Winter/Spring 2016 - Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp
Transcription
Winter/Spring 2016 - Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp
Winter/Spring 2016 Summer 2016! Therefore, be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us. –Ephesians 5:1-2 The warm days of summer are coming quickly as are the exceptional summer programs offered at Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp! We are eager to welcome your family to experience our 2016 summer theme, “Living Like Jesus.” We are called to follow and live like Jesus, which is not always easy! We are called to be active disciples, watching Jesus, listening, learning, and of course, doing. Jesus tells us that we must take up our cross and be followers through love and service. In 2016, campers will learn to trust in God’s promises as we feed, forgive, love, serve, and pray, the “Living Like Jesus” way! Summer brochures and program descriptions are available online at www.flbc.net, or you may request a printed copy by contacting the office at (406) 752-6602 or [email protected]. New for 2016! FLBC is now using Campwise® online registration software to better serve our campers and families! This software guarantees a safe and secure registration process and an updated user interface for simplicity. We hope you enjoy it! If you have any questions about online or paper registration forms, please contact our Registrar, Andrew Meyer, at [email protected]. He is happy to lend a helping hand! We hope to see you this summer! God bless, Rev. Nathan Clements, Associate Director Strategic Planning Committee, Carrie Aageson, David Baker, Jason Shearer, Jay Bates, Jen Asselstine, Joel Skindlov, John Mundinger, Linden Wendle, Mark Mohorcich, Nathan Clements, Margie Fiedler, Patsi Morton, Peter Metcalf, and Sheryl Saverud Strategic Plan Adopted 2016-2021 In January the Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp Board of Directors unanimously adopted our new, updated Strategic Plan for the next five years. What an exciting way to begin 2016! The plan calls for creative and visionary steps to make FLBC’s ministry stronger, bolder, and more resourceful to congregations and other partners in ministry. Below are some highlights from our Mission and Vision Statements. What is our Mission? To experience Christ’s grace through meaningful relationships, shared adventures, and purposeful service. What is our Vision? Flathead Lutheran Outdoor Ministries is a regional cornerstone for year-round transformational ministry. This ministry offers diverse summer camping adventures, a variety of yearround retreat experiences, and serves as a resource to congregations and communities. Imagine FLBC’s ministry as a three-legged stool, with Bible Camp, Renewal, and Outreach as the points of contact. e any Jesus-like Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp: “If we want to se ly look around qualities, we need on Summer Camp good place to Wilderness Adventures us, and FLBC is a rectors to the Servant Adventures start. From the di cooks to the Leadership Development counselors to the e the characcampers, we can se at transform Flathead Lutheran Renewal teristic of Jesus th Ministry: lives.” dmother Diane…a Gran Formational Community Retreats Events Flathead Lutheran Outreach Ministry: Congregational Support Day Camps and Retreats in Communities Partnerships with Community Organizations and Schools Resource to Congregations for Year-Round Youth Ministry Thank you Strategic Planning Committee, Board of Directors, staff, and camp supporters for your dedicated and prayerful work envisioning our ministry in Christ’s name as we continue to grow into the future! November 17th, 2015 A Storm for the Record Books! It had been windy all day on the lake. The trees were in perpetual movement, and the waves coming off the lake were sending spray clear over our dock. The staff were gathered in the camp office about to attend a movie together, when the building suddenly shook. As we looked out the window, not only did we see a large flash as one of our transformers blew, but we noticed that our beautiful Douglas Fir that graced our office with shade had fallen on our office! As we peered out the window, we could see that at least 5 large trees had fallen in the main part of camp! We quickly retreated to a safer place to wait out the storm. In the morning, the first view of the damage came into view. Our nature