This Fall in Outdoor Ministries!

It definitely feels and looks like fall with the cooler temperatures and the changing colors! The season is in full swing -- school is back in session, church programs are happening, beach vacations are over; you know what you have to do and where you need to be. So now, think about what else you could - or want to - do!   Check out what is coming up at Nawakwa, Kirchenwald, & The Wittel Farm...I would be surprised if there isn't something you'll want to add to your calendar!

THIS SUNDAY -- October 24 Campfire Worship @The Wittel Farm (7-9 p.m.) Missing summer nights roasting marshmallows over the fire? Craving a connection with others singing familiar camp songs and telling stories? Do you love being out in the crisp air under the autumn night sky? Or maybe there is something else that is drawing you to this evening event at the farm. Whatever it is...you are welcome to join around the campfire for a couple hours of activity, reflection, and connection with others.   For more information & to register, go to:   https://www.lutherancamping.org/event/campfire-worship-10-2021/

Also, this Sunday... FALL FOLIAGE DAYS @ Nawakwa and Kirchenwald (1-6 p.m.) Come out for seasonal activities at either of the camps! This is a great opportunity to come to camp in the off-season and choose from a variety of favorite fall things to do throughout the afternoon (think pumpkin carving, hiking, hayrides, biking, apple butter boils...) and then participate in outdoor worship, and share in an evening meal.   Pre-registration is strongly encouraged (particularly for meal planning) but if you wake up on Sunday and decide to head over in the afternoon, you will not be turned away!   For more information and to register for the event at Kirchenwald, go to:   https://www.lutherancamping.org/event/fall-foliage-day-at-kirchenwald-2021/   For more information and to register for the event at Kirchenwald, go to:   https://www.lutherancamping.org/event/fall-foliage-day-at-nawakwa-2021/

Annual Quilt Auction ONLINE: Saturday, October 30 - November 4 IN-PERSON: Sunday, November 7 @ Nawakwa (2-6 p.m.) Join in this fun-filled day of bidding on beautiful handcrafted items and quilts. Money raised goes to the Lutheran Camping Corporation Endowment Fund, which helps to financially sustain all of the wonderful ministry activities at the camps throughout the year. The highest online bid will be the starting bid for the live auction. To bid online, go to: https://www.lutherancamping.org/upcoming-events/quilt-auction/online-auction/   For more information, a preview of the quilts, & to register, go to:   https://www.lutherancamping.org/upcoming-events/quilt-auction/   If you would like to donate an item to be auctioned, please complete and return the form at the link below. All items donated need to be at Nawakwa by Sunday, October 24. https://www.lutherancamping.org/forms/2021QuiltDonorForm.pdf

ANTICIPATING WINTER: A SILENT RETREAT Saturday, November 6 @ The Wittel Farm (9 a.m.-4 p.m.) This silent retreat is an invitation to take a long pause amidst the harvested, fallow fields of The Wittel Farm as we turn our focus inward to prepare ourselves for winter once again. The day and space will allow you a quiet and peaceful setting for rest and contemplation. There will be guided reflections, walking in the outdoor labyrinth, a campfire, a simple meal, and cultivation of your own contemplative practices. Reflection and Gathering the Graces will break the group silence. This event is sponsored by the Parish Resource Center. For more information and to register, to go: https://parishresourcecenter.org/events/silent-retreat-at-the-wittel-farm/

WOMEN'S CRAFT RETREAT Friday, November 12 - Sunday, November 14 @ Nawakwa All women are invited to spend a weekend away in the relaxed atmosphere of camp in the fall! Bring your own craft projects, or try something new. Worship will be led by Rev. Cindy Brommer. Please register by November 1.  For more information, to register, and to download forms required after registration, go to:  https://www.lutherancamping.org/event/womens-craft-retreat-2021/

ADVENT DAY APART December 4 @The Wittel Farm (9 a.m. - 2 p.m.) Enter into the Advent spirit by participating in a day of Bible study, worship, and prayerful reflection. For more information & to register, go to:   https://www.lutherancamping.org/event/advent-day-apart-2021/

4th ANNUAL ADVENT/CHRISTMAS IN THE BARN December 19 @ The Wittel Farm (7-8:30 p.m.) Come gather around the outdoor fire and have cookies and cocoa in the barn. There will be inspiring lights and seasonal decorations! For more information & to register, go to:  https://www.lutherancamping.org/event/christmas-in-the-barn-2021/

I would love to hear what you participate in...shoot me an email with pictures to share...everyone loves to see Penn Central in action, connecting with friends and family within the Conference as well as with new friends within the wider church! How can you be connected through Outdoor Ministry opportunities?!?   Happy Fall! -Anne Rankin Outdoor Ministry Liaison

If you can’t see pictures, click on “load all images” or view email thru a web browser (not phone/tablet).

If you know of someone who doesn’t receive these emails and notices please forward them and/or share on social media. In addition, please be sure information and announcements are included in all church communications. And, of course, all are welcome to sign up for Penn Central Conference news and updates here. ‌ ‌ ‌ Penn Central Conference Outdoor Ministries pccucc.org 717-652-1560

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