by Grace Nolt, Spruce Lake Retreat On October 17, 2018, Spruce Lake took over stewardship of Pinebrook Bible Conference to refine and rededicate the ministry around its founding purpose of […]
Spruce Lake
A Community of Sisters for the Journey
… a true experience of the joy of seeing God’s Spirit going above and beyond what we could have hoped for or imagined.
Would you Rather Be a Bear or a Penguin?
By John Stoltzfus, Conference Youth Minister A junior high youth sponsor needs to be prepared to answer all kinds of questions; however, I wasn’t prepared for “would you rather be a […]
Junior High Youth Have Late Night Blast
Whose job description includes this clause: Must be willing to have face covered in shaving cream and decorated with cheese curls?
Praying for Eric Frein at Spruce Lake Retreat
by Sharon K. Williams On September 12, 2014, Eric Frein allegedly shot two police officers at the Pennsylvania State Police station in Blooming Grove. Bryon Dickson died and Alex Douglass […]
Mystery woman sets tone for ministry at Spruce Lake
Al Detweiler took the call.
A woman said she had something to bring them. “I hope it’s a big check!” he joked with his wife, Kass, as he put down the phone. Al was one of the first pastors in Franconia Mennonite Conference to serve full time. Money was tight. The young couple also oversaw Allentown Mennonite’s children’s camping program.
A Franconia Conference Summer
We asked for stories from summer activities from around the Conference and got this jewel from Kim Moyer, Blooming Glen congregation:
The theme for our Summer Bible School was “Be Bold! God is with You!” The children learned through songs, dramas, stories, crafts, and games, that God is with them, even when they are scared.
Whack & Roll Tournament raises funds for non-profits
Dan Lapp, Director of Development for the Mennonite Heritage Center, had a brainstorm several years ago about using a favorite backyard game as a fundraising event. This led to Whack & Roll Croquet Tournaments on the lawn of the Heritage Center each summer for the last four years.
Croquet has been a favorite summer pastime in southeastern Pennsylvania for many years. Accounts of croquet history vary, but it is thought the game began in Ireland and was introduced to England in the mid-nineteenth-century. The game traveled to America, and by 1882 an official National American Croquet Association was formed. Croquet was even played in the 1904 Olympics. For most, however, croquet was played in back yards on Sunday afternoons and it is still a favorite activity at summer get-togethers and family reunions.