Luther Park Bible Camp Tool Kit for Congregations

Congregational Tool Kit

January 2020

What a privilege we have in working together bringing the love of God to so many people in our communities, congregations and surrounding areas. Knowing we are all on this journey together in hearing the scriptures and learning more about how to love like Jesus, is such an incredible blessing!

We are providing this Congregational Tool Kit to our partner congregations to share ideas of different ways your church can partner to support the ministry of Luther Park in various ways. You will find information to share about:

· Building & Rejoicing Campaign

· Summer Programs

· Summer Employment

· Annual Support/Rental/Events

· Ways to be involved and share testimonials/photos

We are so thankful to partner with our church communities in sharing the love of Jesus and deepening the understanding of God’s great love in all who attend camp. Together, we are making a difference… Building Faith Lives and Rejoicing in the Holy Spirit.

For questions or to talk through any ideas, please contact Kellee Petik, 715-577-4246 or kellee@lutherpark.org.

God’s peace to you!

Kellee

Kellee Petik

Development Director, Luther Park Bible Camp

kellee@lutherpark.org

715-577-4246

Lutherpark.org

Building and Rejoicing Campaign for New Ministry Center

We are excited to share that we are growing… rapidly, in fact over 70% in the past several years!!! These are wonderful times in outdoor ministry and your partnership truly makes a positive difference in so many lives.

With the incredible growth mentioned above, comes a need for larger spaces to accommodate todays growing needs. After much consideration, research and planning, we have entered into our Building and Rejoicing Campaign to build the Ministry Center.

The new Ministry Center will offer:

· seating for over 280 people

· large and small group rooms

· multiple different set-ups for diverse group needs

· housing and breakout space

· additional restrooms

· storm shelter during inclement weather

· large group sessions during rainy days

· utilized as a rental space by other groups, churches, families, community members and organizations

· replace the existing Chapel’s current use. It is our intention to create an open-air pavilion in the existing Chapel, keeping as much of the heritage of this beloved building as safely possible.

Matching Fund Challenges

We are so blessed to have two active matching funds challenges that both continue through the end of 2021. What does this mean? The churches in the area are being challenged to give and that amount will get matched by some generous donors of Luther Park. We could Double the Dollars.

We need your help! Our goal is to receive every dollar of the 2 matching funds challenges: Dave and Carolyn Cleveland $500,000 to supporting churches & a long-time anonymous supporter to the Menomonie area churches $100,000. If you haven’t had a presentation yet, please contact us to get this information shared and the momentum going for your church and congregation!

Creative Giving!

· Does your church have other sources to apply to or ask for support from: Trusts, Endowment, Foundation, WELCA, Men’s group? Engaging with the council as well as the congregation members can be very motivational. Challenge the church to include giving to camp in the budget for over the next few years! Let us know how we can apply for grant funds, or information you need for budget-based giving.

· Is there someone (or a group of people) that can challenge your congregation internally to a match? Example: Jane Doe is donating $1000/yr. in 2020 and 2021 for a total of $2,000 to the church on behalf of the LP campaign and challenges you to do the same. Essentially quadrupling the donation, your $2,000 + their $2,000 turns into $8000 with the matching funds challenges!

· Have a periodic “Luther Park Camp Sunday”- invite kids, parents and adults alike wear Luther Park apparel, sing camp songs, spotlight campers, ask for a special designated offering.

· Sharing stories or testimonials during announcements, coffee time or designated service time. Stories can be told by past counselors, campers, retreat participants… anyone that has experienced Luther Park! Not available in person? No problem… people love to share any pre-recorded videos. Have kids make a video and share with the church to pass along!

· Other things that can spark awesome memories are asking for people to share their own camper pictures and memories or quotes. Reminiscing about those fun experiences at Luther Park is sure to build excitement for today and into the future.

Envelope Giving Fundraiser

· Make envelopes labeled LPBC Campaign and write the range of dollar amounts on the envelopes from $1.00 to $144.00 = $10,000.00! / $1.00 to $100.00 = $5,050.00! Invite your congregation to join in making this expansion of ministry possible.

Remember campaign donations from the church DOUBLE with the match!!!

