About Holy Grounds
The camping and retreat centers of the Central Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church have a rich history of blessing the lives of men, women, youth, and children with a closer relationship with Jesus Christ. "Building Bridges to People on Holy Grounds" is a comprehensive plan to address pressing facility expansions, repairs, and improvements at our camping and retreat sites.
Facility needs totaling $5.5 million were identified in 2003. The list of priorities included improvements at all five sites - Bethlehem Farm, Camp Penn, Greene Hills, Mount Asbury, and Wesley Forest. A five year campaign was authorized at annual conference in 2003. So far, 511 churches and 304 individuals have pledged or given gifts of $4.4 million. We are at 80% of our goal!
Several projects have been completed including a new playground at Bethlehem Farm, new restrooms, an improved sports court and craft building at Camp Penn, new wells at Greene Hills, and renovations of White Pine and Hemlock lodges as well as improvements to the lake at Wesley Forest. Work on the sewage system and renovation of the athletic field at Green Hills is to be finished by this camping season. We have broken ground for a new retreat lodge at Mt. Asbury with rooms for 56 persons. We also have schematic plans completed for the expanded dining room/program space at Wesley Forest and for a bathhouse at Greene Hills.
Vital keys for the success of this endeavor are fervent prayer and a greater, widespread understanding of how the objectives of "Building Bridges to People on Holy Grounds" campaign will influence lives for Christ. Co-directors Bob Bittenbender and Fred Powell are still available to work with churches and individuals to encourage their participation in the campaign. Kathie Bittenbender does the "office work" processing receipts and tracking the status of pledges. Contact any of them at the conference office if you have any questions.
Please continue to keep this important initiative in your prayers and please continue your financial support of the "Building to People on Holy Grounds" campaign.
View the Holy Grounds participating churches here.
Contact Us: 303 Mulberry Drive, PO Box 2053, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 Phone: 1-800-874-8874
Mrs. Kathie Bittenbender, Campaign Coordinator ext. 3111 kbittenbender@cpcumc.org
Mr. Bob Bittenbender, Co-Director ext. 3111 rbittenbender@cpcumc.org
Mr. Fred Powell, Co-Director ext. 3111 fpowell@cpcumc.org