kindling AN INSIDERS VIEW ON LIVES TRANSFORMED
Introducing
AN INSIDERS VIEW ON LIVES TRANSFORMED
Featuring Stories of Impact From
Giving Associates Alumni Volunteers Redwood Society Creating a Legacy plus important upcoming events you won’t want to miss. Winter 2013
Contents 4
Associates Step Across the Line
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Keeping Us Connected Introducing Andrew Summers our Staff Alumni Liason
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A Legacy to Impact Future Generations Announcing the Redwood Socieoty Charter Membership
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A Cast of Characters Take a glimpse into the lives of staff.
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Building Volunteers An interview with Michelle Izor, Volunteer Coordinator
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Creating a Legacy is Back Keep growing, learning and accepting new challenges
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Hello Warmest greetings from Mount Hermon and welcome to the launch of Mount Hermon’s new magazine, lovingly prepared for our inner circle of supporters. This is our first issue, and we hope you’ll find it to be an encouraging and affirming ministry update. Isn’t it exciting to know that through your faithful prayer and financial support lives are transformed at Mount Hermon? For that we are very grateful! We deeply desire that you know us, as well as know what is going on behind the scenes. Kindling is a new opportunity to share with you “highlights” of what God is doing here. Our goal is to reveal the people, stories, projects and blessings that have impacted us. Think of it as our way to put you right here by our side—on the front lines—“in the game”, so to speak, of what’s happening throughout Mount Hermon all year long. As we move forward, please think about what is important to you. What do you want to know and learn more about? Your feedback will help us make the most of each issue by focusing our content on what you want the most. On behalf of Mount Hermon’s Advancement Team and our entire staff family—THANK YOU! You are part of God’s perfect plan as well as a conduit for blessing and life transformation here at Mount Hermon. Remember, we are always as close as your phone or email so please feel free to connect and let us know what is on your heart. Peace be with you,
Kerry Phibbs P.S. Kindling will arrive three times per year, alternating with the Mount Hermon LOG. We hope that they work together to warm your hearts with stories of lives transformed.
“Think of it as our way to put you right here by our side…”
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Mount Hermon Associates are a special group of people who step across a line from being those who benefit from the ministry of Mount Hermon, to those who enable others to benefit. Passionate about investing in people, our Associates provide the critical funds that allow the non-glamorous, everyday-work of ministry to happen. Giving $500 or more per year automatically entitles the giver to the privileges of our Associate family, including personal contact, prayer and an invitation to our annual AIM (Associates in Ministry) Celebration.
Changes to AIM Celebration Every year on Mother’s Day weekend our Associates are invited to Mount Hermon to participate in our AIM Celebration, complete with ministry reports and vision casting. It’s a great time for our investors to hear how their gifts are changing lives and providing for infrastructure needs. As our group has grown, we have recognized the need to add an additional option, so in 2013 we are introducing a new AIM gathering on a second date.
AIM Celebrations 2013
Both events feature the same content regarding annual reports and interface with staff.
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May 10–11
2
August 17–18
Friday-Saturday
Saturday–Sunday
Adult Focused
Family friendly, including programs for children
Mother’s Day Weekend, in conjunction with the Annual Prayer Retreat
Just before Creating a Legacy Conference
If you are an Associate, please think about which option will meet the needs of your family. The May date is in conjunction with our annual prayer retreat, and the August date is right before our Creating A Legacy Conference, so those options might impact your decision. Watch for your invitation this spring. We are so looking forward to spending time with you! If you are not an Associate, but would like to be, get in touch and we’ll get you signed up in time to join us this year!
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as sociate s
Step across the line by Kerry phibbs
Dragon’s Tooth Rapid. Summer 2012 on the Klamath River
Reporting Back
ng coffee set-ups or box EEPING TEAM—delivery aning supplies; our hard moving ladders, emptying g rooms. THE NEED Taylor Dunn electric carts VALUE $4,000-$6,000
WE’RE A LITTLE CRUNCHED ON VEHICLES.
us up and running?
consider: ds the purchase of ehicles n, car or truck that is
FALLING DOUGLAS FIR TREES HAVE STOPPED US SHORT.
h, but a vehicle unt Hermon’s ministry dvance for your Hermon.
