Dec2007

LPBC recieves a $50,000 Grant to Spur Charitable Gifting
Luther Point Bible Camp recently received a $50,000 grant designed to generate thousands more in financial gifts to the camp and the LPBC Foundation. The grant funding will be used in conjunction with the “Opening More Doors Together” capital campaign. The emphasis of the campaign is to build a new Storm Shelter/Youth Center and upgrade existing facilities and infrastructure. An integral part of the gift cultivation process will be an intentional planned giving emphasis that will educate and motivate donors to consider long-range charitable gifting. Long-range gifting options are one way to help Luther Point stay strong into the future. The LPBC Foundation holds permanent funds held in perpetuity, otherwise known as an Endowment Fund. The interest on these funds (once the fund reaches $25,000) will be distributed annually. (See Foundation article on page two for more details.) The grant Luther Point received is one of 62 awarded by the Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Foundation as part of its $4 million Charitable Gifting Initiative program. “We are very pleased to be a recipient of this charitable gifting grant from the Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Foundation,“ said Rev. Craig M. Corbin, Executive Director of Luther Point Bible Camp. “This grant will allow us to significantly touch more people with the future vision for Luther Point Bible Camp. We will in the truest sense of the words be Opening More Doors Together.” “It is our hope that this grant will strengthen Luther Point Bible Camp’s ability to inform potential donors of various options available to them to financially support the camp’s work,” said Brad Hewitt, president of the Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Foundation. “Luther Point Bible Camp will become increasingly effective in carrying out its mission as people come alongside Luther Point Bible Camp with charitable gifts.” The 2007 Charitable Gifting Initiative grants ranged from $7,000 to
$100,000. The 62 Continued on Page 7 LPBC receives $50,000 grant to spur charitable gifting Grant part of $4 million Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Foundation initiative benefiting Lutheran nonprofitsgrants are expected to generate a total of more than $177.6 million in immediate or deferred monetary gifts to Lutheran institutions.

The grant program goals are to:

~Provide practical and personalized opportunities for people to learn about and respond to charitable gifting options.
~Equip church leaders with collaboration skills and techniques to open charitable giving doors.
~Increase the number and amount of immediate and deferred charitable
giving solutions among Lutherans and others.
~Develop cooperative relationships that unite Lutheran institutions with
financial service organizations in offering charitable giving product
options and services.
“Helping organizations communicate the benefits of tax-advantaged
charitable giving to their potential donors is what this grant is all about,” said
Karen Coonen, executive director of the Thrivent Financial for Lutherans
Foundation. “We are delighted to support Luther Point Bible Camp through this
grant as we know it will greatly multiply the support it receives from those who
believe in its work.”
Eligible grant applicants include the following Lutheran groups:
congregations, regional divisions of the three largest church bodies, small church bodies, high schools, colleges, universities, seminaries, camps, campus ministries, social ministry organizations and other independent organizations or institutions. The Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Foundation is a private foundation funded by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. As a 501(c)(3) organization with its own board of trustees, the Foundation is organized and operated exclusively for charitable, religious, scientific, literary and educational purposes and makes grants and gifts to 501(c)(3) exempt organizations. The Foundation does not provide grants to individuals.

To learn more about the Foundation and its programs, click here to visit Thrivent's foundations page.

