_Happy New Year!  After a very snowy and quiet December on Mingus Mountain we look forward to the coming year.  We are especially looking forward to January’s Winter Camp, held the 14th through the 16th on the Martin Luther King Holiday weekend.  We’re planning our trips to town for supplies and groceries, dusting out the cabins, and repairing the vent pipes sheared off by Decembers’ big winter snows.  By mid-December we had recorded 48” of snow for the season, with plenty still on the ground!

We’re thankful for those who will be leading the youth at Winter Camp.  Deans Nicholle Hansen and Cindy Von Bargen, who have led the camp together for three seasons, have recruited a wide variety of leaders from East and West Districts.  Pastors Ron Bartlow and David Rennick will be lending a hand, as will Mingus Mountain Advisory Committee Program Chairperson, Joshua Warner.  We will be welcoming these returning leaders and several new local leaders too. 

In addition to our great retreat festivities of great food, “family” time, and fellowship we’ll be challenged with some serious spiritual discussion and activities.  Our theme, The Least of These, delves into our role in taking care of the poor and needy.  We’ll share experiences and learn about our role in taking small steps to transform the world, through actions, prayer and through HOPE. 

Brandon and I are thankful to be in community with our youth and leaders and to share in the weekend’s spiritual journey.

Good Tidings,
Chris