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CAMP AGAPE’
2018: A YEAR OF TRANSITION
President’s Letter
A Time of Leadership Transition
Dr. Lavinia Wingert retired from the position of Camp Director effective December 31,
2017. Commonly known as "Vini," Lavinia served as Agapé Camp Director for 12 years. In this
position, Lavinia was instrumental in establishing Agapé's reading and math camps. She also
served on the Building Committee during the construction of the Retreat and Learning Center
in 2008.
Deb Jandt, who served during the same time period, also retired from her duties as Admin-
istrative Assistant/Registrar effective December 31, 2017. Deb served in this role on a volun-
teer basis. In many ways her work was the glue that held Agapé together by directing Agapé
communications.
Lavinia and Deb's years of service were recognized and celebrated at a retirement event on
January 20 at the Crowne Plaza in Bethel Park. This event followed a board retreat led by
Deacon Don Johnson, Executive Director of Lutheran Outdoor Ministries which began
the evening of January 19.
Since these events, the Agapé Board (with the help and guidance of Don Johnson) has en-
tered into an agreement with Pastor Wayne Harrison to serve as Interim Executive Di-
rector on a part-time basis for a period of one year.
Pastor Wayne lives in Columbus, OH. He began working for Agapé on March 1. He brings
with him the experiences of parish pastor, practicing attorney, and was the Executive Director
of Crossways Camping Ministries. He was a member of the Organization Task Force for Lu-
theran Outdoor Ministries and served for six years on its board and as President for two years.
He then became the first administrator of LOM as it was moving toward the organization it has
become. Please welcome him to Christ's ministry in this region.
Pastor Dennis Orsen Agapé Board President
Interim Executive Director’s Letter
“Let the Spirit Change our thinking . . .”
In Ephesians 4 St. Paul instructs the church on what it means to follow Christ instead of the
old ways they were used to. The whole thrust of Ephesians is essentially an appeal to “Let the
Spirit change your thinking.” As Lutherans, we have a long and proud heritage of reforming, re
-thinking, re-newing. (And yes, I’ve heard all the jokes about how Lutherans don’t even like to
change the light bulbs.)
As Pastor Dennis writes, Camp Agapé is in a time of transition. As your Interim Director in
this time of transition, I would like to begin by appealing to all of us to let the Spirit change our
thinking. But before we jump to any conclusions about what that means, let me first say what
this doesn’t mean. (continued Page 2)
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“Let the Spirit Change our thinking . . .” (continued)
As I’ve looked briefly at the 57 year history of the Ohio Valley Lutheran Bible Camp Association
(Camp Agape’) it has a wonderful history to be proud of. From its inception, Agape’s vision has been
focused outward—serving others who can grow in so many ways. Serving those who cannot afford to
come is a rich part of our history. Camp Agape’ is not a retreat built for ourselves, but a place set apart
to help others come to know themselves and our God’s amazing agape’ (LOVE) for each one.
So in this time of transition, I am not asking us to reject our heritage or any of the past, but to give
thanks to God for those who came before us and handed us this opportunity to grow into the future.
When I speak of “letting the Spirit change our thinking” I am asking that we open our minds to the new
possibilities God has put before us. We have an important part to play in God’s mission in this part of
His creation.
I encourage you to re-commit yourselves to this mission, to be a part of the conversations in this
time of transition and re-thinking how we move forward; to support this work through your prayers, vol-
unteering your time and skills, sharing your financial resources, and encouraging others you know to
become involved.
I hope and pray that historians will look back at this year ahead to acknowledge that it was a time of
a new awakening, a time when the people of God seized the opportunity to make a difference in peo-
ple’s lives, a time when hope was re-kindled. May God bless our time together in this year as we move
toward what God wants us to be doing for the next 50 years.
Finally, I give thanks to God and to the Agape’ Board of Directors for this opportunity to serve in this
capacity as Interim Executive Director. I look forward to a rich and rewarding experience for all of us as
we work together.
