CAMP AGAPE’

2018: A YEAR OF TRANSITION

President’s Letter

A Time of Leadership Transition

Dr. Lavinia Wingert retired from the position of Camp Director effective December 31,

2017. Commonly known as "Vini," Lavinia served as Agapé Camp Director for 12 years. In this

position, Lavinia was instrumental in establishing Agapé's reading and math camps. She also

served on the Building Committee during the construction of the Retreat and Learning Center

in 2008.

Deb Jandt, who served during the same time period, also retired from her duties as Admin-

istrative Assistant/Registrar effective December 31, 2017. Deb served in this role on a volun-

teer basis. In many ways her work was the glue that held Agapé together by directing Agapé

communications.

Lavinia and Deb's years of service were recognized and celebrated at a retirement event on

January 20 at the Crowne Plaza in Bethel Park. This event followed a board retreat led by

Deacon Don Johnson, Executive Director of Lutheran Outdoor Ministries which began

the evening of January 19.

Since these events, the Agapé Board (with the help and guidance of Don Johnson) has en-

tered into an agreement with Pastor Wayne Harrison to serve as Interim Executive Di-

rector on a part-time basis for a period of one year.

Pastor Wayne lives in Columbus, OH. He began working for Agapé on March 1. He brings

with him the experiences of parish pastor, practicing attorney, and was the Executive Director

of Crossways Camping Ministries. He was a member of the Organization Task Force for Lu-

theran Outdoor Ministries and served for six years on its board and as President for two years.

He then became the first administrator of LOM as it was moving toward the organization it has

become. Please welcome him to Christ's ministry in this region.

Pastor Dennis Orsen Agapé Board President

Interim Executive Director’s Letter

“Let the Spirit Change our thinking . . .”

In Ephesians 4 St. Paul instructs the church on what it means to follow Christ instead of the

old ways they were used to. The whole thrust of Ephesians is essentially an appeal to “Let the

Spirit change your thinking.” As Lutherans, we have a long and proud heritage of reforming, re

-thinking, re-newing. (And yes, I’ve heard all the jokes about how Lutherans don’t even like to

change the light bulbs.)

As Pastor Dennis writes, Camp Agapé is in a time of transition. As your Interim Director in

this time of transition, I would like to begin by appealing to all of us to let the Spirit change our

thinking. But before we jump to any conclusions about what that means, let me first say what

this doesn’t mean. (continued Page 2)

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“Let the Spirit Change our thinking . . .” (continued)

As I’ve looked briefly at the 57 year history of the Ohio Valley Lutheran Bible Camp Association

(Camp Agape’) it has a wonderful history to be proud of. From its inception, Agape’s vision has been

focused outward—serving others who can grow in so many ways. Serving those who cannot afford to

come is a rich part of our history. Camp Agape’ is not a retreat built for ourselves, but a place set apart

to help others come to know themselves and our God’s amazing agape’ (LOVE) for each one.

So in this time of transition, I am not asking us to reject our heritage or any of the past, but to give

thanks to God for those who came before us and handed us this opportunity to grow into the future.

When I speak of “letting the Spirit change our thinking” I am asking that we open our minds to the new

possibilities God has put before us. We have an important part to play in God’s mission in this part of

His creation.

I encourage you to re-commit yourselves to this mission, to be a part of the conversations in this

time of transition and re-thinking how we move forward; to support this work through your prayers, vol-

unteering your time and skills, sharing your financial resources, and encouraging others you know to

become involved.

I hope and pray that historians will look back at this year ahead to acknowledge that it was a time of

a new awakening, a time when the people of God seized the opportunity to make a difference in peo-

ple’s lives, a time when hope was re-kindled. May God bless our time together in this year as we move

toward what God wants us to be doing for the next 50 years.

Finally, I give thanks to God and to the Agape’ Board of Directors for this opportunity to serve in this

capacity as Interim Executive Director. I look forward to a rich and rewarding experience for all of us as

we work together.

In Christ,

Pr. Wayne Harrison

Interim Executive Director

In Memory of:

June Suwak, a former board member, died in January following an extended illness. June was a faithful board member, volunteer reading teacher and gardener. Her Air Force nursing career was also a blessing in Agapé ministry. June transported the reading camp to her congregation - the former Resurrection Lutheran Church in Weirton, WV. We ex-tend our sympathy to her widower Pastor Peter Suwak.

Donald Schweikart, died very suddenly in March. Donald volunteered a few years back. Don was strong as an ox. He was frequently asked to help with projects involving heavy lifting. We extend our sympathy to his brother Kenneth.

David Berexa, the beloved father of two former campers, Jon-Paul and Peter, died in March. Jon-Paul and Peter's

mother, Dr. Alexanndra Kreps has served for many years a Agapé medical director and consultant. One summer, David vol-unteered to help with some property work. We extend our sympathy to Jon-Paul, Peter and Alexanndra

Camp Agapé’s

Thursday Night

Light Service:

A moving, torch-lit

walk through the

story of the Pas-

sion of Christ

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Scenes from AGAPÉ 2018

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Robert & Charlanne Ammon Harlan Eye In memory of his wife, Mary Gentry Eye