Here are just a few of the tangible needs for vehicles that have us feeling the crunch.
Many of you received our October Appeal asking for gifts towards upgrading our vehicle fleet, which is seriously in need of help (and I do mean seriously). Our God heard our cry and you all responded. As of early December we’ve received over $84,000 toward the Crunch Fund!!! I think that last sentence deserves 3 exclamation points. So far we have used the funds received to purchase two new Taylor Dunn electric carts, a used Ford Focus sedan, and an F-150 truck.
831.430.1237
Not only have we received monetary gifts but we’ve been gifted four good vehicles: a 15 passenger van, a Yukon XL, a 2005 Sienna van and a 2004 Ford Ranger XL. We are just amazed but not surprised at God’s goodness to us. We are so fortunate to be able to make a huge dent in improving this very important area. This will be a continuing need, so keep us in mind if you have a good used vehicle that you would like to retire to a good home.
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staff alu mni
keeping us connected In September the Advancement Team gained a new member. Andrew Summers has been attending Mount Hermon camps since the age of 8 and has spent the last six summers on staff at both Ponderosa Lodge and the Conference Center. Andrew’s decision to pursue full-time ministry as a career was made after a life-changing encounter with God at Mount Hermon as a high school student. by lisa olson director of program ministries & Marketing
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After graduating from the University of the Pacific with degrees in International Relations, Spanish, and French he moved to the Democratic Republic of Congo in Africa for two years where he worked with wrongfully imprisoned youth. In 2010 he returned to Mount Hermon, serving a summer as a custodian at Family Camp and then beginning a two year internship as a Guest Services Host at Ponderosa Lodge and as a Program Specialist for Adult and Family Ministries. Andrew has been a great asset in supporting many changes in programming, especially at family camp, and helped to pioneer the new model for staffing at the conference center as a staff counselor in 2011. He brings a servant’s heart, a beastly work ethic, and a high standard of excellence to all he does .And he plays a mean piano. We are privileged to have him working with Dave Burns to keep you connected to Mount Hermon and to each other.
Andrew Summers I’m excited to accept the assignment to connect with former staff members who have served in ministry at Mount Hermon. Whether you were on summer staff at any of our camps, or have served year-round as an intern, or in a part or full-time role, you are part of a special group, and we want to know you. This year, we are making some exciting changes to our staff alumni program. Here are some of the things that you can look forward to: Staff Alumni E-Newsletter We’ll be sending this out every month, and it will include regular articles from Dave Burns and myself highlighting the amazing work that God is doing at Mount Hermon. Regional Gatherings It’s a Mount Hermon get-together, but much closer to home. These will be great times to hear first-hand what God is doing at Mount Hermon and to meet and connect with other Staff Alumni in your area. The first one will be in Yorba Linda in late April, to be followed by one in Sacramento and one in Santa Barbara.
Andrew welcomes Sarah Ainsworth back for another exciting summer.
Redwood Camp Reunion Save the date: August 3–4, 2013 at Mount Hermon! This will be open to everyone who has ever worked at Redwood Camp. We’re excited to get everyone together and share memories, talk about what’s happening at Redwood now, and share the vision for its future! Please help me out by updating your contact information. We may still have your college address and a land line! My phone number is (831)-430-1235, or e-mail me at andrew.summers@ mounthermon.org. I’d love to hear where you are, what you’re up to and how you’re doing.
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leave a legacy to impact future generations by Dave talbott Mount Hermon is pleased to announce the formation of the Redwood Society, dedicated to bonding together a group of special friends who have set aside a portion of their estate for the future benefit of Mount Hermon. For generations of families, Mount Hermon has formed a distinctive heritage, and over the decades numerous families have established lifetime legacies for those following in their footsteps. It is our hope your family will be similarly led to invest here, anticipating the marvelous impact your intentionality will have in years to come. As Director of the Redwood Society, I can discuss gifting opportunities and recommend professionals who can help you with wise planning. Please feel free to contact me at dave.talbott@mounthermon.org. If you have already remembered Mount Hermon in your estate plan, we would like to thank you and enroll you as a charter member. Our first reception for Redwood Society members will be held in conjunction with our AIM Celebration in May. If you are already enrolled, watch for your invitation. If you are considering membership, we would love to have you join us. Let us know how we can help. Charter Membership in the Redwood Society remains open through 2013.