· Use this link for further instruction on how this works: https://www.fawcofoundation.org/images/stories/Toolkit/144_Envelopes.pdf

· Have giving envelopes available in the church, mention the envelopes, the camp ministry, and what the funds go towards at each service. Invite people to be a part of the life changing ministry of Luther Park through your church. People give in different way and some may find it easier to give a dollar or two each week rather than a larger amount at one time. No donation is too small, they all count in getting closer to the goal AND every dollar is doubled in the matching funds through Dec 31, 2021!

Creative Fundraising Ideas to Involve Youth

· Bake/Craft Sale

· Noisy Offering/Special Offering

· Luncheon/Supper

· Youth fundraising events (e.g. car wash, raking leaves, shoveling snow)

· Or anything creative you can imagine!

Retirement Giving

Do you have a qualified retirement plan that requires a minimum distribution or withdrawal? You can do this at any point in the year and don’t have to wait until December to direct your funds to Luther Park (campaign, annual fund, or camper scholarships). With the fluctuations in the market, it can be beneficial to make this designation now!

Campaign Website- Loads of Information

http://lutherpark.org/campaign-2

Here you will find the campaign brochure, frequently asked questions, building exterior photos, the internal drawing plans, 360 view links, construction progression photos and more. Check it out and share the story.

Below is a generic version of the campaign pledge sheets for your use.

Directions for Giving

1. Share the campaign pledge sheet congregation members and ask them to submit their pledges or donations to the church.

2. Members write a check to their church for their donation

3. The church collects those donations and pledge sheets

4. The church adds up the total collected, deposits the checks (and cash) into their account

5. The church issues one check for the total deposited to Luther Park Bible Camp (with a memo line of: Ministry Center Campaign

6. Simply mail the check and pledge forms to camp.

7. These donations will count towards the matching funds challenges… doubled!

8. Your church will be recognized on the Donor Wall inside of the new Ministry Center building.

9. Thanks to you the ministry is expanded with the Ministry Center and more lives are touched by the love of Jesus.

Thank you for prayerfully considering how you can support Luther Park Bible Camp. Pledges are over a 2-year donation period for years 2020 & 2021. Donations on behalf of the campaign that are issued to your member church, will count towards the $500,000.00 Cleveland matching funds challenge.

Please submit pledges & gifts to your church, Checks issued with a Memo: LPBC campaign.

$_______________ (circle one) monthly quarterly semi-annually annually

First Payment $___________ Date ______________ OR A One-time donation $__________________

Name (s) ___________________________________________________________________________

Phone _____________________________ Email ___________________________________________

Address ____________________________________________________________________________

City _______________________________ State _______________________ Zip__________________

Signature(s) _______________________________ _________________________________

We are so blessed by your partnership and support in this year-round ministry. In appreciation, we humbly say “Thank You” for your donation to the Building & Rejoicing Campaign. The Ministry Center will be a wonderful addition for so many individuals, groups, and churches to grow, experiencing faith through holy play… for years & generations to come. Gods Blessings to you!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Summer Program/Employment

You can also use the information that’s available on our website… so many options. www.lutherpark.org Search through the different tabs at the top of the page to locate your interests in summer camp, events, registration, retreats, spring workday, Heart for Luther Park.

You are welcome to use our logo in communications too!

Summer 2020 Camper information including schedule and registration: http://lutherpark.org/summer-camp

Summer Camp Family Challenge

One church is challenging their camper parents (Grandparents, or adult registering the child for camp) to take advantage of the early bird discount of $40.00 to register and pay the deposit before May 1st and give back $20.00 of their discount to camp! You can choose how it’s designated: capital campaign, annual fund, or camper scholarships. Contact Kellee for more information

Summer 2020 Employment Opportunities: http://lutherpark.org/summer-staff

Annual Ministry Support

We are so thankful for the annual support that is provided to keep camp available year-round to many different people, groups, and organizations. We cannot accomplish this ministry alone and we appreciative of the different ways of supporting the camp: volunteer hours, in-kind gifts, monetary donations, memorial/honorarium donations, adopt-a-cabin projects, special gifts and so much more! We have an annual program called the Way Club and Towering Pines. These individuals provide monetary donations of $150 or more in a calendar year. We celebrate their support with an annual dinner and opportunity to meet the summer staff. To learn more information about different ways to donate and the Way Club/Towering Pines use this link: http://lutherpark.org/get-involved

Are you the ONE?

We would like share the difference that ONE person can make. Here is an example of what we can do together… with 126 member congregations, if ONE new donor from EACH congregation said YES to partnering with LPBC, donating $20.00 per month, that would raise an additional $30,240.00 a year!!! What an impact that will make in developing the youth of today, our community leaders of tomorrow! Are you the ONE??? Donations can be giving in many ways: in person, mailing a check, recurring online payments (ACH, credit, debit).

Get up to date information and share it with friends and family:

· Join Luther Park’s Facebook Page: Luther Park Bible Camp @LutherPark.Chetek

· See you on Instagram: lpbc_chetek

· Want to join our mailing list?

Send your mailing and email address information to kellee@lutherpark.org.

Updated contact information… did you move recently, change your email or phone, or do you have a new contact person within the church? Please help us keep our records up to date.

Videos to Share

Click here or go to YouTube.com and search for Luther Park Bible Camp-Chetek, WI. There are great videos about summer camp, capital campaign, and construction drone views to use. You can also locate these at the bottom pages of our website: www.lutherpark.org

Print or Cut & Paste for Bulletins/Newsletters:

· Share pictures, invitations, pledge forms, stories of camp, invitations to give.

· Calendar of Events – have someone share what’s happening at camp for the current month. http://lutherpark.org/retreat-info/events

· Bulletin or Newsletter Insert- share the updates from the newsletters, social media or online. Use the disc from the promo box received at the Annual meeting- that’s full of information. (hard copies also provided in the promo box)

· Giving envelopes in newsletters- providing donation opportunities on a regular basis. (Can designate; annual fund, campaign match, or support)

Rental Opportunities

There are many rental options with buildings throughout camp and food services available for various groups and different events (think family reunion, church or group meetings, graduations, retreats, holiday gatherings etc.) To learn more, go to our rental page: http://lutherpark.org/retreat-info

Upcoming Events. Share Links and Flyers for Information

Quilt Retreat: http://lutherpark.org/retreat-info/events/quilt-retreats

· Craft Retreat: http://lutherpark.org/retreat-info/events/crafting-retreat

· Recharge: http://lutherpark.org/home/recharge

· Spring Work Day: http://lutherpark.org/spring-work-day

· This is such an important day to prepare for summer

· Can’t make the work day… we have Volunteer Tuesday’s, or call when you have free time as there are many projects, we can use volunteer help anytime!

· Heart for Luther Park: http://lutherpark.org/heart-for-luther-park

Testimonials

Campers and Retreat guest share their experience of Luther Park. Please share with your congregation.

· “It’s a wonderful time to spend with God’s people and nature. Getting closer to God and enjoying the journey. Great time meeting new ladies and old friends. Knowing we are loved just as we are. The experience was fantastic. Love Luther Park.”

· “I loved this park as a child! It was some of my best memories! And now this year was the first year my 7-year-old got to experience it. She went to 3 days of Day camp and LOVED it! She is looking forward to the 2 night and 3-day overnight camp! We LOVE Luther Park!”

· “This is my son’s second year at camp! It was a wonderful experience for him!”

· “Great place for spending a few hours in discussion and learning with friends and colleagues. Great food, too. And they will happily work with folks who have dietary restrictions.”

· “They are a camp of inclusion and diversity that showcases the true meaning of what it’s like to be a part of a camp that focuses on the true definition of God and as well as being a part of a family that stretches across the globe with different individuals from many countries.”

· “I just love this place. I’ve been going to Quilting Retreats for several years and am NEVER disappointed. Gracious hosts, great food and wonderful company. Love, love, love it.”

· “Luther Park Bible Camp is an awesome experience for kids and adults! My kids love going to camp and the Recharges that they have in the winter months! A great place to send your kids!”

· “Just a lovely place to renew your faith. Thanks be to all who work here for making it so nice to come to.”

· “It was a great experience! The counselors are amazing, the food is great!!! Would recommend!!”

· “Our kids went there as children. Our grandchildren are there right now! Great place to learn the love God has for us! They always came home singing.”

· “I went to camp here so many years as a child! It was the best time in the world!”

Photos to Share

Feel free to copy and paste these photos to share the ministry of Luther Park with your congregation!

Luther Park Bible Camp | lutherpark.org | Kellee Petik | kellee@lutherpark.org | 715-577-4246