NON PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID Crossroads Ind. Inc. Gaylord, MI 49735 Permit #281 7898 W. Stony Lake Rd New Era, MI 49446 (231) 861-4138 office@elcalivingwater.com www.elcalivingwater.com Fall 2016 LIVING WATER T H E N E W S L E T T E R O F L I V I N G WAT E R M I N I S T R I E S In This Issue: Redefining Normal The White House Gets A Makeover Summer 2016 Infographic Camper Testimonies The 2017 Charge Bridge Builders Goes National Day Camp Takes Our Mission on the Road Breaking New Ground with MYLA Fundraising Spotlight The 2016 Gathering 2016 Donors
Mission Bringing together all of God s children to experience Christian community, grow in faith, develop leadership skills, and serve others. Vision Create communities centered in Christ to transform lives and the world. Core Values Excellence Christian Community Faith Formation Welcome to All CALENDAR DEC 27 The Michigan Gathering December 27-30, 2016 at The Radisson in Lansing, MI JAN 15 Summer Camp Registration Opens January 15, 2017 www.elcalivingwater.com MAR 24 The Junior High Charge March 24-26, 2017 Great Wolf Lodge in Traverse City, MI Redefining Normal C.J. Clark Executive Director My life has been relatively easy. I grew up in an upper middle class family in a neighborhood filled with colonial houses, good schools within walking distance, and a woods where I would safely play nearly everday with little supervision. I have no memory from childhood of a time when I feared for my safety, or a time I wondered when next I might eat a meal. Christmas was a magical time with numerous presents under the tree. Both of my parents were present and involved in my life. They made sure I was exposed to the arts and given the opportunity to explore my own talents. I was raised in the church, active in youth group, and given the opportunity to attend camp and youth conferences to help develop my faith. My parents nurtured me every step of the way as I matured into adulthood. When I was sixteen I got my driver s license. Soon after that I got my first job. Soon after that I got my first car. I had expendable income I spent on things like comic books, music, and fast food. In my parent s house, going to college was always an expectation. Mom and Dad saved enough so that I had the choice to attend a private school like Valparaiso University. Upon graduation from Valpo I immediately found employment in my field of study. I ve never struggled to be employed and have had the luxury of pursuing a career I love. I share all this with you to tell you that I am extremely privileged. The experiences I ve had, the opportunities I ve been given, and the behaviors I ve learned seem fairly normative for a white, middle-class person in this country. But they aren t the norm for everybody in this country. There are children raised in environments where food and shelter are not daily guarantees. There are children raised in environments where they fear for their physical safety on a daily basis. There are children raised in environments without the support or involvement of their parents. There are children raised in environments where the ideas of owning your own car, getting a job, and going to college feel out of reach. There are children raised in environments where they don t get to be children at all. These children deserve faith formative experiences where they are loved and valued for who they are. They deserve to see Christ in themselves and know that others see Christ in them as well. (continued on page 2) 1
Redefining Normal (continued from page 1) Living Water Ministries is wrestling with how we design our programs for an increasingly diverse population of campers with different sets of socio-economic and cultural norms. We re wrestling with how we fulfill our mission to Bring together all of God s children to experience Christian community in a way that embraces and celebrates the differences that exist. We re wrestling with how we prepare our campers, congregations, staff, volunteers, and adult leaders for experiences of faith that are truly inclusive of all. As we navigate this space, our programs continue to evolve. In fact, it s my belief that the 2016 summer season was the most innovative and impactful summer of ministry Living Water Ministries has provided in the nearly 11 years I have been with the organization. In large part this belief is due to the infusion of new campers we received as a result of our All of God s Children campaign, the relevancy of our Bridge Builders