Congratulations To the First Group of Leaders to Complete CR Ministries Certification Courses Perfect Time for New Students to Begin It is with great joy that we announce and celebrate the inaugural class of students from across the U.S. to complete the five courses necessary for United Methodist Camp/Retreat Ministries Certification. They will now be considered by the Boards of Ministry in their local conferences, who will review their experience and other factors, leading to official recognition as a certified leader within this specialized ministry. Congratulations to the people listed below who have taken a tremendous step in their personal and professional lives to enhance their leadership abilities and ministry effectiveness. This kind of dedication will strengthen United Methodist camp/retreat ministries and bless us all for years to come. David Berkey, Eastern Pennsylvania Jackie Cordon, New York (now) Jim Daly, Central Pennsylvania Lu Harding, Louisiana Nanci Hicks, Georgia Mike Huber, New York Gary Lawson, Tennessee Miranda Lovegren, Oregon-Idaho Brad North, Kentucky Jane Petke, Oregon-Idaho Deke Rider, Iowa Betsy Searle Shrader, Wisconsin Kent Shrader, North Carolina Frank Stemler, Iowa Judy Stephens, North Carolina Wray Stephens, North Carolina Melinda Trotti, New York Les Ulm, New York Larry Wiliford, Kansas We invite you to contact any of the graduates above and talk with them about their experience. This is a perfect time for you to join the more than thirty peoples who have recently begun or who are continuing their advanced learning toward certification. You will discover how meaningful and helpful certification really is. Everyone who has participated or is currently participating strongly affirms the choice he or she made to go the extra mile. Some of the top benefits of participation mentioned by the students themselves are: A much closer connection and friendship with colleagues from across the nation; A strong theological foundation for the importance of what we do; Spiritual growth, inspiration, and renewal; New visions and innovations that create greater depth and breadth in what our experiences offer for those we host and serve; Networking and the ongoing exchange of ideas and information long after classes are over; Expanded opportunities to lead, teach, write, and share within the camp/retreat community; A sense of accomplishment and appreciation in being certified in a specialized ministry recognized as important within our denomination; Learning a host of new and exciting concepts; Getting foundational training and showing serious commitment to the ministry long-term, which makes one a more attractive candidate for positions within United Methodist camp/retreat ministries. For a full schedule of upcoming certification courses, please see starred items in the "Mark Your Calendars" article in this newsletter. The next course takes place at Alton L. Collins Retreat Center and Camp Magruder on the Oregon coast. This will be an excellent course in very beautiful settings. Key volunteers and staff people in a variety of camp/retreat ministries positions who are considering certification should seriously think about beginning in October. This would give you plenty of time to sign up officially with the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry and to enroll as a student at Drew Theological School, which offers eight courses that qualify for Camp/Retreat Ministry Certification. (Courses can be applied to degrees also, for those thinking of going to seminary and including camp/retreat ministry as part of your preparation as a deacon, elder, or doctor of ministry student). For more information on the certification requirements, go to www.gbhem.org, and click on "certification." Also, note that the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry currently offers a $350 grant toward the total cost of each certification course when it is successfully completed. The General Board of Discipleship, the National Camp and Retreat Committee, The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, and the Theological School at Drew University have established this fantastic opportunity especially for us as leaders within camp and retreat ministries. Please take advantage of this wonderful support by the church and excellent educational opportunity for advancing your growth in leadership. For more detailed information about the certification process, steps for signing up for courses, and costs, contact David Berkey, who helps coordinate the Common Ground and certification programs. Sign up and participate today. You'll be glad you did! David L. Berkey, Director, Camp and Retreat Ministries Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, The United Methodist Church PO Box 820, Valley Forge, PA 19482 Tollfree: 877-UMC-CAMP, #1 Fax: 610-666-9093 E-mail: dlbcamp@aol.com | Camp/Retreat Memo Contents | Mel Moody 1914-2003 | | The Legacy of Leadership Fund | The Legacy of Leadership Fund Contribution Form | | In Honor/Memory | Congratulations | Gathering Histories | | Opening Hearts to the Spirit | Mark Your Calendars | | Improvisation Papers | Share Our Worlds | | Retreat-Planning Steps for Local Churches | Recommended Resources | | Camp/Retreat Memo Archives | |Camp and Retreat Ministries Home |