Greetings from Swanzey Lake!
I hope this newsletter finds you well, enjoying the warmer temperatures, the emerging green landscape, and all that spring brings forth.
I am excited to put away the winter coats, break out the light sweatshirts and get ready for summer!
I have spent the last several months visiting our conference churches and experiencing unique Sunday morning services throughout New England. It has been a great privilege to enter into these local congregations and share the ministry of Pilgrim Pines. I enjoy the opportunities I have to partner with our conference churches for meaningful ministry. The good work that our conference pastors, youth pastors, and church leaders continue to do, day in and day out, is amazing.
As I reflect upon my faith journey, my formative years attending Evangelical Covenant in Riverside, Rhode Island, were filled with faith building and growing times. Spiritual role models emerged, scripture was learned and much grace was shown. I was fortunate enough to be introduced to Pilgrim Pines there. My foundation of faith was built in that church and through the help and encouragement of the church leaders, I was able to attend Camp Squanto. My years at Squanto were filled with meaningful times of growth and it is where my faith became my own. No longer was it the faith of my mother or my family, but a time when Jesus became real to me. I am so thankful for the church and their investment, prayer, and encouragement to me as a young person. And here's the best part.......this is not a unique experience. This continues to happen all over our conference! Our church leaders continue to invest in youth and families and, as our East Coast Conference grows, more are hearing about the good news of Jesus and experiencing the gift we all have in Pilgrim Pines.
Just a short time ago, I received a letter seeking support from a former summer staffer for an upcoming mission trip. I was excited as I read the letter. I was able to sense the passion and desire to serve Jesus in her words. My reason for excitement was twofold; first, this was an opportunity to respond to the Lord's call to give. Second, it gave me an opportunity to participate in something I would likely never do. I am grateful to play this small part in broadening God's Kingdom.
I believe people today are hungry for something like this to be passionate about. We have an innate desire to be part of something bigger than ourselves. Do you feel that way when you give to Pilgrim Pines? I hope so.
Please know that when you give to camp it is our desire for you to be filled with gratitude for the gift of playing a part in something bigger, in expanding the Kingdom through the ministry of Pilgrim Pines. Quite honestly, I am grateful for the opportunity to ask you to partner with us. Are you looking for an opportunity? If so, please check your mailbox. Just last week we mailed out our spring scholarship appeal. Are you looking for other ways to partner with us and make a difference? Please contact me as I would love to come and meet with you to share more.
We have a dynamic summer schedule and program in store for the 2017 summer season. New people, new programs, new experiences and of course all your camp favorites.
I encourage you, as partners with us in ministry, to share Mayflower Family Camp and Camp Squanto with friends and family and help others to experience Pilgrim Pines.
Thank you for coming alongside this incredible ministry and helping us to continue to move forward. We are here to serve and partner with our conference churches as an extension of the local church ministry. Let's continue to grow together.
Great days ahead!
Pastor Jim Condap Acting Director
603.352.0443
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