Dear Friends of NovusWay,
As I write this, I haven’t yet started in my new role as CEO. But by the time you read these words, my feet will be on the ground. I’ve already been joining meetings to get up to speed, so that I can hit the ground running on my very first day. To say I’m excited is an understatement!
I believe with all my heart that camp and retreat ministry is one of the most important doorways into the life of the church. I know this because my own story was shaped that way. I grew up going to faith-based summer camp and participating in youth retreats, and it was at camp that my faith first took root. I see the same life-changing work happening every summer in our programs – faith being formed, leaders being shaped, and young people learning what it means to be loved by God.
About 20 years ago, I heard my own call to serve in camp and conference ministry at Wild Women’s Weekend at Lutheridge. (Admittedly, I “borrowed” many ideas that I learned from Pastor Mary Canniff-Kuhn who led the program that weekend when I became a camp director and later an executive director.) That’s why I know this ministry isn’t just for children and youth – it continues through adult programs and hosted ministries too. God keeps using our sites to inspire, to form, and to call people in every season of life.
The world around us feels so divided right now. But our camps and conference centers can be places of rest, welcome, and healing for all of God’s people. I believe that NovusWay’s sites give us a glimpse of God’s Kingdom on earth – where all are welcomed, where joy is shared, and where God’s love is experienced in real and powerful ways.
I am deeply grateful for the chance to serve this ministry and deeply grateful for YOUR support for NovusWay Ministries. I look forward to meeting you, our supporters and friends, as together we write the next chapter of the NovusWay story.
With joy and hope,
Lauri SoJourner
