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Outdoor & Retreat Ministries Update
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December 2009 |
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The Importance of Camp
 Dear Joshua,
Hello! Have you realized the importance of camping and retreat experiences? We offer unique experiences meant to help you grow in your faith. ORM Executive Director Bruce Nelson has written a wonderful letter stressing why your church needs ORM. Please read this article below, entitled "Where Christ is Known and Made Known."
Also, you will find information within about our upcoming Ski Camps and how you can save on summer camp by bringing friends! In addition, Wesley Woods has been spending some time building a "Little Chapel in the Woods." Check out all the new and exciting things going on at Reynoldswood and Wesley Woods!
Sincerely,
Joshua Easton
Program Director, Outdoor & Retreat Ministries
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"Where Christ is Known and Made Known"
Since the inception of United Methodist Camp/Retreat Ministries, the church has recognized the remarkable effectiveness of camp/retreat settings and experiences in opening people's hearts, souls and minds for encounters with God. A closer relationship with God leads many participants to decisions of faith that shapes who they are and what they do throughout their entire lives. It is vital for leaders of camp/retreat ministry to consciously understand and more fully embrace this responsibility which the church as a whole counts on us to cooperate with God to provide through each and every camp, retreat or conference we host.
A focus on Christian hospitality and community, on encouraging greater love of God and neighbor, on appreciating the sacredness of creation as an expression of the Word of God, and on developing persons for spiritual leadership within society distinguishes, in large part, is the unique purpose of Christian camp/retreat ministries. We must remember that we offer something beyond what participants may gain from other types of secular camp and retreat experiences.
ORM offers a ministry that connects to and enhances the local church's ministry to children and youth, evangelism and discipleship ministry to all. ORM has the tools in place to help a local church develop disciples and form leaders for the ministry with Jesus Christ. ORM is a vital part of the Christian Discipleship program for the Northern Illinois Conference of the United Methodist Church. ORM and the NIC's essential mission is outlined in Matthew 28:18-20. ORM serves as a host to retreats and programmed events for children, youth, adults and seniors while developing partnerships with the leadership of the NIC to meet the goals of Harvest 2020. Retreat, meeting, and personal spiritual renewal space is our key contribution to the youth, clergy and laity of this Conference.
Ministry can happen in any environment whether indoors or out, but must be in a place where learning can be fostered and the basic needs for comfort and safety are present. Our facilities are safe and clean. Come to join us in a program this year where the teachings of Jesus Christ have the opportunity to come to life in you (or your child) and where you can make friends and build relationships that will last a lifetime.
Visit us on the web or give the office a call at 1-800-NIC-CAMP.
Yours in Christ,
Bruce Nelson
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Ski Camps 2010 - "Carving the Path"
Join other Junior and Senior High youth groups for a weekend of worship, spiritual encouragement, and of course, adventures on the ski slopes of Alpine Valley!
Dates for 2010 are:
January 15-17
January 29-31
February 5-7
February 12-14
$140 per person per skier
$82 per person per non-skier
Retreats will be held at Wesley Woods Conference Center in Williams Bay, WI. For more information or to reserve your spot, contact Connie at orm@niccamp.org or 1-800-NIC-CAMP.
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Summer Camp 2010 - Bring A Friend and Save!
We invite you to bring a friend to summer camp next year, earning yourself a 15% discount on your 2010 summer camp fee.
To see summer camp 2010 information, click here.
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Wesley Woods Building Little Chapel in the Woods
We here at Wesley Woods have recently acquired a building that we moved onto the property. This building will serve as our Little Chapel in the Woods for summer campers and retreat groups. It will be an exciting addition to our already beautiful property. We need people to come and help renovate the building. The Chapel needs to be leveled and have some kind of foundation put under it. We have received some stained glass windows from Crystal Lake UMC that need to be installed. There are also benches/pews that need to be gone over that were donated by Downers Grove UMC. We are looking for a pot bellied wood burning stove as there will be no heat or electricity to the building as we are trying to keep the Chapel as Green Friendly as possible. The building needs to be painted after the windows are installed. The Chapel will also be the beginning point for our new prayer walk that winds through the upper parts of our property. This prayer trail will be constructed by Bull Valley Landscaping and the Woodstock UMC.
All interested groups can contact Jeff Fry the Site Director of Wesley Woods. The phone number is (262)245-6631 or e-mail us at wesleywoods1955@hotmail.com.
Jeff Fry
Site Director, Wesley Woods
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Book Your Retreat for Reynoldswood or Wesley Woods Today!
Our two different sites, Reynoldswood and Wesley Woods, have unique spiritual settings ideal for your retreat group. Take a look at what each of our sites has to offer by visiting their websites. You can see pictures and information on all of the services provided by each site.
Visit Reynoldswood
Visit Wesley Woods
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As always, you can always get more information from our website http://www.niccamp.org/
Thanks for supporting Outdoor & Retreat Ministries.
God Bless,
Joshua Easton
Program Director, Outdoor & Retreat Ministries |
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