November 30, 2010 Closure
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Pastors and Leaders of the Atlantic District,
Greetings in the Precious Name of Jesus!
This letter is being sent after an agonizing afternoon of reflection by the Board of Directors of the Atlantic District to all who have inquired about decisions being pondered with regard to SonRise Camp, and to all our pastors and leaders. May the Lord bless your reading of this decision and your prayers for the Light of the Gospel to shine!
On September 23th, 2010 the Atlantic District Board of Directors accepted the recommendation of the SonRise Board to cease operations and make preparations to sell the property.
This decision was made after hearing extensive reports from SonRise administrator, Don Streed, and Chairman of the SonRise Board, John Mesloh. The decision was not one that was taken lightly.
SonRise started as a volunteer operation of the Lutheran Laymen's League which was eventually given to the Atlantic District. SonRise was used by many families, individuals and churches for spiritual growth and fun. The retreat season and summer program grew year after year, with a high point of 40 summer staff serving approximately 3000 campers in the late 80s to mid 90s. This rise in usage was reflected in a dynamic new vision of ministry serving all ages. These years prompted changes to buildings and grounds to better serve the people coming to SonRise.
It is amazing to hear the stories of campers and staff whose lives were impacted with the message of Jesus Christ through these times. At least 40 pastors, DCEs and teachers include time at SonRise as part of their spiritual journey in Christ. In addition the Gospel was proclaimed to thousands of all ages throughout the years as they took time away in a quiet place.
In the mid 90's a mission plant was started which eventually grew into the congregation of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church located in Pottersville, NY serving the people of Schroon Lake.
We all give thanks to God for all He has done for the people who have been served at SonRise.
Over the last decade or so the story changed. Not only has the camp experienced an 80% reduction in camp usage across the board, but the expectations of people have changed. SonRise remains 4-6 hours from the vast majority of the population of the Atlantic District. SonRise has struggled financially for decades to pay the loans utilized to build the new buildings.
Three years ago the SonRise Board came to the Atlantic District requesting further investment to revitalize the camp. The plan that was presented included capital improvements as well as staff changes. Over the past three years the right combination has been sought, but SonRise was unable to turn things around for a variety of reasons.
The numbers reflect these basic realities. This past summer there were 122 overnight campers for the entire summer. This would be seen as an average week in the 90's. SonRise has been unable to come close to breaking even without a major investment from the Atlantic District each year.
The Atlantic District has also seen its challenges. Most churches in the district are decreasing in membership, especially in the areas of youth and families. Donations to the District from churches continue to decline.
The financial investment over the last 40 years has been considerable. The financial commitment from the District has needed to increase as the financial support from churches and individuals, as well as usage, has dramatically fallen. These investments were for staff and capital improvement. Each time a plan was presented as to how the operations could be turned around, the plan was unsuccessful. Last year the amount spent on SonRise was equal to the core salaries of all the missionaries our district supports.
No one doubts the lives that were touched and changed by the Gospel throughout the years. The problem is the current lack of usage and support by members of the district.
This information and more was what the Atlantic District Board of Directors wrestled with in making its decision. So the final decision to empower the SonRise Board to make arrangements to close SonRise and seek its sale were made.
The very next resolution was to empower the Praesidium to develop a plan for the future to further mission priorities of our district. This could include any number of options from a mission plant to an additional staff to coordinate family life ministry. In its closure SonRise will have the opportunity to continue the mission and ministry it has been about from its inceptions to make known the love of Christ with whole world.
Pastorally, I want to tell you that many members of the Board were in tears even as they determined their final course of action. These decisions were not made by people unfamiliar with the ministry of SonRise. Many of the members of the Atlantic District Board of Directors lives have been directly impacted, including Rev. Derek Lecakes summer camper, summer staff, full time staff, and previous member of the SonRise board who assisted in the writing of this letter, Rev. Paul Sauer, summer staffer, full time staff, previous member of the board, and other Camp users and supporters.
We continue in fervent prayer for the Lord of the Church to bring us closer to Him even through this time of difficult decision.
With love in Christ,
Rev. Dr. David H. Benke, President/Bishop
Atlantic District, Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
Rev. Derek Lecakes, Secretary, Board of Directors
Atlantic District, Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
November 30, 2010 Closure
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Pastors and Leaders of the Atlantic District,
Greetings in the Precious Name of Jesus!
