Dear Warwick Conference Center, Camp Staff and Board Members,
Praise God as you celebrate 65 years of providing Camping and Conferencing services to Christian Churches in our region and beyond and providing us with 65 years with our closest friends as campers and counselors. We thank God for the many amazing memories.
Reflecting on the first summer in 1959, we remember a time of lifting up songs of praise to God, the gathering of prayers, even at the fire circle place, the biblical stories being taught in drama, dance and heart, the swimming competitions and the swimming lessons taught during that time. Many of us remember the fun arts and crafts we experienced with other children of God from various churches. We came to realized that Warwick camp continues to be a special place of haven because of the people who served to make it so, especially the hospitality of the staff and those new friends in the dining room.
Some of us remember the many Picnics and outdoor barbecues, as many churches, packed with buses during the summer weekends to fellowship with other brothers and sisters from other RCA churches in the region. It was a time to worship in the camp area, hear encouraging words offered by strangers who became our extended families.
With the blessing of the Mulder Chapel and Prayer Chapel, all were welcomed to worship and secure a time of prayer in the Prayer room. Unknown to us at the time that the chapel would become a place for wedding vows and worship opportunities.
As Campers and Chaplains, we enjoyed the meals, always a hit. Some favorites were mac ‘n’ cheese, pork in beans, pancakes, hamburgers, Pickles, sandwiches, fruits, and “bug” drinks and juices. As a Conference center, we were blessed at dinner with a roast beef, roasted fish, or baked chicken menu!
When the opportunity permitted, we opened to groups of Elderhostel who found refuge and retreated on a mountaintop of serenity. They found hope of gathering, and less time thinking about loneliness. They too found crafts and fun, and no signal for the phone to ring or television during their vacation.
We welcomed and hosted RCA volunteers and Mission Groups in our region and around the denomination to add a touch of beatification to our traditional ground.
Many pastors and specialized ministers can confess, that Warwick was a place we called a mini getaway from our churches. It was a place of rest and restoration for our spirits. It was a place where we brought our families as a place for retreat and spiritual revival.
During COVID-19, many of us drove up to Warwick and found the gates closed, but still able to view the mountaintop scenic view, offered prayers as we sought a place to travel instead of being closed into our homes.
Many amazing memories brought two Regional Synods together to unfold Christian Hope and Ministries and meet some of the most amazing people in our church communities, as we blessed each other with the love of Christ Jesus. So, with that, I leave you with this. Thank you, Warwick Conference and Camp Program, for giving me over 65 years of fun in the sun and SO MUCH MORE from the Urban Church!
Appreciatively,
Rev. Dr. Micheal Edwards
Executive Minister, Regional Synod of New York