Otter Lake, on the site of the future Barbara C. Harris Camp and Conference Center in Greenfield, N.H., provided the backdrop on Sept. 30 for approximately 260 Massachusetts Episcopalians and their friends and families to reflect, to listen, to learn, and to play.

For the last two years volunteers, committees and staff members from the Diocese of Massachusetts have been developing plans for the Barbara C. Harris Camp and Conference Center, named for the diocese's bishop suffragan, the Rt. Rev. Barbara C. Harris, the first woman to become a bishop in the Anglican Communion. She plans to retire next year.

The new facility is intended to be a place for the Diocese of Massachusetts to extend hospitality and to offer programs to nurture and deepen Christian faith and discipleship for children, youth and adults in the diocese and beyond. Efforts are ongoing to develop financial resources and program coordination and for expanded youth ministry in the diocese.

The youth and families day was among the first opportunities people have had to visit the 326-acre lakeside property, purchased by the diocese last year.

The Rev. Jane Bearden, a deacon serving at St. Stephen's, Lynn, had a more pointed purpose in mind: "I wanted to envision how programs might be run for all kinds of people, particularly those with disabilities, and I could not do that without seeing the grounds."

A group of women from St. Mark's, Dorchester, named a different reason for making this particular day trip. Lovinia deCoteau commented, "We wanted to show our support of Barbara Harris' time as bishop suffragan. She is a living example of where women can reach by working very hard. The best part of the day has been just being here."