center, camp office, Hagen Hall, Cockrell Center, and canteen all had trees that had struck them. The power was out, and downed branches littered the camp. Later we discovered that our high ropes course actually received the most damage. It was a mess! We are happy we did not have to clean up alone. Supporters and friends of FLBC were out the very next weekend to help clean up branches, cut up downed trees, and spend hours upon hours chipping wood. Over the course of 2 days, we were able to get the majority of the main part of camp cleared of trees. Thankfully no retreats were canceled because of the storm! We are so grateful to be surrounded by volunteers who love and care for FLBC and are willing to give up their time to keep camp safe and beautiful. Thank you to all our volunteers! Join us for the Thrivent Memorial Day Family Work Retreat in May to continue with clean-up and other projects! Remember, all ages come to this retreat for free! Montana Tax Credit? What is That? If you are a Montana taxpayer this wonderful law established in 1997 is to encourage individuals, businesses and organizations to make lasting investments with non-profits. Through this unique tax credit incentive a Montana taxpayer receives a reduction on the taxes owed, up to $10,000 per year, by making a qualified charitable contribution through an approved plan to a qualified endowment. By offsetting a portion of the Montana income tax, the tax credit means that every $5,000 gift really only “cost” the donor $3,000, and this is before the benefit of the federal deduction. For more information please contact Margie Fiedler at the camp office. Thanks to All who Helped SB 270 Pass into Law! Montana Senate Bill 270 was signed into law by Governor Steve Bullock in 2015, ensuring that Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp and others throughout the state will continue to provide quality summer camping experiences and year-round retreats as it has since 1943! Thank you to all camp supporters who communicated your support of SB 270 to our elected officials, and thank you Governor Bullock for your support of residential youth camps in Montana! FLBC supporters thank Governor Steve Bullock during the 2015 Thrivent Memorial Day Family Work Retreat. Ed Thampke presents Governor Steve Bullock with a Thank You card on behalf of FLBC supporters. e bottom of “Thank you from th rd work and my heart for your ha g our kiddos dedication to fillin d. Having the with the word of Go VBS brought FLBC staff at our us energy. so much contagio thank you! Thank you Thank you rents Day camp pa Our First Ever Harvest Festival was a Success! Thank you! We are so thankful to all those who donated to, attended and prayed for the success of the Harvest Festival in October. We welcomed over 160 people for our Friday evening Harvest Dinner, beautifully prepared by our Food Service Coordinator, Mike Wright. Our evening was capped off with an incredible & lively auction, including amazing items such as a sunset sail on Flathead Lake, a weekend stay at the Cockrell’s cabin just down the shore from FLBC, and beautiful home decor made from wood salvaged from FLBC property. Auction guests were invited to become FLBC Partners as well as to support counselors’ salaries, and ultimately more than $9,400 was raised for camperships. The weekend continued with worship, community meals and lots of activities for people of all ages. Over 30 people participated in a 5k trail run or 1 mile fun run on Saturday morning while many others took a wagon ride with Cecil Noble of Artemis Acres around camp. Crafts and games for the younger crowd continued all day, under the beautiful October sun. A silent auction including awesome donations from many area churches was open all day Saturday, as well. In total the camp netted over $20,000 to support our mission of never turning anyone away from camp for financial reasons, adult or child. Many thanks to the planning committee (Susan Stadler, Linden Wendle, Jana Pursell, and FLBC staff), headed by Jennifer Rogge. We couldn’t have done it without you! d the Bible “My son really enjoye lor made it Study. His counse ite a lot." fun and he learned qu For Kids Today, the Power of Camp will Mean: Hope Friendship Connection Spiritual Growth Camp shows kids they are loved by God and can go home changed forever! “My girls came back from camp raving about all the fun they had. The music and the camper