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Redwood
Glen Newsletters
Go back to archives here.
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The
latest news and events at Redwood Glen
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October
2008
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WELCOME
OUR MISSION:
"To
Reflect Christ through Serving Others"
A WORD FROM OUR
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
When Redwood Glen was
purchased in 1958, the original building was named in honor of Dr.
Charles Shepherd whose legacy of ministry began in 1923 and continues
to this day. I encourage you to read the article about the
history of Dr. Shepherd's ministry through the Chung Mei home.
Dr. Shepherd sought
direction in the same way ministries still discern today: "If I only could find something different,
something to do different from what everyone else is doing, render to
the community some service that nobody else is rending; meet some great
need that has not been met."
The board of
directors of Redwood Glen has been on a similar search to discern God's
unique call for our ministry here.
We hear God calling us to "Leave No Child Inside"
with an emphasis on low-income families so that ALL children, youth,
and adults can have the same opportunity to experience all that Redwood
Glen has to offer our guests.
Because of the legacy that continues through the
ministry of Redwood Glen, the board has begun the "Dr. Charles R.
Shepherd Legacy Circle" to recognize those who have been generous to
our ministry by including the camp in their estate plan.
I hope that you each of you would prayerfully
consider joining me as a charter member of the Legacy Circle.
There's no minimum
gift needed to join us in
providing for the future needs of this camping ministry. Maybe
it's a percentage or a set amount from
your estate, or naming the camp as the beneficiary for your life
insurance or
stock portfolio.
God has been
incredibly
generous to each of us and we can give testimony to God's generosity by
having
a will that reflects our faith and values.
If you do not
currently have a will, I encourage you to get one because
if you don't the state has an "estate plan" for you that certainly will
not
reflect your faith and values.
I used to be timid in
discussing financial plannig with people, but I am so passionate about
the current and future ministry of Redwood Glen I am convinced that
those who have a passion for Christian camping will find us worthy of
an estate gift so that, indeed, no child will be left inside because of
economic barriers.
I'd love to talk more with you and point you in
the direction of God-loving professionals who can help you devise an
estate plan that will give testimony to your faith and the ministries
you are passionate about.
God was generous in His gift of His son,
Jesus. Instead of asking, "What should I do with my money?" we should ask, "What
should I do with God's money?"
Jay
E. Nordgaard,
Executive
Director
(650)
879-0320 Ext. 12
exec@redwoodglen.com
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OUR
MINISTRY LINKS
Celebrating
50 years
Thank you for making
our 50th anniversary events a success. In the coming months, we
will feature historical tidbits about Redwood Glen on our
website. Stay tuned!
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Hello Friend of Redwood Glen
WELCOME to the monthly on-line newsletter of Redwood Glen, your local
Bay Area Christian Camp and Conference Center.
Early morning frost on the roof of Siden Conference Center is one of
the cues that autumn has arrived at Redwood Glen. Amid falling
leaves this season (and falling market prices this month), we share a
story of hope from the life of Dr. Charles R. Shepherd to encourage you
and to remind of what is important. During these tough economic
times, may your faith sustain you as you keep pressing on toward the
God who loves through all the seasons of life, and makes all things
beautiful in time.
If
you would like to
subscribe and receive this monthly newsletter via email, please
register your
address via the link on our homepage (www.redwoodglen.com).
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Remembering 50 years of ministry: THE
SHEPHERD LEGACY
A new
city. A new job. A new bride. A new life. Yet
it was on a warm March afternoon when Charles
Shepherd found himself staring at a dump in San Francisco
Chinatown, dejected and distressed, as he searched for new direction in
his ministry call.
The
year was 1919. He had returned from China two years earlier with
his daughter, Dorothy, after
his wife, Ellen, died of small
pox while on the mission field.  Upon
his return to the US, he sought
a position as an army US chaplain but was denied due to his British
citizenship. Thus, he decided instead to work with the YMCA in
Illinois, where he met, Esther.
They
were married in 1918, and in 1919, Charles accepted the position of
Director of Chinese Missions with the American Baptist Home Mission
Society. The new family moved to San Francisco.
Those first weeks were a confusing time for Charles. Born and
raised in England, he did not feel at home in the mid-west. And
though the sites and smells of San Francisco Chinatown were familiar
because of his time on the mission field, he was in a frustrated
quandry as he assessed the needs of the Chinese community, the
"competition" he saw among the missionaries, and his own
responsibilities.
