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U S S A R K March News of God’s People in Action 2018
God’s work. Our hands. + Upper Susquehanna Synod + Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
What Is Intentional Interim
Ministry?
Intentional Interim Ministry is a focused approach for guiding congregations during the time between regularly called pastors. It is not just crisis ministry, nor is it simply maintenance ministry. It is ministry with specific “intentions” and tasks to be accomplished, primarily the following: coming to terms with history, discovering a new identity, allowing needed leadership changes and procedures, strengthening the congregation’s relationship with the synod and wider church, and During Weekend, committing to new leadership and direction. Youth Explore Faith
There are three basic situations in which an intentional This year’s Upper Susquehanna Synod interim pastor is helpful: Youth Retreat, GROW in the Snow, was • The loss of a long-term pastor through moving or held on February 9-10, 2018, at Camp retirement. Mount Luther. Over 65 youth and their • Conflict situations. adult leaders attended, exploring the • Shattering situations, such as misconduct or death of theme “Hello God, It’s Me.” The theme a leader. looked at prayer and particularly the Lord’s Prayer.
Healthy congregations as well as unhealthy ones benefit Those in attendance participated in an from making constructive use of the interim time. The opening “campfire” program, complete with need to clarify mission in changing circumstances and skits and songs, following a time of ice other challenges may confront congregations in the time breakers. Participants worshipped with the between regularly-called pastors. Dealing with such Mount Luther Prayer Liturgy, a unfinished business during the interim time helps contemplative worship experience, and prepare a congregation for a successful ministry with its they talked about ways they pray, who next called pastor. Healthy congregations remain healthy they pray for, and where they engage in and vulnerable ones move toward health. In the event of prayer during that worship service. conflict and tragedies, such directed transition time is invaluable. On Saturday, four rotating stations were done. Those included Bible study, prayer Intentional interim pastors receive specialized training stations, games, and a craft. During the consisting of two intensive weeks with field work in the prayer stations, campers used clay and a intervening months. They also have continuing labyrinth as two ways to pray. For the education events to keep up to date and often have craft, each person made prayer beads. support groups. Currently, our synod has three intentional interim pastors working with congregations: Following lunch, the campers had the Pastor Mark Galbraith (Milton Lutheran Parish), Pastor opportunity to play in the snow and play some indoor games. Worship, planned and Sarah Hershberger (Grace, Shamokin and St. Paul, led by Upper Susquehanna Synod Bishop Gowen City), and Pastor James West (St. Mark, Barbara J. Collins, concluded the event, Williamsport). Pastors Lois Martin and Martha Sue Moll and helped campers remember all that are also trained intentional interim pastors. they learned during the weekend.
Seminaries Look to Identify, Up and Down the Valleys
Nurture, and Sustain New Leaders Sunday, February 11, 2018, members of the In partnership with Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton’s congregations of the synod celebrated outdoor Leadership Initiative, the seven seminaries of the ministries during “Mount Luther Sunday.” Synod Council designated Transfiguration Sunday each Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) year to help promote outdoor ministries in the will launch a combined effort to encourage new synod. Camp Mount Luther is an extension of candidates for ministry in the ELCA. the ministry that is done in congregations.
The program, “Do you want to change the world?,” is being promoted through a series of videos, the first of which was released February 22. You can view it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9hQVPfKWsA&feat ure=youtu.be. The video addresses the current leadership shortage of the ELCA and the effort to seek more candidates for ministry.
Decreased seminary enrollment combined with a record number of ELCA rostered ministers who are retiring, has resulted in not enough ministers to fill the open calls or to provide creative leadership in this time of rapid change in our church and in the world. The ELCA seminaries have addressed this need by working independently and in collaboration to increase the Pastor Mark Galbraith (Milton Lutheran Parish) number of candidates. According to the Rev. Dr. appears as an extra in a new series to air on Jonathan Strandjord, director of ELCA seminaries, this CNN. “The Pope: The Most Powerful Man in has resulted in a modest increase in fall starts for History”, narrated by Liam Neeson, will air Master of Divinity candidates in 2017. starting March 11. Galbraith portrays a Catholic cardinal and said, “This was my first major Building on these efforts to invite and encourage future production to have a role in, and the cast, crew leaders, this program will help seminaries identify new and the staff were so professional, positive, and candidates and provide resources that promote the upbeat, and guided us at each step of the way on vocation of public ministry, while providing marketing every day of production.” pieces for the good of the whole church.
In her March column for Living Lutheran, ELCA The program is made possible by a grant from the Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton shares her Richard Hay Barkalow Charitable Seminary Fund of the call story of becoming a Lutheran pastor. She inFaith Community Foundation. says women don’t follow God’s call to be trailblazers—they say “yes” because God’s call is irresistible. Read her column at http://www.uss- elca.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Eaton- March-column.pdf.
USS ARK is a publication of the Upper Susquehanna Synod, ELCA. Permission is granted for congregations to reproduce this newsletter. Send mission stories and ministry ideas by the first of the month to Upper Susquehanna Synod Chad Hershberger, Director of Communications, at [email protected]. PO Box 36, Lewisburg, PA 17837 570-524-9778 www.uss-elca.org The Rev. Barbara J. Collins, Bishop
Upper Susquehanna Synod Events
Scholarship Available InFaith Community Foundation is pleased to announce an available scholarship through the St. Paul Lutheran Church Scholarship Fund. This fund was founded by the congregation of the former St. Paul Lutheran Church, Williamsport. Prior to its closing, the church established this special scholarship fund to benefit Lutheran students who are graduating seniors of high schools located in Lycoming County. Scholarship recipients will receive an award of about $500. Applications are now available. Complete eligibility requirements and an online application are available at www.infaithfound.org/scholarships. All applications and necessary documents must be received by the foundation no later than April 30, 2018. Additional questions about this program can be directed to Nikki Johnson, Donor Services Associate, at [email protected] or by calling 1-800-365-4172.
March 14-15, 2018: Camp Mount Luther is Helped by Raise the Region Camp Mount Luther is participating in “Raise the Region” on March 14-15, 2018. The event, coordinated by The First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania, helps the community support local nonprofit organizations’ fund raising efforts. FCFP, in partnership with Blaise Alexander Family Dealerships, will be launching the 30-hour fundraising event on March 14 and 15, 2018, starting at 6:00 p.m. on March 14 and ending at 11:59 p.m. on March 15. Blaise Alexander Family Dealerships has donated $150,000 that will be used to stretch a portion of donations made to pre-registered nonprofits. Additional monetary prizes and incentives will be awarded throughout the entire event. This program is designed to help organizations, like Camp Mount Luther, kickoff our 2018 fundraising campaigns and increase donor bases. Proceeds from this event will go to camp’s Annual Fund, unless a donor gets in touch with the camp office to designate it for another camp cause. How It Works: 1. On March 14 and 15, donors will visit www.raisetheregion.org from a computer, smart phone, iPad, etc. to learn more about the nonprofits participating and how their work is impacting our community. 2. You can then make an online donation to support one or more of those nonprofit organizations on the Raise the Region website. Running totals will be shown throughout the day at the Raise the Region website. 3. At the end of the donation period, a pro-rated match per gift will be determined and the Community Foundation will send checks to all participating nonprofits with the amount raised, the pro-rated match, and any EXTRA money from prizes awarded throughout the day. Camp Mount Luther has participated in Raise the Region for five years and has garnered about $65,000 in donations during this event. The camp hopes you will help us to have another successful year!
March 22, 2018: LARC Luncheon Our synod has participated in Lutheran, Anglican, Roman Catholic (LARC) dialog since its inception. Together with the Lower Susquehanna Synod, Episcopal Diocese of Central Pennsylvania, and Roman Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg, we entered into covenant in 1993, committing ourselves to “leading the church to greater unity”. The commitments we made in that covenant continue to be lived out in our congregations and in bi-monthly lunch dialogs at the Diocese of Harrisburg Keeler Center. Anyone interested in joining the conversation may attend these lunches – contact Rev. Craig Miller for more information or to be added to the notification list. Dates for 2018 include March 22, May 22, July 26, September 18, November 15.
