One of the things I wrote about in my fall ask letter this year is the idea that “Luther Point is a treasure”. God has entrusted all of us with the care of this place. It truly is a privilege to come and be a part of a ministry and a ministry setting that is beautiful. The one component that makes the camp ministry complete is having people enveloped by this natural beauty. My greatest concern is that I am witnessing less and less people coming to be a part of this awesome treasure. It appears that there needs to be a renewed emphasis and push for ownership and stewardship of this great treasure that our corporation churches have been entrusted to manage and care for. My hope for the coming months and years ahead is for a renewed sense of stewardship for this ministry that has dramatically touched so many lives over the years.
The OMDT Capital Campaign made some good progress this year. Bill Stafford, Development Coordinator for the campaign has been working diligently with several congregations. Congregational leaders have been trained, councils have been visited, and congregational campaigns have been conducted. Several churches conducted campaigns this year. Results were mixed. I believe we have now exceeded $800,000 in pledges and gifts.
The “Memorial and Honors” program is very close to being off the ground. We have scaled back the initial phase of the program in order to see strong results and solid volunteer involvement up front. We now have 12 congregational chairs with another 5-6 vice chairs. Each volunteer team will be responsible for distributing and promoting the “Memorial and Honors” materials and maintaining displays. Displays will be located in churches, law offices, funeral homes and other key places where significant remembrance opportunities exist. Anniversaries, birthdays, graduations, memorials, weddings are just a few of the many remembrance opportunities that exist that could be recognized with a naming gift to Luther Point. Temple talks will be a regular event at the (alpha group) churches to lift up the program and the ministry of Luther Point.
As I mentioned in last years report, I am still quite concerned about the steady decline in camper participation. The camp simply cannot afford to see this decline continue. We are being stretched to our limits with resources and staffing responsibilities. With declining camper participation, comes less revenue, which puts more pressure on other areas of revenue sourcing.
Thank you to our congregations who have continued to support the camp faithfully with your benevolent support. One of the encouraging aspects of the work and ministry this year is that congregations are still keeping Luther Point as a priority in the mission support.
I also mentioned last year that there seems to be a trickle down affect. What affects our congregational base also affects the camp, aging congregations, budget constraints, strife due to internal or external factors. Some or most of these factors are completely out of the control of Luther Point. We are looking at ways to be more proactive and looking to be more ecumenical in our outreach to youth, families and other user groups. These are some of the things we can control in the sense being proactive and future oriented.
Our primary mission remains the same, “Forming Faith, Pointing to Christ”. People’s lives and faith continue to be nurtured, molded, and shaped by their experiences here at Luther Point. I have the privilege of visiting with folks all over the region. Some of those people came to camp 50-60 years ago and some who have participated recently. All of them speak fondly of their experiences and memories here at Luther Point. We faithfully continue in that tradition and that mission of sharing the good news of Jesus. Reaching out with hospitality, grace and acceptance, in order that people might come to know Jesus as Lord of their life.
Thank you for your partnership and ownership in this vital ministry of the church.
Rev. Craig M. Corbin, Executive Director