led worship was the best. It was so good for kids to see youth leading.” A mom A mom Change Lives with a Few Sentences! By including a charitable gift to FLBC (called a bequest) in your will or living trust, you can make a plan today to support this ministry beyond your lifetime! Thank you for your prayerful consideration. Language for your will or trust: “I give________________________ (amount, percentage, property, etc.) to Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp, office located at 603 S. Main St., Kalispell, MT 59901, to be used for (ex., sending kids to camp, facility improvements, for the permanent endowment). FLBC tax ID number: 81-6013705 Talk to your advisor, or contact the FLBC office for information on Charitable Gift annuities, (gifts to camp that pay you an income during your life); life insurance gifts, life estate gifts and much more! Thrivent Members! If you have Choice Dollars remaining from 2015, you have until March 31st, 2016 to direct your funds! Remember, it’s your choice! Go to www.thrivent.com and search for “Thrivent Choice,” or call (800) 847-4836 to make your choice known. We have heard that close to 1 million Choice Dollars were NOT distributed last year. Help us change that! And, THANKS for encouraging your friends and family members who may have Choice Dollars to make FLBC their choice! THANKS to all who have already supported the camp with projects such as new docks, a pontoon boat, helping children go to camp, storm damage repair, and much more! And of course, thank you Thrivent Financial! ly spends four The average child on g outside….. minutes a day playin e they could come to camp, wher ing and learnspend a week play n… 10,080 ing in God’s creatio minutes!!! mp and ristian Ca Quote from Ch ce Association Conferen Volunteer at FLBC Our work at FLBC could not be completed without the incredible work of all the volunteers that generously give their time and talents to this ministry. From helping Sonia in the office, to splitting wood at camp with Shane, to supporting our summer staff during the camp season, there is something for everyone to help with! Volunteers are needed during the summer season to serve as pastors of the week, camp nurse, camp grandparents or as general adult volunteers. Our summer volunteers are asked to lead a “Discovery Time” activity where they can share a passion, talent or skill of theirs with our campers. Anything from photography to making sun catchers to reading stories with our youngest campers, Discovery Times provide a unique opportunity for volunteers and campers to get to know one another. Volunteers provide yet another community of supportive adults for our campers to engage with. We encourage you to think about how you can be a part of FLBC this summer, and visit our website to download the 2016 volunteer application today! e was ey got to experienc “For my kids, what th therare not the only Lu the fact that they n be , that Christians ca ans in North America ovM g. in tt almost any se found everywhere in na ta on n center to the M ing out from our urba d an e wed them to hear, se Mountains also allo thout esence of the Lord wi pr e th e at pl em nt co cell bustion engines. No electronics or com no , et rn c games, no inte phone, no electroni ” t of heaven on earth. cars…Yes, it is a bi Diego, CA Pastor John, San Memorial Gifts September, 2015 through January, 2016 We praise and thank God for your gifts that will be a lasting, living memorial, and will live in perpetuity through the laughs, love, and faith of the children who experience God’s grace at camp. Dan Allen Jim & Carol Fleharty Glen Aasheim Pr. Kathie Aasheim Pr. Gary & Carol Cockrell Margie Fiedler Duane Bitney Pr. Gary & Carol Cockrell Margie Fiedler Velma Bohnsack Nate & Anne Schularick C. Byron Pr. Steve Nelson & Colleen Walker-Nelson Pr. Fred Dommer Marvin & Brenda Fretheim Karl & Roberta Ratzburg Raymond Dommer Karl & Roberta Ratzburg Pr. Gerald Ebelt Pr. Gary & Carol Cockrell Jerry & Janet Flodin Gerald Edward Ebelt Estate Margie Fiedler Pat & Joelene Goodover Charles & Diane Griffith Health Information Exchange of Montana Inc. Richard & Marilyn Hermstad Karen Kennah Pr. Paul & Beth Mittermaier Morrison Maierle Inc. Pr. Wayne & Georgia Pris Shirley Thomas Kathleen Zwanziger Pr. Mark Egertson Pr. Gary & Carol Cockrell Marilyn Erickson Lowell & Donna Anderson Jim & Pam Cornelius Margie Fiedler Dr. Greg & Susie Rice Maurice