"Frankly, I was far from happy about it (all)," he wrote.
"Perhaps this was why I chose suchy a dreary spot in which to sit down
and rest a while!"
A group of small Chinese boys stopped to look at him. He said
something to them in Cantonese, a language he had learned and become
fluent in. The boys grinned at each other, and moved on.
"My thoughts," he wrote, "reverted to the host of lads like them whom I
had left behind in the Boys' Academy at Canton." His melancholy
was a foreshadow of what would define the next 35 years of his life.
Part of his distress stemmed from the duplication of the 10 Christian
missions in Chinatown which were all doing the same thing and thus,
competing with each other. "If only I could find something
different," he said to himself; "something to do different from what
everyone else is doing; render to this community some service that
nobody else is rendering; meet some great need that has not been met."
He would learn what that "something" would be when he met Donaldina Cameron, superintendent since
1900 of
the Presbyterian-sponsored Occidental Mission Home for Girls,
established in 1874. Infamous
in the City, Donaldina was
known as the "Angry Angel of Chinatown" because of her avdocacy work in
resucing and educating Chinese girls who were abducted and sold into
domestic slavery and prostitution. Yet Charles, upon his arrival
in San Francisco, had not heard of this indomitable spirit until he
naively met her at a meeting of Chinatown religious and social workers.
"So this is Charles Shepherd," she said to him upon their first
meeting. And in subsequent meetings, she "unburdened her heart to
me," Charles
wrote, as she inspired
the vision which would soon consume his soul.
"I asked you to come," she said, "because I want to speak with you
about something that has been on my heart these many years." A
number of the girls whom she had freed had young sons, who were living
in the girls' mission home. There was also a growing number
of orphan boys and boys from broken homes on the streets of
Chinatown. "They need a father," Donaldina told Charles.
"Scarcely a week passes that I do not hear some new tale that wrings my
heart; but I am so helpless to do anything about it."
As his heart was stirred, he received the challenge. "No one has
ever seemed to think about the boys," she told him. The vision
was shared; the mantel had been passed; the seed which would become
Chung Mei Home was planted in the fertile soil of discontent within
Charles Shepherd.
For
the next four years, Charles would wrangle through denominational
politics, financial contentions, and social stereotypes within the
American Baptist family. Such opposition only stirred up more
passion to get the work started. Finally
in 1923, Chung Mei Home for Boys opened in Berkeley as a cooperative
effort of the American Baptist Home Mission Society, the San Francisco
Bay Cities Baptist Union, and Chinatown community leaders.  Not
to be considered an orphanage, reform school, or detention center,
Chung Mei was created to "provide a Christian home, care and training
for under-privileged Chinese boys." Any Chinese boy, "who has not
had a fair chace or a good start in life," was welcomed.
From
1923 to 1954, Chung Mei cared for nearly 700 Chinese boys, all under
the leadership of Dr. Charles R. Shepherd, who was affectionately
called, "Captain." Though the home was run like a tight
ship with a bell-ringing system and drum and bugle corps, each boy knew
that he was cared for. Fond remembrances of Chung Mei and the
personal legacy of the Captain abound as the boys (now men) gather for
reunions, the last one held in 2003.
Roger Tom, whose story of Charles Shepherd now graces the
entrance hallway of Shepherd Lodge at Redwood Glen, writes, "I am
impressed by his complete trust in God and optimism in overcoming
tremendous obstacles. His faith is reflected in the Chung Mei
Chant which he wrote during a flu epidemic in 1928."
 The
Chung Mei chant, which all boys learned, proclaims: "God
is a refuge and strength, a very present help in
trouble. The Lord God is a sun and
shield, the Lord will give grace and glory, and no good thing will he
withhold
from them that walk uprightly. Oh, that
men would praise the Lord for his goodness and for his wonderful works
to the
children of men. Rejoice in the Lord
always, and again I say rejoice. For
it's easy enough to be happy, when life flows along like a song, but
the boy
worthwhile is the boy who can smile when everything goes dead
wrong. So, aquit like men, be strong, and though
everything seems dead against you, carry on! carry on! carry on!"
For
Charles Shepherd, the Chung Mei chant was more than words. They
reflect the testimony and legacy of a man God used who, after a period
of confusion and doubt, came to understood God's purpose for his life and
by following it, blessed a whole generation of Chinese boys.
For over 30 years, he was a father to those who were considered
outcasts of society. He fought the discrimination of his day to
make their lives better. He toiled endlessly so that each would
have a better future. That is the Shepherd Legacy.
