In the Spirit of Christmas

For many of us, this season is a most special time. Music in the malls, lights and holiday displays, special activities at church and school, and then the fun of shopping for those special persons in our lives. Though we are not instructed to worship at a manger, or memorialize Christ’s birth, or even given with certainty the month of His birth, the fact that the Word became flesh, is a most precious truth in the middle of a season of beautiful festivities.

Christ’s coming was not a celebrated event on earth that first Christmas. Heaven’s greatest gift would have come unnoticed if it had not been for some divinely appointed messengers who alerted some of the local shepherds. Raised at first in exile in Egypt, and later in a remote, non-descript Galilean town, He learned the value of hard work as his laboring stepfather, Joseph, mentored his young stepson through all of the sweat and splinters of the carpenter shop. Working diligently to serve the demands of a growing family, while serving the needs of his customers, Joseph may have often wondered how this boy, so much a developing young man and yet so unique and different from all others, would someday be revealed as God’s anointed One.

Maturing into adulthood, everyday experiences serving in the carpenter’s shop evolved into a life of serving others in fulfillment of His Heavenly Father’s will. Later in His life, Jesus in speaking to some of His followers said, “whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant… for even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give His life a ransom for many.”

Perhaps the real spirit of Christmas has little to do with material gifts, and much to do with giving and serving others. Perhaps it is present as we draw our kids from a “getting” to a “giving” mindset. And, just maybe, we will find that getting into the spirit of Christmas, a giving spirit; will bring more joy than we ever imagined!

Give a Special Gift This Christmas

To one (or two or three) of your favorite kids. Give them a week of camp. 2012 brochures are now available and the best prices for the new season will only be good through January 15th

Camp weeks create memories and sometimes friendships which may last a lifetime. Approximately twenty programs planned for 2012 appeal to a wide range of young persons. Each follows an interactive and engaging Bible theme designed to introduce Jesus Christ and apply spiritual priorities to life. Your gift of a camp week could have eternal value to that special young person in your life. Call the camp office if you have questions.

Dates to Remember

December 13 – Friends of Camp Appanoose, 9:00 AM. Begin finish projects in the Pavilion

guest loft rooms. Lunch is provided at noon.

January 15 – Begin Alpha 5:30 PM – Alpha will meet every Sunday through April.

$4.00 per person includes the evening meal. Child care is not provided.

17 – Friends of Camp Appanoose, 9:00AM, Finish work in guest rooms,

craft room, and equipment room. Lunch provided.

20 – Winter Jam – Well’s Fargo in Des Moines. Meet at the Pavilion at 4:00 PM.

$20.00 covers transportation and fee. Call Pastor Pat if you plan to attend.

Bring spending money for on your way home.

February 21 – Friends of Camp Appanoose 9:00 AM. Continue finish projects in loft rooms,

craft area and storage room. Lunch at noon.

March 29-31 – Do Emmaus Weekend (DEW). An opportunity for high school juniors & seniors to

visit Emmaus College, a non –denominational, Christ centered, regionally

accredited Bible College in Dubuque, Iowa. Visit classes; enjoy a variety of

activities with other Christian teens. $45.00 covers cost and transportation.

Bring money for two meals on the road.

Alpha is coming to camp this winter!

Alpha, a practical introduction to the Christian faith, is for anyone interested in investigating Christianity, couples preparing for marriage, or for Christians who want to brush up on the basics. Whether you are a skeptic or a believer wishing to explore the foundations of your faith, Alpha is for you. TOPICS included throughout the course are: Who Is Jesus? Why Did Jesus Die? Why and How Do I Pray? Why and How Should I Read the Bible? Who Is the Holy Spirit? How Can I Resist Evil? Why and How Should I Tell Others? Does God Heal Today? What about the Church?

Beginning January 15th and each Sunday evening through mid-April, you are invited to join us in the pavilion, from 5:30-7:30, for a family-styled meal, an informal presentation and discussion of the Christian faith. A suggested weekly contribution of $4.00 per person includes the evening meal.

Perhaps you have friends or family members who could benefit from Alpha. Why not come and bring them along? Childcare is not provided however children may attend each session if accompanied by a parent. Contact Pat Amsden at cabar@campappanoose.org, or 641-895-0295 with questions.

Some abbreviated testimonials from 2011…

Thanks to what I have been through in my life and camp Appanoose i have been able to realize that the hard times in life make us stronger if we choose to listen and follow God.

It was my first year but everyone was nice and I had a fun time. I would recommend this camp because the staff is nice and also the food is great. I really hope I am able to come again to try some of the other camps because I know I had a lot of fun at this one.

Loved everything!

This camp experience was very fun and I had a great time. I learned to respect people as in mother and father even camp counselors. We’re talking about facing your giants and I learned to have faith in God…

Through the ministry of Camp Appanoose, God DOES change the lives of young people. It is a privilege to be a part of this great work and we are grateful for 2011 nearly completed, for opportunities to introduce kids to Christ, for friendship and ministry partnerships formed with you throughout the past year.

Itmes Most Needed

• Regular monthly, quarterly or annual supporters! Approximately $7000 is needed to finish 2011 in the black. Please consider a year end (tax deductible) gift.

• Recreational equipment: $300.00 for floor hockey equipment; Ice skates, in line skates or roller skates; Paint ball equipment ($6000.00)

• Baseball backstop for the new athletic field

• 30×60 storage building for tractors and equipment

• Full sized, roadworthy pickup truck

• 1 -New queen sized mattress (60”x 80”)

• Equipment Needs: Trailer type finish mower; Pull behind sickle mower; tractor w/ front loader for moving large hay bales;

• Hay bale rings for horses

Fall Roundup Guests this year enjoyed music, testimonies and a great meal as camp staff recounted the blessings of this ministry and presented some challenges yet ahead. Pastor Pat spoke of the Vision 20/20 strategic plan which is currently being developed for the next phase of ministry at camp. We are grateful for each person who attended and for each person who pledged support. If you were not able to join us at the Fall Roundup and wish to contribute financially on a monthly basis, you may contact us by phone or email cabar@campappanoose.org.

Remembering Adam

On August 27, 2011, a former camper who had spent many enjoyable weeks here as a young man, lost his life in a tragic motorcycle accident. Adam Jarnagin, 24, had certainly gained a big place in each of our lives. After graduating from high school, he served four years in the US Marine Corps until his honorable discharge. A number of persons have contributed toward a memorial fund for Adam which will be used for a special project here at camp. You may contribute to that fund by simply noting “Adam” on your check. Our sympathies are with Gary and Kris, his parents, and his two younger brothers, Aaron and Isaac, who are currently summer campers.