program, and the launch of MYLA (Multicultural Youth Leadership Academy). We re expanding the audience of campers we serve in order that the gospel be shared as far and wide as possible. We re also tackling real issues that impact the church and world, training young leaders, and achieving diversity with authentic, reciprocal relationships (not just for statistical boasting). I invite you to take the time to read the stories of these programs, and the testimonies of the campers who attended them. I also invite you to be a part of the innovative work happening at Living Water Ministries as we bring together ALL of God s children. C.J. Clark Executive Director The White House Gets a Makeover The White House has stood on the property of Stony Lake since the turn of the 20th century. When Stony Lake opened in 1945, this beautiful home served as the dining hall. Today, it primarily houses the adult leaders that accompany groups of youth from congregations. The White House is also a popular rental facility for families, reunions, and weddings. Over the last 10 years there have been updates to the home including bathroom renovations, sleeping room updates, and a new wrap around porch. In June of 2016, a work crew from Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Lansing, MI came to Stony Lake to further update the White House by installing new siding and windows. It also happens that the people of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Lansing also funded the bulk of this project with their generosity. As Living Water Ministries works to transform the world in the name of Christ, these volunteers spent considerable energy and resources transforming our facility in the name of Christ! We are extremely thankful for this gift! BEFORE 2 AFTER
SUMMER 2016 BY THE NUMBERS 13 % 136 % 31 % Increase in attendance at Stony Lake Increase in attendance at Road Trip Adventures Increase in attendance at Day Camp 96% of parents who responded to our survey rated our programs above average 95% of parents who responded to our survey rated our summer staff above average Total campers served by location Stony Lake 46.6% (670 campers) Day Camp 49.8% (717 campers) Road Trip Adventures 3.6%, (52 campers) 10.2% Episcopal Diocese of Michigan (68 campers) Stony Lake campers by source 26.4% Individuals & Partner Org. (177 campers) 28.8% SEMI Synod (193 campers) 34.6% NWL Synod (232 campers) 143 Scholarships Awarded in 2016 (50 scholarships awarded in 2015) $49,845 Scholarship Funds Awarded in 2016 ($13,200 awarded in 2015) 3
Camper Testimonies Living Water Ministries strives to fan the flames of faith in all who attend our programs. We do this by focusing our programs on living out our faith through service experiences, leadership opportunities, and building communities with Christ at the center. Our mission is defined by the idea that we bring together all of God s children for an experience that reflects the world as it should be. Through our programs, campers come to understand their value to God, and their value to their peers. Campers come to understand themselves, their gifts, their capacity to love, and their capacity to receive love. It s truly a transformational experience. It s so transformational that our big lofty goal at Living Water Ministries is that our campers return to the world excited, empowered, and equipped to serve others, lead others, and form community with others in the name of Christ. Through our programs it is our prayer that campers lives are changed and that they will, in turn, change the world. However, don t take our word for it. Hear directly from our campers about how their experiences impacted them! What was most meaningful? How has your faith grown? How will you change the world? I gotta say Bible study was very meaningful to me because I got to hang out with people I enjoy hanging out with and I also got to learn more about God. It s grown because I ve heard other people s faith stories. -Benicio (Elementary Camper) I ll remember what I was taught and what I learned here and I ll do my best with whatever needs work. What was most meaningful? How has your faith grown? What was most fun? Probably devotions. It made me connect with God more and helped me connect with my group more. Good. At first I wanted to go home, but now I want to stay. Making new friends that share the same faith as you is pretty fun. -Tayvion (Junior High Camper) -Lennox (Junior High Camper) -Joe (Junior High Camper) -Isis (Junior High Camper) -Anna (Junior High Camper) 4
