Scotland Mission Pilgrimage: Tuesday Update
Our leadership capstone trip to Scotland is in full swing and is posting their adventures online for us all to keep up with. Below is their most recent post but you can catch up on all their adventures here:
2017 Scotland Mission Pilgrimage
Tuesday Update
After morning worship on Tuesday we all donned our Wellies and backpacks and began our long pilgrimage throughout the island. Our first stop was St. Martins cross just outside of the abbey where we reflected on the deep and vibrant religious history on the island. Next we stopped at a nook on the side of the abbey where Joe and Drew presented us with a dramatic representation of God summoning us to the journey of Christ.
The next stop on our journey was about a mile down the road at the spot of the only place on the island where two paths meet at a crossroads. Here we stopped to rest and journaled about the personal crossroads that we were reaching in our own lives; the decisions that we would be making in the future that maybe we would need God’s help with.
Following our eye opening journal session, we began the long and tedious trek through the bog that sits on the south side of the island in hopes of arriving at the marble quarry that lies on the coast there. It hasn’t rained here in a while and at first it appeared that we weren’t going to have a problem with wet ground, but we soon discovered that this would not be the case. Underneath the vegetation in this area there is standing water and mud, and Shari was the first one to get up close and personal with it. Her boots got stuck in the mud and when she was attempting to extract herself she ended up on her back drenched in mud.
Ben was the next person to fall victim to the bog. Along the path there was a stream surrounded by mud, and Ben who was not wearing Wellies, had the smart idea that he was going to jump over the creek. For a moment it really looked like he was going to make it over, but at the last moment his back foot caught the edge of the mud, and fell face first into the mud.
The next victims were Matt and Emery. Without Wellies, Matt was forced to hop, on Emery’s back to cross the mud. Halfway across, Emery found himself stuck knee deep in muck, while Matt was safe on the other side. Matt decided to go back and attempt to help Emery out of the mud. After many tugs and pulls, and no luck, Matt decided to yank Emery up out of the mud. Matt then found himself sitting in the mud, soaking wet.
Once we arrived in the general area of the quarry, we had to split up into groups to search for it, as it was hidden down by the shore. We spent a good hour and a half looking along the shore before Emery, Matt, Ben, John, Kirk, Chris, and Teresa arrived at the gorge on the edge of the shore. The rest of the group soon arrived, and together we basked in the sun, and searched for Iona marble, a special type of white marble with serpentine swirled through it that can only be found on Iona. Here we reflected on how our actions as humans effect God’s creation and how it is our responsibility to take care of that creation.
After just taking some time to enjoy God’s creation we made the long trek back to our hostel and smashed some spectacular fried chicken made by Brianna and Annika. We couldn’t have asked for a better day to walk across the island. The sun was shining bright, and the sky was actually clear. Obviously we couldn’t help but watch the sunset, so while some watched from the house, and some watched from the beach, Ben, Chris, Emery, Joe, and Gus climbed to the top of Dun I and watched the sun go down from what felt like the top of the world.
We finished the night with a powerful worship service on the beach before we all crashed into bed.
It was a day filled with reflection for everyone, and during one of those times of reflection, Annika wrote a poem that all will agree encapsulated our day, and so we will end this post with her very elegant words:
Travelers wandering into the lands of the unknown, each ending up in the same destination.
Sunshine soaked up by their souls, dedicated they were; never giving up.
Steep valleys where the green grass flourishes, home to the soaring birds in the blue sky.
The sea guiding them, the wind whispers in their ears.
White marble sparkles in the sun, they rest.
Bright blue water welcomes them with kisses of salt, the waves just barely touching them.
Young travelers are never lost, The compass of Christ directs them to his temple.
Into nature to free our minds; Not looking, but to find our souls.
Spring Clean-Up Day: Saturday, May 13
If you’re looking for a mini-mission opportunity, here it is!