 It is
in the spirit of this legacy that the ministry of Redwood Glen
continues. Though funds from the sale of Chung Mei Home were used
as down payment for the camp property, it is the example of Dr. Charles
R. Shepherd which has grounded the ministry of the camp for the last 50
years. It is his legacy that shapes the vision of the camp for
the next 10.
"No child left
inside" is the vision which the Redwood Glen Board has embraced,
which will guide the direction of our ministry. It is a
commitment to ensure that every child, especially children from
underprivileged, low-income communities, has opportunity to experience
the love of God through camping. You will hear more about this in
the coming months.
As
Redwood Glen continues the legacy of Dr. Charles R. Shepherd, we hope
that you will want to get involved by supporting the camp with your
time, your financial gifts, and your prayers. (More information
on the Legacy Circle may be found in the article below.)
During these financially uncertain times, with confusion and questions
all around, may the example of Dr. Shepherd inspire you to continue to
declare God as your refuge and strength, your help in trouble. As
the Chung Mei chant proclaims, "It's
easy enough to be happy, when life flow along like a song, but the one
worthwhile is the one who can smile, when everything goes dead
wrong. Carry on! Carry on! Carry on!"
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50th
ANNIVERSARY -
A QUESTION OF THANKS
 As
we celebrated 50 years of ministry at Redwood Glen this year through
2008, we created a monthly trivia contest to test your knowledge of the
camp's history. Because response has been slow in recent months,
we are changing things up as we round down this year of
celebration.
Our
September question:
What is the Charles R. Shepherd Legacy
Circle? And why is it dedicated to Charles R. Shepherd?
 The answer: The Charles R. Shepherd Legacy Circle
recognizes those who have included Redwood Glen in their estate
plan. It is dedicated to Dr.
Shepherd because of his dedicated ministry with Chung Mei Home,
which provided seed money for the purchase of Redwood Glen upon its
sale. Redwood Glen wants to continue the legacy of Dr. Shepherd
by ensuring that ALL have opportunity to come to camp, but more
importantly, ALL have opportunity to know the love of God found through
faith in Christ. For more information on how you can be part of
the Legacy Circle, contact Executive Director, Jay Nordgaard. (See his column on the left.)
Estate planning is only one way that friends of Redwood Glen can
support our ongoing ministry. Individuals and churches can
include Redwood Glen in their budget through regular contributions to
our camp scholarship fund or the general/annual fund that is used as
needed for various projects throughout the year. Gifts may be
received via check or credit card. Giving envelopes are available
through the office. Churches affiliated with ABC and/or Growing
Healthy Churches can designate monies to Redwood Glen through regional
giving. Individuals
can also create a memorial gift fund for a loved one. Donated
items may also be given for a tax-deductble receipt. And of
course, volunteers are always welcome.
Whether through the gifts of finances, time, or talents, we hope that
you will consider supporting the ongoing ministry of Redwood Glen as we
continue in the legacy of Dr. Shepherd -- a legacy of sacrificial,
generous service to the Lord.
Because we again have no winner for
this month's trivia question, we are changing
things up this month. Rather than a trivia question, it is a
survey question which we hope everyone will be able to answer. We
will include responses from reader next month as we prepare for
Thanksgiving.
Our October
question:
Why are you thankful for the ministry of
Redwood Glen?
Send your responses to news@redwoodglen.com.
Please include your name and the name of the church or organization in
which you are affiliated.
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STAFF
SPOTLIGHT: Loma Eaves
 In
Spanish, the word "loma" means "low hill;" and the word "mar" means
"sea." Thus, "Loma Mar," Redwood Glen's hometown, means "hill by
the sea," and if you drive to camp from the coast, a low rising hill is
what greets you.
If you call Redwood Glen, another
"loma" will greet you. In June, Loma
Eaves joined our Guest Services team, and is a welcomed addition
on the staff. Loma is now the first contact for many of our first
time inquiries and for group leaders arranging last minute details
before an event.
For Loma, the most rewarding part of her new responsibilities here at
camp is "taking the initial call from a group contact and following it
thru until they actually come." The reservation system,
contracts, set-up procedures, on-site welcome -- these are some of the
many tasks which Loma has picked up quickly and naturally.
Though she has worked in the hotel business, her education and
experiences are rooted in counseling ministries. With a BA &
MA in clinical psychology, Loma was served the homeless in Menlo Park
before coming to Redwood Glen. For Loma, it is all about people.