March 24, 2018: Hurricane Response Work Teams Meeting The Upper Susquehanna Synod and the Presbytery of Northumberland have come together to plan two work trips to Daytona, Florida. The first of these trips will take place May 20-27. You need not have any particular skills to participate in this trip, just a will to help those who have suffered loss from last year’s hurricanes. Anyone interested in this or future trips is invited to attend a gathering on Saturday, March 24, from 10:00 a.m. to noon at the Upper Susquehanna Synod offices, 500 Reitz Blvd, Lewisburg. Our 2018 trips will cost approximately $325, including travel by van, meals and lodging. We will work with the Florida Volusia Interfaiths/Agencies Networking in Disaster, a long-term recovery organization established to coordinate response to the hurricanes. Volunteers are housed in dormitory style rooms with bunk beds in the Union Congregational Church (UCC) in Holly Hill, Florida. Use this link to register for the gathering on March 24: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/susquehanna-disaster-relief-work-teams-tickets- 43671138551 Registration does not mean you will join the work team. Anyone planning to join the work trip should bring a deposit of $150 to the gathering. For questions or information contact Craig Miller, Assistant to the Bishop, [email protected].
March 27, 2018: Chrism Mass The annual Chrism Mass with Renewal of Ministry Vows will take place on the Tuesday of Holy Week, March 27, 2018, at 10:30 a.m. It will be held at St. John’s, Northumberland. Lunch will be provided after the service. Please reserve your place for lunch by contacting the synod office. Pastors, Deacons, and Authorized Lay Worship Leaders are especially invited to renew vows and recommit to worship leadership. The service will include the blessing of oil and everyone is welcome.
April 3-5, 2018: Rally to End Racism In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., the Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), will join ecumenical and inter-religious partners for Act Now: Unite to End Racism April 3-5 in Washington, D.C. The focus of the three-day event will be a rally April 4 on the National Mall. The event, organized by the National Council of Churches in Christ in the USA, will bring together many ELCA members from across the country. The ELCA is a founding member of the council. The rally’s call to action emphasizes three key points: awaken to the truth that racism is evil and hurts us all; confront racism through truth-telling and action to right the wrong; and transform the hearts, minds, and behaviors of people and institutions. Events begin April 3 with an ecumenical worship service at St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral and will be capped off by a lobby day on Capitol Hill April 5. All are invited to join Bishop Eaton at the event. Learn more at http://www.rally2endracism.org/. If you or your congregation plans to participate, contact Craig Miller, Assistant to the Bishop, [email protected].
2018 Lutheran Marriage Encounter Weekends Announced Your marriage relationship is one of the things in life that provides the greatest potential for happiness. Is yours living up to this potential? Please make 2018 the year you resolve to attend a Lutheran Marriage Encounter Weekend to learn how to maximize the joy and intimacy that God intends for your marriage. The following weekends have been scheduled with one more to be added in Massachusetts in the fall.
• April 6-8, 2018, at Toftrees Golf Resort in State College PA. A peaceful resort surrounded by a golf course and nestled in the woods in the center of PA. • September 14-16, 2018, at Spruce Lake Retreat in Canadensis, PA. A lovely hotel-style facility In a wooded area of the Poconos, an hour north of Allentown. • October 19-21, 2018, at Olmsted Retreat Center. A stunning, hotel-style retreat next to Olmsted Mansion in Allegheny National Forest, 2 hours north of Pittsburgh.
Two nights lodging, five meals for each of you, and all supplies are included with your $100 per couple registration fee, plus toward the end of the weekend you will be given an opportunity to make a confidential contribution of whatever amount you wish toward the continuation of the program. To be sure to get the Weekend of your choice, sign up at your earliest convenience by going to the website: www.GodLovesMarriage.org and paying the registration fee with your credit card, or marking the option to mail a check. For questions, or if you would like a brochure with registration form mailed to you, contact Northeast US Directors of Lutheran Marriage Encounter, Fred & Julie Schamber, at 724-325-3166 or [email protected].
April 8, 2018: Pre-Youth Gathering Event Charlene Rineer, the synod’s coordinator for the ELCA Youth Gathering, will hold a pre-youth gathering event on Sunday, April 8, 2018. It will be at Camp Mount Luther’s Evergreen Center starting at 2:00 p.m. It is for all the leaders and youth from the synod who are going to the ELCA Youth Gathering. This pre- gathering will be a time to meet and to get to know each other and to hear more about the gathering. Questions will also be answered.
April 14, 2018: Lutheran Youth Day Bring your youth group to Susquehanna University for Lutheran Youth Day, where we will find new ways to rise up in service to our community. The day’s events include projects with LutheranHands, faith formation fun, community building, worship at the end of the afternoon, and music by Dave Scherer from AGAPE*. Scherer will be there throughout the day providing music at the large group sessions and the concluding concert. He has inspired youth from Brooklyn to Bosnia with his relational ministry “Hip Hop Outreach.” Combining rapping, dancing, storytelling and his fluency in Spanish, AGAPE* connects with his listeners in a way that they really “Get it”. His energy is contagious, and his stories of faith transcend differences. Also, Joe Davis will be in attendance during the day. Davis is a spoken word artist and has performed across the country including the “Rise Up Together” tour alongside AGAPE* in partnership with ELCA World Hunger Walk for Water. Raising funds to equip communities around the world with clean drinking water. Joe has a gift for bringing people together around honest poems, stories, and songs. The cost is only $10 per person, which includes lunch and the concert. (What a deal! But if that sum would prevent any of your youth from participating, please contact the chaplain’s office. They can reduce or waive the fee for youth with financial need.) Also, the SU’s Lutheran Student Movement is selling t-shirts for the day. The shirts MUST be pre-ordered. Shirts will not be for sale that day. Registration is from 9:00- 9:45 a.m. in Horn Lobby of Weber Chapel with the opening session at 10 a.m. The event ends at 5:30 p.m. Contact the SU Chaplain’s office with any questions. ([email protected] or 570-372-4303). Registration must be submitted by April 10 and T-shirt orders must be submitted by April 4. To download a flyer, click here: http://www.uss-elca.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/2018-Poster.pdf To download a registration/T-shirt order form, click here: http://www.uss-elca.org/wp- content/uploads/2018/02/Registration-Form-and-t-shirt-ordering.xlsx
April 15, 2018: Bradnick Speech The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Reedsville presents an evening with Mrs. Peggy Jackson on Sunday, April 15, 2018, at 7:00 p.m. Mrs. Jackson is better known throughout Central Pennsylvania as Peggy Ann Bradnick. As a 17-year-old girl, she was kidnapped during the spring of 1966 near Shade Gap, PA. Please join them as Peggy tells her story about the tragic events surrounding her kidnapping and its impact upon her life over the past 52 years. The event will be held in the Fellowship Hall of Evangelical Lutheran Church, Reedsville.
April 16, 2018: Retirement Planning Seminar Retirement planning can seem daunting without someone to walk you through it. Portico’s day-long pre- retirement seminar for plan members age 50+ does just that. And it’s coming to your area soon! The seminar covers many facets of retirement planning in understandable terms — from establishing a retirement budget to reviewing health care options. You’ll breathe easier when you know the steps to take to retire with confidence. Take advantage of this opportunity by attending the seminar on April 16, 2018 at Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit, Emmaus, Pennsylvania. Go to https://www.porticobenefits.org/NewsEvents/Events/Pre-RetirementSeminars to register! Cost is $35/person or $70/couple.
April 21, 2018: WELCA Day of Learning and Renewal The Upper Susquehanna Synodical Women's Organization presents their Day of Learning Renewal on April 21, 2018, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Christ, Milton. The theme is "Bring Peace" and the presenter is Mary Woods. Registration is at 9:30 a.m. Cost is $5. The registration deadline is April 10, 2018. Lunch will be provided.
April 22, 2018: Camp Mount Luther Spring Open House Have you ever wanted to see Mount Luther’s site and facilities? Do you miss camp and want to visit in the springtime? Are you interested in coming to camp this summer but want to get more information and see the place first? Well, this is your chance. The Camp Mount Luther Spring Open House will be held on Sunday, April 22, 2018, from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. You can ask questions, tour camp, and see what it’s like to be a camper! First time campers who are not yet registered for the summer and who attend the event can get a $30 discount on their summer registration! To download a flyer for the event, click here: https://www.campmountluther.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/2018-CML-Spring-Open- House-Flyer.pdf.
