Year End Letter

Dear Friends, Thank you for contributing to Westminster Woods this year. Your commitment to this ministry is truly appreciated. It is people like you -- our family – who make it possible to continue to serve each person that comes across the Bridge to experience this blessed place. In July I was able to volunteer during summer camp while my 10-year-old was in “The Forest,” and I experienced first-hand the life-changing effect of this place. Along with high-energy campfires, Bible lessons and camp games, campers had new opportunities. They baked and blessed bread, learned about composting in the organic garden and created body poses to reflect God’s love. The camp also began a partnership with the non-profit Stop Hunger Now, which has as its vision: “A world without hunger.” High School and Buccaneer campers packaged more than 36,000 meals in Vernon Hall to send overseas to combat hunger in places like Nicaragua, Sudan and Haiti. As the packaging took place, a loud bell rang after each 1,000 meals, causing an excited cheer that could be heard all over camp. All who participated came away energized and amazed at the difference they could make in the lives of starving people around the world. Clearly we’ve been busy! As the world continues to move faster and faster, our youth are looking to Westminster Woods as a place to retreat, re-energize and find mission and meaning in their lives. We hope to focus future outreach efforts to attract more groups interested in “mission ministry closer to home.” In the past year, our programming has infused new music and mission into The Woods--for the summer campers, alumni and neighbors from throughout Northern California. We are now offering a new monthly Taizé-style worship service to welcome friends and neighbors from throughout our region to experience God’s love through music and fellowship, surrounded by God’s beautiful creation. In this way, Westminster Woods can continue its mission of guiding people to Christ—all year long. Please join me in supporting the ministry of Westminster Woods financially during this season of giving so we can continue to provide this space for children, youth, and adults to breath fresh air, explore nature and appreciate God’s creation. Yours in Christ, Diane E. Olson Board Chair