The JR High Spring Retreat is CANCELLED

See below a letter from President Hagan and Family & Youth Assistant Dan Kreienkamp regarding the cancellation:

Missouri District Junior High Youth Gathering Cancelled

Mounting fears and risk from the Coronavirus have led us to make the difficult decision to cancel the Missouri District Junior High Gathering, scheduled for March 27-29, 2020 at Camp Windermere, Lake of the Ozarks. We have consulted with experts and reviewed Centers for Disease Control recommendations. Even with safety precautions, spreading germs among middle schoolers in close proximity is unavoidable. The care of our young people and church members comes first.

By design, the Missouri District Junior High Gathering seeks to bring middle school students from Lutheran congregations in all parts of the state into one place to worship, celebrate, connect and serve in Jesus’ Name over three days’ time; to send them back into their churches, communities and families equipped and empowered to live their faith.

Congregations and individuals who have already registered for the ministry event will be refunded. We will be working in the coming days to share some of the fantastic content developed by our presenter, Mrs. Sarah Salzberg, on our Missouri District website and through social media. Planning is already underway for next year’s Junior High Gathering. The theme and presenter will be announced in the coming months.

In Jesus we do not fear the challenges of the day. He has come to carry our sins and sorrows to His cross, that we might have a life filled with hope! Our theme verse from Colossians 3:15 says, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.” May this peace rule in your life today and always.

In Christ’s Service,

Rev. Dr. Lee Hagan                                        Dan Kreienkamp

District President                                            Assistant for Family Life and Youth

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Our focus this year is on the Table of Duties from Luther’s Small Catechism, answering questions about relationships and Christian vocation. The theme “Peace Rules” is based on Colossians 3:15, “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.”

Our presenter is Sarah Salzberg, teacher at Orange Lutheran High School in Orange County, California.

We welcome back Christian band Bread of Stone to provide great music all weekend!

FAQs | Main Presenters and Band | Forms | Spring Retreat Info

FAQs

Who can go?
Youth: Youth primarily in grades six, seven and eight. Adult counselors: Approximately one for each seven youth (male counselors for male youth and female counselors for female youth).

What will we do?
There is a multi-session Bible study based on the theme, plus games, fellowship, community building, a talent show and worship. We will have servant event time on Saturday afternoon. The “Saturday Night Fun Fest” includes a bonfire, board games, basketball, music and karaoke.

Camp Windermere offers free, open gym time on Saturday afternoon. Recreational fields and equipment are available on a first-come, first-served basis. You may bring your own gloves, bats, balls, tennis rackets, etc. The camp offers some equipment for a small rental fee.

What is the cost?
$125 per person (youth and adults). A deposit of 50% is due with your registration and can be mailed to the Missouri District Office. The balance is due upon arrival at camp. Lodging will be in the Wilderness Creek Lodge (motel style room with heat/air and carpeting). You will need to bring your own bedding and towels. Meals will be provided in the camp dining hall beginning with breakfast on Saturday. No meal is served on Friday evening. Groups should eat before arriving at camp.

When is the deadline?
The deadline to register online is Monday, March, 16th. Additional registrations cannot be taken after that date. Registrations cannot be accepted over the phone or by email. Substitutions are encouraged as cancellations cannot be refunded after the deadline as we are invoiced for the number registered at the deadline.

Where is the camp?
Camp Windermere is located nine miles west of Camdenton, Missouri (Hwy. 54) on State Road AA. Turn right on AA and follow the Windermere signs three miles to the registration office.

Have another question? 
Call the Missouri District office at (314) 590-6217 or email Sue Thompson at sue.thompson@mo.lcms.org.

Consent to Use of Photo / Video / Audio: Registration, attendance at, or participation in Missouri District – LCMS conferences, meetings and other activities constitutes an agreement by the registrant to the Missouri District – LCMS’s use and distribution (both now and in the future) of the registrant or attendee’s image or voice in photographs, videos, electronic reproductions, and audio of such events and activities.

Windermere serves only as the host facility for the Missouri District Junior High Retreat. Questions related to programming, childcare, or other such issues are the sole responsibility of the group sponsoring this event and should be directed to Jason Glaskey at (417) 624-0333.

Main Presenter & Band

Sarah Salzberg
Sarah lives in Los Angeles, CA with her husband (Josh), son (Hosea) and daughter (Simone), traveling from one coffee shop to another trying as many cappuccinos and croissants as she can. When not hopped up on espresso, Sarah teaches Old Testament at Orange Lutheran High School in Orange County, CA. As mundane as it sounds, she’s living the dream!

Bread of Stone
Brothers, Ben and Bill Kristijanto, formed Iowa-based band, Bread of Stone, in 2004. Their father believed the Lord was calling them to start a music ministry, so the brothers started taking music lessons and began performing in local churches. As time progressed, Bread of Stone began playing at festivals and youth conferences, and various other venues the Lord provided, giving them the opportunity to share the Gospel message.

Ben and Bill have since been joined by bass player, Tim Barnes (South Dakota) and drummer, Jason Ferris (Ohio) to form a four-piece band. In 2015, the band charted No. 1 on Billboard’s Christian Rock Charts with their song Porcelain from their project Not Alone. Later that year, the group went back into the studio to work on their fifth album, Hold The Light.

The band is currently working on a new project and is focused on pushing the music industry limits to create something fresh. Bread of Stone is passionate about sharing what God has been doing in their lives, both personally and as a group, wherever they travel. During a trip to Indonesia, a country the brothers called home for nine years, they founded The Light Project when they were asked for help from local village pastors. The goal of this ministry is to empower those who are not afraid to carry the light of Jesus into the darkness, even when faced with persecution. Bread of Stone continues to visit Indonesia to encourage the people and to share the Love of Christ.

Bread of Stone has been with us before, and performed at the 2019 LCMS National Youth Gathering. We’re excited to have them join us again this year!

Forms

What to Bring
Responsibilities
Schedule
What You Need to Know
Medical Consent
Talent Show