April 24-27, 2018: Princeton Forum on Youth Ministry This Forum gathers Christian leaders who are passionate about young people and the church. Youth ministers, Christian educators, pastors, ministry innovators, and emerging scholars from the USA and beyond gather annually for this 4-day event on the campus of Princeton Theological Seminary. This year, the theme is IMAGE. They will explore what it means to practice youth ministry in a visual age. Hear from speakers like Matthew Milliner, Brian Bantum, and Katie Douglass. Renew your energy for ministry as you create vocational friendships, stretch your imagination, and give Sabbath to your soul. For more information, visit http://iymforum.com.
April 25, 2017: GROW Writer’s Retreat Anyone wishing to come and write devotions for Camp Mount Luther’s First Light Digital Devotions is welcome to join other writers on April 25, 2018. The retreat will be from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Evergreen Center. It will be a day of writing and sharing resources for devotional writing. Please RSVP to the camp office at [email protected] or 570-922-1587.
May 2-4, 2018: Bishop’s Retreat for Rostered Leaders The annual bishop’s retreat will be held on May 2-4 at Camp Hebron, Halifax PA. Rostered leaders are asked to mark their calendars and plan to attend the retreat. The speaker will be Sam Chamelin, Sustainability Coordinator at the Gettysburg Campus of United Lutheran Seminary and pastor at The Keep & Till; registration materials will go out later this month. If spouses are interested in attending, please let Bishop Collins know.
May 7-8, 2018: Youth Ministry in a Scientific Age The youth ministry conference, “Jesus Rode a Dinosaur and other Silly Tales,” looking at faithful youth ministry in a scientific age, will be held on May 7-8, 2018. Cost is $99 and will be held at Colonial Church of Edina in Minnesota. Speakers include Krista Tippett, “Science Mike” McHargue, and Kenda Dean. For more information, visit ScienceYM.org
May 12, 2018: CML Spring Work Day Practice stewardship through service at Camp Mount Luther at our Annual Spring Work Day on Saturday, May 12, 2018, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. We need your help getting the camp grounds and facilities ready for summer. There will be plenty to do and everyone in the family can help! Please bring supplies to do cleaning, mulching, raking, and light construction projects such as step ladders, buckets, rakes, etc. A light lunch will be served. RSVP by May 17 if staying for lunch to [email protected] or 570- 922-1587. To download a bulletin insert/flyer, click here: https://www.campmountluther.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/2018-Work-Day- Flyer.pdf
May 14, 2018: Bishop's Open Golf Classic The annual Bishop Open's Golf Classic is set for May 14, 2018, beginning at 11:00 a.m. at the Susquehanna Valley Country Club in Shamokin Dam. The tournament benefits Camp Mount Luther and the camp’s annual fund. A flyer/bulletin insert containing information and registration form is available here: https://www.campmountluther.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/2018-Golf- Tournament-Flyer.pdf. The camp’s golf tournament committee is currently looking for hole sponsors, door prize sponsors, silent auction items, and golfers. If you can help, please contact the camp office at 570- 922-1587 or [email protected]. Congregations are also encouraged to become hole sponsors. Get involved and help our synod’s outdoor ministry!
May 21, 2018: Lutheran Day of Advocacy Registration is open for the annual Lutheran Day of Advocacy. It will be held on Monday, May 21, 2018, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Camp Hill, with shuttles to the State Capitol. The day runs from 8:45 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. This year’s theme for Lutheran Day of Advocacy is “Roll Down Like Waters.” Bring your faith to the table and join Lutherans from around the state for worship, learning, advocacy and action. Lutheran Day at the Capitol will focus on our baptismal call to ministry in the public square and the unique voice of Lutheran Christians addressing hunger and poverty. We will explore how we can be church together in Pennsylvania, so that justice might, in the words of the prophet Amos, "roll down like waters." The day will include worship, a keynote address, legislative briefing and visit training, workshops, a continental breakfast and lunch. The Keynote Speaker will be Sen. Stewart J. Greenleaf, Chair, PA Senate Judiciary Committee, on a vision for criminal justice reform. Come to be inspired, prepared and equipped to act as church together, for the sake of the world. Registration closes on May 14 at https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?llr=lvflt5dab&oeidk=a07ef6kgxin0e5936eb. A note to rostered leaders: Certificates of participation hours will be available at the registration table.
There will also be an evening in the Capitol Rotunda from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. as LAMPA partners with Pennsylvania Interfaith Power & Light to hear from Dr. Richard B. Alley, Evan Pugh Professor of Geosciences at the Pennsylvania State University, who was a member of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which received the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize. You can meet advocates and leaders working to steward our air, land and water toward a vision of a healthy future for all. A separate registration is required for this event. More information and registration details are found here: http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07ef6l781ib38cccdf&llr=lvflt5dab&showPag e=true.
June 15-16, 2018: Synod Assembly Now is the time to register for this year’s Synod Assembly. The registration mailing will be sent from the synod office. The 2018 Upper Susquehanna Synod Assembly will take place on the campus of Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, on June 15-16, 2018. Register before April 15 for a $10 discount on registration! Special attention needs to be made to the meal registrations. Meal tickets will not be available after the late registration date or at the door on the days of the assembly. And we will again go paperless this year. This year’s theme is “On the Way Together: Open Ears, Open Hearts.” Rev. Amy Reumann will be our ELCA Churchwide representative. More detailed information will be provided as it becomes available and will be posted at http://uss-elca.org/assembly. Again, we are going paperless this year with the bulletin of reports so materials will be available for download from the website listed here. All rostered leaders and voting members from every congregation are expected to attend. Clergy need to write an excuse to the bishop if you cannot attend.
June 17-22, 2018: Joint Confirmation Camp at Camp Mount Luther In the spirit of uniting together as a synod, Camp Mount Luther and synod pastors are endeavoring to have a fun-filled, educational and spirit-filled week of camp for all youths currently in confirmation in the congregations of the Upper Susquehanna Synod of the ELCA. Pastors and camp staff will join forces to bring about a week’s worth of education and activities that will foster a better sense of the confirmand’s Christian faith, Lutheran heritage and the fellowship with the larger community of the synod. For more information about Confirmation Camp feel free to Rev. Thomas M. Glasoe at [email protected] or 570-238-2116; or Chad Hershberger, Director of Camp Mount Luther at [email protected] or 570-922-1587. You can also download a flyer with a tentative schedule here: http://www.uss- elca.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Joint-Confirmation-Camp.pdf
Camel Tracks
Feb/Mar 2018
Special Appeal Begins
Last fall, the liner of camp’s sewage system was severely damaged by a bear. Fortunately, this occurred after camping season was over so there was sufficient time to repair the damage prior to the 2017 camping season. In addition, some modifications needed to be made to meet state testing requirements.
In total, approximately $100,000 was spent to: Replace the aeration system Repair the liner GROW in the Snow participants perform a skit on Install a new decanter Friday night during the synod’s youth retreat. Install a new blower Haul out the waste before repairs could Youth Explore Faith in Snow be made Hire an engineering firm MIFFLINBURG, PA— This year’s Upper Susquehanna The funds necessary to make the repairs were Lutheran Synod Youth Retreat, GROW in the Snow, borrowed from a financial institution so the was held on February 9-10, 2018, at Camp Mount repairs have already been made. Luther Mount Luther. Over 65 youth and their adult leaders attended, exploring the theme “Hello God, Camp Mount Luther is presently engaged in a It’s Me.” The theme looked at prayer and Special Gifts appeal to raise the $100,000 to particularly the Lord’s Prayer. repay the outstanding loan. Once the loan is
re-paid, Camp Mount Luther will once again be Those in attendance participated in an opening “campfire” program, complete with skits and songs, debt-free. Our development team is making following a time of ice breakers. Participants were visits with some potential donors but we need exposed to the Mount Luther Prayer Liturgy, a your help, too! Please consider a gift to this contemplative worship experience, and they talked appeal. Pledges will also be taken for payment about ways they pray, who they pray for, and where over the course of one year. For more they engage in prayer during that worship service. information, contact [email protected]. On Saturday, four rotating stations were done.
