The Lutheran Summer Gathering at Silver Bay

The Rev. Marie Jerge, dean/director of ministry

We were delighted to gather at Silver Bay on the shores of Lake George after a two-year pandemic hiatus. Attendance was a bit lighter than our last full program year, but the joy of being together in person was palpable as we pondered the theme: Holy Ground.

We Are Resilient Together

We were inspired in worship led by our Chaplain, Pastor Arden Strasser, and challenged by classes with Pastors Julius Carroll on African American Lutheran History, Judith VanOsdol on Biblical Interpretation, and Becca Erhlich on Christian Minimalism. Pastor Amanda Nesvold was our Teen Leader. Joe Krupa once again graced us with his musicianship and led the choir in song. We were fascinated by presentations by Judith regarding the Lutheran World Federation, Peter Doliber about the Silver Bay Association, and Scott Rohrbach with brand new images from the James Webb Space Telescope.

We Are Hopeful Together

We played together, rejoicing in the beauty of God’s creation. We swam and built sandcastles at Slim Point Beach. Artists created beautiful watercolors. The Lutherans beat the EMPS (Silver Bay Employees) in our annual softball game. Youth helped raise over $2500 for World Hunger, and children reveled in fun, games, and balloons at the carnival. We played chair volleyball and rocked on the porch. We roasted marshmallows for s’mores, sang camp songs at the firepit, and danced under the stars at the boathouse.

We Are Church Together—Living Like Christ in Our Communities!

We were organized and energized by our new Activities Directors, Amy Baumgardner and Scott Rohrbach. Laura Primiano kept us on track with our daily newsletter – the Punkee! Sarah Hoffman came on board as Assistant Registrar. Pastor Marie Jerge retired as the Dean (though she remains on the Planning Team). Arden Strasser will bring his creativity to that role. Rounding out the Planning Team: Chad Volkert, Executive Director Karen (Mouse) Hoffman, Registrar Sarah Hoffman, Assistant Registrar Beth Smayda, and Finance Members Jim Bresnahan, Sue Hollar, Katie Bang and Irene Wrenner.

Save the Date: July 15 – 21, 2023 (!!) | The fun and relaxing weeklong vacation for spiritual and physical renewal on beautiful Lake George. Learn more HERE.