Fladstol & camp founders Pr. Gary & Carol Cockrell David & Linda Rice Ted Fowler Marvin & Brenda Fretheim Richard & Debra Steinbacher Emily Greenup Ruth Pettigrew Sheila Svennungsen Molly Grosvold Anaconda High School Bobby & Barbara Andreozzi Judy Barber Joan Becknell Fred Bjorklund Stan & Karen Bolin Bart Bonney Jim & Rose Browning Paul & Donna Conrad Lauren & Evelyn Damschen Don, Mark, Mike with Skill Built Truss Joann Eck Leonard & Susan Eik Bernard & Charmaine Everett Margie Fiedler Molly Grosvold (continued) Clarence & Sharon Forsman Moreni Francey Patrick & Marcy Gallagher Georgetown Village Homeowner’s Association John & Mary Ellen Gillin Michael & Andrea Greene William & Michele Hall Steven & Karlene Haxby Hope Lutheran Trust Fund, Anaconda Jackie & Nancy Ivankovich John & Hendrika Janosko Terry & Susan Lanes William & Linda Masella Myra Moreni William Nicholls Rick & Sandy Parker Steven Peters Tim & Kathy Riddle James Davis & Teri Robison Mark Rule & Company Karen Schellin James & Joy Schill Todd Schmidt Robert & Martha Sestrich Marilyn St. Pierre Joseph Thompson Kurt & Lynn Unger Richard & Karen Vaughn JoAni Williams Cindy Hoverson David & Donna Kloker Vernon Johnson Bob & Shirley Anderson Allan & Bev Aronson Peter & Lisa Boveng Pr. Gary & Carol Cockrell Richard & Diane Dolven Margie Fiedler Thelma Johnson Mark & Deborah Lassise Marsha Lehman Joanne Mahoney Jim & Kirsten Purdy Beverly Gilman & Wade Rademacher Wayne & Sheryl Saverud Dr. Ellis & Sandra Sowell Anne Taylor Aase Veseth Eli Kindred Dave & Mary Dickson Merv & Tolly Eriksson Jim & Carol Fleharty Diane Lindsay Allan & Bev Aronson Pr. Gary & Carol Cockrell Dick Lindsay Wade & Carol Mason Blake Stout & Diane Morton Patsi & Doug Morton Steve & Elaine Olson Dr. Wally & Diane Wilder Lois Marks Dennis & Ann Hill Alan & Laurel Petersen Arnold & Doris Petersen Janice & Richard Peterson Tstee Eunice Nelson Pr. Steve Nelson & Colleen Walker-Nelson Zion Lutheran Trust Paul & Eunice Nelson Pr. Steve Nelson & Colleen Walker-Nelson Gwen Porter Sally Porter Beatrice & Auggie Sampson Dennis & Linda Moore Alma Seidel Keith & Marlene Donoven Homer & Betty Wheeler Dr. Jeremy & Gae Lewis Norman Wick Dave & Carrie Wick Rev. Rodney & Pauline Kvamme Pr. William & Geri Olsen Rev. Rudy Ramseth Pr. Gary & Carol Cockrell Robert Rathbun Charles & Lauri Chvilicek Wilma Walker Pr. Steve Nelson & Colleen Walker-Nelson Sue Wynhoff Pr. William & Geri Olsen ick Hermstad A Note from D elt. He was memory of Gerald Eb in k ec ch a is d se ier HikEnclo ally set up the Glac iti in o wh us of e re one of th 68-69 or so. ram, back in about 19 ing part of the prog fore he died. it briefly with him be vis to ce an ch a d ha I e, was the or in Havre at the tim st pa , on rs de An ll ckpack Lowe the initial Glacier Ba led at th io tr e th third of nderful time years. We had a wo Trips for a couple of ence pastors. th the Havre Confer living in Lakeview wi n program erence wrote their ow nf Co e th , ys da e os er. We In th help put it all togeth to in d pe m ju f af st and the . stad have great memories . Richard Herm -Rev Why is Camp Important? Greetings, friends of Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp! With our summer season approaching quickly, one cannot help but get excited about what is coming in the summer of 2016. Nathan and I have spent days on end hiring our summer staff. It has been a blessing hearing our upcoming staff’s joys, fears and excitement about the call they will be entering into serving youth and fostering faith. One question which many of your new staff asks is, “Why do you think camp is important?” and through the hiring and interviewing process I have had a great deal of time to ponder this question. I think camp is important because: Camp is an environment of growth for young kids. They are given the chance to ask questions, hear answers, struggle and develop in their own personal faith in a community of believers. Camp is FUN! Kids come not only to learn and grow, but to play, yell, run, jump and laugh. Camp is safe. Our campers are encouraged to be nothing but themselves and to share their own fears and doubts. Judgement is not a part of camp and kids leave feeling loved. Camp is an example of how to live. A camper’s week at camp is spent living in a community of people who look out for one another, lift each other up in hardship and hold one another accountable. “If you are considering a place to take