Those included Bible study, prayer stations, games, and a craft. During the prayer stations, campers use clay and a labyrinth as two ways to pray. For the Marketing Camel Crew craft, each person made prayer beads. Set to Meet Following lunch, the campers had the opportunity to play in the snow and play some indoor games. A date has been set for our task force to meet to Worship, planned and led by Upper Susquehanna talk about camp marketing. It will be on Saturday, Synod Bishop Barbara J. Collins, concluded the April 7, 2018, at 10:30 a.m. at camp. If you’d like event, and helped campers remember all that they to be part of this group, which will only meet 2-3 learned during the weekend. times, please contact [email protected]
Board Meets in Retreat Register Now for Summer!
The Camp Mount Luther Corporation Board of We are gearing up for our summer camping Directors recently held their annual board retreat season for 2018. Registration is now open for at the Evergreen Center at the camp. The main all programs until they are filled. Campers who purpose of the retreat was to continue work on a register before April 15th will receive a discount visioning process with the camp’s development on their camp fee. consultant, Dave Brunkow of Gronlund, Sayther, Brunkow (GSB). Brunkow led the board through This year’s camping season will begin on June a process to identify a new mission and vision 17, 2018. Resident and Day Camps run until statement and strategies for the next three to five August 7. There are programs for all ages years. In the coming months, a task force of the from kindergarten to senior high, adults, and board will be formulating that plan that will be presented to several constituent groups for families. Most sessions run for one week, but further input. there are also half-week, day-only, and ten day sessions. In addition to the retreat discussions, the quarterly meeting of the board was also held. New programs this year include Tracks, where The 2018 Budget was formally adopted and campers will choose from four activity areas to reports were heard from committees and the focus their attention during the week. camp’s executive director. The board also Susquehanna Canoe, a new trip camp, will continued their discussions on being a more allow middle school-aged campers the inclusive organization. The board, made up of opportunity to paddle for a day on the eleven members, will meet again in April. Susquehanna River. For more information on this summer’s programs, call the camp office at (570) 922-1587 or visit the camp’s website at 2018 Campersons http://www.campmountluther.org.
The following persons are registered to be a This year’s theme at Mount Luther is “Awesome camperson for 2018 and qualify these congregations God, Awesome Love.” Campers will look at five for a special incentive of Camel Bucks for their Bible stories to see the awesome love that our campers to use in the camp store: Awesome God gives each of us. Through the
Christ's United, Millmont- Barry Spangler camp’s method of studying the Bible, called Christ's, Lewisburg- Thomas Stahlnecker “GROW Time,” staff will help campers Gather Grace, Berwick- John and Michelle Creasy and Reflect On the Word throughout their day, Grace, Sunbury- Vickie Brown culminating in Mazeppa Union- Linda Aurand an evening Messiah, Mifflintown- Kate Swailes Messiah, New Berlin- Frances Blatchley worship service. Messiah, South Williamsport- Kathy Wither Campers also Salem, Selinsgrove- Eileen Stauffer get to do crafts, St. John, Belleville- Michele Harshbarger go swimming, St. John, Bloomsburg- Merrill Smith play games, St. John, Lewistown- Susan Phillips camp out, and St. Luke, Bloomsburg- Sherry Bingaman St. Luke, Williamsport- Dwight Rhodes sing songs St. Matthew, Bloomsburg- Bonnie Ulshafer, Pat Ferry during their St. Michael, Cogan Station- Heather LeBlanc time at Mount Trinity, McAlisterville- Katherine Kratzer Luther. Trinity, Milton- Chad Hershberger United, Sunbury- Maryann Reier Zion, Sunbury- David Reier
ANNUAL REPORT 2017
Mount Luther takes seriously our mission from God of sharing Christ and planting seeds! We work hard to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, in the beauty of creation, and serve the people of Central Pennsylvania. That is done mostly through worship, study, recreation, and Christian fellowship in a place set apart by God. 2017 was our 55th year of ministry and a very strong one!
Around 662 participants took part in programs during the eight- week session. Before campers arrived, the staff participated in two weeks of intense training. Upper Susquehanna Synod Bishop Barbara J. Collins installed staff during the Synod Assembly held in mid-June at Susquehanna University. After their installation, the staff led the assembly in singing, “They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love.” The young adult staff also participated in a panel discussion with campus ministers about how to involve their age group in the Church.
This summer, 291 campers enjoyed on-site programs including adventure, base, classic, day, extreme, and family camps. Campers got to do crafts, go swimming, play games, camp out, hike, and sing during their time at Mount Luther. This year’s theme at Mount Luther was “The Water of Life.” The theme gave campers a new awareness of how water and life are gifts from God. Campers dove into five Bible stories and daily themes that showed them how God creates, baptizes, supplies, heals, and rescues so that we can care, belong, share, help, and rest. Through their method of studying the Bible, called “GROW Time,” staff helped campers Gather and Reflect On the Word throughout their day, culminating in an evening worship service.
Some highlights from this summer included: “Scooby Doo Camp,” where campers solved the mystery of the Loch Ness Camel; CLAWS camp, featuring Crafts, Legos, and Wild Sports; “X-Teen,” for senior high-aged campers; “Night Owls” when kids stayed up later each night to do nighttime activities; a week celebrating Christmas in July; and “Base Camps” which featured camps for campers who came and did NOT go on an overnight camping trip but rather slept in their cabins every night. The camp did several joint camps with their counterparts at Krislund Presbyterian Camp and Wesley Forest Methodist Camp, including a fishing camp; Rock, Raft, and Roll doing rock climbing, rafting, and biking; Nomads, where time was spent at each site; SCUBA Adventure, where campers got certified in SCUBA diving; and Canada Adventure, a whitewater rafting trip on the Ontario River. A Family Camp was also held for participants of all ages. The adult Bible studies were led by Bishop Barbara J. Collins of the Upper Susquehanna Synod.
New programs this year included Nature Detectives, when the youngest campers explored the forest and learned more about the creatures who call the woods home; LOGIC, a camp where campers spent a week Living Outside in God’s Incredible Creation; and Tour De Crème, a bike trip tour of Western Union County, where campers stopped at ice cream shops along the way.
As always, there were several Day Camps at local churches, led by Mount Luther staff. This year, 374 campers were able to experience camp through these off-site opportunities. Off-site day camps were held at Trinity Lutheran, Milton; Centre Lutheran, Mifflintown; St. Peter Lutheran, Kreamer; Emmanuel Lutheran, Middleburg; St. John’s Lutheran, Bloomsburg; Salem Lutheran, Selinsgrove; Zion Lutheran, Turbotville; Trinity Lutheran, Lost Creek Presbyterian, Pine Grove and McAlisterville United Methodist, McAlisterville; Zion Lutheran, Sunbury; Bethlehem Lutheran, Fairport, NY; and our staff led games during VBS at Messiah Lutheran, South Williamsport. List of Other 2017 Camper Statistics Accomplishments and Activities A list of where our 291 summer campers Paid off the Evergreen Center loan came from in 2017. And held a mortgage burning at the beginning of the summer season. Buffalo Valley Conference- 64 Held the first Circle of Faith Giving Club dinner and Juniata Valley Conference- 51 presented the first Cloud of Witness Award to Chris Sands, Middle Creek Conference- 20 board president. North Branch Conference- 22 Made improvements to the sewer system after a bear got Tulpehocken Conference- 21 in the lagoon and did damage, and the state asked for West Branch Conference- 41 some modifications to improve quality. Other Synods- 21 Held meetings and conducted a survey as part of our work Episcopal Diocese of Central PA- 04 with Grunland, Sayther, Brunkow, a development firm, to Other Denominations- 20 help us strengthen our Annual Fund and to work towards a Confirmation Camp- 00 new strategic plan. Non-Church Affiliated- 27 Summer campers collected $374 for the ELCA’s Walk for Water project. Top churches sending campers: Continued First Light digital daily and did twelve Camp Trinity, McAlisterville- 23 Mount Luther Prayer podcasts, which are posted on our Messiah, South Williamsport- 17 website. St. Luke, Bloomsburg- 13 Had several Thrivent Action Teams do work for camp Messiah, Mifflintown- 12 during the year. Zion, Turbotville- 12 Sponsored Camperson Meeting, Turkey Benefit Dinner, Spring Open House, Spring Work Day, the Bishop’s Open Golf Tournament, and the Women’s Retreat. Hosted the synod youth retreat, “GROW in the Snow,” around the theme of “Our Way of Life.” Celebrated the fourteenth synod-wide Mount Luther Sunday on Transfiguration Sunday. Participated in the fifth Raise the Region, an effort to raise awareness and giving of non-profits in the Central Susquehanna Valley. Donations totaled $15,521.29. Held the annual Dandelion Trail Run, a 5 and 10 kilometer run, held in memory of Rev. Glenn Heasley. An Evening at Shade Mountain Winery was held for the sixth year as a fundraiser, this year featuring the musician Bernie Rich. Hosted a Whoopie Pie stand at the Selinsgrove Market Street Festival. Executive Director Chad Hershberger was among nearly 140 Lutheran camp professionals and board members to attend the Lutheran Outdoor Ministry Conference in Breckenridge, Colorado. This year’s theme was “Re-form, Re-store, Re-focus.” Partnered with Buffalo Valley Lutheran Village to co-host “Breakfast with Santa” in December. Sent Christmas and birthday cards to each summer camper.
