Ringing Out 2008

For many of us the past two weeks have been interesting with regard to the weather. For several days the major highway routes to Camp were closed. Even though we got a bit of snow and freezing temperatures the Camp fared well. We have heard from several people remarking that this was the first year they were not able to be at their traditional Christmas gathering. I suppose what makes a tradition “a tradition” is its repetitiveness. It is something meaningful we participate in on a regular basis.

We see the impact of families who have made “coming to camp” a part of their family tradition. There are other options for family vacations and activities; but the repetitive tradition of coming together to the various camps and conferences while our children are growing up helps to pass on the spiritual values we trust in and treasure. One of the best things we can do for our children and our families is to make Christian camping a part of our family tradition. In youth camps young people have the opportunity to make friends with other Christian youth and adults. New technology such as Facebook and texting keep our children in contact with other Christian kids where they can encourage one another to stay faithful. In the family camps and conferences there is the opportunity for our children to see what is important to us – our faith, missions, family, the Bible. We have the opportunity to be with our children away from the normal routines.

As 2008 draws to a close and we look forward to 2009, you might consider developing a Christian camping tradition in your family.

Christmas Greetings from Wi-Ne-Ma Christian Camp

This Christmas season we can think of how places evoke important images. For example, we might be "home for the holidays" and even though our home might not be Christmas card idyllic, yet, the thought of being some place where we are nurtured, cared, for and loved rings within us.

At Christmas time we also think of special places -- Bethlehem, a stable, a manger. We think that it is not quite these physical locations that are so special. What is special is what they represent for our relationships. "But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, 'Abba! Father!'" (Galatians 4:4-6).

The manger, the stable, Bethlehem provide places to approach His Son, Jesus.

The ministry of a place like Wi-Ne-Ma Christian Camp must be about the relationships that are formed and encouraged in this setting. Relationships with Christ and within the fellowship of Christians don't happen in a wispy ethereal realm. They happen in a place with an address and a setting. They happen in cabin groups, in worship and Bible study together, as we play, work, and eat together.

Included with this post is a picture of the crosses and the view across the Camp. It is a magnificent view that reminds us of God's majesty as the crosses remind us of how His love and sacrifice made a way for us to experience his love and grace. There is something missing in the picture, however, and that is the presence of people engaged in fellowship and ministry.

So, this Christmas season we look forward to what God will do among those who still seek Him and pray that Wi-Ne-Ma Christian Camp will continue to be a place for Christ to be found.

Happy Christmas.

On the Value of Christian Camping

Paul Williams in his column for the Christian Standard writes about Christian camping. Although his experience has been on the east coast, we have enjoyed the same experiences here.

Here's a link to his column http://www.christianstandard.com/andsoitgoes.asp

Preparation for Things to Come
On a fall afternoon I drove west from Philadelphia into the surprisingly rugged hills of central Pennsylvania, where I conducted a leadership retreat at Sylvan Hills Christian Camp.

The chairman of the board at Sylvan Hills told me that 14 churches financially support the camp. Most are small- to medium-sized. They do a great job. The camp has the usual summer season, supplemented with spring and fall retreats. Though partially winterized, the camp stays pretty quiet during the coldest months of the year.

Sylvan Hills has a new main assembly hall with sparkling floors, air conditioning, and a well-equipped kitchen. Downstairs, not far from the volleyball court, are nicely appointed sleeping rooms, separate from the boys and girls dorms.

I suppose Sylvan Hills looks like most Christian camps within the Restoration Movement, and that is what I find so satisfying. That 14 churches can maintain such a delightful facility is a testament to valuing community among congregations.

Across the nation there are dozens of camps operated by Christian churches. The Restoration Movement took the lead in the Christian camping community, with the first camps starting in the latter half of the 19th century. The venerable Oregon Christian Convention’s camplike facility is the granddaddy of them all, with a main tabernacle erected in the 19th century that seats more than 1,000.

The predictability of Christian camps is comforting. Covered shelters provide room for classes to meet. Chapels without walls invite the summer breeze into worship, while canvas drop-downs keep out the occasional thunderstorm. On the prettiest location you’ll find benches surrounding a campfire, with a cross in the background, and maybe a pulpit on a tree stump.

I worked 25 straight years of senior high camp, and I lived to tell about it! Most of that time was at Catskill Christian Assembly in upstate New York. A lot of the highlights of my spiritual life were experienced on the hillside above Schoharie Creek.

I had a marvelous time with the folks who spent the day at Sylvan Hills. I admired their enthusiasm for a new church started in their midst just two years ago. I especially appreciated the honest affection so obvious among them.

I’ve often thought I would like to retire on the grounds of a Christian service camp, where I could watch a new generation find a heart for ministry while they worship in the natural beauty. I think it would be good preparation for the mansion I will have just off those streets of gold.

Christ the Cornerstone

During the uncertain times of politics and the economy we remember that Christ is the cornerstone of our lives. He is the anchor, the rock who does not move except to lead us in His will and in His ways.

It is tremendously encouraging to be part of a ministry that experiences the faithfulness of God’s people. As we learn of businesses that need to cut back, we are instead challenged to expand and grow.

As much as you might appreciate the summer camps and conferences, it is wonderful to hear reports from our retreat groups about how they are using the Camp as a resource to grow spiritually. Even though they might be here on the short, dark rainy days of winter they still remark concerning how God uses the splendor of this place as a setting for worship, praise, and spiritual growth.

There are some things to be looking forward to in the next few weeks. The winter Windchime will be sent out. You can view it now at

http://www.winema.org/Documents/Newsletters/2008novwindchime.pdf.

It has some pictures of the building project and a challenge for people to continue to give (as you are) to the project.

If you want to watch the progress, go to http://winemamissionsbuilding.blogspot.com/ where we regularly post pictures and comments.

The 2009 schedule of camps and conferences will appear along with the announcement that registration for the upcoming season is now open online.

We pray that this Christmas season will give you the opportunity to share Christ with someone you care about. And, we ask that you continue to keep the Camp in your prayers this holiday season.