high school youth on a wilderness trip, I would strongly recommend FLBC. The Spirit is a work in this camp. The moment you arrive to the camp you feel invited and are welcomed with open arms the Staff is very accommodating and make sure you fell prepared for the trip. Ian, the Wilderness coordinator is amazing at his job. He makes sure that any concerns are met, and that both the counselor and the adult leaders fell they are on the same page. Our staff were superb, and not only lead out youth in worship and devotion exceedingly well, but they also guided our group safely and with great enthusiasm. I have never experienced a stronger team in my nearly 10 year on youth ministry. This camp is very flexible, adjust to your needs and train you well before you leave on the experience of a lifetime God has truly blessed our group to be able to have such an amazing experience. Thank you to the professionalism, love, and passion that you shared with us FLBC.” Mike Jacobson, Sr. High Minister Good Shepherd Lutheran, Bismarck, ND Camp is a gateway for future ministry. Many of our college-aged staff have a life changing experience at camp. I have heard time and again how many new seminary students felt their call into pastoral/lifelong ministry through a summer at camp. The experiences our staff have are lifechanging not only for their campers but themselves as well. This will by my 4th year working at Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp. Camp has been a hugely important and formative part of my own life and I cannot wait to see what other reasons “Why camp is important?” will be added to my list this summer! Why is camp important to you? Will you join us this summer?!? In peace, Ian Bartling ult spirituality re“I attended the ad have to say how treat at camp and Making new friends much I enjoyed it. ople was wonderful, and meeting new pe lightening. She had and the speaker en share. so much wisdom to Jeanne You Spoke, We Listened! Thank you for helping us evaluate Summer 2015 Explorers – has expanded to include full-week options! MAD Camp (Music/Art/Drama) – is for ages entering 3rd grade through graduating seniors! Family Camp week (July 3-8) – now also includes an Adult & Teen Backpacking adventure! August 14-17 – offers a half-week program for Explorers through adults! Gifts In Kind These gifts were given between September, 2015 & January, 2016. Thank you, donors! Amtrak Train Ticket - Andrew Shay 5 Books for the Nature Center - Jeff & Paulette Clements 2 New Game Books - Carol Spencer Complete Dictionary of NT (8 volumes) & Complete Dictionary of Bible – Pr. Robert & Janet Nilsen Books – Pr. Michael & Karen Dismer Chairs - Riverview Lutheran Care Center, Spokane 50 lbs Cherries - Rod & Gail Hubbard Dock Ladder – Gayle Pedersen Graphics and print work - Bob Thackston Blown-up Photo - Photo Video Plus Playing Cards - Dave Highness & Patty Hartman 1995 Montego Pontoon & Trailer - Corrine Stark 2 Quilts - Our Savior’s Lutheran Church Quilters, Columbia Falls 2 Quilts - Redeemer Lutheran Church Quilters, Great Falls Quilt - Eva Anseth Quilt - Gold Hill Quilters, Butte Quilt - St. John’s Lutheran Church Quilters, Helena Raft - Jim Hanson 1980 PSL BT Sailboat & 1979 TRAR TL BT Trailer Michael Berry 1983 Catalina 27’ Sailboat - William Sauer Vacuum Cleaner - Diane Titch Variety of tools, leaf blower, cordless drill set, power drill, etc. Vince & Kim Scofield Plus, designated financial gifts for the sound system, a chainsaw and new plywood floors in cabins. Also, thank you for all the gifts generously donated for the 2015 Harvest Festival auction! We apologize if we have made errors or left any names off. Please contact the office with corrections. Thank you! women’s group, we “On behalf of our r thanks and gratiwould like to give ou ccessful weekend. tude for a most su support and kindTHANK you for your to all of us. We esness that was given e accommodations pecially enjoyed th g meals that were and the outstandin rward to next year. prepared. We look fo r retreat leade Women’s Thrivent Action Teams Prayerfully consider a Thrivent Action team project for FLBC. Thrivent will provide $250 in starter funds for the project in hope that it can be used to generate more. You could organize a breakfast at your church to help send kids to camp, or pick something off our needs list! We have so many projects, i.e. items for the LWR personal care kits we will be making this