By Deacon Dallas Shealy
Executive Director of the South Carolina Lutheran Retreat Centers
At the 2019 SCLRC Board Retreat, the trustees had an earnest discussion about the dreams and visions that they had been considering for the past several years. We agreed that God is busy at work in our retreat centers, helping people grow in faith, relationship, and glimpsing into the Kingdom yet to come. Looking back over the nearly 50 years of ministry, beginning at Camp Kinard and expanding to Coastal Retreat, the board realized the magnitude of the cloud of witnesses who had come before and the opportunities for those who will be impacted by this ministry in the years to come. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, the board adopted a new mission statement: “Providing holy spaces for God to change lives.”
A new mission statement and vision starting to take shape was a way to begin 2019. This past calendar year allowed us to complete the 2nd phase of the
Building+RENEWING+Believing Capital Campaign. New flooring was installed at Camp Kinard and Coastal Retreat, with repairs to the roofs being completed at Camp Kinard. We were able to add two key staff members, with Rev. Christi Pursey as Chaplain to Camp Kinard and Spiritual Direction Coordinator, and Rev. Mary M. Finklea as Community and Congregation Engagement Coordinator.
This ministry was able to add programming for adults, including a weekly book study, weekend retreats, and several week-long events. We were also delighted to finally have a labyrinth installed at Camp Kinard.
With an eye towards the future and with a mission statement pointing the way, our Vision Team has been hard at work drafting plans for this ministry’s future. They will soon be sharing our building plans at Camp Kinard, which will include a new entry way, new lodging, and finally a new chapel! We hope these new additions to these holy spaces will help SCLRC reach even more people to be touched God.
We invite you to come to Camp Kinard and Coastal Retreat, take off your sandals or shoes, feel the holy ground beneath your feet, and let God work in you!
