I am passionate about renewal within the United Methodist Church in Kansas. I believe that Bridges to the Future Capital Campaign for Kansas United Methodists is an important part of this renewal. The following content was provided as a part of the Kansas East Media Packet.
“For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
Bridges take us from where we are to where we want to go. Our conference has approved this initiative to enable us to provide more appropriate facilities for campus ministries and camping and to expand the Kingdom through church growth and development. Bridges to the Future will raise $5.35 million for these ministry areas.
Areas of Strength:
• Dedication to providing simple, naturalistic space for spiritual renewal and growth for children, youth and adults with developmental disabilities
• Increased numbers of first-time and return campers over the past three years
• Experiences for kids and parents to attend camp together
• Confirmation retreat weekend connects youth from different local churches and offers opportunities to explore faith together
• United Methodist Women’s prison ministry program camps offer retreat setting for incarcerated women to connect with their children
• Year-round opportunities for retreat and renewal
What’s Happening at Camp Chippewa:
• Governing body changes have improved oversight and operation
• Renewed focus on using Christian curriculum for camps
• Paid off budget deficit to conference ahead of schedule
• Many site improvements have been completed as a result of financial health
Campaign’s Significance:
• Incorporate ongoing capital improvements into all future plans for the camp site
• Increase year-round staff to include a program director and full-time director of camping
• Continue tradition of camping at conference level and work to include more camping opportunities for local churches at the site
“To me, Camp Chippewa is ‘sacred ground.’ In all the years I’ve come to Chippewa, I experienced a deep feeling of closeness to God. Chippewa is one of my ‘holy places.’ God, working through Camp Chippewa’s sacred ground, claimed me.”
–Rev. Howard Johnson, Flint Hills District superintendent and long-time Camp Chippewa camper and volunteer
Rev. Andrew Conard 