Originally from Louisiana, with
family scattered through out the south, her "family" out west is her
church, Chalice Christian Church in San Carlos, where she serves as an
elder, but the staff of Redwood Glen has also become a new family as
Loma relocated to camp and lives on-site.
"The transition to Redwood Glen has been a rewarding one in many ways,"
she says. "The beauty of Redwood Glen is in its people as well as
in nature. Both have made my transition fairly easy."
Having relocated from East Palo Alto, Loma enjoys going to the beach on
her days off and "writing my heart out," she says. Writing,
speaking, and preaching are areas of ministry and interest for
her. She is currently working on a book of devotions for "women
on the edge," which she hopes to have readied by the end of the year.
Though a time of transition, new people, and new places, the past four
months for Loma have been rejuvenating, and she looks forward to share
that others, especially first time guests at Redwood Glen.
"My hope," she says, "is that the guests will experience God's presence
and love through the staff, one another, God's creation, and within
their hearts. Redwood Glen is the ideal place for this because of
the service we provide as well as the natural beauty that surround us."
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SPREAD
THE WORD:
Tell a friend
and save $250
If you've
recently enjoyed an event at Redwood Glen, your group could save $250
on your next event by simply telling a friend or a colleague, who then
reserves and books a first time event with us. Not only do you
save, but the first time group also will receive $250 off their
event. It's a win-win for everyone! For more details, email us. Help us spread the
word!
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READY OR NOT, HERE COMES JESUS
Let every heart
prepare Him room
 Christmas
is just around the corner, but for pastors, the Advent season arrives
sooner than we would want to admit. It is time to get
ready! Ready, not just in terms of sermon topics and Christmas
programs, but ready in terms of the preparation of our heart for this
holy season. Redwood Glen invites pastors, church staff, and
church leaders to join us for a special ONE DAY RETREAT at
Redwood Glen on Wednesday, November 12th from 9:00 am to
4:00 pm. This event will provide time and space for personal
reflection, balanced with devotional teaching and meaningful sharing.
Facilitating this event is Russ Ikeda of Emmaus Ministries of
Silicon Valley along with Metamorphosis staff, Joan Friesen
and Larry Jay.
Cost: $45, if you register before October 31st . Beginning November 1st, registration
increases to $60. A downloadable registration form is
available via the link below. And remember, if you are new to
Metamorphosis events or bring someone new, you'll receive an additional
$20 off the price! Also a favorite bonus from last year, come the night before
and for $35, you'll receive a to-order continental breakfast delivered
to your single occupancy room at our Siden
Conference Center. Rooms are
limited and subject to availability so reserve your space early. Have a question or need more
information? Email meta@redwoodglen.com
or call Joan
Friesen at (650) 879-0320 x44
SAVE THE DATES: February
16-18, 2009 (Monday to
Wednesday) for our
annual PASTORS CONFERENCE.
Through
Metamorphosis, Redwood Glen provides learning and renewal experiences
for pastors, associate staff, and church leaders seeking to enrich
their lives and ministries.
The 2009 Pastor's Sabbath dates are June 14-19. Email us for
more information or to make a reservation. Can't wait until the
summer? Contact us about a personal retreat.
For more information on the ministry of
Metamorphosis, check out our website.
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Redwood
Glen REFLECTIONS
This
monthly e-newsletter is a communication tool for the supporters,
friends, and guests of Redwood
Glen in Loma Mar, CA. We welcome your comments and suggestions. To ensure that you continue to receive our
e-newsletter, add info@redwoodglen.com
to your address book today. Redwood
Glen is located in the scenic coastal redwoods of the Santa Cruz mountains,
between Half Moon Bay and Santa Cruz.
We are conveniently located one hour from both San Francisco and San Jose
airports.
For more
information, www.redwoodglen.com.
 
Redwood
Glen, a Bay Area Christian Camp and Conference Center,
is an
accedited member of the American
Camp Association
and a member of the Christian Camp and Conference Association.
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If you have
a Redwood Glen story or an idea for this email newsletter, contact...
Larry
Jay
(650) 879-0320 Ext. 14
news@redwoodglen.com
If you know of
others who would be interested in being kept up to date on
the news at Redwood Glen,
please use the link below and forward this e-newsletter to them.
THANK YOU!
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Redwood Glen | 100
Wright Dr. | Loma Mar | CA | 94021 |
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