Announcing the Mount Hermon redwood society
charter Mr. & Mrs. Jimmie Allen Mrs. Dorothy W. Arndt Miss Leila Arthur Miss Patricia Bailey Mr. & Mrs. William Barbour Mr. & Mrs. Bill Brandon Mr. & Mrs. Eric Brewer Mr. & Mrs. Don Broesamle Ms. Bonnie Buhnerkempe Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Burman Mrs. Carol Butterworth Mr. & Mrs. Jack Cauwels Mr. & Mrs. Mark R. Champagne Mr. Rex Cooper Mr. & Mr. Scott Couchman Mr. & Mrs. Thomas M. Curtis The Rev. & Mrs. Ron Demolar Mr. & Mrs. Gail E. Dunning Mr. & Mrs. James DuVardo Mr. & Mrs. Peter Duyst Kristina Eriksen Post & Michael Post Miss Wilma Erlandon Mr. & Mrs. Larry Esau Mr. & Mrs. Rob Faisant Miss Marilyn S. Farrar Ms. Kelly Forrest Mr. & Mrs. Howard Gardner Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Gottdiner Mrs. Barbara Grensted Mr. & Mrs. Lee Hanson Dr. & Mrs. Edward L. Hayes Mrs. Judy Heuvelhorst Mrs. Carol Hill Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Hitchman Mr. & Mrs. Tony Holbrook Mr. & Mrs. Sam Housten Mr. & Mrs. Paul Izor Mrs. Christine Kanbergs Mr. & Mrs. Bill Kassis Mr. & Mrs. Paul Kinney Mr. & Mrs. Rick Lagomarsino Mr. & Mrs. Don Lenhart Mr. & Mrs. James R. Linman
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members
REDWOOD SOCIETY
Mrs. Sherry List Mrs. Laurel Long Mr. & Mrs. Walter Love Mr. & Mrs. Richard Macy Mr. & Mrs. Calvin Marble Mrs. Ruth May Mr. & Mrs. Eric McAfee Mr. & Mrs. James H. McQuaid Mr. & Mrs. Gil Mellis Mrs. Marjorie Molakidis Mr. & Mrs. Mike Mulkey Mr. & Mrs. Glenn Nelson Mr. & Mrs. Wolf Neumann Mr. & Mrs. Robert Olsen Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth C. Olson Mrs. Rosemarie Pecanic Mr. & Mrs. Paul Peterson Mrs. Gordon E. Pilcher Mr. Clyde Powers & Mrs. Betty Dean Mr. & Mrs. Greg Presnell Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Puffer Mr. & Mrs. Charles Pyle Karen & Julie Ann Rapp Mr. & Mrs. Donald R. Reichel Mr. & Mrs. Ray Richards Mr. & Mrs. James Rootness Mr. & Mrs. Jack Samuelson Mrs. Jerry Schnell Mrs. Dorothy Schuele Mr. & Mrs. Bill Siegle Mr. & Mrs. John R. Skinner Mr. & Mrs. Tom E. Sommers Mr. & Mrs. John Stewart Jr. Mr. & Mrs. David R. Talbott Mr. & Mrs. Nick Terpstra Mr. & Mrs. Mark Van Groningen Mrs. Elaine Watkins Mr. & Mrs. Darrell L. Watson Mr. & Mrs. Robert S. Watt Mr. & Mrs. John Watts Mr. & Mrs. Roger Williams Mr. & Mrs. David Wright
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a cast of characters by Kerry PHibbs
Sharon Renwick Group Sales Manager
Since you are a part of our family of supporters, we want you to get to know our staff more intimately than you might be able to during your time at camp. Allow us to give you a glimpse into our lives. Hopefully this will help you to pray for us and to make connections when you are here.