This letter is being sent after an agonizing afternoon of reflection by the Board of Directors of the Atlantic District to all who have inquired about decisions being pondered with regard to SonRise Camp, and to all our pastors and leaders. May the Lord bless your reading of this decision and your prayers for the Light of the Gospel to shine!
On September 23th, 2010 the Atlantic District Board of Directors accepted the recommendation of the SonRise Board to cease operations and make preparations to sell the property.
This decision was made after hearing extensive reports from SonRise administrator, Don Streed, and Chairman of the SonRise Board, John Mesloh. The decision was not one that was taken lightly.
SonRise started as a volunteer operation of the Lutheran Laymen's League which was eventually given to the Atlantic District. SonRise was used by many families, individuals and churches for spiritual growth and fun. The retreat season and summer program grew year after year, with a high point of 40 summer staff serving approximately 3000 campers in the late 80s to mid 90s. This rise in usage was reflected in a dynamic new vision of ministry serving all ages. These years prompted changes to buildings and grounds to better serve the people coming to SonRise.
It is amazing to hear the stories of campers and staff whose lives were impacted with the message of Jesus Christ through these times. At least 40 pastors, DCEs and teachers include time at SonRise as part of their spiritual journey in Christ. In addition the Gospel was proclaimed to thousands of all ages throughout the years as they took time away in a quiet place.
In the mid 90's a mission plant was started which eventually grew into the congregation of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church located in Pottersville, NY serving the people of Schroon Lake.
We all give thanks to God for all He has done for the people who have been served at SonRise.
Over the last decade or so the story changed. Not only has the camp experienced an 80% reduction in camp usage across the board, but the expectations of people have changed. SonRise remains 4-6 hours from the vast majority of the population of the Atlantic District. SonRise has struggled financially for decades to pay the loans utilized to build the new buildings.
Three years ago the SonRise Board came to the Atlantic District requesting further investment to revitalize the camp. The plan that was presented included capital improvements as well as staff changes. Over the past three years the right combination has been sought, but SonRise was unable to turn things around for a variety of reasons.
The numbers reflect these basic realities. This past summer there were 122 overnight campers for the entire summer. This would be seen as an average week in the 90's. SonRise has been unable to come close to breaking even without a major investment from the Atlantic District each year.
The Atlantic District has also seen its challenges. Most churches in the district are decreasing in membership, especially in the areas of youth and families. Donations to the District from churches continue to decline.
The financial investment over the last 40 years has been considerable. The financial commitment from the District has needed to increase as the financial support from churches and individuals, as well as usage, has dramatically fallen. These investments were for staff and capital improvement. Each time a plan was presented as to how the operations could be turned around, the plan was unsuccessful. Last year the amount spent on SonRise was equal to the core salaries of all the missionaries our district supports.
No one doubts the lives that were touched and changed by the Gospel throughout the years. The problem is the current lack of usage and support by members of the district.
This information and more was what the Atlantic District Board of Directors wrestled with in making its decision. So the final decision to empower the SonRise Board to make arrangements to close SonRise and seek its sale were made.
The very next resolution was to empower the Praesidium to develop a plan for the future to further mission priorities of our district. This could include any number of options from a mission plant to an additional staff to coordinate family life ministry. In its closure SonRise will have the opportunity to continue the mission and ministry it has been about from its inceptions to make known the love of Christ with whole world.
Pastorally, I want to tell you that many members of the Board were in tears even as they determined their final course of action. These decisions were not made by people unfamiliar with the ministry of SonRise. Many of the members of the Atlantic District Board of Directors lives have been directly impacted, including Rev. Derek Lecakes summer camper, summer staff, full time staff, and previous member of the SonRise board who assisted in the writing of this letter, Rev. Paul Sauer, summer staffer, full time staff, previous member of the board, and other Camp users and supporters.
We continue in fervent prayer for the Lord of the Church to bring us closer to Him even through this time of difficult decision.
With love in Christ,
Rev. Dr. David H. Benke, President/Bishop
Atlantic District, Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
Rev. Derek Lecakes, Secretary, Board of Directors
Atlantic District, Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod