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Winter is here!
We celebrate the arrival of
snow and anticipate what
God has for Camp in 2015!
End of Year Winter Edition
December 2014

"Woo Hoo" from You-Know-Who

 

Rejoicing All Year Long!

Celebrate  

A big "THANKS!!"  to each of you who joined us for a women's event in 2014!  Christmas is past, but there's still time to unwrap three basic truths that help us rejoice and so make 2015 a truly "Happy New Year!"

 

TRUTH #1: GOD IS GOOD  God is the giver of good gifts! (James 1:17)  Creation provides evidence everyday as we enjoy His gorgeous sunsets, awesome landscapes, amazing critters, and sensational snowflakes.  God's gifts are generous (lavish!), abundant, and daily in their provision.  What's more, God the giver of good is good HIMSELF!  His character is just, perfect, and unchanging.  In His mercy, forgiveness and compassion He does not treat us as our sins deserve.  His love is unconditional, enduring forever!  "Bless the Lord, O my soul and forget not all his benefits."  (Psalm 103)  Use this favorite psalm of mine to make a list of God's acts of goodness.

 

TRUTH #2: LIFE IS HARD  We live in a fallen world where the "hard" of life rears its ugly head in so many ways:  sickness, disabilities, and Ebola; financial stress and security threats; war, political turmoil and abuse of power; relational conflict, betrayal, and heartaches; unfulfilled expectations, disappointments, and shattered dreams.  The list of "hard" is long for all of us!

 

Fall Quilters Unfortunately, trouble does not go on vacation over the "Happy Holidays."  That shouldn't surprise us!  That first Christmas was anything but easy!  Mary and Joseph walked 80 miles to comply with an unexpected and undesired census.  Finding no room at the Ritz, they settled for the less than comfy stable out back.  Jesus' family was also well-acquainted with poverty and was forced to flee out of country because of a king's threats.  Jesus was born into "hard." In fact, he was destined for the "hard" of the cross to redeem a lost world from its sins. 

Thankfully, Jesus knows our "hard," too.  "In this world you will have trouble, but take heart I have overcome the world!"  (John 16:33)

 

TRUTH #3: GOD IS SOVEREIGN  In the midst of the manure and "hard" of that first Christmas came unexpected visitors.  Shepherds held the sinless, spotless Lamb of God with their rough and rugged hands.  Simeon and Anna also cradled Salvation in their old and waiting arms. And Magi from the East knelt before the King of Kings.  All declared their praise to God and rejoiced in the Good News that redemption of the world had come! These worshippers must have brought a deep comfort to Mary and Joseph.  The confident peace that sustained them in their "hard" days can surely lift our tear- swelled-eyes, as well. God's plan cannot be thwarted.

 

God is GOOD:  WOO HOO! Rejoice! - make a list of God's attributes and our blessings.

 

Life Is HARD:  WORSHIP - even in the chaos and noise of life.

 

God is SOVEREIGN:  WAIT - with expectancy, joy and peace as we remember God's faithfulness.

 

"Rejoice in the Lord always," God commands.  (Philippines 4:4) Remember these three truths and rejoice with us - ALL THE WAY THROUGH 2015! 

 

Lisa Abeler

Women's Ministries Director 
Hello My Name Is
Winter Youth Camps

Guess what, friends? Winter is not just for penguins and snowplows! Here at camp, we have four youth winter retreats, and they all have their own style of fun in the snow! The first two retreats are for elementary age campers and are so much fun that we call them our MEGA FUN winter retreats! This year we will hear from our very own director, "Bobber Bill" Abeler. He will teach us how to FEAR NOT through scripture. Not only will there be some great teaching, but there will also be snow tubing, broomball, indoor games, and the world famous Camp Lebanon IDITAROD!

 
Don't worry, we didn't forget about youth groups. This year we are offering two ARCTIC BLAST camps for youth groups from all over Minnesota. We will have a whole lot of outdoor fun, as well as hear from some incredible and dynamic speakers!  Our theme, Hello, My Name is..., teaches about the characteristics of Jesus. Scott Woller joins us from Minneapolis for Arctic Blast 1, and Micah MacDonald, from Burnsville, will be here for Arctic Blast 2!

 

This year's winter youth camps are shaping up to be some of the best yet!  We expect God to do great things through the speaking, relationships, and even the snow! Please keep Camp in your prayers as we show students who Jesus is and what it means to follow Him.

 

Rich Olson

Interim Director of Youth Ministries 

Out of the Camp Kitchen

 

This month's recipes come from some of our quilters. You'll be sure to enjoy mixing up some winter fun with these treats!

 

Brownie Mix Biscotti 

shared by Harriett Freding

Yields 24 Biscotti


1 (16 oz.) box of Brownie Mix
3 cups whole almonds or walnut or pecan halves
4 large eggs, lightly beaten
2 tbsp. water or milk
3/4 tsp. almond extract

Heat oven to 350. Grease a 9 x 13'' pan and line the bottom and sides of the pan with foil, leaving 2 inches of foil overhanging the short sides. In a large bowl, mix together the dry brownie mix and nuts. If brownie mix comes with a syrup packet, do not add it to the bowl.

Mix in the lightly beaten eggs, water/milk, and almond extract into the dry ingredients until moistened and a stiff batter forms. Spread the batter into the pan with a spatula in an even layer. Bake at 350 for 35 minutes or until the center is firm to the touch.

Remove the pan from the oven. Using the foil overhang, carefully remove the brownie from the pan on to a wire rack. Let cool for 5 minutes. Cut the brownie in half lengthwise, scoring the surface with a serrated knife and completing the cut with a large, sharp knife. Then, cut the brownie crosswise into 3/4 inch thick slices.

Place the brownies cut side down on a large baking sheet. Return to the oven and bake at 350 for 23-25 minutes or until crisp. Transfer to wire rack and let cool. Serve with your favorite coffee!
 

Oreo Popcorn 

shared by Tiara Watts

Yields 6 cups popcorn

 

1/2 cup unpopped popcorn

10 oz. white chocolate candy coating (almond bark or chips)

15-18 Oreo cookies, roughly chopped

 

Pop popcorn. Remove any unpopped kernels and place popcorn in a large bowl. Add chopped cookies to popcorn. Melt white chocolate in a microwave safe dish in the microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring every 30 seconds. Pour melted white chocolate over popcorn and toss to coat. Chill for 10-20 minutes until set.
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Junior Staff

2015 Junior Staff

 

Summer is just around the corner! It is time to get excited about serving as Junior Staff at Camp for the summer of 2015! 

 

Starting at age 14, teens can join our summer team by working through the different areas of our Junior Staff Program. There are lots of new things coming this year, and we are so excited to see enthusiastic young people taking steps to grow their faith.

 

OUR MISSION: 

to disciple servant leaders in the teachings and example of the Servant King! 

 

Applications will go online January 1st, so stay tuned!  In the meantime, check out our website for more information as it becomes available!

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 Camp Lebanon is a Christian camp and retreat center in central Minnesota serving youth, families, and adults with activities and events that support  a Biblical worldview.

 

Camp Lebanon is a 501(c)3 organization.

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