Registration Opens November 1! www.elcalivingwater.com/charge NEW! GET CHARGED! The Junior High Charge will bring groups of middle school youth (grades 6-8) together to form faith through worship, small groups, and congregational time. It is also our goal that through skillshops (workshops) emphasizing service opportunities, leadership development, and community (through team building) we can energize youth to return home ready to make change in the world in the name of Christ. Registration opens November 1st, 2016! AGAPE* (Dave Scherer) will be our speaker in 2017! per person program fee if registered by January 16th (includes access to waterpark) per person program fee if registered after January 16th (includes access to waterpark) per room housing fee booked directly with hotel (each room houses up to 6 people) 5
Bridge Builders Goes National Leadership training for high school youth has never been more poignant and relevant than it is through our Bridge Builders program. For four years, Living Water Ministries has been developing young leaders for the church and world with a raised awareness and understanding of the realities of racism. ALEXIA Bridge Builder In the fall of 2015, the ELCA awarded Living Water Ministries a $20,925.00 grant in order that we might expand the reach of the Bridge Builders program beyond the borders of Michigan. These grant funds were part of the youth and young adult portion of the Campaign for the ELCA. Participants from Oregon, Texas, Missouri, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania responded to advertising & personal invitation and traveled to New Era, Michigan. Once at Stony Lake, they joined youth from Michigan congregations to grow in faith, grow as leaders, and grow in their understanding of racism. A time in which I experienced true unity was during campfire last night. Campfire felt unified because everyone was laughing and dancing and being worry-free with people of other races and cultures. The community of camp was blessed by the 32 young leaders that spent a week of their life celebrating diversity and digging in on how they can change the world as an expression of their faith. Through the dedicated faciliation of the Bridge Builders program by pastors & lay leaders from our two ELCA Synods in the lower peninsula of Michigan, Bridge Builders is now having an impact in the church and world nationwide. LUIS Bridge Builder The world will never be the same as these youth grow into adulthood and help dismantle systemic racism from the inside out. We talked about so many things in such little time. We talked about personal things. We talked about our experiences. We laughed, talked, smiled, listened, were there for each other and more. 6
GRACE Bridge Builder SOFIA Bridge Builder The connections we started to make during low ropes brought everyone closer which made them feel comfortable enough to be open at small groups and caucuses. I was doing a worship skill shop and God took over. He made me feel so close to people like I ve never felt before. NEHEMIAH Bridge Builder LETICIA Bridge Builder Yesterday I was very impressed with my small group discussing the experience they had relating to privilege and racism. I did not know that they would be as upset as I was with society nowadays. A time I felt togetherness is when we have campfire or morning worship. Those moments bring people together to share feelings and to experience God. 7
Day Camp Takes Our Mission on the Road by Katie Higgs Day Camp provides us with a unique opportunity to form Christ-centered community out in the world. Our staff is invited into congregations that are already a part of a larger community, and then they are able to form connections with people who live and work in that community. For this reason, we see our day camp teams as missionaries. Every week, they travel to a new place to do ministry out in the world. We know that various obstacles keep kids from coming to camp. As Living Water Ministries is committed to Bringing together ALL of God s children, we must have the understanding that we have to go out into the world in order to make that a reality. Each week, we bring faith formation to new communities and we increase our capacity to share the gospel and the love of Jesus with young people we encounter all over Michigan. Recently, one of our teams put on a Day Camp at Trinity Lutheran Church in Brown City, Michigan. Brown City is in the thumb of Michigan, on the opposite side of the