THE PLANS
We have an incredible opportunity to grow and expand and improve our ministry at all three sites through our Synod authorized capital campaign. During the past year, with the help of many of you, we have been planning and preparing for this campaign. Here is a brief overview of our plans, accompanied by some conceptual drawings from Trehel Corp. of future developement.
COASTAL RETREAT CENTER
At the Coastal Retreat Center, we plan a complete renovation of the current building including and the addition of a BRAND NEW BUILDING. The “new” building will provide much needed worship space, class room space, state of the art kitchen, offices and storage.
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plan
CAMP KINARD
At Camp Kinard, we plan extensive renovations of existing facilities to include total renovation of current dining hall into a “youth activity center”, upgrading the cottages to include porches, enclosing the outside pavilion, and improve the athletic fields and walking trails.
BIGGERSTAFF
Our newest site, the Biggerstaff Christian Retreat Center in Seneca, SC is situated on a peninsula surrounded by Lake Keowe. Biggerstaff provides us a wonderful place to encounter the glory of God’s creation in the upstate, through water sports, family and congregational gatherings, community festivals, weddings and other special occasions. Plans for Biggerstaff include a 60 bed retreat house. There will be kitchens, meeting space, worship space, class rooms, all that take advantage of the beautiful view and surroundings.
UPDATES:
Great Success for the first congregational appeal!
SC Lutheran Retreat Centers’ Capital Campaign Building + Renewing + Believing received magnificent support from the first congregational appeal of its campaign in September of 2007. St. John’s Lutheran Church of Walhalla, SC pledged to contribute in excess of 1.2 million dollars to assist in building facilities at the Biggerstaff Retreat Center located on a peninsula surrounded by Lake Keowee in Seneca, SC. Biggerstaff will become the third South Carolina Lutheran Retreat Center through the partnering of St. John’s Walhalla and SCLRC, in which the management of the site will be entrusted to SCLRC. “St. John’s recognizes how important synod and institutional ministries are to the life of the church and full heartedly support SCLRC and its capital campaign,” explains Rev. David Coffman, pastor of St. John’s Walhalla. The approach St. John’s used to appeal for funds involved forming a congregational campaign committee, conducting temple talks, providing an informative mailing about intended development, and finally asking congregational members for their pledges. “The remarkable response from St. John’s is truly a testament of their good stewardship,” exclaimed SCLRC Executive Director Dallas Shealy.
With this momentum, SCLRC believes that the goal of 7.5 million dollars from the SC Synod is very obtainable. “We are asking for the cooperation of congregational leaders and members to make this process productive and meaningful,” states Bob Fuzy, SCLRC’s Campaign Counsel. “Our approach is different from other institutional campaigns because SCLRC is working in partnership with congregations to help raise funds not only for our campaign, but also for their identified congregational needs.”
Trinity Lutheran Church of Columbia leaves legacy with SCLRC Campaign
Trinity Lutheran Church of Columbia, SC made a pledge of $50,000 to be given to the SC Lutheran Retreat Centers Capital Campaign upon the completion of the sale of the church’s property. After 25 years, Trinity Lutheran has closed its doors and disbanded as a congregation due to lack of finances and membership. This small congregation on the northeastern side of Columbia decided that the legacy of their church family would live on through donations to other Lutheran and Christian ministries and institutions.
Trinity held a special “Sending and Sowing” service September 30th, where the congregation presented the various institutions with their intended gift. The service was led by Trinity’s pastor Rev Delores Watson and presentation of gifts was made by congregational council president. Among the recipients, in addition to South Carolina Lutheran Retreat Centers, were other Lutheran institutions such as Lutheran Homes, Newberry College, and the South Western Diocese of Tanzania. “Even in death, there is life,” Rev Mel Amundson declared in his address from the SC Synod.
“We are very appreciative of this gift, and we will use it in a way that will serve God’s people and honor Trinity’s legacy,” stated Larry Hamrick, Camp Kinard Resident Director. “This gift will make a tremendous difference for the people we serve at SCLRC through church retreats, congregational gatherings, summer camps, and special needs camps,” explained Amy Catalino, director of marketing and public relations.
Porter Kinard named Chairperson for the Building + Renewing + Believing Campaign
Porter Kinard, native of SC and son of former president of the synod for 28 years Karl W. Kinard, has stepped forward to lead SC Lutheran Retreat Centers' Campaign as Chairperson. Porter is a ‘62 graduate of Newberry College, a former Chairperson of the Newberry College Board of Trustees, and co-owner and founder of the building and development business VIP Developers Inc. He and his wife, Dr. Memi Kinard, are members of Incarnation Lutheran Church in Columbia and share a passion for outdoor ministry as both were involved with Lutheran camps since childhood. “My father was one of the first supporters of Lutheran Camps. He worked hard to bring outdoor ministry camps to South Carolina,” said Kinard. The Kinards and their church have been long time supporters of SCLRC. Incarnation donated the first cottage when Camp Kinard was built. Executive Director Dallas Shealy is thrilled with Kinard’s involvement. “Who better to lead this campaign than the son of the namesake of our first retreat center? Porter is wonderfully dedicated and passionate about the mission of SCLRC.”
Kinard is especially interested in providing for future generations. “Church related and supported camp is good. We need to make people comfortable when they come to camp and retreat. This campaign will ensure that SCLRC can continue for generations to come.”
Coming Soon to SCLRC's Campaign Website:
Naming Opportunities
Congregations onboard
Progress Report
Pictures of development |