Use of Camp Mount Luther
We had about 2,612 people use camp during our retreat season in 2017, including:
Asian-American Christian Fellowship; Camp Mount Luther GROW in the Snow; Confer Family; Episcopal Diocese of Central PA; Erdley Family; Explorer Girls; Dorman Reunion; Hartman Family; Human Services Youth Leadership Conference; Lay Ministry Institute; Midd-West School District; Mifflinburg Football and Wrestling Teams; Milton YMCA; Morseman Family; Moyer Family; Raker Family; Revival Tabernacle, Watsontown; Setebaid Services, Inc., Winfield; Seyler/Parrish Families; Shady Grove Christian Fellowship; Shikellamy School District; Sycamore House Service Corps; Trinity Lutheran, Danville; Trinity Lutheran, Mount Joy; United Lutheran Seminary Students; Upper Susquehanna Synod; Upper Susquehanna Synodical Women’s Organization; Walter Family; Young Family; and the Ziegler Family.
Personnel
We are grateful to those who serve year-round and during our summer camp program, providing governance, hospitality, and quality programming and facilities.
Board of Directors President: Mr. Chris Sands, Lewisburg (Bishop’s Representative) Vice President: Rev. Bill Henderson, Selinsgrove (Term ends 2020, Buffalo Valley) Secretary: Ms. Erin Hayes, Danville (Term ends 2018, Middle Creek) Treasurer: Mr. David Herbert, Shamokin Dam (Term ends 2019, Tulpehocken)
Rev. Andrew Fitch, New Berlin (Term ends 2020, Buffalo Valley) Mr. Sam Leister, Mifflintown (Term ends 2019, Juniata Valley) Ms. Charlene Rineer, Lewisburg (Term ends 2018, Buffalo Valley) Ms. Eileen Stauffer, Selinsgrove (Term ends 2017, Middle Creek) Rev. Andrew Weaver, Sunbury (Term ends 2018, Tulpehocken) Ms. Nancy Wood, Williamsport (Term ends 2020, West Branch) Mr. Terry Gardner, Muncy (Synod Council Representative)
Year Round Staff Executive Director: Chad Hershberger, Mifflinburg Office Manager: Linda Aurand, Mazeppa Site Manager: Tom Watters, Mifflinburg Hospitality Manager: Toni Gessner, Mifflinburg Kitchen Staff: Stacey Geiswite, Mifflinburg; Eric Gessner, Mifflinburg; Kyle Gessner, Mifflinburg; Ryan Gessner, Mifflinburg; Hannah Shultz, Mifflinburg; Levi Yoder, Mifflinburg
Summer Ministry Team 2017 Assistant Director: Charlene Rineer, Lewisburg Chaplain to the Staff: Andrew Fitch, New Berlin Director of TLC: Tara Barnard, Millerstown Director of Fun: James Gates, Fairport, NY Director of Outreach: Lindsey Hartman, Turbotville Wednesday Lifeguard: Ty Turner, Lewisburg Counselors: Marie Barnard, Millerstown; Allison Beaver, McAlisterville; Tori Callahan, Bloomsburg; Gordie Emick, South Williamsport; Anne Harshbarger, Belleville; Carlie Lepley, Troxelville; CarolAnn Miller, Mifflinburg; Noah Roux, Turbotville; Sarah Schaech, Pennsdale; Sean Stumpf, Selinsgrove; Sean Wither, Williamsport; Zackary Zimmerman, Yeagertown;
Summer Volunteers Chaplains- Rev. Richard Adams, Liberty; Rev. Elisabeth Aurand, Williamsport; Rev. Barbara Collins, Selinsgrove; Rev. Thomas Glasoe, Milton; Rev. Paul Kampa, Mifflinburg; Rev. MarthaSue Moll, Elysburg; Rev. Erwin Roux, Turbotville; Rev. Gordon Smith, Espy; Rev. Andrew Weaver, Sunbury; and Rev. John Yost, Mifflinburg.
Health Officers- Amy Gearhart, Selinsgrove; Ray Hayes, Danville; Shirley Heasley, Mifflinburg; Carol Hanson, Selinsgrove; and Sharon Truitt, McAlisterville.
Program Assistants- Beth Roux and Merrill Smith
MOUNT LUTHER ANNUAL GIVING REPORT
2017 Welcome to Mount Luther’s Annual Giving Report. This report will give you an update on some of the fundraising activities of the camp in the past year, as well as list the donors of record for 2017. We are grateful for your support so we can do ministry in this place! Giving that grows out of our relationship to God is part of living as faithful servants and stewards. Evidence that the camp is part of people’s stewardship is here in this report. Please take time to read these pages and find out more about the development activities of the camp. We thank you for your continued support, through financial giving and your prayers.
Ways You Can Help Mount Luther
Thrivent Choice is a charitable grant program that gives eligible Thrivent members the power to recommend Thrivent Financial distribute some of its charitable funds each year to Camp Mount Luther or other enrolled non-profit charities. Last year, Camp Mount Luther received $9,560 in Choice Dollars. If March is Raise the Region you are an eligible member, please consider us when directing Choice Dollars. To learn more about Thrivent Choice, visit www.thrivent.com/thriventchoice. Camp Mount Luther is participating in “Raise the
Region” on March 14-15, 2018. The event, Through Thrivent Action Teams, Thrivent members coordinated by The First Community Foundation can apply with Thrivent Financial to lead a volunteer Partnership of Pennsylvania, helps the community team in a one-time fundraiser, service activity, or support local nonprofit organizations’ fund raising educational event. Once your project is approved, efforts. FCFP, in partnership with Blaise Alexander you'll receive a Thrivent Action Kit, including a Family Dealerships, will be launching the 30-hour promotional banner, invitations, thank you cards, T- fundraising event starting at 6:00 p.m. on March 14 shirts, and a $250 Community Impact Card that you and ending at 11:59 p.m. on March 15. Blaise can use as seed money to purchase project supplies Alexander Family Dealerships has donated $150,000 and create promotional materials. To learn more go to that will be used to stretch a portion of donations www.thrivent.com/actionteam. We had several Action made to pre-registered nonprofits. Additional Teams help camp and have compiled a list of more monetary prizes and incentives will be awarded action teams. Contact [email protected] for throughout the entire event. Proceeds from this ideas. event will go to camp’s Annual Fund, unless a donor gets in touch with the camp office to designate it for The Camp Mount Luther Endowment Fund was another camp cause. How It Works: established with hopes that it would grow enough to have a significant annual distribution that would 1. On March 14-15, donors will visit benefit camp programs and facilities. The camp’s www.raisetheregion.org from a computer, smart Development Team oversees the distribution of funds phone, iPad, etc. to learn more about the and regularly reviews its progress. At the end of nonprofits participating and how their work is 2017, the fund totaled $108,284. To donate to the impacting our community. endowment fund, send a check to the camp marked 2. You can then make an online donation to support “Endowment.” one or more of those nonprofit organizations on the Raise the Region website. Running totals will be shown throughout the day at the Raise the Region website. 3. At the end of the donation period, a pro-rated match per gift will be determined and the Community Foundation will send checks to all participating nonprofits with the amount raised, Web search and shopping are another way you can the pro-rated match, and any EXTRA money help camp. Camp Mount Luther is part of from prizes awarded throughout the day. Goodsearch.com, where your internet searches can earn us about a penny per search. We are also part of Camp Mount Luther has participated in Raise the Goodshop.com, which gives donations to Region for five years and has garnered about organizations, including Mount Luther, when you $65,000 in donations during this event. The camp shop online via GoodShop. And, Mount Luther is hopes you will help us to have another successful part of Amazon Smile! Visit year! www.smile.amazon.com, designate us as your charity and a portion of your purchase will come to camp! Consider a Planned Gift to Mount Luther!