state from Stony Lake. Many of the families at Trinity had never been involved with Living Water Ministries. For this reason, it is important that we meet them where they are to give people the experience of faith formation and the sense of community that our Day Camp teams bring with them. Campers were able to experience the joys of faith through singing songs, arts and crafts, bible study, and playing games. It was moving to see that happen, and to have parents tell us that their kids were so excited to be a part of Day Camp. One parent in particular talked to us about how their kids came home singing the songs they learned every night. The pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church told us how happy she was to be able to give her congregation this experience. She talked about how special the opportunity was for the families involved, and the community as a whole. The local Methodist Church and the Community Bible Church were also involved, as well as families who did not belong to a church. I believe this is why the ministry of Day Camp is so important, because it has the potential to bring communities together. Living Water Ministries was able to host Day Camps in Flint, Bloomfield Hills, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Livonia, Whitehall, Brown City, Belleville, Saginaw, Alpena, Grosse Pointe, Romeo, New Era, and Traverse City during our 2016 season.. If you wish to know more about our Day Camp Program, please contact us today with any questions. Parachute Games: Day Camp staff, volunteers, and campers enjoy parachute games. 8
Breaking New Ground with MYLA (Multicultural Youth Leadership Academy) Pastor Yehiel Curry serves Shekinah Chapel (ELCA) in Riverdale, IL. He also serves as Executive Director of Rescue, Release, Restore. For many years Rescue, Release, Restore has provided camp programs for African American boys and girls ages 8-17 through their SIMBA (Safe In My Brother s Arms) and SIMSA (Safe In My Sister s Arms) programs. In the fall of 2015, Living Water Ministries was humbled to be invited by Pastor Yehiel to partner to create a multicultural week of camp now known as MYLA. Pastor Curry s vision was to host a week of camp at Stony Lake that brought youth ages 13-16 together from various backgrounds to celebrate diverse cultures, and raise leaders for the church and world. Sunitha Mortha, Director of Mission Formation at the ELCA was also invited by Pastor Yehiel to partner along with Glocal musicians under her tutelage. August 5-12, 2016 marked the inaugural year for MYLA and the culmination of Pastor Curry s vision. In a world often torn apart by racial division & polarization, MYLA serves as a beautiful testament to what we have to gain when we come together in community and celebrate our differences with a model of accompaniment. Cultures were celebrated, leaders were formed, and the world has been and will be transformed by what God is doing through MYLA. Where are you from? What is your culture? What makes you you? MYLA Camper MYLA Camper MYLA Staff I am from beautiful dresses with decorative beads and coins. I am from a good bowl of pho and papaya for desert. I am from the Hmong people out of Wisconsin. I am from the love story of Mai Yia Lor and Por Go Thao. I am Melani Thao. I am from my mothers vegan lasagna, my grandmothers cornbread, and some collard greens. I am from the smell of lavender incense, beans boiling in the kitchen and the active funk of sneaker musk. I am from Michael Jackson, Jill Scott, Charlie Parker and the mighty sounds of Coltrane. I am from a game of football, relaxing at the beach and singing together under the gazebo. I am Kwasi Stampley. 9 I am from the smell of jasmine, cold cream and old spice. I am from the sweet taste of gulab jamun, paneer and soft chapathis. I am from the sounds of Simon and Garfunkel, dad s guitar and mom s off key but whole hearted singing. I am from beach trips, road trips and world trips. I am a performer, leader and listener. I am Hannah Pearl Penumaka.
