaders I know I can call at any time, ask for anything, and be given wise counsel. She is a rock for me personally, and a gift beyond measure to both the United Church of Christ and the world in which she walks.

- The Rev. Dr. John Dorhaurer
   General Minister & President
   United Church of Christ

Davida is a beacon of leadership for women in ministry. She has been a pioneer among women in her own generation, but didn't stop there. She has tirelessly encouraged, mentored, and nurtured the women who have subsequently stepped into the spaces she created in ministry.

-The Rev. Mary Nelson
 South Central Regional Minister 
Connecticut Conference, United Church of Christ

Davida Crabtree is a person of deep and abiding faith who has touched so many lives, including my life. She is passionate and articulate about our faith and common life and a fierce advocate for justice and the values of the United Church of Christ. Her heart for Silver Lake and its impact is legendary. She embodies the Silver Lake phrase: Love God, love neighbor, love self, and love the earth. She has blessed my life and others in deep and meaningful ways.

-The Rev. Kent Siladi
Conference Minister
Connecticut Conference, United Church of Christ

Silver Lake invites you to come celebrate Davida and support Silver Lake's life-changing outdoor ministry programs! The Silver Lake Garden Party is Sunday, Oct. 14, 2-5 p.m. at Farmington Gardens, 999 Farmington Ave., Farmington, CT.  

The Garden party features hors d'oeuvres, live music, a cash bar, and a silent auction with unique items created or donated by Silver Lakers.

Tickets, $75, are available online. Registration by Oct. 3 is required.

Contact Silver Lake Conference Center for more information: 860-364-5526 or slcc@ctucc.org.  

Brian Lapis is a member of the Silver Lake Board of Directors and a longtime Silver Lake summer conference dean.