I recently asked a few people a simple question: “Why do you give monthly to Covenant Pines Ministries?” Their answers were succinct, meaningful and personal.
“Why do we give monthly to CPM? We give monthly because we believe in the power of camping ministry and in Covenant Pines. By giving each month – it is a discipline for us that helps us keep Covenant Pines in our thoughts and prayers on a regular basis. Covenant Pines was instrumental in our own faith journeys as kids and as staff members. Now it is an important part of our own children’s faith foundation. By giving each month we feel like we stay connected to this important place.”
“As a young boy I attend a camp that was affiliated with the Lutheran church I grew up in. The foundation for my decision to become a Christ follower was largely formed from those early experiences. As a parent and now a grandparent, about the best we can do for our kids and grandkids is to model Christ-like behavior. CPM knows how to reach kids in a way that family and even church does not.”
“We give to Covenant Pines because we love the ministry it provides along with all the fun. We grew up going to Covenant Pines in the 60’s, our boys went there, worked summers there and married girls that worked there. Covenant Pines has changed so many lives and we love giving so it can continue to be a place our grandkids and others can learn about the love of Jesus.”
“We give monthly to CPM to show our commitment to the year round ministries offered. The hope is that our giving, along with others who give monthly, allows CPM to operate knowing there is a level of consistent and dependable monthly financial support. In our personal lives, it is beneficial to know what income we will have on a monthly basis so that we can best plan for the future, it’s reasonable to believe that an CPM would benefit from knowing the same.”
Becky and I are monthly donors and if asked why, I would respond because I want to help CPM achieve its vision to “Change A Life.” My life was changed by God through Covenant Pines Ministries. I want that to be true for others.
In addition to receiving individual financial, product and equipment donations, CPM has two monthly giving groups that each serve a different purpose:
Friends of Covenant Pines Ministries
This giving group was established with the purpose of providing financial resources to support capital improvement needs. Donors give on a monthly basis to ensure our facilities and equipment are maintained and updated.
Foundation Builders
New in 2017, this giving group was established with the purpose of providing financial support for CPM’s operational needs. Donors give monthly to provide a healthy financial foundation for ministry to be built on.
I encourage you to consider participating in one of these two giving groups. Your donations provide resources that enable our ministry to thrive. It is a 2017 goal of mine to strengthen Covenant Pines Ministries by increasing the number of donors who give monthly to CPM. You are able to give on-line or through the mail. Please indicate if you gift is part of a giving group.
I look forward to having you partner with us.
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms.” John 14:1-2
Everyone is welcome in God’s Kingdom. As Jesus says in the passage above, God’s house has many rooms. The way you might hear us say it this summer is “Our King has a giant castle!” We like to connect the summer theme of CPBC to the theme of Day Camp in a visual way. So we’ll be emphasizing royalty, castles, Kings, Kingdoms, etc. at our Day Camps.
Our King desires for all of his children to find their way to Him. He has prepared a room for every single person on this planet, no matter who you are and what you’ve done. No one is beyond grace and redemption. All you need to do is believe in Him and His Prince, Jesus.
More than that, we are excited to talk about being welcoming and hospitable. These are concepts that are all over the Bible. In Scripture we see Jesus spending time with outcasts, traitors, and enemies of his people. We want students to know how to live out that hospitality in this world. One of the ways we do this is by sharing the amazing gifts God has given us.
searching for a day camp staff
We are in the process of hiring for this upcoming summer. We are looking for 4 exceptional individuals to run our Day Camp Program. The positions available are:
- Day Camp Director
- Day Camp Assistant
- Worship Director
- Activities Director
A description of these jobs can be found here.
Each year we hold an Annual Meeting for Covenant Pines Ministries. It’s a time for friends and participants of all 4 Ministries to share a meal together and hear stories. Every Annual Meeting has a different ministry focus. Last year we focused on Adventurous Christians. This year we are very excited to emphasize Silver Beach Family Area.
Silver Beach became part of this family of Ministries in 1992. For years, Silver Beach was a family resort that resided next to our McGregor property. Over the years, the staff at CPBC developed a relationship with the family who owned the resort next door. In ’92 they felt that it was time to move on and offered to sell the property to CPBC. The Board of Directors discussed and prayed. They felt God’s call to purchase the site. Since then, God has used that space to bless families and bring them closer to one another.
We are very excited to reflect on God’s work in this ministry and look ahead at what’s in store for it’s future. Please join us at the Annual Meeting!
Where: Salem Covenant Church, New Brighton, MN
When: Thursday, April 20th at 6PM
RSVP by emailing office@covenantpines.org
be a delegate for your church
There is some formal business that takes place at this meeting. Each owner church may send 2 delegates who are able to vote on official matters. More than 2 people from each church are welcome, but only 2 may vote.
We want to hear how Covenant Pines Ministries (CPM) has impacted your life. Your story is important. Your story is meaningful. Your story is why these ministries exist. AC, CPBC, Silver Beach, and Day Camp are meant to be a part of your journey with Jesus. We want to hear about that part of your journey. You may think your story is simple and unexciting, but every story about someone’s walk with God is worth telling.
So here’s what we’re asking: write down your CPM story and send it to us. The winner will receive $100 of their next registration for ANY event or rental at ANY CPM ministry. We will also declare 4 runner-ups in 4 different age categories: 3rd – 5th Grade, 6th – 8th Grade, 9-12th Grade, and Adults. The 4 runner-ups will be awarded $50 off their next CPM registration.
Essay Rules
- By submitting an essay, you agree to let Covenant Pines Ministries redistribute it in whole or in part for promotional purposes. If you prefer to remain anonymous, please indicate that when submitting your essay.
- When submitting the essay, please indicate your age.
- Essays must be at least one page in length, using 12 pt font and 1.5 line spacing.
- Essays must be submitted NO LATER THAN MARCH 1ST.
- Submit essays to tate@covenantpines.org
Essay Guidelines
Below is a suggested outline to help tell your CPM story:
Write about what your life looked like before camp.
Write about your experience at camp.
Write about what your life looks like after camp and how your experience changed/shifted your life and brought you closer to God.
TOTAL FUNDS RAISED: $80,383
Campers come to camp expecting to move… walking between buildings, running during games, swimming in the lake and paddling in canoes. Movement is foundational to what camp is. Campers are continuously on the move…one step after another…
But a different type of movement is also occurring – a movement of the heart. In ways we can’t understand, the camp setting is often the place of decision in a person’s life. It is the place where campers take a Next Step in their faith journey. For some, the Next Step is a first step in response to the gospel message. For others, the Next Step is furthering their call to be a Jesus follower. No matter where campers fall on the continuum, camp calls them to take a Next Step.
It’s now your opportunity to take a Next Step. I ask that you take the Next Step to financially support Covenant Pines Ministries. Your gift ensures that campers will be challenged to grow in their faith…to take a Next Step as they grow in their understanding of Jesus. Your gift will support the counselors, staff, trail guides and speakers as they come alongside campers. It is my prayer that all campers will take a Next Step.
Dave Cairns
Executive Director
We have set a goal of $75,000 to be raised for Covenant Pines Ministries prior to Dec. 31st.