Fundraising Spotlight The success of this ministry is due to the generosity of our donors. Scholarships are awarded, facilities are upgraded, and staff are employed to do God s work through the life-changing generosity of people & institutions that support Living Water Ministries. While the needs are many, we d like to draw your attention to our two primary fundraising needs this fall. We are looking for donors both large and small to support these efforts and we welcome your support in whatever way you feel called to give. $50,000 for scholarships $30,000 for high ropes In the fall of 2015 we launched our All of God s Children campaign that ultimately funded nearly $50,000.00 in camp scholarships during the summer of 2016! To keep the momentum of outreach going, we re looking to raise another $50,000.00 in scholarship funds before our 2017 summer season and we need your help! When you give, please include a note that your giving is for scholarships. High ropes is a core component of our camp experience at Stony Lake for Junior High and Senior High campers. Through the high ropes experience, campers overcome their fears, learn to trust God, and discover their own abilities while also having a blast! Our existing course is being decomissioned this fall after 18 years of service. We are looking for donors that feel passionate about funding the high ropes experience for years to come. When you give, please include a note that your giving is for high ropes. THE GATHERING The Gathering is an opportunity for groups of high school aged youth and young adults age 18-25 to experience four days of faith formation, service, leadership and community. Convening for its 34th year, The Michigan Gathering offers participants an opportunity to experience meaningful worship, engage in small groups, serve others, grow in faith, and have a blast! December 27-30, 2016 The Radisson/Lansing Center Featuring: Pastor Lindsey Anderson Asé Registration Opens September 15! www.elcalivingwater.com/gathering Watch our promotional video for The Gathering! www.youtube.com/elcalivingwater 10
2016 Donors (January - Present) Synods & Diocese North/West Lower Michigan Synod Southeast Michigan Synod Episcopal Diocese of Michigan Congregations American Lutheran Church - Clinton Twp Christ Lutheran - Monroe Christ Lutheran - Sterling Heights Edgewood Lutheran - Fruitport Emmanuel Lutheran - Livonia Faith Lutheran - Saginaw Faith Lutheran - Sidney Faith Lutheran Church Women -Sidney First English Lutheran - Grosse Pointe Woods Good Shepherd Lutheran - Royal Oak Grace Lutheran - Hastings Holy Faith Church Episcopal & Lutheran - Saline Hope Lutheran - Plainwell Hope Lutheran - Rockford Immanuel Lutheran - Grand Ledge Immanuel Lutheran - Muskegon Lebanon Lutheran - Whitehall Lutheran Church of the Master - Troy New Life Lutheran - Spruce Prince of Peace Lutheran - Ida St Clare Episcopal - Ann Arbor St Luke Lutheran - Muskegon St Matthew Lutheran - Bridgeport St. Paul Lutheran - Alpena St. Paul Lutheran - Reed City St. Stephen Lutheran - Lansing Transfiguration Lutheran - Fenton Trinity Lutheran - Grand Rapids Zion Lutheran - Chelsea Zion Lutheran - Freeland Individuals Anderson, David & Susan Arbaugh, Melvin & Bernadette Arndt, Betty Bailey, Julie Baldus, Casey Baldus, Valerie Bates, Nicky Bates, Paul & Julie Bauer, Linda Living Generously: Emmanuel Lutheran in Livonia funded and provided labor to re-shingle the pavilion. Baxter, Chris Bekemeier, Daniel & Gerrilyn Blake, David & Janet Blumke, Dennis Brien-Jenison, Erin Bright, Christina Bryniarski, Jennifer Campbell, Chad & Jennifer Chavanak, Andrew & Katie Clark, Stephanie Cohen, Aaron Cook, Doug & Judy Cothran, Kathryn Creech, Dale Curtin, Kathleen & Peter Dirkin, Beverly Dockweiler, David and Sarah Duerksen, Mary Eckermann, Stanley & Janis Evans, Daniel Ferguson, Gerald & Suzanne Hammond, James & Peggy Hunt, Branden Jenzen, Douglas & Elizabeth Karavias, John and Karen Kmiotek, Diane Kopka, Gustav & Nancy Lehto, Carl & Suzanne Lichtenberger, Daniel Little, John & Janie Lyons, David Mack, Donald & Patti Mann, Rev. David & Mrs. Carolyn Martin, Charles Mason, Thomas & Tammy Mather, Anne McKenzie, Richard & Ellen Moeller, Craig Moore, Harry & Susan Moyski, Karen & Jeff Mulder, Paul & Joan Naymick, William & Janet Nelson, John Ozminkowski, Jeffrey & Barbara Para, Donald & Sandra Pederson, Thomas & Nancy Picard, Bryan & Carly Polanco, George & Dawn Prasad, Rose Purcell, Luane Ripple, Dave & Julie Robinson, Michael & Melani Rockne, Tom & Jana Rogers, Jay Rotha, Diane Russell, Matthew & Adrienne Russell, Stephen & Jacqueline Rutila, Elizabeth Samuelson, Sarah Sassanella, Connie Schlesinger, Sandy Schroeder, Brian Skay, Marilyn Sloan, Meredith & Erik Smith, Matthew & Michelle Stoneback, Daniel Stratton, Karin & Paul Tacke, Carl & Eleanor Teich, Andreas & Tracy Tengwall, Andrew & Sarah Friesen-Carper Thompson, Billie Ulmer, Roger & Susan Winklepleck, Julie Wintersteller, Joel & Lisa Zeller, Michael & Marie Zorn, Marilyn 11