Brian Frick is the Associate for Camp and Conferences Ministries with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). He has been involved in camp and conference ministry since high school. For the past ten years, Brian has served as program director of Johnsonburg Center in New Jersey, Westminster Woods in California, and Heartland Center in Missouri.
Camp and conference ministry compliments and partners with other ministry aspects of our church to foster faith development and reflection. As our communities and our church changes, our ministries need to grow and adapt with creative and emergent programming and leadership to meet new realities.
These blogs entries, though varied, are intended to spur thought and conversation around the opportunities and challenges before us.
Ever wonder what that kid remembers from camp? More to the point, what excites them enough to share with mom and dad? Check out some actual letters from campers.
Coming "home" is as important a right of passage as being sent. When our youth get "sent" out into the world, where are they coming "home" to? This edition features 3 young adults who are coming 'home' to Stony Point after a transformative experience.
Just as we received more bad news about church health in America, the analysts have found a positive spin.
The Association of Religion Data Archives released the latest downward data in the U.S. Congregational Life Survey, citing “stark evidence of the aging and shrinking of many congregations.”
But the organization’s news release carried the headline: “Five Hopeful Signs for U.S. Congregations.”
Is God calling you or someone you know to care for the environment?Now is the time to apply for the 2013 Eco-Stewards Program!
Check out this resource for Lent 2013. It's a well laid out resource to focus Lent around environmental issues and God's call.
The New Fire Task Force, in partnership with the Ecumenical Young Adult Ministries Team (EYAMT),invites and encourages young adults to apply for seed grants in the amount of up to $500 to support local ecumenical young adult-initiated projects.
With school and other mass shootings becoming more mainstream and less shocking, and with a nation debating gun ownership in a way we have not in a generation - how are we, as a people of faith, called to respond?
Don't miss out! Sign up or encourage others to sign up today!
Eco-Steward Kathi Pogorelov studies public health and sociology, with a concentration in health and environment, at The College of New Jersey. She took a break from her coursework to reflect on her participation in the June 2011 Montana Eco-Stewards Program.
If you read my blog, you will find I am interested in a wide variety of subjects related to camp, conference and retreat ministry. I like to look at the ministry facilities we have as "Centers for Mission and Ministry" because they are one of the most flexible resources we have in our church. From facilities for education and retreat, to acres of God's creation, to skilled and multi-talented/flexible staff to help put any idea into action, to their reach into all aspects of church life, our centers are truly under-used and undervalued.
The Eco-Stewards Program website has been updated to include the a multimedia presentation created by program participants and program leader and journalist, Becky W. Evans. The 2011 program in Montana focused on "reconciliation and sustainability through agriculture, health and green building" in the context of the Crow Reservation and surrounding areas.