CCC News, August 2022

CCC News

Updates from the Christian Conference Center in Newton, Iowa

August | 2022

Summer Camp:

Build More Chairs

Rev. Tiff Williams

CCC Camp Director

"Build More Chairs @ the Table" was our theme for the 2022 Summer Camp season. Campers began their time on Holy Ground this summer talking about times they have felt welcome and unwelcome. Then they spent time in their family groups learning how to welcome others to the Lord's Table. They discussed not only showing our neighbors hospitality when they come to us, but going out and actively seeking new people to invite. (That day we asked: who does God call you to carry a chair to out in the world?) Then they were commissioned to do just that.

I wonder who might attend camp next season because one of this year's campers took a chair to a friend.

A huge highlight every week was watching our young people literally build and decorate chairs that they left behind here on the grounds. There are not two alike, and many are pictured below. They are adorned with messages of welcome and God's love. Most of the new chairs surround the Bell Chapel, but they can also be found in the new BSD Treehouse, Chi Rho Country, and our cabins.

Thank you campers for reminding us that our faith compels us to always be in the business of building more chairs, and expanding the reach of the table. May our ministry at the CCC always be a place where such lessons are learned.

Groups at a Glance...

Who's on Campus?

Ever wonder who's on the grounds at the CCC at any given time? Check out our September and October church and rental groups:

4 Weddings

5 Quilting and Crafting Retreats

1 Minister's Solo Retreat

Senior Adult Retreat

Pastor's Camp

4 Ecumenical Events ranging from Episcopalians to the Pentecostal Church of Iowa

2 Substance Abuse Recovery Retreats

1 Family Reunion

All Congregational Gathering of the Christian Church in the Upper Midwest (October 15)

Have you visited

www.newtonccc.org lately?

Thank You, Interns!

Many thanks to Tristan Spangler-Dunning and Ethan Overton, our 2022 summer interns. Ethan and Tristan worked tirelessly to ensure that our campers and volunteers had great experiences on Holy Ground. They served selflessly all summer. Ethan (pictured left) returned to Grandview University in Des Moines and hopes to attend seminary and enter the ministry after college. Tristan (pictured right) returned to Union Theological Seminary in New York City to complete his Masters degree. He hopes to be a church historian. Thank you guys, and we wish you the best!

Staff Shortage and Volunteer Support Needed

With the departure of our full-time Hospitality Coordinator, we're looking for some short term help around the CCC in a few key areas. Can you lend a hand? Volunteers are welcome to stay at the CCC while they are assisting us, and enjoy all the grounds have to offer while you aren't working. You can come as an individual, or bring a friend or your family along with you.

All supplies and training will be provided for you. No prior knowledge of cooking or housekeeping is required.

Cooking During the Week

September 11-14 (Quilting Retreat, 20 people)

September 19-23 (Senior Adult Retreat, 30 people)

September 26-28 (Pastor Camp, 30 people)

October 3-6 (Quilting Retreat, 20 people)

October 10-13 (Sewing Retreat, 30 people)

Cooking on the Weekend

September 30 - Oct. 2 (Women's Group, 50 people)

October 7-9 (Women's Retreat, 30-50 people)

October 21-23 (Church Retreat, 30 people)

October 28-30 (2 Quilting Groups, 50-75 people)

Light Housekeeping (making beds, vacuuming, dusting, etc.)

Saturday, September 6th from 10 am to 1 pm

Wednesday, September 21st from 10 am to 3 pm

Friday, September 23rd from 10 am to 3 pm

Thursday, September 29th from 10 to 1 pm

Sunday, October 2nd any time

Weekend Rental Group Hosts

We have a few weekends this fall where we are in need of a campground host. Hosts are present when rental groups are present to assist groups, answer questions, and assist the kitchen with serving at meals. (A year round CCC staff member is on call for hosts to contact with questions and emergencies.)

September 9-11

October 7-9

November 11-13

Note: hosting is a paid position with ongoing opportunities

What's Going on around

Holy Ground?

The CCC staff and volunteers are always working hard on upgrades and upkeep around the facility. Take a look at some of our more recent improvements. Or better yet, stop in to see them in person! (Just make sure you call first.)

The BSD Treehouse Dedication

About 75 people gathered on Sunday, August 14th to dedicate the BSD Treehouse, named after former CCC Director and Regional Minister, Bill Spangler-Dunning. We hope you'll take the time to walk down to the treehouse the next time you're at camp.

If you missed the dedication, you can click he re to view it.

Boatwright Boathouse Update

The Boatwright Boathouse will be taking shape soon. Below you can see an artistic rendering of what the structure will look like. The Boathouse project will add shade, seating, rain shelter, boat storage, and handicap access to the beach. We are very excited to break ground and hopefully celebrate completion before next year's camp season.

We are still seeking about $20,000 in funding for this project. Please email Tiff if you would like more information.

CCC Wish List: Summer Camp Edition

Umbrella with base for lifeguards ($500 each, 2 needed)
Metal benches for the playground ($300 each, 3 needed)
Tree saplings to replace dead trees around the Main Lodge ($300 each, 5 needed)
New battery for ADA pool lift so all campers can enjoy the pool ($400)
New shower heads for our cabins that will enable better deep cleaning ($500)

Click here to donate to a project.

LAST CHANCE

for CCC Bricks

We are going to place one final order of commemorative bricks in the Bell Chapel at the CCC. These bricks were originally sold as part of the Our Path Together campaign. Bricks are a great way to honor a special mentor, friend, child, or group.

The Bell Chapel is directly across from the Main Lodge. We have about 30 open bricks that can be engraved. Proceeds from the bricks will benefit the Boathouse project.

Half brick (4 x 8), with 3 lines of text: $250

Clergy brick (with engraved chalice and pastor's name/ministry setting): $500

Full brick (8 x 8), with 5 lines of text: $500

Email Tiff to Order

Thank you for your continued support!

Thank you for all the ways you support the ministry of the Christian Conference Center! We value every gift of time, talent and prayer. If you would like to make a financial contribution toward our ministry, simply click the link below. You can designate a gift to things like our operating fund, a special project, a memorial, or a camper scholarship.

Click Here to Donate

Christian Conference Center, Newton, IA | www.newtonccc.org