The Earth Ball Lives!
Our earth ball was in sad shape three weeks ago . . . but not any more! Time-worn and well-used, the earth ball has been a valuable asset to the Mainland for many years, but the time finally came for a new inflatable bladder. We posted about this need on our “program wish list” page, a place where we post needs for our program, operations, and information about scholarship donations. Within a few weeks, a friend of covenant point donated the $160 to purchase the new bladder and today we blew it up for the first time and had a celebration!
This donation is a beautiful example of the many ways that we are indelibly linked to those who support us through praying for the ministry, telling families and students about camp, or donating funds for projects. There are many ways to get involved. We are currently 75% of the way to completing the Next Step of Faith Campaign, and there are resources around our site to learn more about our Wishlist, or how to Become a “Friend of Covenant Point”
Thanks for your support!
Former NOLS Field Guide Trains Point Staff
Kevin Bergstrom, staff alum (crew, counselor, trips director) and former National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) field guide and a NOLS Rocky Mountain Assistant Director, spent two days with us this past weekend providing supplemental trips training for our trips staff who will be leading Canoe, and Backpacking Trips this summer. Covering a range of topics like wilderness risk management, outdoor leadership, orienteering, river crossing, basic mountaineering techniques, and outdoor cooking, Kevin’s expertise is an enormous gift to our trips program and its ongoing development. A huge thank you to Kevin for his willingness to come back to serve Covenant Point with the many skills developed over the years since his time here!
Trips camps are filling up for this summer, Check Availability now and Register Online before it’s too late!
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.
Our Latest Blessings | Gifts & Donations
First, an updated Campaign total: $428,293
Click Here to Learn More About Our Next Step of Faith
In the past few months we have been very blessed with gifts from various organizations and individuals. In total we received: filing cabinets, a flying scot sailboat, a new soundboard, and 10 cords of wood for heating. All were blessings and answers to prayer that came just at the right time and we extend love and gratefulness to all those involved in the donations of these excellent gifts that will better equip us to do the work of the Kingdom.
The Stories: God’s timing is amazing. We were anticipating purchasing a new sound board in the near future, and then we received word from a friend of camp that there was a nearly brand new sound board waiting for us in an office. After our office renovation this fall, we were looking to purchase new filing cabinets to better organize our office space, and about three weeks ago another friend called to tell us that filing cabinets were on their way. Sailing has had a resurgence among our summer programs in the past few years, so it was exciting news when we heard from a former staff member that there was a sail boat(big enough to hold a full cabin group!) in his drive way that had been donated by a seller on craigslist who decided to give it away instead of making a profit. Lastly, we were ecstatic to learn that a significant amount of seasoned wood(enough for at least 1 full winter!) had been donated to help us get ahead on our heating costs.
All these gifts were generous displays of people who gave in faith and in support of the ministry of Covenant Point. Thanks to all who gave. If you are interested in learning more about ways to give, consider becoming a Friend of Covenant Point, or visit our Gift & Projects Page or email us with things you are interested in donating.
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!
Covenant Point’s Newest Baby | Johanna Marie Frisk
Johanna Marie Frisk, was born to David and Ann Marie Frisk on October 19, 2011 weighing 8lbs 3oz. She is 11 weeks old in the picture below! David served on staff for a number of years as our “techno-genius” and continues to give generously of his time and talent to provide camp with things like online registration, and website administration. He also gets us out of techno trouble that we can’t handle ourselves! We are very thankful for the Frisks and look forward to Johanna growing up in the loving community of Covenant Point!
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!
Our Next Step of Faith Update
$425,893 – Updated Campaign Total
We are incredibly excited by the new number of donations. What a blessing to see the support of Our Next Step of Faith! We’ve now passed the two-thirds mark for total pledges, and looking ahead to the finish line. If you haven’t joined the Covenant Point community in this campaign, learn more by clicking here.
Here are few pictures from the building site. Today, our builders put up the trusses for the garage with the welcome help of a crew of volunteers from our Christmas Family Camp!
Snow Shoveling at the Building Site
The whole full time staff had to head over to the building site today to shovel because we got 8 inches of snow last night! Below are also some pictures of the site currently.
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