A Point to Ponder

Bone Lake Lutheran Sets Record and Example How many campers might a congregation of
just 360 members send to Luther Point during the summer months? Perhaps 5 or 10, as many as 15,
or may be even 10% of the congregation's membership for a total of 36. Would you believe the number could be as high as 56? Bone Lake Lutheran, Luck WI did just that last summer, setting a new record for
their congregation. I spoke recently with Pastor Mary Ann Bowman of Bone Lake Lutheran to celebrate their participation as we had conversation about how this came to be. Pr Mary Ann said, "Bone Lake has
always emphasized camp but the real passion is dictated by the Holy Spirit. We want camp to be part of people's faith walk." She noted that such passion begins with the Holy Spirit, works through church leaders and then spreads throughout the congregation. She also recognized her congregation's leadership team who were the driving force behind the camper success: Amy Aguado, Brenda Buck, Deb Lunsmann, Cassie Moore and Jessica Sund. Bone Lake begins promoting camp early each year, holding a Camp Sunday in early February. On that day the whole worship service is focused on camp. Following worship the fellowship hall is set up as a huge camp information booth highlighting different camp programs and opportunities. This is also the day that people pre-register for camp. Holding this event early in the year builds excitement and assures people are committed to camp before their summer calendars fill up. It also gives the leadership team a good idea of camper numbers and helps them
determine how much money needs to be fundraised to help cover the cost of camp registrations.
Bone Lake shares Luther Point's philosophy believing everyone should be able to attend camp regardless of their ability to pay. With this goal in mind, the congregation works as a whole holding several
community based fundraisers where children and adults work alongside each other to raise money for camp registration fees. When commenting about the Bone Lake community coming together for this common purpose, giving of their time and finances, Pr Mary Ann knowingly stated that "out of our abundance we share with one another." This sense of stewardship makes a camp experience reality for everyone! As Luther Point celebrates with Bone Lake we hope their story encourages other congregations to make camp a priority as well. Pr Mary Ann truthfully states "camp will never be a priority in a congregation unless a core group within the congregation embrace it." She went on to say "outdoor ministry is transformational. It may be the only opportunity that some children have to connect with God in a different, sensory way. Camp is a chance for people to disconnect from the secular world and have quiet time to discover who they are as God's child." As you make plans for 2008 may you recognize the value of an outdoor ministry experience, may you see it as a necessary part of faith formation. Pr Mary Ann said six words that reminded me what makes Luther Point a special place apart. She said "you can touch God at camp." Thanks be to God for such a place to gather and experience God's love.

God Bless, Bethany Walker

Planning and implementation of the Opening More Doors Together (OMDT)

The OMDT capital campaign is moving ahead. At the present time several leadership positions have been filled.We also have some divisions of the campaign where leadership is still needed. We are happy to announce that several people have accepted leadership roles in the campaign. The chairperson for the OMDT campaign is Rev. Myron Carlson, retired pastor from Grantsburg, Wisconsin. Rev. Carlson is the former pastor of Faith Lutheran Church where he served for more than thirty-five years. The chairperson for the Board-Former Board Division of the campaign is Helen Anderson, from Bethany Lutheran, Grantsburg, Wisconsin. Helen currently serves on the camp Board of Directors as president. The Staff Alumni Chairperson is Tony Narr
from Rochester, Minnesota. Tony is a former summer staff person from 2001 and 2003 and currently serves as a trauma/intensive care nurse at the Mayo Clinic. The Women of the ELCA Division has Co-chairs, one each for the Wisconsin and Minnesota Church Women. Phyllis Beastrom is the Co-chair for Wisconsin. She is a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Bay City, Wisconsin. She is a former Vice-President of the Northwest Synod of Wisconsin and has been involved with the synod Women of the ELCA in years past. Beverly Robinson, a member of Braham Lutheran Church in Braham, Minnesota, will serve as the Co-chair for Minnesota. Beverly is employed at Braham Lutheran and she is finishing her M. Div Degree at Luther
Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. We are also seeking at least three Area Congregation Chairpersons. Those areas include the St. Croix Conference; Apple River / Heart of the North / Superior Conferences; and a Minnesota Area Chair. Rev. Ralph Thompson, Holy Cross Lutheran, Glenwood City has agreed to serve as the Area Congregation Chairperson for the St. Croix Conference. We will need volunteers for the major gift division of the campaign as well. We intend to identify five or six geographical areas where major gift committees will be formed. Each major gift area will have a chairperson along with committee members. Over the next couple months all the division chairpersons will be seeking people from throughout the camp association to assist them on the various committees. Each committee will have its own purpose related to the division of the campaign they are working on. As financial commitments are sought over the next couple years, the hope and intent is that persons who make a gift will commit to a three to five year pledge for the campaign. This will allow for larger gifts to be given by individuals over a longer period of time.
The Opening More Doors Together campaign has
three projects as its primary emphasis. Those projects include:
1) A building addition and renovation of the
Program Coordinator’s residence.
2) Upgrade of the camp community septic system
including a new pump station, pre-treatment
center and rebuilt drain-field.
3) A youth retreat facility / storm shelter.
These three projects will help the camp to achieve the camp Master Plan objectives which are:
-Improved Camper Safety
-Enhanced programming capabilities
-Improved infrastructure and functionality of the facilities
-Improved housing for year-round staff

