Dear Friends of NovusWay,
One of the greatest gifts of camp and conference ministry is the way it connects people across places, generations, and seasons of life. Again and again, we see how congregations and camps are woven together through shared service, shared stories, and shared faith. Our latest issue of The LINK newsletter Q1 2026 LINK is full of those connections, and I hope as you read it, you’ll notice how deeply Lutheridge, Lutherock, and Luther Springs are rooted in the life of the church.
Those connections are visible not only in programs, but also in the ways our communities show up for one another. Over the past year, generous support has helped us pass the $3 million mark in the Lutheridge 75th Birthday campaign. Because of that generosity, guests are already enjoying the completed Hill Cabins and renovated bathrooms at Lakeside Lodge. Work on Pioneer A is well underway and will be finished in time for summer camp. New offices for NovusWay staff are nearly complete and we’re preparing to transform Mission Hall into lodging. Each project strengthens our ability to welcome campers, retreat groups, and congregations with care and excellence across all three sites. The campaign continues as we get closer to our $3.6 million goal, and we are so grateful for your generosity.
At the same time, we continue to navigate recovery from the hurricane at both Lutheridge and Lutherock. Cleanup is ongoing, and we are grateful for the steady presence of FEMA at Lutherock as this work continues through the spring. Even in the midst of disruption, our staff and volunteers have embodied resilience, hospitality, and hope.
In recent weeks, we’ve had the joy of reconnecting with former summer staff during reunion weekends at Lutheridge, Lutherock, and Luther Springs. Spending time with these young leaders and hearing how their experiences continue to shape their faith, leadership, and sense of purpose was a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of this ministry.
That same sense of shared mission was evident during our recent all-staff retreat at Lutheridge, where team members from all three sites gathered for learning, worship, laughter, and prayer. Together, we focused on how we live out our core values of safety, care, joy, unity, and inclusivity. We were deeply cared for by residents of Lutheridge, St. Mark’s Lutheran in Asheville, Nativity Lutheran in Arden, and the NovusWay Board of Directors, whose hospitality reflected the very spirit we strive to offer every guest who comes through our gates.
As you read the stories in this newsletter – from bridge-building programs and disaster response teams, to long-standing congregational partnerships and a remarkable legacy gift that will help shape the future at Luther Springs – I hope you’ll see the common thread: NovusWay exists because of community. Together, we are creating places where faith is nurtured, relationships are strengthened, and God’s love is made tangible.
Lauri SoJourner
