Deerwood, MN

www.clearwaterforest.org   

Presbyterian Clearwater Forest, Inc., is a ministry of Christ called:

•  To provide faith-building Christian programming.
•  To provide effective facilities and services to support conferencing.
•  To nurture active Christian community.
•  To be the faithful steward of God's creation at Clearwater Forest.

Results of the May 2012 Presbyterian Panel once again emphasize the importance of camp and retreat ministry. Spiritual growth experiences that have a significant influence on someone's faith journey are likely to occur at a camp or retreat setting, particularly for pastors.

Your camp and retreat center, Clearwater Forest, has provided opportunities for spiritual growth on the shores of Clearwater Lake since 1954. Children, young adults and families have recreated, worshiped, served and renewed on the pristine 1000 acres during summer camp, volunteer opportunities, retreats and more. This still happens today. How do we serve you?

• 77% of pastors responding to the Presbyterian panel survey still name summer camp as the very important experience for Christian leadership development. We know this and will continue to offer options for youth and young adults to discover their gifts and use them in a Christian outdoor community. Vocational discernment is essential to the development of leaders for our church, communities and world. Clearwater offers resources to engage in this process.

• According to the Presbyterian panel, the particular learning or spiritual experience that shaped their Christian life most often took place between the ages of 20-30 years. Often the most missed group within the church, young adults are crucial to the ministry of Clearwater Forest. Serving on the summer staff, working with peers from around the globe to enable children and youth to grow, is a life-changing experience. Beginning December 2012, Clearwater will offer young adult retreats and experiences to encourage the faith journey of the millennial generation.

• A Christian educators' retreat in fall 2012 allowed for Sabbath time, enjoying the beauty of God's creation and engaging in discussion and worship that fed the soul.

• You spoke, we listened. We are adding more family camps and grands camps to the 2013 schedule! Time for families of all shapes and sizes to leave the everyday schedule and spend time together, in God's creation. Research has proven that it is this very choice that makes the greatest difference in a child's life: time and space outside, with adults who care for them.

• A one-person respite, the Hermitage, is provided free of charge for those serving in ministry (youth directors, Christian educators, pastors, music leaders), to come away to a quiet place and draw near to God. Anyone may use this lovely space for a small fee.

• Deepened discussion time around issues that really matter- personal faith, social justice, peacemaking, spiritual practices and care for creation: this happens at the youth retreats in the fall, winter and spring. Allowing church youth groups and their leaders to withdraw from the routine of life to Clearwater is a necessity. We actively acknowledge and support the connection youth have to their church leaders. The program at Clearwater Forest is intended to complement what happens at home and in the church the rest of the year.

This premier center in a beautiful and peaceful location is here for you. Have you visited recently?

Elise Bates Russell

Associate Director, Clearwater Forest

 Give to the 2013 Pentecost Offering 

 

The Pentecost Offering is traditionally received on the day of Pentecost (May 19). It provides a direct way to meet the needs of children at risk, youth, and young adults. Congregations are encouraged to keep 40 percent of the Offering to support ministries benefiting these age groups in their communities. The General Assembly's portion (60 percent) provides leadership development opportunities for Presbyterian youth and young adults and supports children-at-risk programs at the national level. Since 1998, Presbyterians of all ages have raised more than $8 million for these ministries that benefit younger members of God's family.

 

You can give either online, via text or at church.  Please make a difference in the lives of youth in the PTCA and across the nation.

 

 

 

 

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Click here to learn more about our other Mission Partners supported through the Presbytery's Mission Giving.  To learn more about Mission Giving and Special Offerings, go to our What Is Mission Giving? page.

To download a Mission Giving Pledge form for your congregation, please click here.