Luther Point Association Annual Meeting

The Annual meeting of the Luther Point Bible Camp Association was held on Saturday, October 20, 2007. The meeting was called to order at 9:30 am by Helen Anderson, Bethany Lutheran, Grantsburg, President of the Board. There were over 45 people in attendance. The minutes of the November 4, 2006 Annual Meeting were reviewed and a motion was made and seconded to approve them. Motion carried.
Helen Anderson gave a report on the activities of the Board for 2007. The highlight of the year was receiving the report of the feasibility study that was conducted in April. Consultant, David Brunkow from the firm Gronlund, Sayther, Brunkow gave their report and recommendations at the May meeting of the camp board. Because of a very favorable study and a strong recommendation from Gronlund, Sayther,
Brunkow the Board made the commitment to move ahead with the Capital Campaign, “Opening More Doors Together” (OMDT). The Board is committed to contributing to this Campaign in many ways including giving both finances and time and to becoming prayer warriors. Helen encouraged everyone to be actively praying for this campaign. The other significant step taken by the camp board this year was to hire David Brunkow as the camp’s primary consultant to help run the OMDT campaign. The camp board also made the decision to move ahead with an addition and renovation project on the Program Coordinator’s residence. Bethany Walker, Program Coordinator, and her husband Nate are planning to expand their family with the expected arrival of a newborn in March of 2008. The current residence is quite small and was in need of additional space. The addition and renovation work on the residence is one of the three project needs identified for the OMDT campaign. Helen also extended a sincere word of thanks to all the congregations on behalf of the camp Board of Directors. Thank you to the Board for all their work and dedication as well. Rev. Craig Corbin, Executive Director gave a report (See Craig’s Point) of his work and activities for the year. Bethany Walker, Program Coordinator also gave a very positive, upbeat report regarding her ministry work with the camp. FINANCIAL REPORT Treasurer, Rev. Jay Ticknor, Bethany Lutheran, Grantsburg WI, gave a report on the finances as of September 30, 2007: “We have an incredible opportunity to help with faith formation here at Bible Camp. Studies have been done and a high percentage of people who choose to serve the Lord trace those decisions to an experience they had at Bible Camp.” The financial statements that are in the Annual Report were gone over. Included in the Annual Report was a review of the 2006 books by JR Pangerl. It was a clean review. Jay reminded the Association that the financial statements are a “snapshot” in time. Notice that a construction loan for the OMDT campaign was drawn down. Cash flow is down but this is due to OMDT expenses. Last year the current asset to current liability ratio was 3:1. This year it is 0.8:1 but if you take out the OMDT expenses the ration is 3.8:1 which is very excellent. Total revenues are up $22,000 over last year. Expenses were also up but most of this was because of the OMDT. The Financial Condition of the camp is very solid. FOUNDATION REPORT Randy Cudd, Vice-President of the Foundation Board, from Ezekiel Lutheran, River Falls gave the report of the Foundation Board. He reported that the Foundation is now four years old and is growing slowly. There will be no disbursements until $25,000 is reached. We know there are some individuals who have included Luther Point in their estate planning but they remain anonymous. He also encouraged everyone to consider including the Luther Point Foundation in their estate plans. A motion was made and seconded to make an addition in the by-laws: 2.4 to Article II of the LPBC Foundation, Inc., “Board members may serve two full three-year consecutive terms, and then must be off the board for three years before being eligible for election again. The charter board members, and future appointed board members, shall be allowed to serve two full three-year terms plus their original term if it was less than three years.” Motion carried. BOARD ELECTIONS A plaque of recognition was shown for Joan Bartz, Holy Cross, Glenwood City, WI who served faithfully on the board for six years and was a Charter member of the Foundation board for four years. (Joan was unable to attend due to a family commitment.) Thank you, Joan, for all of your service. The election of board members was held and the following clergy and lay persons were elected to serve on the board. Clergy: For a three-year term ending Dec. 31, 2010: Pastor David Everett, Cambridge Lutheran, Cambridge, MN; and Pastor David Halaas, Augustana Lutheran, WI. For a partial term ending Dec. 31, 2008: Pastor Mike Briggs, Trinity Lutheran, Hammond, WI. Lay Persons: For a three-year term ending Dec. 31, 2010: Vonnie Cudd, Ezekiel Lutheran, River Falls, WI; and Helen Clarke, Our Redeemer Lutheran, Pine City, MN. Two Foundation board members were elected for three-year terms ending Dec. 31, 2010: Loretta Nelson, Siren, WI and JoLouise McNally, Grantsburg, WI. OTHER HIGHLIGHTS Other highlights of the annual meeting included the acceptance of Trinity Lutheran Church, Birchwood, WI as new members of the Association. The motion enthusiastically carried. The 2008 proposed budget of $713,938 was approved. The final order of business included a motion to affirm the Board in their decision to move ahead with the OMDT capital campaign. The motion carried. The recommendation to the Board at the May 2007 meeting was as follows: The Feasibility Study came back recommending that we could raise $1.5 million dollars with a challenge goal of $2 million dollars. The projects for the campaign are as follows: Phase one: Program Coordinator House renovation (approx: $60,000); Septic System to be replaced Spring 2008 including a treatment center (approx: $125,000); Storm Shelter/Youth Center (approx: $1.2 million with a lot of volunteer work); Costs to run the campaign (approx: $100,000); Phase two: Chapel Renovation (approx $350,000) Following the Annual Meeting the camp hosted lunch for Weekend Camp Retreaters and meeting attendees.