summer with campers; painting benches and tables; a service project for our 2016 June women’s retreat; collecting items for the art barn for the summer, and much more! The sky is the limit! Contact our office for more ideas! Check out www.thrivent.com/actionteam or contact your local Thrivent agent to learn more! Great News about IRA Rollovers! We can all be excited about this tax code! The IRA Rollover has been made permanent! This means if you are 70 1/2 years of age or older, you can transfer up to $100,000 from your IRA to FLBC or the non-profit/charity of your choice. An IRA rollover is a tax-exempt distribution from your IRA, and the amount transferred can be used to meet your required minimum distribution! Speak with your financial advisor or call Margie at the office for more information about this great opportunity! In Memory Of Miles Burd For The Galata Cabin Miles’ dream was to have a cabin named “Galata” in honor of his beloved town. When he first gave for the cabin the cost was $25,000. Today, a cabin costs approximately $100,000! To save costs and to meet current camp needs, a duplex cabin will be built. One side is named “Galata,” and the other side is yet to be named. The cabin will include storage area for staff, bathrooms, and a small meeting room with kitchenette. Old Cabin 8, which is currently used for storage, will be torn down, and an outdoor camper gathering area will be constructed in its place! These gifts were given between September, 2015 and January, 2016. Beth Aklestad Bergy’s Welding Kyle Burd & Ashanka Kananda Lou Ann Burd Ronald & Kim Burd Scott and JoNell Bye Robert & Katherine Clure Pr. Gary & Carol Cockrell Tim & Billiette Coolidge Michael Dyrdahl Margie Fiedler James & Geraldine Freeman Connie Fretheim Harvey & Veanne Hawbaker Mr. Adrian & Janet Hawks Doug & Rita Hegland Dexter & Janet Henry Morris & Elizabeth Hund Gilbert & Judy Johnston Dan & Annette Kaldahl Lloyd Kanning Kyle Lindstrom Maria’s River Electric Cooperative, Inc. Gary Mcdermott Susan McDonnell Warren & Anne Mowry Northern Telephone Cooperative Inc. Jason Querze Marjorie Ratti Kevin & Kathleen Riley Robert & Karen Riopelle Vern & Sharen Robertson Sanford Partial Hospitalization Staff Steven & Julie Sparby Linda Whittier Spellman Mary Stoecker Cynthia Strand Dayrl Strong & Veanne Strong Desautel Dr. Rock & Joanie Svennungsen Taylor’s True Value Farm Store James & Beth Thoreson Brad & Nancy Tomscheck Judy Wegge Dale & Teri White Robert White Mark & Jeanne Wigen Campers and Parents: Why did you Choose F LBC? “I have gone to ca mp lots of times, and I always lear something new w n hile having a blas t” “Because it’s a ra dical camp” “Its reputation” “Because each ye ar I come back, it’ s better than befo re” “Because it's fun, and I learn more about the Bible” “Because it’s a w ay to grow in my Christian faith” “Cause it’s the be st camp ever” In Honor What is a Living Memorial? These gifts were given between September, 2015 & January, 2016 in honor of loved ones and friends. Thank you, donors! A living memorial goes on in perpetuity as it is part of the camp forever! When you give a gift in memory of someone, your gift allows more children to go to camp or makes an experience better for a child (improving facilities and programs). Thanks for giving your memorial gifts to FLBC, these gifts last long after the flowers have died! Note, we have memorial packets for your use or if you prefer, we will send the memorial card for you. Thank you for honoring your loved ones this way. Paxson T. Barker Joel & Emily Barker Shantel Cronk Michelle Apodaca Will Erickson & Lindsay Peterson Doug & Grace Schroeder Scott Ben & Kim Haugestuen, Logan & Luke Ronald & Leanne Ommen Bob & Janet Nilsen Wedding Margie Fiedler John & Leanne Fontaine Ryan & Mandy Pokorny Anniversary Ryan & Mandy Pokorny Sarah, Ryan, & Katelyn Susan Harris Paul Stordahl Mark & Shirley Jennings Maria Vachlon Jean Vachlon d the unique priv“My husband and I ha d in what we conilege to get marrie ical and sacred of sider the most mag th have deep ties places, FLBC. We bo ories from attendand beautiful mem d would like to give ing camp as a kid an rsary. Please use a gift every annive rship for someone this toward a schola to afford to come who may not be able to camp.” Ryan Mandy and Need packets for “Memorial” and “In Honor Of” gifts? Let us know! Thank You, Rev Jim and Sharon Engh Pastor Jim and Sharon have been involved