Junior High Fall Retreat
This past weekend junior high youth groups from the Chicagoland area came up to camp for the long weekend and had a great time relaxing, playing games, worshipping and growing together as fellow Christians. Covenant churches in attendance included Hinsdale, Batavia, Rockford(Bethesda), Winnetka, Deer Grove. We also had the privilege of beginning a relationship with Park Ridge Community Church, the church where former summer staffer Lauren Malecki is now serving as Associate Pastor.
The messages of the weekend were given by Covenant Point year-round staff and focus on “Relationships: In Christ”, talking about four types of relationships that we have “In Christ”. Through focusing on our relationship to: God, parents, creation, and others we were able to challenge students in a number of different ways to be living in Christ in every relationship within their lives. Program highlights of the weekend included: Track N’ Trail high ropes, Floor Hockey in the tab, “Sasquatch” game on the Island, Sauna and dips in the lake, nightgame, and a large back 40 bonfire. Now we are gearing up for the trailblazer overnight this coming weekend where intern Johanna Sparrman will be speaking to 4/5/6 graders about “Faith, Hope, and Love”
Potluck, Broomball Tournament, and New Building Pictures!
We have had an exciting week of community involvement and outreach! We had two exciting first-time events this past week; the very first Hagerman Lake Community Potluck, and the first annual “Yooper Cup” a free broomball tournament for U.P youth groups and churches.
The Yooper Cup was a success with over 60 people gathering from the three participating churches(Iron Mountain, Iron River and Norway) for the Yooper Cup to compete for the traveling trophy. Iron River won both games and took the trophy home this year, and will return next year to defend their title. Thanks to all who came out to enjoy the day. If your church would like to participate next year, contact colby@cpbc.com
The Hagerman Community Potluck was Jane Frasier, and Courtney Strom’s idea, and they went about coordinating the evening. About 40 people from around the lake gathered in the Dining Hall on Tuesday, February 7th for a delicious potluck meal and fellowship. Laughter was in the air as people from around the lake swapped stories around the tables, and got to know each other a little better.
First Annual U.P Broomball Tournament
This Sunday February 12, 2012 we will be hosting the first U.P Broomball Tournament for are youth groups and churches. Details are below, but all are invited to bring students from their church or youth group to compete as a team(or combine with another church) for a Trophy that will travel year to year with the winning team. Because Covenant Point cares so much for youth ministry, this event is being held as a free outreach event for youth groups to be able to come and have fun at camp and get to know other students from youth groups. Questions about anything? Email Colby, our Director of Outreach colby@cpbc.com
Where: 358 W. Hagerman Lake Road | Iron River, MI 49935
When: Sunday, February 12 | 2 – 5pm
Cost: Free!
Details: Churches in attendance will be responsible for ensuring that students have completed a liability release form prior to playing broomball.
Christmas Camp 2012
Christmas camp was once again a beautiful time to relax, re-energize, and play with each other. Highlights from the week include the: coffee shop talent show, fire on the ice, broom ball tournament(won by the Wieloch team “Serenity Now!”) chapel times led by Eric Filkin, and the group knitting project to make scarves and mittens for children from the school in town who don’t have adequate winter clothing.
Here are some pictures so you can see a little more what the week was like. Make sure to leave comments in the comment section!
Porcupine Mountains Winter Camping
This past week a group of our full time staff headed out into the Porcupine Mountains for a winter camping trip. We ventured out with two objectives 1) to enjoy an adventure in this beautiful place we live, and 2) to scout the area for future winter camping retreats that we hope to develop in the next year. We skied in about four miles and stayed overnight in a simple one-room log cabin owned by the park. From there we were able to take off on a fun off-trail snow-shoe hike by map and compass. We were treated by Dustin’s excellent cooking skills and shared many laughs and a few games by candlelight. We ended our trip with an exciting, mostly down-hill, ski back to our van. Even though it was just one night, being further out in the wilderness to rest and enjoy God’s creation was a wonderful and refreshing gift. So, stay tuned for details on forthcoming winter camping trips next winter. For now, enjoy the pictures!
Columbus Day Junior High Retreat
October 8-10, 2011
With autumn sunshine, 70 degree temperatures and 95+ people attending, there was no lack of energy or activity for this retreat. The photos below show the variety of happenings. Singing and chapel times doted the weekend fun. Mike Stelle, from Harbor Covenant Church in Gig Harbor, WA, was speaker. His talks focused on Abundant Life and the importance of jumping into what God wants us to do. Many adult and summer staff volunteers added to the mix of interaction and fun. A pontoon boat trip was taken to the Island to do the mountain dew swing, and the Back 40 for the zip line and low elements
Trailblazer Retreat
October 15-16, 2011
It’s amazing how much can happen in 24 hours. Just ask any of the children and adults who attended this Trailblazer Retreat. From start to finish there was plenty of action and energy, singing and talks, outdoor time, and games, goofing around and being together in a healthy environment. Don’t forget the good food as well!! A special thanks to Dustin Johnson and his lively yet Bible centered talks, Johanna for the unique programming, and many volunteers from far and wide who added to it all. Enjoy the photos below of all the fun and excitement.
Covenant Womens Retreat 2011
September 23-25, 2011
What happens when a 150 women gather for a weekend? They draw closer to God and grow in their faith. They share in building relationships. They are serious, lively, active, and joyful. They encourage each other and enjoy each other. They talk about personal and life issues. They enjoy good food, laughter, and discussion at meals. They spend time in quiet and reflection, observing the change and beauty of autumn. They see the Creator’s touch in nature and in each other. They take delight in family moments with daughters and moms. They pray to a God who hears, a Savior who loves them, and a Spirit who sustains them. They listen and process the meaning of shalom. They appreciate Judy Howard Peterson and the powerful message and challenge she presented in her talks. They go away changed, renewed, encouraged, loved, and ready to once more take on the many joys and demands of their lives in the U.P. of Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Vermont.
Download Judy’s Sermons by clicking on the links below
Friday Night Download
Saturday Morning Download
Saturday Evening Download
Sunday Morning Download
