As part of our March 2016 LOM News, which will be distributed soon, we will be publishing lists of the organizations and individuals who have made contributions to LOM during 2015. To everyone on these lists, I extend gratitude from the whole outdoor ministry network. THANK YOU!!! Your financial contributions are paving the way for a bright future for LOM. That future is already shining brightly as we move into 2016. Here’s just a few of the ways this is already taking shape:
- LOM collaborations throughout the ELCA are gaining momentum. This was obvious to me in my recent round of visits and meetings at ELCA Churchwide. We are making great strides in our collaborative work with the Youth Ministry Network, Youth Ministry Gathering, Lutheran Men in Mission, ELCA Area Mission Strategies, Lay Schools for Ministry, and Mission Investment Fund. Check out my recent blog postings for more details on these exciting and growing collaborations.
- With an executive director, LOM is already reaping the benefit of a unifying voice with a national presence on behalf of all of the LOM member camps and retreat centers. One example is the opportunity we are being given to have impact on the ELCA organization known as Lutherans Restoring Creation.
- The initial round of site visits has already had its rewards for all of us in LOM. Ideas, trends, and opportunities are being shared around the whole network as the executive director’s office becomes a gathering platform for the sharing of resources that can benefit all.
- LOM now offers the services of a contact person to offer help and guidance in times of crisis, conflict resolution, executive transition and search, and referral to outside resources. As the strategic plan for LOM envisions, outdoor ministry organizations are already turning more frequently to LOM for these kinds of consultations.
- We will soon see the result of strengthened affiliations with like-minded organizations when we partner with the UMC Camps and Conferences in providing occasional webinars and podcasts that will expand the LOM commitment to provide ongoing educational opportunities throughout the whole year.