By Kevin Witt, Director of Growing Spiritual Transformational LeadersRight now major renovations are underway at Wesley Forest Camp and Retreat Center that fulfill a vision of the wide embrace of God and Christ’s love. Please, join in to bring this vision to fruition. Our camp and retreat centers are places dedicated to genuine, deep experiences of God’s beloved community. As a connection of United Methodist congregations in shared mission, we provide these sacred places of pilgrimage not only as places apart for our own growth in love. These centers are also intentional crossroads of welcome and collaboration with others in the wider society who also are deeply committed to the transformation of lives and the common good.
White Pine Lodge is being completely renovated to meet The American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines. The interior of the building has been stripped down to the studs to recreate the space. In the past, it has been very challenging for persons living with handicapping conditions to participate in retreats and camps because the facilities caused significant barriers. Similar hurdles exist for seniors wanting to go deeper in their faith and want to join in with their communities only to have the facility design hinder their inclusion. The Board of Camp Retreat Ministries heard from individuals and groups both faith based and nonprofit transformation partners who highlighted a true and expanding need, including those in leadership as clergy and laity, young people and families whose full participation hinges on these changes. The growing requests and long-term missional need inspired this project.
“What moves me to dedicate myself and my time to achieve the renovations is the knowledge that we give people with physical challenges amazing opportunities to know the Creator in midst of the beauty of creation,” said Bill Toner, Project Coordinator. “They experience the love and welcome of Christ even in the design of facilities. The new bedrooms, restrooms and amenities say, ‘you belong and are fully embraced.’ This is the kind of project that needs a lot of people to pitch in and help. It is a way of living out your faith and doing something really meaningful that will enrich lives for years to come.”
“This project would not be possible without the dedication of some incredible, talented, and giving volunteers,” said Wesley Forest Center Director Emily Sliski. “Phase one, the renovation of the first wing of the building, is nearing completion and was made possible by thousands of individual volunteer labor hours. These incredible men and women inspire me with their desire to use their time and talents to enrich the lives of other. Phase two will begin in the coming months and we will need many, many volunteers, and so I extend the invitation to all of you to join in. Financial gifts are also key as people express the spiritual practice of generosity by giving to this vision.”
To volunteer: contact Emily Sliski at esliski@susumc.org
To give: make checks payable to
Susquehanna Conference and mail to
303 Mulberry Drive Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
Note on Check – Wide Embrace Project Wesley Forest
Give by credit card: call Tricia Frye in the Camp & Retreat Ministry office at 717-766-7395.
