7 1/2 Minute Newsletter March 2008
Dear Friends of Coastal Bend Mission Center:
March Events
1-2 – Sionito Board Meeting & Retreat
8-9 – Women’s Retreat for Women of Heart of Texas MC and Coastal Bend MC at Camp Sionito – Sponsored by Coastal Bend MC
15 – Congregational Audit event at Fairbanks
16 – Palm Sunday
23 – Easter Sunday
28-30 – Men’s Retreat at Camp Sionito
1. Generosity and Camp Sionito
Two wonderful expressions of growing a grateful generous heart were seen at the Coastal Bend MC Congregational Leaders Retreat, February 23-24, 2008. The first expression took root at our mission center conference in October 2007. The offerings from this conference far exceeded our needs. In consultation with the Sionito Board, the mission center leadership team agreed to purchase a new electronic keyboard for the campgrounds. This keyboard was installed during this retreat. It was a wonderful addition to the ministry of music for worship on the grounds. The second gift came because the leaders attending this retreat generously shared through their offerings. The funds received once again surpassed the needs of the retreat. The leaders attending the retreat unanimously agreed to donate the excess funds to Camp Sionito.
2. Summer Camps and Reunions
The Sionito Camping Program is a wonderful place to fellowship, to nurture your spiritual development, and to grow in your discipleship. There are camps for all ages. Please plan to attend one or more of these events. The Mission Center and Camping Committee have worked hard to make the program affordable for all. If you would like to attend and are having difficulty finding the necessary resources please visit with your congregational leadership and the Camp Directors. Registration forms for all camps and reunions maybe download from the Coastal Bend web page.
Young Adult Retreat (ages 19-30) – June 6 - 8
Reunion 1 – June 15 - 21
Senior High Camp – June 21 - 28
Junior High Camp – June 29 – July 5
Reunion 2 – July 5 - 11
Junior Camp – July 13 - 19
SPEC – July 19 - 26
3. Multi-Mission Center Gathering
The Multi-Mission Center Gathering is scheduled for May 23-25, 2008 at the San Antonio Airport Hilton Hotel in San Antonio, TX. Coastal Bend, Heart of Texas, Mexico-Texas Mission Centers will be sponsoring the event. Additionally, we are inviting Ark-La-Tex, Rio Grande and Oklahoma mission centers to attend as well. President Becky Savage, Apostle Rick Maupin, and President of Seventy Ruben Landeros will be providing guest ministry. Activities are planned for all ages including nursery. You can find registration and activity information HERE. Plan to attend this exciting event. You will have an opportunity to share in and experience quality ministry, fellowship, education and the renewal of friendships.
4. Future Event: Congregational Life Workshop – Reviving and Equipping Faithful Communities
The Congregational Life Workshop is schedule for July 28 – August 1, 2008 at Graceland College in Lamoni, IA. Registration information, course descriptions and instructor/facilitator information can be found on the Community of Christ web page at http://www.cofchrist.org/clw/. Make plans now to attend this important event that models congregational life and explores topics of interest dealing with life together in congregations.