Planned Giving and the services of the Central PA Gift Planner are available through a partnership of the ELCA Foundation and Camp Mount Luther. Our ELCA Gift Planner can help you arrange planned gifts and estate gifts.
What is the ELCA Foundation? The ELCA Foundation is a financial ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America which offers investment opportunities to both congregations and planned giving services to individuals. Among the planned giving services are the ability to donate stock, create a Donor Advised Fund or Charitable Trust or Charitable Gift Annuity, and estate planning.
What is a Gift Planner? A Gift Planner helps congregations manage, establish and grow their Endowments; assists a follower of Christ plan the wise distribution of their wealth through current, special and legacy gifts; manages Major Gifts for ELCA ministries including congregations; and guiding capital campaigns. Your Gift Planner is Pastor Liz Polanzke, [email protected], 717-654-2334. Her services are free of charge, because of the partnership with local ministry partners, including synods. Working with a Gift Planner ensures that one has had the opportunity to consider the entirety of their spiritual journey and passions in their gift plan.
A Special Partnership The services of the Foundation and Gift Planner for Central Pennsylvania are free of charge to congregations and givers through a special partnership between the ELCA Foundation and local synods, agencies and institutions. Those Central PA ministries include: Allegheny Lutheran Social Ministry, Allegheny Synod, Camp Mt. Luther, Diakon, Lower Susquehanna Synod, Lutheran Camping Corporation, Lutheran Campus Ministry-Penn State, United Lutheran Seminary, Luthercare, Sequanota Camp and Conference Center, SpiriTrust Lutheran, and the Upper Susquehanna Synod.
A little about Pastor Liz Polanzke, ELCA Foundation Gift Planner for Central PA Liz grew-up in State College worshipping at the Lutheran Campus Ministry of Penn State and Grace Lutheran Church. Her earliest job was working in the kitchen at Camp Nawakwa in Arendtsville. She went on to work consecutive summers at Nawakwa, Camp Mt. Luther in Mifflinburg, and Wittel Farm in Elizabethtown. In college, she participated in the campus ministry at Kutztown University and then moved on to Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, IA. Prior to her call to the Foundation in 2015, she had served congregations in Capac, MI, Boone, NC, Glen Rock, Harrisburg and York in PA.
Liz lives in York, PA with her husband, Pastor Jim Polanzke, and their dog, Hermione. Their daughter, Rebecca, attends Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. She loves plein air painting, hiking, listening to 80’s pop music, and reading.
She is available to assist any congregation with its endowment and to strategize the long-term financing of its mission. She can also assist individuals in planning the wise distribution of their assets as they prepare for the end of life. It’s important to her that one’s legacy is a reflection of the love and priorities of one’s life. If you want to know more, call 717-654-2334 or e- mail her at [email protected].
Donor Honor Roll
Listed on the following pages are those individuals, churches, and organizations that donated to Camp Mount Luther at the various giving levels during calendar year 2017. Gifts include those made to the Annual Fund, Designated Gifts, Youse Campership Fund, Doyle Campership Fund, Synod Congregation Mission Support, Evergreen Center Debt Reduction, Endowment Fund, Sewer Project, Wish List items, and Adopt-A-Building donations. Gift totals below also include donations during last year’s Raise the Region. We appreciate all that you do and have done for our ministry. We carefully record all donations and information. However, if for some reason we have inadvertently omitted your name or gift from any of these lists, please contact the camp office and we will make the correction. Unless otherwise noted, churches listed are Lutheran congregations.
CIRCLE OF FAITH Rev. Hugo & Evelyn Schroeder Rev. Ron & Eileen Christopher Seiler Counselor’s Club Montgomery GIVING CLUB Rev. Steve & Linda Shipman Gifts totaling between Rev. Wayne Muthler Rev. Deane & Jeanne Shively $250- $499 Thayer and Laura Potter Susan Shultz Kirk Ritter Camper’s Club Cynthia Smith James and Carol Black Karl Schnure Gifts totaling between Kenneth Smith Rev. John & Sister Marianne Michael and Florence Schrey $100-$249 Rev. Rosalie Smith Brock Rev. Gordon and Merrill Smith Richard and Jennifer Smith Michael and Carolyn Daniloff Michael Steimling Judy Snook Harold Stuck Cheryl and Alex Anderson Andrew Daron George and Rose Snyder Robert and Janis Daron Jeffrey and Kathy Whitesel Jeffrey & Marguerite Anderson William and Patricia Snyder AgChoice Farm Credit Elisabeth Aurand Harry and Beverly Deitz Tom & Rebecca Stahlnecker Rev. Robert Driesen Christ, Montgomery Rev. Peter &Ruth Bergstresser Samuel and Eileen Stauffer Endowment Thomas Booth Doug Durand Neil and Danielle Strine Scott and Amy Frost Christ's Lutheran, Lewisburg Art and Karen Bowen Sally Stroup Follmer Lutheran Church Terry and Linda Brown Terry and Ann Gardner Darlene Rowe & Robert Fred and Jeanette Gross I'm the Guy, LLC Mark and Louise Burkhardt Varney Keystone Building Products Rev. Dolores Calhoun Rev. Paul and Carol Kampa Robert and Trudy Watts Rev. Ken & Betty Longfield POF Disciples Class Rick and Judy Coup Wendy Wehr Purdy Insurance Agency Michael Coyne Genevieve McCardle Gregg Wetzel Timothy and Ellen McWilliams Shade Mountain Winery Jim & Jeanette Cunningham Rev. Rick and Judy White St. James, Jersey Shore Michael and Nancy Erdley Nancy Morgan and Craig Miller Rev. Kristin and Steven Woelk Rev. Carl and Nancy Miller St. John Lutheran, Richfield Charles and Lisa Erickson Philip and Teresa Wolf St. John's, Northumberland Daniel and Julie Eriksson Rev. Martha Sue Moll Keith and Nancy Wood Seth and Heather Reitz St. John's, Watsontown Jere and Marilyn Eshleman Wood Family St. John's Lutheran, Belleville Melissa Eshleman Chris and Megan Sands Cami Zimmerman Joel Stahl St. Peter's Lutheran, Kreamer Rev. Richard Fangmann Jocelyn Zimmerman Susquehanna University John Fischer Christ United, Catawissa Robert & Rebecca Zimmerman Lamar Advertising Swineford National Bank Dan and Wendy Foss 1847 Financial Trinity Lutheran, Milton Jim and Joan Fulkroad Martson Law Offices Bilger Financial Services Pine Street Lutheran Church Zartman Construction, Inc. Tom and Anne Gates Botschaft Lutheran Church Zimmerman Enterprises Rev. Tom Glasoe Redeemer, Williamsport Bowen Agency, Inc. Realtors Service Electric Cablevision Dane & Susan Hackenberger Commonwealth Security Danielle Hackenberger St. James Lutheran, Muncy Garman Lutheran Church St. John's Lutheran, Leck Kill Bradley Hall Grace Lutheran, Jersey Shore President’s Club Richard and Rose Handy St. John's Barnabas Brothers Gifts totaling between Grace Lutheran, Shamokin St. Mark, Williamsport Andrew and Vicki Haussmann Groveburg Corp $1,000 - $4,999 Rev. Chad Hebrink St. Paul, Leiningers Herring, Roll, and Solomon St. Paul's Lutheran, Loganton Kyle Herb Himmel Lutheran Church H. Richard Hess Trinity Lutheran, Hughesville John and Rev. Barbara Collins "i3 Verticals, LLC" Upper Susquehanna Synodical Andy and Ruth Gates Mark Hoffman Juniata Valley Bank Phillip and Linda Hopewell Women's Organization David and Brenda Herbert Krautheim Auto Sales Sam and Linda Leister Jay and Coleen Houshangi Larue Dieter Estate Amy James Betty Jane Mincemoyer Messiah Lutheran, Troxelville Patricia Morone Christopher