Sharon joined our Conference Services team in early 2009. She hits the road visiting churches and parachurch ministries, meeting with staff, learning more about them and exploring ways we can partner together to serve them and build their ministries. Sharon finds joy in introducing these organizations to Mount Hermon and building our existing ministry partnerships. In addition to her role serving groups, Sharon has recently assumed responsibility for leading our sponsored Women’s Retreats at the Conference Center. Prior to coming to Mount Hermon, Sharon worked for Youth for Christ, including a season in Orange County as the Women’s Ministry Director. She has experience as a worship leader, worked for many years in the Christian Music Industry as a Promotional Director, and is an accomplished vocalist who was recently featured at our Christmas concerts with the Ralph Carmichael Band. She is involved in missions through her church and is passionate about participating in what God is doing through the Body of Christ around the world. Sharon lives here at Mount Hermon along with her husband Syd and two of their four children.
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Mark Bradshaw
Dave Burns
Conferences Services Manager
Director of Adult Ministries
Mark came onto full time staff last September; however he is no stranger to Mount Hermon. Mark served as a summer staff counselor at the Conference Center for three summers and for a full year on our Facilities team.
Six years ago Dave joined the Mount Hermon staff, after 15 years in pastoral ministry with the local church. Dave was raised Jewish, and embraced Christ as an adult, along with his late wife, Teri and their family. One of their favorite things was leading worship at family camps for more than twenty years.
He and his wife, Katie (Flynn, now Bradshaw, who was also on full-time staff) have been living in Pasadena for the last two years where Mark has been studying in the Masters of Divinity program at Fuller Theological Seminary. While there Mark worked with Fuller’s Office for Urban Initiatives and as a Chaplain at Arcadia Methodist Hospital. Mark is excited to be back at Mount Hermon and we’re thrilled to have him. His heart for hospitality and attention to every detail are essential for this position. When not at work, Mark is an avid cyclist and runner, hoping to complete his fifth marathon and first triathlon this year. An Old Testament buff, Mark reads the Hebrew Scriptures every day. Mark and Katie are expecting their first child in January!
As Director of Adult Ministries, Dave is involved in programming and hosting our Men’s conferences, Couples Retreats, Family Camps, Songwriters Conference and many others. He also leads worship for a number of our Mount Hermon events throughout the year. Dave’s passion is making Mount Hermon known to those who don’t know us yet. One ministry he has spearheaded reaches out to all divisions of the armed forces and has impacted over 100 military families. Mount Hermon invites them to enjoy a week of Family Camp at no cost to the family. He and his wife Leslie help run our staff alumni program and reside here in Mount Hermon. Together they shepherd a blended family of eight children, two married, (including three daughters named Sarah!), and four grandchildren.
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building volunteers an interview with Michele Izor
In May 2011 Mount Hermon was blessed to have Michele Izor come on board as our Volunteer Coordinator. I spoke with Michele recently about her position here and am delighted to share with you our conversation. by Kerry Phibbs
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Michele, share with us about your history with Mount Hermon. My husband had been coming as a single dad for about 5 years before we started dating and he was hooked. We were married in the small chapel and attended camp as a new, blended family for 15 years before we moved to Mount Hermon to live. How did you become involved with the volunteer program? My husband, Paul, was volunteering almost full-time for the Mount Hermon Facilities Team after he completed building our home. Years later I accepted the position of volunteer coordinator. I have a long history of volunteerism, and I’m very interested in maximizing the benefit both to Mount Hermon and the volunteers themselves. What are some of your favorite volunteer moments? There was a specific junior high group here with their leaders that prayed over their work project, as well as gave financially from the cinnamon rolls they had baked to make the trip possible. Our faithful, local teams that work yearround are also special. They are humbling to me and the staff with their levels of commitment and heart for the ministry. Share with us some of the ways our volunteers helped make 2012 such a remarkable year. The mail room & bulk mail processing are 100% volunteer. Volunteers also provide critical help to our dining services by setting tables, hosting, and serving donuts and coffee. Many individuals help with Facilities and even assisted with building sets for summer camp, including a castle and a massive pirate ship. Groups work on a number of projects including trail maintenance, clearing the new meadow, painting and gardening, to name just a few items. Students from Coast HIlls, one of the many volunteer groups Michele coordinates.
When you’re not coordinating volunteers, where might we find you and what would you be doing? Paul and I attend Twin Lakes Church in Aptos; have 3 wonderful children and 5 grandchildren. We raise & train Guide Dogs for the Blind. In May 2013, I’ll complete my BA in Music. I enjoy conducting both vocal and instrumental groups and sing in a number of different venues. I’m looking forward to where God may lead with my passion for music. I also love to cook, read and travel.
