Building + Renewing + Believing Campaign
Executive Cabinet

Porter O. Kinard, Chairperson

The Rev. James W. Addy

Ann C. Alexander

The Rev. Dr. James Aull

Marcia M. Ballentine

The Rev. Dr. Herman Cauble

The Rev. David W. Coffman

The Rev. J. Harry Crout

The Rev. Susan J. Crowell

The Rev. Dr. James Crumley, Jr.

The Rev. Dr. David Donges

Raymond L. Hendrix, Jr.

DeLouris M. Hollinger

J. Larry Kyzer

The Rev. Dr. Larry S. Long

Sheriff James R. Metts

Thomas J. O’Brien, AIM

The Rev. R. Delano Ricard
(posthumously)

 

 

OUR CAMPAIGN

Building Renewing Believing
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CAMPAIGN OVERVIEW

South Carolina Lutheran Retreat Centers (SCLRC) is proud to be THE camping and retreat center ministry of the South Carolina Synod, and this is an exciting year for us as we embark on a Capital Campaign for BUILDING RENEWING BELIEVING! Our campaign will provide the means to enrich the facilities and ministry of Your Lutheran Retreat Centers!

To do all of the desired renovations and new construction, SCLRC could use $20 million. However, a phased approach allows us to start with a $7.5 million campaign. Below is the proposed fundrasing goals for our capital campaign.

funds chart

SCLRC is the only institution of our synod that receives no federal or state funds and is supported solely by SC Synod benevolence, congregational and individual gifts and user fees. Your Retreat Centers are a vital part of the SC Synod's ministry, and we believe our goals are well within reach!  THERE IS ENOUGH!

It has been noted that NO institution in our synod has been able to raise this kind of money from South Carolina alone. But we think we can! As Paul wrote in his second letter to the Corinthians:  “You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity, which will produce thanksgiving to God through us:  for the rendering of this ministry not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also overflows with many thanksgivings to God.” 

We need you!  YOU are part of our ministry.  Please be a part of our campaign.

 

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. 

click thumbnail to view plan
Coastal Building First Floor Plan Second Floor Plan Entire Grounds Coastal

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. 

Kinard Hall Outside Kinard Hall Inside New Cabin Look
Entire Grounds Kinard Enclosed Pavilion New Meeting Room

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.

Retreat House Outside Retreat House Level One Retreat House Level 2 and 3 Entire Ground Biggerstaff

 

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