Michael & Nancy Angelo Lou & Vicki Flotta In honor of Charlie & Lavinia Wingert

Ray & Sharon Arkwright & Family, in memory of Ray’s father, David J. Arkwright

Wayne & Janet Franzen

Rev. Peter Asplin Bonnie Gierlack in Memory of Dorothy Sattler

Dale Bachman, In memory of Dolly Bachman

Ruby Gregg In memory or her husband, Walter Gregg and In honor of her children

Barbara Batz, In honor of Linda Broman

Rev. Paul & LaVonne Gysan

Martha Burns Baylor In memory of her daughter, Patricia Agamelian

Mr. & Mrs. John Harmon

Clifford & Linda Betler William & Carol Hartman

Jeanne L. Boggs Mr. & Mrs. Len Hess

Linda Broman, In memory of her husband Doug Broman

Verna Hess

Mary Lou Brown David & Elaine Hiles

Rev. & Mrs. Robert Brunk Carole & Leonard Hill

Rev. Larry & Susan Camberg Joy Hixson

The Cantley Family Eileen Hoffman-Meier In honor of Martha S. Hoffman, and In Memory of Pat “Mama” Wood

Ruth Jean Chalfant, In memory of friend, Verletta Hertzog

Julie Holmes

Kimberly Charlton Mary Rita Jandt In memory of her husband Bob Jandt

Kathy & David Chavara In honor of campers this year

William & Jean Johnson

Charles and Sue Clinton Rev. Rodney Josephson

Marjorie Curran William Keller

Steven D’Addieco Marsha Kennedy

Susan Danfelt Charles Kim In Honor of Pastor Dennis Orsen

Arnold & Marlene DeGeorge Dr. Bill & Linda Kofmehl

Linda Delbagglo Marsha Korth In Memory of Pastor Clifford Wood and Pat “Mama” Wood

Elaine Dively In honor of Lavinia & Charles Wingert and In honor of Deb Jandt

Dr. Alexanndra Kreps In memory of her mother, Sally Siebert Keps

John & Michelle Dodson Rev. John Kulczycki In memory of Dawn K. Kulczycki

Rev. James & Lee Dorow Kevin & Katherine Langholz In honor of the Wingert family

Robert Eckbreth Bonnie Ley

Ken and Judy Eltschlager Elizabeth Lindeberg In memory of her husband, Kermit Lindeberg

Camp Agapé Thanks You

Individuals and Couples who Made Financial Contributions, 11/01/16 – 10/31/17

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Lisa Lockmeyer Caron Wolfe

Patricia McCaughtry Rev. Frank & Judy Zeman

Marilyn Melvin In honor of the Rev. Dr. Anne Woodman-Howe

Jacob Minsinger Congregations That Made Financial Contributions

Robert Mong In memory of Loved Ones

11-01-16 — 10-31-17

Ken Neundorf Bethany Lutheran (Dormont) – Pittsburgh, Pa.

Terry Lee Nicholson Brighton Heights Lutheran - Pittsburgh, Pa.

Janet Niederhuber In memory of St. John’s Lutheran Church Steubenville, Ohio

Christ Lutheran - Duquesne, Pa.

Jonathan & Julie Oberdick In memory of his mother, Anley Oberdick

Emmanuel English Lutheran - Pittsburgh, Pa.

Patrick & Chritine O’Brien In honor of their daughter, Molly O’Brien

Emmanuel Lutheran (Eastmont) - Pittsburgh, Pa.

Rev. Dennis Orsen & Rev. Linda Theophilus Faith Lutheran (Upper St. Clair) - Pittsburgh, Pa.

John Ott First English Evangelical Lutheran - Pittsburgh (Downtown), - Pa.

Margaret & Elmer Pahlman Grace Lutheran - Monongahela, Pa.

Bill Phifer Holy Trinity (Beechview) - Pittsburgh, Pa.

Clarence & Ellen Ritter Mid Mon Valley Lutheran WELCA - Belle Vernon/Monessen/Monongahela/Smithton/W. Newton

Harold Robinson In memory of Sally Robinson, and In honor of Emmanuel Lutheran Church

Nativity Lutheran - Allison Park Pa.

Edward Roehling In memory of his wife, Elaine G. Roehling

Prince of Peace Lutheran (Pleasant Hills ) - Pittsburgh, Pa.

Richard Sarver In memory of his mother, Jennie Sarver

St. Andrew Lutheran (Morewood Avenue) - Pittsburgh, Pa.

Janice Shade St. John Lutheran Church Women - Carnegie

Rev. & Mrs. Robert Schaefer St. Matthew’s Lutheran - Hunker, Pa.

Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Sever St. Matthias Lutheran - Greensburg, Pa.

Nancy Sipe In honor of Pastor Linda Theophilus

St. Paul’s Highfield Lutheran - Vandergrift, Pa.

Rosa Beth Snyder-Boyd St. Paul Lutheran (Hazelwood) - Pittsburgh, Pa.

William Staab St. Paul Lutheran (MMVLP) - Monessen, Pa.

Rev. Matthew Stabe St. Paul Lutheran - Scottdale, Pa.

Clarence & Marlene Strabel Zion Lutheran (Brentwood) - Pittsburgh, Pa.

Gary & Gloria Tiffany Zion Lutheran (Penn Hills) – Pittsburgh, Pa.

Joe & Maren (Alexis) Tomkiel In memory of Claudia, Ian, Marj. & Jerry

Erwin Vettel

Charles & Lavinia Wingert

Janet Wittenberg In memory of her husband, Rev. Virgil D. Wittenberg

Camp Agapé Thanks You

Individuals and Couples who Made Financial Contributions, 11/01/16 – 10/31/17

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AGAPÉ MINISTRIES

Ohio Valley Lutheran Bible Camp Association

PO Box 115

Hickory, PA 15340

Address Service Requested

Phone: 724-2308

Www.campagape.org

Email: campinfo@campagape.org

Non-profit Org.

US Postage

P A I D

Pittsburgh, PA

Permit No. 2433

Coming up at Camp Agapé:

Fall Foliage Day—October 13

Noon—4:00 p.m.

Family Christmas Craft

Day—December 1

Noon—4:00 p.m.