Kenawell Mifflinburg Bank and Trust Director’s Club Robert and Maggie King Leanna and Joe Muscato PA Church Insurers, LLC Gifts totaling between Donald Schrey James Knepp Salem Lutheran Church Rev. Greg and Lee Kramer $500- $999 Joan Voorhees Salona Lutheran Church Gene and Charlotte Zartman Richard and Elaine Kuhn St. John's, Booneville William and Pamela Logan Beaver Lutheran Church St. John, Montgomery Anonymous Charles & Hallie Luppert Centre Lutheran Church St. John's, Potts Grove James G. Apple Donald and Stacie Main Emmanuel , Thompsontown St. Paul's (Erdley's) Lutheran Lynn Askew Revs. Erin Bovendam and Emmanuel, Williamsport Church Linda Aurand Chris Mathiason First Lutheran, Mifflinburg St. Paul's Lutheran, Nook Gary and Barbara Baylor Thomas and Judith Mecouch Harvey and Marian Haupt St. Paul's Lutheran, Shamokin Todd and Karen Bieber John and Brenda Monick Charitable Trust Sunbury Motors Frances and Ron Blatchley Mummah Family Kreamer Feed, Inc. Sunshine Circle WELCA Rev. James and June Bricker Jordan and JaTanna Parrish Margaret A. Thompson Fund The Partner Agency Michael Brockman Luie and Francine Parrish Mazeppa Union Church Wolfe Brothers Richard and Emily DeWald Susan Phillips Middleswarth Foundation Women of the ELCA - St. June Kauffman Diehl Tom Rall Port Royal Lutheran Church Mark's Lutheran Church Neil and Patricia Fisher David and Maryann Reier St. John Lutheran, Espy WQSU Radio Shirley Heasley Rev. LeRoy and Linda Reitz St. John's, Lewistown Rev. Bill & Maggie Henderson Charlene Rineer St. Luke's, Williamsport Rev. Charles & Paula Royles Family St. Paul Lutheran, Allensville Hershberger Dan and Sharon Rusnock St. Stephen's, Licking Creek Gary Hutchinson Richard and Carolyn Sands Trinity Lutheran, Danville Rev. Donald & Carol Main Trinity Lutheran, McAlisterville United Lutheran, Sunbury Rodney and Rebecca Martin Gary Roth Amanda, Alyssa, & Aaron Zion Lutheran, Sunbury Shirley McBryan David and Donna Rothermel Monick Zion Lutheran, Turbotville Kristen McCauley Shirley Rowe By John and Brenda Monick Robert and Annette Mellman Richard Sands Wayne and Patti Murray Kathryn Scholl Charlene Rineer Brad and Cheryl Nason Michael and Florence Schrey By Roland and Helen Bostian Bishop’s Club Anna Nielsen Richard Smith Gifts totaling over Louise and John Nogle George and Rose Snyder Rue Rothermel $5,000 Donald and Dorice Pontius Marion Sprenkle By Michael Coyne Amanda Pupich Karl-John Stone Ray and Erin Hayes Ralph Rawheiser Maryann Wagner Shirley Rowe Chad and Rev. Sarah Chris and Kathleen Reiland Ken & Rebecca Wagner-Pizza By Joel Stahl Hershberger John and Martha Roth Kristin Warner Todd and Deb Wise Erwin and Beth Roux Andy Weaver Chris Sands and Megan Moran Chevron Matching Funds Shirley Rowe Johnathan Westover Wedding InFaith Foundation Carl and Helen Scholl Jeffrey and Kathy Whitesel By Kerrin Kampa Thrivent Financial Rev. Ron Shellhammer Donald Wolfe Upper Susquehanna Synod Vanessa Sherman Nancy Wood Carl and Helen Scholl Tilghman and Sally Shrawder Cami Zimmerman By Wayne Muthler and Richard and Cynthia Skelton Bob & Rebecca Zimmerman Melanie VanBuskirk Revs. Karl-John & Beth Ann OTHER GIFTS Stone Our children Ricki Stringfellow Tribute Gifts By Carl and Helen Scholl Grace Stropp Gifts in honor or Supporters Ronald and Bonnie Swinehart Donald L. Smith, Jr. Josh and Dorey Tabor memory of loved ones By Rosalie Smith Gifts Under $100 Andrew & Carrie Thierwechter
Ashley Thumma Joel Stahl Mary Tiffin In honor of: By Shirley Rowe Jay and Janice Auker Emily VanScoy Tony Bailey George and Kay Varner Burning of the Evergreen Dani Erdley & Tom Watters Frances Baker Carol Waltz Center Mortgage By Michael and Nancy Erdley Dean and Janell Bakke Michael and Lynette Weisner By Paul and Carol Kampa Dan Barrile Colby Wesner Todd and Nancy Bartelt Johnathan & Sandra Westover Rev. James Park Bricker Mindelle Bartholomew In memory of: Daniel and Linda Wolfe By Chris and Megan Sands Edward & Ann Beaver Gary Womelsdorf Grace Lucas Rev. Cheryl Berner Alice Yeakel CML and all they continue to By Jim and Joan Fulkroad Deborah Bernhisel Jeff and Kris Yetter do to make a difference Kenneth and Bonnie Bollinger Elise Zimmerman By Charles Fissel, Jr. and Frank & Kathy Wolyniec Rev. David Bomboy AmazonSmile Foundation Mary Murphy By Alice Good Roland and Helen Bostian Goodshop Christian and Rachel Boyer Grace Lutheran, Sunbury Melissa Eshleman Robert and Carol Bradford Lynn C. Phillips Grace Lutheran, Berwick By Jere and Marilyn Eshleman Brett and Andrea Clark By Chad, Sarah, Claire and Messiah Lutheran, Troxelville Aaron Hershberger Ned and Gayle Coates Zion Lutheran, Renovo Fathers & Men of Salem Michael and Janice Coldren (Selinsgrove) Congregation Susie Hutchinson Robin and Cindy Colyer By Sunshine Circle WELCA By Gary Hutchinson Michelle and John Creasy
John and Jean Crumb Thrivent Choice Charles and Paula Nelson W. Aurand Alyson Davis th Those who designed Hershberger’s 50 Wedding By Genevieve McCardle Betty Dietrich Choice dollars to CML Anniversary James and Randi Doebler By Jay and Janice Auker LaRue Dieter Tracy and James Dreibelbis By James Park & June Bricker Susan Athey By Anonymous Stephen and Maryellen Engle By Dave and Helen Henry Paul & Kathryn Aungst Arthur Erickson By Paul and Carol Kampa Janice Austin Rev. Glenn Heasley, Jr. William Fausey By Ken and Betty Longfield Jacqueline Benscoter By Carl and Nancy Miller Charles Fissel By Susan Phillips Susan Brandau Emma Gearhart By Donald and Dorice Pontius Audrey Crone Robert Zimmerman, Sr. Alice Good By LaFern Smith Sondra Fisher By Tom and Juliet Rall Carole Harris David Gunther By Swineford National Bank Patricia Hassenplug Jordan & JaTanna Parrish Darwin Guyer Michael Helwig By Tony Bailey Melitta and Lee Hagenbuch Pastor & Mrs. Hugo Thomas and Luaha Herrington By James Park & June Bricker Andrew Haussmann Schroeder, Sr. Barry and Nancy Hodge By Darryl & Cynthia Manning Ray Hayes By Hugo and Evelyn Schroeder Dale and Peggy Hoover By Luie and Francine Parrish Kenneth Henry Ralph and Mary Ann Hoover By Amanda Pupich David Herbert Christopher Shellhammer Donald and Grace Housley By Steve and Linda Shipman Timothy Hettinger By Ron Shellhammer Harvey and Brenda Ilgen Linwood Hill Michael and Gini Kaar Parrish & Houshangi Wedding Harvey Ilgen Neda Thierwechter Kerrin Kampa By Chad, Sarah, Claire and Paul and Carol Kampa By Andrew and Carrie Ken & Kathleen Kaufmann Aaron Hershberger Marie Klinger Thierwechter Justin and Beth Keister Ken Longfield Joseph Keller Coleen & Jay Houshangi Donald & Carol Main Kent and Melissa Kilgus Wedding Lindsey Marolf Gregory and Krista Kimmel By Amy James Ellen McWilliams Douglas Klingerman Lilia Metz Shane and Janelle Koepke Nancy Lucas Vicki Miller Gerald and Marjorie Korman By James and Joan Fulkroad Russella Moerschbacher Tricia and Karl Larson Joe Muscato John Lazur CarolAnn Miller Mary Peterhaensel LeBlanc Family By Nancy Morgan and Craig Neil Raup Charles and Dorothy Long Miller Maryann Reier Darryl and Cynthia Manning John and Nancy Marr Gene Roberts Join the Circle of Faith Giving Club
Support the Outdoor Ministry of Camp Mount Luther
It takes people, prayers, and gifts to make our year-round ministry thrive. The staff and the Board of Directors of Camp Mount Luther are pleased to extend to you this invitation to become a member of the Circle of Faith Giving Club. As you accept this invitation you will become part of this special group of leaders who care about the spiritual growth and development of people, particularly children and youth. You’ll also show your appreciation for the ministry that Mount Luther offers.
