December 2004

The Mechuwana Site Committee is pleased to announce that at its last meeting, the construction of a new year-round chapel was approved.

The new chapel will be located across from the Gus Building, right in the heart of the camp property. Nestled in the trees, it has been designed to blend well with its surroundings and offer a beautiful space inside and out for worship. This year-round worship center will be 32' by 52', with a small narthex and two handicapped accessible bathrooms at the entrance. To date, the land has been cleared, and the building permit process has begun. It is hoped that the earthwork will be completed and frost wall poured before the end of the year. Construction will begin as soon as possible in the spring. Praise God!

Funding for the project will come from many sources. None of it, however, will be borrowed funds. The fund has been established solidly with gifts in memory of Margaret Strickland and in honor of the 50th wedding anniversary of Bob and Carol Withee. Other funds will come from a personal fundraising challenge between Norman Thombs and Laura Church. Churches and individuals are invited to make contributions to this important project. In addition, all the 2005 Alumni Association membership fees will go to the chapel project.

Please contact the camp office at 377-2924 if you have questions about the project, would like to contribute to the construction, or participate in its building. We are very excited about this next step in the continued development of Mechuwana as a year-round camp and retreat center.

Happy Holidays to you and your family!

God Bless,

Norman R. Thombs,

Director