Holy Grounds
About Holy Grounds
The camping and retreat centers of the Susquehanna 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 sites - Camp Penn, Greene Hills, Mount Asbury, and Wesley Forest. A five year campaign was authorized at annual conference in 2003. So far, 544 churches and 304 individuals have pledged or given gifts of $4.6 million. We are at 81% of our goal!
Several projects have been completed including 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 nearly completed. We broke ground last spring for a new retreat lodge at Mount Asbury with room for 56 persons. Completion is scheduled for December, 2008. We expect to undertake the expanded program/meeting space at Wesley Forest in 2009. Additional projects may be undertaken if funds are available.
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@susumc.org
Mr. Bob Bittenbender, Co-Director ext. 3111 rbittenbender@susumc.org
Mr. Fred Powell, Co-Director ext. 3111 fpowell@susumc.org
