Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
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.
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.
Friday, December 19, 2008
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.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
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.
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.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
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 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.
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
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.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
As of today the demolition of the Missions Building is officially complete. Right now there is nothing there for the demolition inspector to see. The slate has been wiped clean. On Friday the steel building package is scheduled to arrive and next week the concrete contractor is scheduled to start putting together the foundation forms.
There are still a number of things that need to come together before we start seeing the building go up, but for right now the empty space reminds me of what God wants to do in our lives. Seeing the empty space makes me wonder if God wants to just remodel and repair our lives or if His heart’s desire to is to totally remake our lives into something new. In Revelation 21 we look to a time when God dwells with His people, wiping away tears, and doing away with death, mourning, and pain. It is a time when “all things are being made new.”
The imagery of baptism in Romans 6 portrays us rising from the water to “walk in newness of life.” Through the various camps and conferences at Wi-Ne-Ma Christian Camp there is an opportunity to come at your relationship with Christ in new and fresh ways. It might be a fresh perspective on Scripture offered by one of the conference speakers. Or, it could be a new friend found among your cabin mates. Or, maybe it was just the opportunity to get away from the usual routine and spend some time alone with the Lord while walking on the beach. It seems like our faith in Christ should always and consistently lead us into things that are fresh and new.
So it is with a new building coming up along with a new camping season. There will be some new speakers and programs, and, as always some new campers arriving to experience Christian camping at Wi-Ne-Ma.
An update on the Missions Building project: demolition and site preparation is now complete. We are now working with our concrete contractor as he is starting to place the forms and rebar for the foundation and slab. If all goes well this week we should be starting to pour concrete within the next week. The steel building package has arrived, so as soon as the concrete sets up the crew will be able to come in and put the building up.
A website was set up where people can view pictures of the project and watch its progress. Go to http://winemamissionsbuilding.blogspot.com/ or you can find the link starting at www.winema.org.
We appreciate your continued prayers for the process as final details are being worked out for the actual construction to begin.
The various camp and conference committees are also meeting to plan the 2009 programs. Please continue to pray for these who carry out the various programs in the Camp’s ministry.
By November 15 the 2009 schedule and the opportunity to register for the camps and conferences will be available through the Camp’s website www.winema.org. We plan for printed materials to be mailed out in January as well.
There are still a number of things that need to come together before we start seeing the building go up, but for right now the empty space reminds me of what God wants to do in our lives. Seeing the empty space makes me wonder if God wants to just remodel and repair our lives or if His heart’s desire to is to totally remake our lives into something new. In Revelation 21 we look to a time when God dwells with His people, wiping away tears, and doing away with death, mourning, and pain. It is a time when “all things are being made new.”
The imagery of baptism in Romans 6 portrays us rising from the water to “walk in newness of life.” Through the various camps and conferences at Wi-Ne-Ma Christian Camp there is an opportunity to come at your relationship with Christ in new and fresh ways. It might be a fresh perspective on Scripture offered by one of the conference speakers. Or, it could be a new friend found among your cabin mates. Or, maybe it was just the opportunity to get away from the usual routine and spend some time alone with the Lord while walking on the beach. It seems like our faith in Christ should always and consistently lead us into things that are fresh and new.
So it is with a new building coming up along with a new camping season. There will be some new speakers and programs, and, as always some new campers arriving to experience Christian camping at Wi-Ne-Ma.
An update on the Missions Building project: demolition and site preparation is now complete. We are now working with our concrete contractor as he is starting to place the forms and rebar for the foundation and slab. If all goes well this week we should be starting to pour concrete within the next week. The steel building package has arrived, so as soon as the concrete sets up the crew will be able to come in and put the building up.
A website was set up where people can view pictures of the project and watch its progress. Go to http://winemamissionsbuilding.blogspot.com/ or you can find the link starting at www.winema.org.
We appreciate your continued prayers for the process as final details are being worked out for the actual construction to begin.
The various camp and conference committees are also meeting to plan the 2009 programs. Please continue to pray for these who carry out the various programs in the Camp’s ministry.
By November 15 the 2009 schedule and the opportunity to register for the camps and conferences will be available through the Camp’s website www.winema.org. We plan for printed materials to be mailed out in January as well.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Signs of Fall
What a wonderful journey the past two months have been! Alongside the youth camps this summer we had tremendously inspiring family camps in Week of Missions, Family Bible Conference, and Septemberfest. The summer camping season ended 981 youth campers in the various sessions. One neighbor across the lake commented on how much she enjoyed watching as many of the camps closed their sessions with baptisms in the lake. All of these camps and conferences are not possible without the number of program staff volunteers who are essentially “the ministry” of Wi-Ne-Ma Christian Camp. As important as this place is for God to use to draw people to Himself, how much more so the people who come to share the Good News of God’s love in Christ through the various programs here.
The summer camping season concluded with celebrating Friends of Wi-Ne-Ma Day. About 180 people gathered for this event that included overnight stay at the Camp, concert, lunch, and the silent and oral auction. Proceeds from the Day are anticipated to come in at about $30,000. Of that amount $13,450 was raised as part of the Special Project during the oral auction. This is a time when no item is auctioned, just the opportunity to give to the Missions Building project. Once again the Camp is blessed by the generosity of God’s people.
We are pleased to announce that work has begun on the Missions Building project. The final plans have been made and delivered. As soon as Family Bible Conference concluded the Missions Building was emptied out and demolition began. Clark Tanner, one of the speakers for Family Bible Conference, led the whole group in prayer for the ministry of Wi-Ne-Ma Christian Camp and the role of the Missions Building in that ministry. Then everybody picked up some chairs and moved them into our storage areas. On September 8 the demolition crews came in much to the enjoyment of Septemberfest attendees who set up chairs in the RV area to watch the show. If our schedule holds up, we should be pouring the concrete foundation in October. The steel building will also be delivered in October. Then, in November we should start seeing the new building being erected. Again, please continue to pray for this project as we need the weather and the contractor’s schedules to cooperate at times.
A website was set up where people can view pictures of the project and watch its progress. Go to http://winemamissionsbuilding.blogspot.com/ or you can find the link starting at www.winema.org.
The summer camping season concluded with celebrating Friends of Wi-Ne-Ma Day. About 180 people gathered for this event that included overnight stay at the Camp, concert, lunch, and the silent and oral auction. Proceeds from the Day are anticipated to come in at about $30,000. Of that amount $13,450 was raised as part of the Special Project during the oral auction. This is a time when no item is auctioned, just the opportunity to give to the Missions Building project. Once again the Camp is blessed by the generosity of God’s people.
We are pleased to announce that work has begun on the Missions Building project. The final plans have been made and delivered. As soon as Family Bible Conference concluded the Missions Building was emptied out and demolition began. Clark Tanner, one of the speakers for Family Bible Conference, led the whole group in prayer for the ministry of Wi-Ne-Ma Christian Camp and the role of the Missions Building in that ministry. Then everybody picked up some chairs and moved them into our storage areas. On September 8 the demolition crews came in much to the enjoyment of Septemberfest attendees who set up chairs in the RV area to watch the show. If our schedule holds up, we should be pouring the concrete foundation in October. The steel building will also be delivered in October. Then, in November we should start seeing the new building being erected. Again, please continue to pray for this project as we need the weather and the contractor’s schedules to cooperate at times.
A website was set up where people can view pictures of the project and watch its progress. Go to http://winemamissionsbuilding.blogspot.com/ or you can find the link starting at www.winema.org.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
