Rev. Kevin Witt, Director of Growing Spiritual Transformational Leaders
Meister Eckhart, renowned 14th Century Christian teacher, said “If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough.” The spiritual practice of gratitude notices the good, trusts in God’s love, and participates in new possibilities. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19 offers some counter intuitive wisdom encouraging us to rejoice, pray, and give thanks in all circumstances (not necessarily for all circumstances). Thanksgiving helps us avoid quenching the Spirit’s work within and among us.
Camp and Retreat Ministry noticed something amid the mass cancellations due to COVID, the financial hardship, furloughing of staff, and the illness and suffering many of our camper families and local churches went through. Amid all that struggle, an outpouring of love and stunning generosity emerged. We see the good and thank God for YOU!
You turned a time of hardship into a fountain of blessing. Many individuals and congregations stepped up as donor partners and volunteers to create a different outcome by contributing to the vitality of our 5 Camp and Retreat Centers. You make it possible to offer sacred spaces and experiences that transform so many lives. People need faith journeys in community that become milestones of inspiration in their life with Jesus. In 2020, you provided over $170,000 in gifts for the Camp Comeback Campaign, scholarships, and much needed projects. In addition, thousands of volunteer hours improved the centers. Your generosity makes all the difference for those served by a ministry we all have a part in as United Methodists across Central PA.
Summer Camp is coming back in 2021 with your help! We thank the many volunteers who will play pivotal roles as leaders with the campers this summer. They are now preparing diligently along with the Center staff. Pray for all those who will live the way of love as Christian mentors for the children, youth and families attending this summer. It will be a more complex and demanding summer due to additional health protocols. At the same time, it promises to be one of the most meaningful summers ever for campers who really need to connect with God and each other as they grow in discipleship. Children and youth long to regain a sense of adventure, joy, and fun, which camp also offers in a big way. For information on Summer Camp in 2021 and to register go to: www.susumcamps.org
Donor support is crucial again this year! We deeply appreciate every gift you will give to the 2021 Camp Comeback Campaign, and we want to be sure you realize how much it is needed. Almost all groups cancelled again this Spring due to COVID restrictions and concerns. Summer camp will operate at ½ of our normal capacity this summer. We will need to bring additional staff back on for the summer, but our revenue will be much less than normal. Outdoor canopies will need to be purchased so groups can spread out, food service operations will be more costly in providing meals differently, more equipment will be required, etc. Families where parents have been furloughed or lost jobs will need scholarship help from all of us who can give. Together we can reach the $100,000 goal for 2021.
Give Online: www.susumcamps.org and click on the donate button in the upper right corner.
Donate by Check: Make payable to “The Susquehanna Conference UMC” and on the description line indicate Camp and Retreat Ministry. Send to: SUS Camp and Retreat Ministry, 303 Mulberry Drive, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050.
Thank you Everyone! We cherish being in ministry with you!
