Notes from the Executive Director
Jan 2008
Greetings, Sisters and Brothers in Christ
“For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
His faithfulness continues through all generations” Psalm 100:5
2008 promises to be a wonderful year for Crestfield Camp and Conference Center. This year Crestfield will celebrate its 60th birthday. Crestfield has been providing sacred space for many generations to come to be in God’s creation, experience the grace and redemptive power of Jesus Christ and the transforming Holy Spirit. Crestfield is a place where our triune God is seen and felt and heard by those many generations whether as a summer camper or a retreater during the spring, fall or winter. The following story from 2007 junior counselor, Steve Meyers illustrates that transformative power so amazingly:
I saw God in the camp itself through the nature, staff and leadership. Everywhere you turn when you are at Crestfield, you see God working. You see Betty leading a prayer or Tony doing a Bible study. You see counselors helping kids get up the wall or high ropes, counselors helping campers who are homesick or afraid of the dark. You see the counselors who are singing with, talking to and praying with campers to help them grow in their faith. You also see God in the nature all around you while you are there. You see Him in the stars at night and in the sunrise during polar bear. You see Him at vespers when you praise God as the sun sets and the lightning bugs begin to light up the field around you. You see God everywhere you look when you are there and to be part of that, if only for nine weeks, is worth every second you are away from home. You leave the comfort zone of your home, friends, and family in order to make new friends, a second family and a home away from home. When you leave the last day of camp you fell like a completely new person with the knowledge that you had an impact on a young child’s life. You will never be the same after a summer at Crestfield.
God is good! Through God’s abundant gift of the sacred space known as Crestfield, one can feel the presence of the Holy Spirit and be transformed. Through God’s abundant gifts, Crestfield has been able to partner with the churches and communities affiliated with Pittsburgh Presbytery. Through God’s abundant gifts, Crestfield has been able to share the Good News of Jesus Christ at the camp with campers and retreaters. And through God’s abundant gifts, Crestfield has been able to help churches provide daycamp in church communities in Pittsburgh for those unable to come to camp. God is good!
On behalf of the Crestfield Ministry Team, please join us throughout 2008 as we all celebrate God’s gift of 60 years of outdoor ministry and look toward the future as we prepare for how God will bless Crestfield in the next generations. Because, God’s faithfulness certainly continues through all generations.
In Christ’s service and
With Christ’s love for you,
Betty
Betty L. Angelini, Executive Director