fuzzies - reprise

In my teens, I was active in my church’s youth group. Often, a seminary student from Wake Forest worked during the summers as our leader. We always had something going on to keep us busy. It was designed to fill the days of summer with spiritual growth, community outreach, and plenty of fun and fellowship.

My favorite activity was “RAMs”, an acronym for “Resort Area Ministries”. I lived in a small town, close to a large lake. It’s home to boating, fishing, skiing, picnics, and camping, and it drew visitors from many states. On Saturday nights, we gathered at the campground, in the central field close to the showers. We were joined were other youth groups from area churches. Groups of us went around to all of the campsites inviting people to come to our service. Others would prepare the campfire, gather quilts and chairs, set up props, organize the program, etc. We sang praise and worship songs led by a friend who also played the guitar, performed skits, enjoyed laughter,
had a short devotional, and ended with a prayer, and the song “Pass it On”.

While singing Pass it On”, we passed around fuzzies, symbolizing the spreading of God’s love. We would go around the campfire, giving fuzzies to each other, sometimes with a hug and a kind word. It’s hard to explain, but the fuzzy ministry worked rather well. Passing on the love of God was the ultimate goal, and often there were those who were touched by the Spirit. Actually, we were all touched, in one way or another.

“Exactly what is a fuzzy?” you ask. Well, it’s made of yarn, and sort of looks like, well a fuzzy! To make, wind yard around the palm of a hand. When yarn seems thick enough, carefully remove from hand and tightly tie a piece of yarn in the center. Then snip the loops, fluff, and presto, you have a fuzzy. (Actually, they were knitted pom-poms.) I can’t even guess how many were made over one summer. It was our prayer that those who came to the campfire service, took their fuzzies home, and be reminded of God’s love and forgiveness. And, that they, in turn, would pass God’s love on to another...

Pass It On
Words and music by Kurt Kaiser

It only takes a spark to get a fire going,
And soon all those around, can warm up in its glowing;
That's how it is with God's Love,
Once you've experienced it,
You spread His love to everyone
You want to pass it on.
What a wondrous time is spring,
When all the tress are budding
The birds begin to sing, the flowers start their blooming;
That's how it is with God's love,
Once you've experienced it.
You want to sing, it's fresh like spring,
You want to pass it on.
I wish for you my friend
This happiness that I've found;
You can depend on God
It matters not where you're bound,
I'll shout it from the mountain top
I want the world to know
The Lord of love has come to me
I want to pass it on.

liz stover