Dr. Elizabeth Klein

Dear SoundView Board, and Strategic Board,

As you know, I am highly supportive of Camp Ministry and having our own camp. I think it’s the best investment in our future that we have.

Each time candidates are voted upon, we hear stories of their faith journeys. It is rare to hear of a candidate who did not have significant spiritual discernment at camp; not Lutheran Camps, or UCC camps, or Methodist ones. Those kids all go into those directions. Presbyterian Camps grow Presbyterian Leaders. If we give up our camping presence, we give up our future in significant ways. We also alienate all the kids who see this as us selling out. The kids are extremely passionate about camp. Do we want to turn them away? Why in the world would we do this? I fear Mission Woods Church will not survive this camp’s closing. As a former Interim Pastor for this congregation, many people have said that if this decision proceeds, they will leave the church and the denomination. Do we really want to be shutting down churches and driving away committed, passionate workers and leaders? Isn’t there enough leaving without kicking out?

We’ve talked about Missional Communities. Sound View is a successful one. Having seen Presbyterians spend millions of dollars on NCD’s that never reach independence, I wonder why we would close rather than pour into a system that is already missional with built in support and interest. Isn’t this the kind of thing we say we believe in? This Camp fits with our new direction and vision. It’s impossible to be Missional without engaging kids. What better way to do so than with camp?

SoundView has the capacity to not rely on Presbytery funds if the Presbytery feels it’s a burden. Give this team a chance to fund itself and see how it goes. Perhaps a two year trial? That gives them time to build support. The way this has been handled is quite unfair to the new leadership team.

Nature is the one of the most powerful anti-depressants in the world. The science backs up the facts that kids and adults de-stress in nature. Why would we develop this pristine coastline? It will NEVER be returned to a natural state if sold to developers. It feels like we are selling our souls.

I could go on and on, but you have many other voices to hear.

Please, please reconsider supporting SoundView as a Missional Act, a pathway for leadership, and a preservation of Nature.

Sincerely,

Dr. Elizabeth A Klein