|
|
||
|
The Rev. Ralph Dunkin |
Dear Friends, It is with disappointment and sadness that we announce that the project of Luther Hall is no longer viable. The prohibitive building cost is only one of the factors leading to the decision. Last summer, Mark Burkhardt, Director for Outdoor Ministry in the ELCA was invited by Bishop Ralph Dunkin to visit and evaluate Camp Luther. Mark had many positive things to say about our unique camp and staff. However, he did offer his opinion that planning such a significant commitment of monies and other resources should be revisited “given other more pressing priorities in the church.” He went on to say that the question of whether to pursue the project could only be answered by those “who are so deeply committed to Camp Luther.” After much consideration of these words, and reflecting on the fact that Camp Luther has for 61 years functioned “quite well on the current property,” the Committee has decided to discontinue the building project. We recognize that many people have donated generously to the Building Fund in the form of honoraria, memorials, and outright contributions. Many of your donations carried very personal attachments to the dream of Luther Hall. It is with this in mind that we offer the following options for you to consider. We believe we have developed a plan to honor those attachments and dreams. As of June 1, 2007, the committee known as the Luther Hall Building Committee will give rise to a new entity called “Friends of Camp Luther” and the Building Fund will be maintained. It will be the mission of this group to “safeguard and direct a perpetual fund dedicated to the enhancement of the outdoor ministries of Camp Luther, Inc.” Funds will be considered for distribution on an individual basis to such examples as the Camp Luther General Fund, special projects, and Camp Caesar support. Money will not be used to support day-to-day functioning of any group, but will be reserved for exceptional situations approved by the Committee. The Committee believes that this use of your money (the existing Luther Hall Fund) will allow you to continue to support the youth of our synod with your past donations and any future donations you may choose to make. If you, however, prefer a refund of your donations, you may obtain such in one of the following ways:
We ask that you submit your requests before June 1, 2007. The Committee would like to thank all who have donated to the Luther Hall Building Fund. We also want to assure you that we will continue to work towards keeping Camp Luther the life-changing, spiritual growth experience that it has been for all of us, so that we can continue to “pass It on”. Yours in Christ, Mike Propst and the Luther Hall Building Committee
|
|
Luther Hall
Building Committee