Michele Izor
As you look into the future, what do you see or what would you like to see for our volunteers program? I understand the value that volunteers bring to the Mount Hermon mission; both in the monetary realization of what they accomplish but also with the human contribution each of these people bring to the rest of our staff and our guests. The need and opportunities are really limitless and allow our staff to leverage themselves and their teams to accomplish more for our guests. We have some new summer assignments that we hope will enhance the experience of every guest, and are also looking forward to increasing our number of volunteer groups. We have focused a lot in the last year on our organization skills so that all aspects of a group experience are excellent, from sleeping and eating arrangements to the actual volunteer projects.
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creating a legacy In late summer of 2011 we offered a new event we called the Creating a Legacy conference. Our intended audience was adults aged 45 and older, who are approaching or navigating that stage of life that includes an empty nest, being “sandwiched� as the caregivers for young adult children and aging parents, transitioning to retirement, experiencing the loss of a spouse, being a grandparent, or raising a blended family. by LIsa Olson
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We recognized that adults are not done growing, learning and accepting new challenges. We rejected the thought that camp is for our children and grandchildren, and embraced the idea that God can still meet us at a conference in surprising, transforming ways, leading us to live differently as we move into our futures. The conference was a resounding success, with the participants effusive in their affirmation that it was, indeed, just what they needed. Each person committed to a “major track” where they invested three mornings going deep in a subject of their choice. Taught by accomplished teachers in an interactive way, these majors all took a different perspective on how to create a legacy for generations to follow. Afternoons offered a buffet of seminar options on topics ranging from eldercare to how to trace your genealogy to mentoring. There were topics to feed you spiritually, to help you be a better parent of adult children, to explore what it means to be single at this life stage, to help you manage your finances, and to provide practical skills in areas you always wanted to try. All of this was wrapped in general sessions with rich worship, fellowship and communion. Participants felt like the opportunities for life-on-life sharing created a uniquely intimate community unlike any other retreat or conference experience.
Vince & Annette Webb being guided through an exciting new challenge.
In surveys from our pilot event, 96% of guests said that they felt refreshed spiritually, 98% said that the had gained knowledge or skills that would help them to be more intentional about how they lived, and 95% said they felt empowered to be more intentional about creating a legacy. So, we’ve decided to make the Creating A Legacy conference a regular event in the Mount Hermon calendar. Positioned right at the end of summer, we hope that this date is possible for adults unaffected by school schedules. This time slot allows us to offer great adult recreation options like sea kayaking and guided mountain biking or hiking, as well as all of our adultfriendly adventure courses. Please consider joining us this year to be inspired and equipped to live out your legacy in the next stage of your journey. Earl Palmer and Bill Butterworth will both be keynote speakers, and our same great faculty will return to reprise the major tracks. We’re working on some great additions, including how to map out a legacy of health and fitness as a major track option. Whether or not we are married or parents, we all influence younger people who look to follow our example. Come by yourself, with a friend or with your spouse. All are welcome.
August 19–23, 2013
featuring Earl palmer Bill Butterworth mounthermon.org/legacy
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Mount Hermon P.O. Box 413 Mount Hermon, CA 95041
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All-Comers
SPEAKER
MUSIC
Tim Lundy
Six–4–One Vocal Band
COME ONE, COME ALL.
February 15–18, 2013 Presidents’ Day Weekend copyright © 2013 Mount Hermon Christian Camps & Conference Center PO Box 413 Mount Hermon, CA 95041 main 831.335.4466 fax 831.335.9218 mounthermon.org
about Mount Hermon is a non-profit, interdenominational and evangelical center dedicated to proclaiming Jesus Christ through year-round camps and conferences. Roger E. Williams, Executive Director.
cover Pool Games, Ruth Nyquist contents Finishing a Craft, Cris Mendoza additional photography Steven Anderson, John Ricketts & Josh Bootz
kindling is printed in Santa Cruz, California by Sentinel Printers, and is graciously processed for mailing by our many Action Ministries volunteers who support Mount Hermon through their efforts. A digital version of kindling is available at mounthermon.org