with FLBC for many years. In fact Sharon’s father, the Rev. Raider Daehlin signed the constituting documents that made FLBC a Bible Camp back in 1943, and Jims father is on a photo when FLBC was meeting at the Methodist camp in the early 40’s while looking for property. As a pastor, Jim always made camp a priority at the congregations he served, getting as many young people to camp as possible. Jim served on the Flathead board several times, and served as the President of the Board of Directors. Sharon and Jim have three children, Jenny, Tim and Julie. All three served on camp staff. Jenny was a program director for two years and met her husband at camp. Julie went into teaching, and has said she learned how to manage kids at camp. “The best thing that ever happened to our children was working at camp.” FLBC has trained numerous people to be leaders in the church and their community. Jim and Sharon decided they wanted to make sure the camp continues for future generations, and have decided to make a gift of a Thrivent Life insurance policy to the camp. They have made their gift to go to the endowment in perpetuity. Pastor Jim serves on the endowment committee, and has seen how the camp endowment has helped the camp in so many ways, providing camperships to children in need, and making needed improvements in the facilities. A lasting gift for sure! “We went to meet with our Thrivent Advisor, Lee Christenson. He was easy to work with, very pleasant, and there was no rush. He had lots of time for us, and our questions. Most people think about their will, but the insurance policy was a handy way to do this.” We could use the Montana endowment credit, as it’s a paid up life insurance policy. We made FLBC the owner of the policy, so we receive a tax deduction when the premiums are paid to the camp.” “We are so happy to do this, knowing that the money earned in this life time, will continue to do good for generations to come. It only makes sense when you believe in something during your life time, to make a gift to the cause at the end of life, and we believe in the ministry of the Bible Camp. More and more kids that come to camp have no understating of the faith. Camp is an important outreach ministry for our church. With well trained staff, the emphasis on learning the Bible, and the Christ centered message…….well it is superior.” THANKS Pastor Jim and Sharon, for furthering this ministry with your planned gift. d an absolutely “My daughter ha camp. She couldn’t AMAZING week at it the entire way quit talking about e evening. I am so home and well into th and your staff do thrilled for her. You k you so much." an awesome job. Than A mom “Thank you for a very meaningful weekend. The experience at FLBC was wonderful. We were so drawn into the joy and faith and camar aderie of all those who are doing Go d’s work with our young campers and each other.” Family campe rs Thank You Eidsvold Lutheran Church – Adopt-a-Cabin Program Eidsvold Lutheran Church, Somers, has adopted Cabins 2, 9, and 13 – cabins they originally built in the 1940s for Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp. We thank you for our partnership in ministry and your generous stewardship of the camp! Marie Ostrem, now living in Shelby, was an Eidsvold youth when they first raised $100 to construct each of these cabins. Now, the cost to remodel each cabin ranges between $4,000-6,000! Consider adopting a cabin through your congregation! Our goal is to update and remodel each of our 1940s-era cabins for the comfort of our campers, staff, and guests. Thanks be to God for Amazing Staff over These 73 Years! “Thank you FLBC…it will be very difficult to repay everyone for the kindness, love and growth, or simply put, the camp’s silly and quirky atmosphere. I mean, I actually enjoy going to church these days, let alone youth group. I thank the Lord Jesus, for standing by me through all the tough and good times.” Amari Chenault, Summer Staff 2014-2015 “I have been going to FLBC since I was like 3 years old, and I’ve experienced both kid camp and family camp through those years. Being a camper there created the outline of my faith. Working as a counselor there filled in those spaces of my faith like a coloring book. Camp gives me the courage to explore faith… my own faith has grown stronger.” Jake Wiersma, Summer Staff 2014-2015 “Camp has truly been my saving place and the place in which I first found and understood