Help Secure Camp Greenwood’s Future


“Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? …to give drink to my chosen people…” Isaiah 43:19

Greetings from the Greenwood Ministries Association (GMA)!

By the grace of God, Camp Greenwood is having a terrific year! Camp Westminster on Higgins Lake has entered into a partnership with the Presbytery of Lake Michigan this year for joint administration of Camp Greenwood and Camp Westminster with the expertise of Suzanne Bates, Camp Director. This summer, international camp counselors were among the 100% new staff who learned the Greenwood traditions. Approximately 75 volunteers and staff have contributed thousands of hours to fix, clean and paint the camp. An increased number of campers and guest groups this year are helping Camp Greenwood become financially self-sustaining.

The Presbytery of Lake Michigan will no longer operate Camp Greenwood after December 31, 2016.  As an option for Presbytery’s consideration, the Greenwood Ministries Association (GMA) organized as a separate non-profit corporation.  The GMA has consulted with Run River Enterprises regarding a successful camp operation and has gained 501c3 nonprofit status.  GMA in partnership with Camp Westminster on Higgins Lake submitted a proposal to the Presbytery Leadership Team in August with a plan to operate and expand ministry at the camp in 2017 and beyond.

The Presbytery Leadership Team empowered a task force to work further with GMA to prepare documents toward this new vision for the camp, and approved GMA’s financial pledge appeal to support it.  In order to be successful, GMA needs to show financial support and viability for this ministry start up.  The Presbytery Leadership Team will consider again GMA’s proposal on October 27th before making recommendation for approval by the Presbytery of Lake Michigan at its December 6, 2016 meeting at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Grand Rapids.

Therefore, with this letter, the GMA is soliciting pledges of financial support.  The funds raised will be used for the initial payment of bills/invoices and to assure sufficient support for “start-up” cash flow.

We ask that you prayerfully consider making a pledge of financial support to the Greenwood Ministries Association.  The goal is to raise $100,000 in pledges by October 26, 2016, with all pledges paid by December 31, 2016.  The Presbytery Leadership Team is requesting that the GMA notify the Team of the total amount pledged by October 27.

Please make your pledge on our homepage, click giving at the top of the page

We sincerely hope that you will make a pledge of financial support for continuing a camping ministry at Camp Greenwood! We also ask for your prayers.

 

Greenwood Ministries Association (GMA)

Barb Tornholm, President
Elder, First Presbyterian Church of Mason

Rev. Karen Fitz LaBarge, Treasurer
Pastor, North Kent Presbyterian Church

Jake Dayringer, Secretary
Gratiot‑Isabella Regional Education Services District and Former Program Director at Camp Greenwood

P.S.: If you or your family has been touched at all by the ministry of Camp Greenwood, please don’t miss this last chance to keep the camp going. Pledge your support online.

Support the Greenwood Ministries Association’s unique, life-changing ministry to children and youth