Craig’s Point
Let us first and foremost “Rejoice” by saying, THANKS BE TO GOD! For the grace and blessings that has been given to this ministry through Christ Jesus our Lord. This ministry exists for the purpose of, “Forming Faith, Pointing to Christ”. We are called to be faithful to this purpose. I believe it is important for people from our camp association to know that Luther Point is a camp that is alive and well. In other words, Luther Point has tremendous assets. I’d like to list some of the many assets this shared ministry has to celebrate. A number of camps in WI and MN continue to experience a decline in campers. However, despite trends in Christian camping, camper participation at Luther Point continues to remain strong and healthy. The camp facilities are in very good shape. All of the Family Cabins are remodeled and ready for year-round use. The Retreat Center is still a marvelous building and well received by guests. Improvements are also being made to the Program Coordinator’s residence. The camp staff as a whole are doing excellent work. They compliment each other’s strengths and weaknesses. The people who work here are dedicated, committed and performing well. The camp Board of Directors are excited and focused on seeing the camp move into the next phase of development with the Youth Retreat Center / Storm Shelter along with upgrades to the camp septic system and the addition to the Program Coordinator’s residence. A feasibility study was completed in April of this year and the results were very positive. The results of the feasibility study have given the Board of Directors and staff the confidence to move ahead with a major capital campaign to raise over $1.5 million dollars for the Master Plan. Congregational member support is the strongest it has ever been with $92,700 received in 2006. Even greater support is anticipated this year. Individual donor support in 2006 was extremely strong with receipts totaling more than $120,000 among the Friends (Annual Fund), Family Cabin Renovation Fund, Camper Cabin Fund and Chapel Roof Fund. This is an extraordinary increase from my first year here in 1992 when total individual donor support was only $8,600 dollars. The natural environment of Luther Point is one of the most beautiful camp settings in this area. Numerous people have expressed their sense of awe with the natural beauty and have referred to this camp setting as “Holy Ground”. We have seen participatory increase in some of our Specialty Camps such as Grandparent/Grandchild, Guitar and Family
Camps. We have also seen an increase in midweek retreating with the advent of programmed retreat offerings throughout 2007. These are just some of the many assets that give this Christian Camping Ministry reason to rejoice. Thank you for your ownership, partnership and support for the sake of Christ!
Together in Ministry in the name of Jesus,

Rev. Craig M. Corbin, Executive Director

Ambassadors Spark Excitement in Congregations

Our Ambassador Program took on a new look this year as we more intentionally worked to equip Ambassadors to do ministry in their congregations. The Ambassador Retreats held in early 2007
were a chance for Ambassadors to gather together, share ideas and support one another in the important ministry they do. Our goal is to have both an Adult and a Junior Ambassador in each of our Association Congregations. Their role is to be a constant Luther Point presence within their congregation. They should be someone who can answer questions about camp and also share their passion for outdoor ministry with others. Aside from our annual Ambassador Retreat we also mail our quarterly Ambassador Newsletters with current, helpful camp information and our website offers additional resources. In 2008 we will again hold two identical Ambassador Retreats on Saturday, January 19 and Saturday, February 16. We hope all current Ambassadors will make an effort to attend one of the retreats. We also hope that congregations without an Ambassador will take time to invite someone from their congregation to attend. The retreats will run from 9AM-1PM and will be free of charge. The day will include sharing of valuable camp resources to put to use in congregations as well a chance to network
over lunch. The continued growth of Luther Point's ministry is dependent on the enthusiasm that is generated within congregations. We thank those Ambassadors and others who share their passion
about Luther Point with people around them. May God bless this important ministry as it continues
to strengthen the relationships between congregations and Luther Point.