Worshipping for 75 years

For its 75th year, the Wyoming Ranchers Family Camp will return to Bottle Creek campground south of Encampment.

Begun as a mountain top Christian get together three-quarters of a century ago by Wyoming ranchers with families, the event has now grown into a “really neat way to have a blessed gathering for a weekend, not only with your family, but with others so inspired to have a Mountain Top experience”.

Attendees are invited to bring a camper or tent to Bottle Creek Campground and can either join for the entire weekend, just a day or even just a meal. While no fee is required for registration, those planning in United States Forest Service campgrounds should keep in mind a fee will be charged.

Pastor Shon McIntyre of the Real Tree Church in Farmington, Minnesota will be the guest speaker for 2021. McIntyre came to the ministry later in life, having first had experience as a professional bull rider. He also worked in a Texas feed yard, worked construction and worked in his wife’s family businesses. In 2009, McIntyre felt the call to go into the ministry.

Along with having a passion for the outdoors including hunting, fishing and camping, McIntyre also has two associate degrees; one in construction management and another in music. He also has a bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies from the University of Northwestern St. Paul and a Masters of Theology from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri.

Music at the event will be provided by Stephanie Layne Tonsager, sister-in-law of McIntyre. A performing singer and songwriter, Tonsager has lived in Nashville, Tennessee for the past 17 years. She has recorded her own music and performed throughout the United States.

Bible Study will be led by Greg and Linda Snell, the newest spiritual leaders at the First Baptist Church in Saratoga, Wyoming. The two met at a square dance at Colorado State University and were married in 1972. They have four children and 17 grandchildren and have been active in their local churches for many years.

In 2000, the two returned to school and attended the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, Illinois. Linda graduated in 2004 and Greg graduated in 2009. They served with InterAct Ministries on the Kanai Blood Reserve in southern Alberta in 2013 and 2016, and Kamloops, British Columbia in 2015.

The Wyoming Ranchers Family Camp will begin at 6 p.m. on July 8 with supper and will be followed by an evening service. The following three days will be filled with bible study for youth and adults with breakfast at 8 a.m., lunch at noon and supper at 6 p.m.

For more information, call Chairman Jim Miller at 307-326-8293 or 307-321-1645.