Camp Greenwood’s Spring Clean-Up Day transforms camp from winter slumber to summer action! Work will include raking paths, painting, cleaning cabins, removing shutters, putting up screens and doing minor repairs. There is a job for every one and every ability! No special skills are required.
It is refreshing to spend a day at camp after a cold winter. You’ll meet fun co-workers, have great camp meals and serve a worthy cause. Most importantly, many hands will make light work for everyone!
Plan to bring any personal work items and some clothes to get dirty. Breakfast starts at 8:32 am sharp. A $15 registration fee covers meals and supplies.
We really appreciate your generosity and energy!
Check Out What we Have in Store
After much careful crafting our summer brochure is ready! Copies are going out in the mail hot off the presses but you can download a PDF version right now.
Be sure to check out our recently revamped Devil’s Lake Expedition. This is an advanced trip for those who already have some climbing experience under their belts and want to push their boundaries.
Register today and you’ll get $15 off your registration.
At Greenwood or on the road, we’re looking forward to another great summer!
Greenwood Ministries Association approved to operate Camp Greenwood!
On Tuesday, Dec 6th the Presbytery of Lake Michigan approved a motion to allow Greenwood Ministries Association, a new non-profit organization to manage Camp Greenwood and to begin strategic planning for the use of the camp property. A large part of the support for the Greenwood Ministries Association was the successful summer of 2016 and the $106,275 pledged from over 100 pledging units to support and improve the operations at Greenwood.
Quoting a supporter of Greenwood “Thanks to God and so many others! So much hard work. So much success in a short period of time. So much promise for the future. Light, hope and joy in this season of Christmas. Praise God!”
We are so grateful for all of the pledges of support for Greenwood Ministries Association. We are very excited about all who have chosen to be a member of GMA. We will be contacting you with more information about our first annual meeting and ways to serve after the first of the year.
Summer 2017 Registration is Open!
Camp Greenwood has launched an exciting 2017 Schedule! It’s time to register for an unforgettable experience this summer!
Check our new and exciting schedule featuring multiple opportunities for exploration, skill building, character development and pure fun! Register by January 15th to receive a $20 discount and the opportunity to be entered into a drawing for an extra free week at camp!
Time at camp plays a critical role in the year round education of your child! Camp develops confidence, resilience and independence. Time at Camp Greenwood is a gift of life skills that children and youth need to be strong, caring and creative adults.
Camp Greenwood located on the beautiful Woodbeck chain of lakes is a unique opportunity to experience community, grow in Christ and celebrate God’s creation.
Don’t miss this window of opportunity to get $20 off your registration fee and enter a drawing for an extra free week of camp! Register Today!
Highlights from Summer 2016
We’ve been featuring a lot of photos from the summer on our Facebook page but we’re happy to be able to share here our summer 2016 highlights video!
A Message from the Presbytery
“The purpose of the Presbytery of Lake Michigan is to challenge, encourage and equip
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| Greetings to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. May the peace of Christ be with you.
The purpose of this communication is to address concerns some have expressed regarding two communications, which you may have received last week. In one email, the Greenwood Ministry Association announced the formation of its new nonprofit corporation and solicited funding support. Another email from the Presbytery of Lake Michigan office announced upcoming financial decisions confronting us sharing some hard facts.
The Leadership Team reported to Presbytery at the February meeting, that based on consultation with Sessions and various entities by its task force convened by George Hunsberger in fall of 2015, that Presbytery would NOT be operating a camping ministry at Camp Greenwood in 2017. The Leadership Team appointed a Camp Exploration Transition Team made up of two members of the Leadership Team, and two members of the Greenwood Agency and convened by the General Presbyter to explore two scenarios identified by the earlier Task Force for a new future for Camp Greenwood. Those scenarios include collaboration with other camp(s). This team has been in communication with several interested groups. Thursday, August 18th is the deadline for proposals. The team is scheduled to meet Monday, August 22nd to consider proposals. They will report and make recommendation to the Leadership Team. The Leadership Team will hold a hearing on Thursday, August 25 to hear from the Camp Exploration Transition Team. Members of the Budget & Finance Committee, the Greenwood Agency, and the Discipleship Ministry Team have been invited to hear, ask questions, and comment on this initial report to the Leadership Team. They will update Presbytery at the September 17th meeting. They will work through October to perfect the preferred proposal, and share recommendation to Presbytery in November for consideration at the December 6th meeting. The Presbytery approved plan will then be put into motion.
