Don’t worry, no strained attempts at poetry this time…
So, here it is August, and the camp season that never began is officially over. Now we begin Retreat and Conference season! As of this writing (July 24), COVID is still very much a factor. The CDC and ISDH and the governor have continually readjusted and maneuvered the requirements for us all to do business, to shop, to worship. We have a statewide (unenforceable) face-covering mandate. So what do we do? We read Philippians chapter 4, and we press on. We accept the peace of God (v7) which comes from the God of peace (v9) and we move forward, in His strength, content and resilience. So bring on Autumn!!!!
At Highland Lakes, we are ready to accommodate your small group or church needs as a resource for retreats and conferences this fall…and winter. We have invested in a system to apply our EPA approved disinfectant and sanitizer. We will continually utilize the system to help mitigate any potentially harmful germs. We also have invested in procuring more hand sanitizer stations as well as touchless hand soap dispensers. Our lodging has sufficient space to allow your group to sleep in a “socially distant” manner.
Our cafeteria servers are utilizing face shields as they serve you. Our kitchen staff is preparing pre-packaged salads and fruit cups for your dining comfort. Our dining hall will accommodate social distancing for most conference and retreat groups. Our administrative staff will wear a very handsome and oh-so-convenient Highland Lakes neck gaiter, to ensure that we are being as CDC compliant as possible. (We also have non-medical Kerusso face masks available for sale in the gift shop…be the first on your block to have one of these stylish accessories).
We are thankful for your continued prayers, your volunteering of time, and your financial support. Obviously, without camps this year we have lost a vital income stream. Thankfully, because of your continued dedication to the Cooperative Program, we have been able to retain our full time and most of our part-time staff and expenses are being met. We are so thankful that the Father has continued to bless us over the years, and we have been able to get out and stay out of debt. Please remember to give as a church through the Cooperative Program; we benefit as your camp when you give generously. If you would like to contribute directly to the Highland Lakes building fund or scholarship fund, please take the time to go to www.highlandlakes.org and click on the “Donate” tab at the top. We are currently at a stopping point on the new Activity Center until we accumulate another $80,000 in gifts to get the structure up.
As always, on behalf of Director of Operations Rick Porter, Office Manager Sarah Wickersham, Food Service Director Linda Collier, Maintenance Guru Craig Kratzer, and all the part-time staff, thank you all for allowing us to be your resource to help others Discover, Develop, and Deploy a Transformed Life in Christ.
Jim Shields
Team Leader, Highland Lakes