The Circle of Faith Giving Club helps assure this vital and effective resource continues and expands to meet the growing needs of the people who use our facility.
It is an informal association of people who provide leadership through their financial support. Circle of Faith Giving Club gifts, as part of the Annual Fund, are used to help provide annual operating funds, to provide capital equipment and repairs, to launch new programs and to cover miscellaneous expenses.
Membership in the Circle of Faith Giving Club begins with an annual gift of $100. There are also other membership levels of $250, $500, $1,000 and $5,000 for those wishing and able to do even more to assist us.
You may honor a friend or loved one with an honorary membership in the Circle of Faith Giving Club. Memorial Memberships are available. Members of the club are listed in the Circle of Faith Giving Club honor roll, and are invited to participate in a special reception for members. Above all you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you are helping support an important organization.
Please make check payable to Camp Mount Luther, 355 Mt. Luther Lane, Mifflinburg, PA 17844. For further information or to arrange for a credit card payment, please call (570) 922-1587. All gifts are deductible for tax purposes to the full extent provided by law.
Council Uses Camp for Retreat
In late January, members of the congregation council and other leadership at St. Matthew’s, Shamokin Dam, came to Mount Luther for a one-day retreat. Deacon Gary Schaeffer organized the day, which included meals and discussion about moving forward for the congregation.
The goals of the day were to empower the leadership of the church to successfully manage change and conflict. They wanted to build stronger relationships and then focus on their discernment for the future of the congregation.
The group arrived at camp around 9:00 a.m. and spent the morning working on the five principles of leading change. They then had lunch together and spent some time walking the grounds of Mount Luther.
After lunch, Camp Mount Luther Director Chad Hershberger led the council in a discussion on HOT Communications. HOT Communications is the technique that the camp summer staff uses to communicate in healthy ways and resolve conflict. The day concluded with talking about some strategies for leading change and conflict management as well as next steps. They also had dinner and worship together.
If your congregation council could use a day away to deal with issues or spend time educating their members on important topics, contact the camp office. We can help you schedule a retreat similar to the one St. Matthew’s, Shamokin Dam, and can also possibly help with the program.
2018 Wish List
Running church camps is expensive and we are always right on the edge of balancing income and expenses. Too often we are scratching to bring income up to expenses. One way that we can do that is by folks giving us stuff that we will not need to buy. Here’s a list of the stuff that we could use now. If you have any questions, just contact Chad at [email protected]. And if you have something you want to give away and it isn’t on the list, contact us, too. Maybe you might know someone (a contractor?) who might have some of this stuff? Or, maybe you don’t have any of these items but feel generous and want to buy them for camp. Let us know!
New propane stove for Concrete for sidewalks Popsicle sticks Pine Lodge around the A-center Lego bricks 46 inch (or bigger) TV Playground balls and White and color copy for Evergreen Center Volleyballs paper Stain for the Evergreen Scotch tape Sidewalk Chalk Center exterior Paracord bracelet string Brooms and dustpans Porch boards for Maple and clips Embroidery floss cabins Keychains Construction paper Fascia for Pine cabins Glue gun glue Crayons and pavilion Beads (black fuse, see, Markers Paint for Pine cabins pony, wooden) Dry erase markers Soffit for back side of A- Bubbles White flip charts center Brown paper bags Aim n Flames
2017 Camp Mount Luther Budget Summary (Note: the following are unaudited amounts for the year ending December 31, 2017)
INCOME BUDGETED ACTUAL EXPENSE BUDGETED ACTUAL
Judicatory $48,000.00 $48,000.00 Year-Round Salaries $139,931.00 $138,331.44
Fees $271,500.00 $273,814.70 Summer Salaries $39,345.00 $39,443.64 Annual Fund $87,000.00 $98,859.80 Non-Summer Wage $5,325.00 $3,315.26
Store $9,225.00 $7,595.80 Benefits $75,871.54 $71,044.05 Subsidies $490.00 $1,794.04 Administration $33,800.00 $36,375.28 Interest $65.00 $83.03 Transportation $4,375.00 $4,589.75 Fundraisers $28,048.54 $28,207.75 Utilities $37,100.00 $40,531.62 Unexpected $4,120.00 $4,244.08 Property $17,735.00 $17,507.36 TOTAL $448,448.54 $462,599.33 Program $8,325.00 $8,026.99 Store $6,455.00 $8,872.56 Food Service $51,334.00 $52,101.60 Promotion $2,605.00 $3,478.63 Development $14,501.73 $6,998.29 Fundraiser $9,200.00 $11,655.91 Interest $0.00 $0.00 Miscellaneous $2,400.00 $2,175.00 Unexpected $145.27 $9,800.00 TOTAL $448,448.54 $454,247.38 INCOME LESS $0.00 $8,351.95 EXPENSE
MOUNT LUTHER 355 Mt. Luther Lane Mifflinburg, PA 17844 [email protected]
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Upcoming Events
Spring Open Work Day Bishop’s Open House Practice Golf Tournament Have you ever stewardship The rain-or-shine wanted to see through service event on May 14 at Mount Luther’s at camp at our the Susquehanna site and work day on Valley Country facilities? Are you interested Saturday, May 12, 2018, from Club features a in coming to camp this 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. We four-person scramble with summer but want to get more need your help getting the three flights, a free putting information and see the place camp grounds and facilities contest, mulligans, and first? Come to the Mount ready for summer. There will forward tees; and a silent Luther Spring Open House on be plenty to do and everyone auction. Registration starts at Sunday, April 22, 2018, from in the family can help! Please 11 with lunch following and a 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. You can ask bring supplies to do cleaning, shotgun start at 12:30 p.m. questions, tour camp, and see mulching, raking, and light Snacks and prizes after what it’s like to be a camper! construction projects such as golfing. First time campers who are step ladders, buckets, rakes, not yet registered for the etc. A light lunch will be We are looking for sponsors summer and who attend the served. RSVP by May 7 if and golfers for this event. For event can get a $30 discount staying for lunch to more information visit our on their summer registration! [email protected] or website or call the camp 570-922-1587. office.