The Greenwood Ministry Association is one group preparing a proposal in coalition with Camp Westminster at Higgins Lake to conduct camping ministry at Camp Greenwood next year. For their proposal to be considered they need to show financial viability with a five year business plan. Other anticipated proposals will likely involve selling camp property and reinvesting in other camp ministry.
The Presbytery Office communication was not authorized by the Leadership Team or Budget & Finance Committee. We regret this communication implied to some advocacy for a particular position. Its intent was to share the larger financial stress within many of our congregations and presbytery. The Budget & Finance Committee reports a significant operating deficit this year. The Budget & Finance Committee held budget hearings with ministry unit leaders yesterday, Tuesday, August 16. The concern was that people need to know that something has to give. Either we find new income, or some combination of major reductions will be required for campus ministries, covenant partners and presbytery staff.
Important decisions are before us! In facing them, may we live out our faith in boldness and not fear. We covenant to guide in an informed transparent process. We encourage everyone to bring your best Christ like selves to this difficult task and to whatever decision(s) are made.
Yours in Christ,
Helen Havlik, Moderator Andrew Thorburn Vice Moderator George Hunsberger, Past Moderator/Leadership Team Chairperson John Best, General Presbyter Fran Lane Lawrence, Stated Clerk Wayne Komejan, Treasurer |
Bring a Friend to Camp!
Bring a friend with you to camp and both of you will receive an exclusively designed “Friends at Camp Greenwood” t-shirt in addition to the camp shirt that everyone receives. This is great not just for the week of camp but also to have someone to talk to the rest of the year who really understands what Camp Greenwood is all about!
In order to qualify:
- Your friend must register between now and June 10
- Your friend must indicate that they were referred by a currently registered camper
- Your friend must be registering for a session that you are also registered for
Get the process started, check out our summer schedule then let your friend know when you’ll be at camp!
A New Management Partnership
Camp Westminster on Higgins Lake and Camp Greenwood near Greenville are partnering to provide even more young people with the special opportunities of attending summer camp. We are sharing some staff. We are finding opportunities for cost savings and efficiency improvements through shared administrative functions. Camp Director Suzanne Bates and Fund Development Director Jim Bates are providing leadership for both camps.
12 Ways you can Help Camp Greenwood
Greenwood depends upon the generous support of you, our extended camp community. Below are just a few ways you can support Greeenwood as we prepare for another great summer season.
1. Register your child, grandchild, neighbor, church member for camp online at campgreenwood.org/register or call us at 616-754-7258 or mail in your registration form.
2. Plan a family camp, men’s work weekend, youth retreat, mission trip at Greenwood this summer and fall at campgreenwood.org
3. Make a donation to the scholarship fund at campgreenwood.org/donation
4. Put a link to the camp website on your church’s website.
5. Put Greenwood’s bulletin blurbs in your bulletins, go to campgreenwood.org/subscribe to make sure you are on our email list and then forward emails to others.
6. Plan a Camp Sunday or family night and invite a Greenwood representative to be there.
7. Like us on Facebook, comment on posts and share them.
8. Volunteer to be a camp chaplain for a week.
9. Volunteer to be the camp nurse for a week.
10. With your church’s mission committee put together backpacks for camp for nancially challenged campers.
11. Pray for staff that are coming to camp or adopt and support a staff member for the summer.
12. Keep the ministry and all those who serve there in your prayers.