God’s grace. God brought me to camp, a camp in which I came to know a God whose grace and love for me is free and unconditional…my journey has brought me into the light and love of a God whose love is given for me though the hope an grace of Jesus. I am forever grateful for those counselors who were a part of my journey and I feel so blessed that God allowed me to be a small part of the journey of each beautiful camper that was sent to me this summer.” Jessa Pyette, Summer Staff 2015; Drama Director for MAD Camp (Music, Art and Drama), June 26-July 1, 2016 Nathan, Kyle, and Ian recruiting 2016 summer staff! Alumni Staff! Please update your mailing and email addresses and the years you worked! We want you all to come for the June 2018 75th Anniversary Party! “When I tell people I spent the summers during my college years working at a camp in beautiful northwest Montana, the reaction I typically get is, “Well that sounds like fun!” Immediately, I can see them imagining a summer spent at camp, whiling away the hours canoeing around a lake and subsisting on a diet of hot dogs and s’mores. While my time at camp was indeed fun, I have learned far more than how to build a raging campfire or weave the best friendship bracelets. My summers at camp have been some of the most formative experiences of my life; engaging in leadership, teamwork, and service has fostered a deep desire to pursue a vocation as a physician. While not immediately apparent, I have discovered numerous parallels between working at camp and life as a physician. In Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s essay “The Romance of Medicine” he says of medicine, “The moral training to keep a confidence inviolate, to act promptly on a sudden call, to keep your head in critical moments, to be kind yet strong—where outside of the practice of medicine, can you get such a training as that?” Camp has nurtured my abilities in these areas and I relish the opportunity to enhance them in medical school and ultimately apply them to my career as a physician.” Anna Bahnson, Summer Staff 2011-2014 Staff are the heart and soul of summer camp! Thanks for your care and prayers for our 2016 Summer Staff! Watch for a poster of them in our summer newsletter. Thank you! St. Luke’s Lutheran Endowment, Shelby, Good Shepherd Lutheran Trust Fund, Polson, St. Paul Lutheran Foundation, Fairfield, First Lutheran Endowment, Havre, St. Paul Lutheran Endowment, Missoula, and Thrivent Choice for the new fireplace in Hagen Hall! Non Profit Org US Postage @F_L_B_C_ Like “Flathead Lutheran Camp” on Facebook PAID Missoula, MT Permit No. 536 603 South Main St, Kalispell MT 59901 Office (406) 752-6602 • Camp (406) 844-3201 • Fax (406) 752-6670 • www.flbc.net Plan now for Spring, Fall and Winter Retreats! There is still time to register for these great events. Middle School Retreat: March 18-19, 2016 Cross Country Ski Retreat: March 18-20, 2016 Adult Spirituality Retreat: April 17-19, 2016 Mother’s Day Brunch: May 8, 2016 Thrivent Memorial Day Family Work Retreat: May 27-30, 2016 Women’s Retreat: June 3-5, 2016 Labor Day Family Camp: September 2-5, 2016 Crazy About Quilting!: November 11-13, 2016 Family Advent Retreat: December 2-4, 2016 2016 Winter/Spring Wish List Motor Boats Reliable Vehicles (cars, vans, and trucks, especially AWD) Gently Used or New Furniture Montana Nature Items & Posters Tools (Power or Hand Tools) Chainsaws Small Refrigerator Good Vacuum Cleaners (bag-less preferred) Postage Stamps Mountable Projector Reams of Paper, Markers, Paint Brushes, Color Crayons THANK YOU to everyone who has donated items to camp! Contact the Camp Office with any questions: (406) 752-6602 or [email protected] ve m e ho ga end w n o pers y fri n k t h e h i p. W h e n m y e x c i t a h t ve r t to ers “I wan for a camp h her, I was because t go i m o n e y m e to g o w i f I c o u l d l d m e t h e w o d i n v i t e d i d n o t k n o p a re n t s t e x c i t e d . y so t ed bu y. When m go I was not come e e n s o f m o o u l d h e l p m o n e y d o e n e y f ro m m o w t p a k cam stand th eone too m e. Thanks r m e o r d fo m r. S I un h i n a i n d g a ve i t t f r o out mpe unt a s. o r ca c e c e a s n o t h e i r h . God B l e a Pi c u m o s 2016 Partners’ Luncheon Save the date! All Partners of FLBC (those who give $150 or more annually) are invited to our noon Partners’ Luncheon, June 11th, 2016 at camp. We hope to see you there!