Wow! Look what we got!

Thanks, Gene! This will work great!

Many thanks go to Arnie Fichtenberg for designing and managing the construction. Other’s lending their skills to the project are Les & Jeanne Sitz, Bob & Fern Neff, Jim & Chris Dyess, Reese Schmidt, Allen & Nancy Thiele, and Mem Fichtenberg.

Thanks to him we now have this fabulous, sturdy shade structure that will also serve to define the shooting lanes.

As of today, it’s back in place with a new routed entering and leaving message sign routed by Leroy Bennetsen and painted by Ruth & Jon Hoyme.

We would also lilke to say thank you to the over 300 volunteers that have come out to Lutherhill since the fires to help. It is amazing to have such great friends!

On January 1^st 2012, Lutherhill Ministries took ownership of the property of Zion Lutheran Church in Galveston.  The congregation voted to dissolve on November 12, 2011, stating their desire for the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod to seek to continue Lutheran ministry on their property.  A task force consisting of folks related to the Synod, to Lutherhill, to Zion Lutheran and from the Galveston community met a number of times.  The result was that the Synod has designated Lutherhill Ministries to receive the property because we have the resources and experience to explore this opportunity. 

In a Letter of Understanding adopted by the Board of Directors, Lutherhill Ministries commits to developing a business plan for the use of the property as a ministry center.  This plan would include but not be limited to a utilization study, a physical plant re-development plan, and a financial plan to ensure that there would be no negative effect on the continuing capital campaign for development at Camp Lutherhill and the annual funding of Lutherhill Ministries.  In the meantime, existing financial resources received from Zion will take care of maintenance, insurance, and security needs at the property. 

As we start this process, we see this ministry center as an extension of our wonderful ministry of providing quality camping and retreat experiences for all ages.  We envision this center as a place for beach camp, adventure camp, family camp and day camp for the community, as well as a whole variety of retreats for adults, youth and families throughout the year. 

Lutherhill Ministries is excited about the opportunities this property provides for expansion of our camping and retreat programs and for the possibilities of outreach to the Galveston community, as we seek to “Let Our Light Shine Bright.”  We are grateful for the vision and generosity of Zion Lutheran congregation and for the partnership in ministry with the Gulf Coast Synod that has opened this exciting adventure for Lutherhill Ministries.  We ask for your prayers and continuing support as we seek to live out our ever-expanding mission:   “Lutherhill…a place for all people of every generation to experience the love of Christ in unique settings and new ways.”

The National Forest Service joined us to talk about safety and defensible space. Much clearing was done – Thank You!!

And there’s still more to do. Watch for another scheduled workday after the holidays. Or come out with a group on a date of your choice. We’re thankful for anything you can do.

God’s work. Our hands.

Next steps: Repair stone pillars & place routed message boards.

Don’t worry, the beam is supported by sturdy metal posts, not the stone pillars. You’re entrance is safe.

Pastor Lawrence Bade joined Lutherhill as Interim Executive Director in May 2011. Recently he St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Brenham for thirteen years. He brings outdoor ministry experience from his years as Director of Camp Chrysalis and Ebert Ranch. Lawrence was also Assistant to the Bishop of the Southwestern Texas Synod. When Lawrence isn’t at camp, he enjoys cooking, gardening, and visiting his mother in Cuero where he grew up.