In Christ,
Pr. Wayne Harrison
Interim Executive Director
In Memory of:
June Suwak, a former board member, died in January following an extended illness. June was a faithful board member, volunteer reading teacher and gardener. Her Air Force nursing career was also a blessing in Agapé ministry. June transported the reading camp to her congregation - the former Resurrection Lutheran Church in Weirton, WV. We ex-tend our sympathy to her widower Pastor Peter Suwak.
Donald Schweikart, died very suddenly in March. Donald volunteered a few years back. Don was strong as an ox. He was frequently asked to help with projects involving heavy lifting. We extend our sympathy to his brother Kenneth.
David Berexa, the beloved father of two former campers, Jon-Paul and Peter, died in March. Jon-Paul and Peter's
mother, Dr. Alexanndra Kreps has served for many years a Agapé medical director and consultant. One summer, David vol-unteered to help with some property work. We extend our sympathy to Jon-Paul, Peter and Alexanndra
Camp Agapé’s
Thursday Night
Light Service:
A moving, torch-lit
walk through the
story of the Pas-
sion of Christ
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Robert & Charlanne Ammon Harlan Eye In memory of his wife, Mary Gentry Eye
Michael & Nancy Angelo Lou & Vicki Flotta In honor of Charlie & Lavinia Wingert
Ray & Sharon Arkwright & Family, in memory of Ray’s father, David J. Arkwright
Wayne & Janet Franzen
Rev. Peter Asplin Bonnie Gierlack in Memory of Dorothy Sattler
Dale Bachman, In memory of Dolly Bachman
Ruby Gregg In memory or her husband, Walter Gregg and In honor of her children
Barbara Batz, In honor of Linda Broman
Rev. Paul & LaVonne Gysan
Martha Burns Baylor In memory of her daughter, Patricia Agamelian
Mr. & Mrs. John Harmon
Clifford & Linda Betler William & Carol Hartman
Jeanne L. Boggs Mr. & Mrs. Len Hess
Linda Broman, In memory of her husband Doug Broman
Verna Hess
Mary Lou Brown David & Elaine Hiles
Rev. & Mrs. Robert Brunk Carole & Leonard Hill
Rev. Larry & Susan Camberg Joy Hixson
The Cantley Family Eileen Hoffman-Meier In honor of Martha S. Hoffman, and In Memory of Pat “Mama” Wood
Ruth Jean Chalfant, In memory of friend, Verletta Hertzog
Julie Holmes
Kimberly Charlton Mary Rita Jandt In memory of her husband Bob Jandt
Kathy & David Chavara In honor of campers this year
William & Jean Johnson
Charles and Sue Clinton Rev. Rodney Josephson
Marjorie Curran William Keller
Steven D’Addieco Marsha Kennedy
Susan Danfelt Charles Kim In Honor of Pastor Dennis Orsen
Arnold & Marlene DeGeorge Dr. Bill & Linda Kofmehl
Linda Delbagglo Marsha Korth In Memory of Pastor Clifford Wood and Pat “Mama” Wood
Elaine Dively In honor of Lavinia & Charles Wingert and In honor of Deb Jandt
Dr. Alexanndra Kreps In memory of her mother, Sally Siebert Keps
John & Michelle Dodson Rev. John Kulczycki In memory of Dawn K. Kulczycki
Rev. James & Lee Dorow Kevin & Katherine Langholz In honor of the Wingert family
Robert Eckbreth Bonnie Ley
Ken and Judy Eltschlager Elizabeth Lindeberg In memory of her husband, Kermit Lindeberg
Camp Agapé Thanks You
Individuals and Couples who Made Financial Contributions, 11/01/16 – 10/31/17
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Lisa Lockmeyer Caron Wolfe
Patricia McCaughtry Rev. Frank & Judy Zeman
Marilyn Melvin In honor of the Rev. Dr. Anne Woodman-Howe
Jacob Minsinger Congregations That Made Financial Contributions
Robert Mong In memory of Loved Ones
11-01-16 — 10-31-17
Ken Neundorf Bethany Lutheran (Dormont) – Pittsburgh, Pa.
Terry Lee Nicholson Brighton Heights Lutheran - Pittsburgh, Pa.
Janet Niederhuber In memory of St. John’s Lutheran Church Steubenville, Ohio
Christ Lutheran - Duquesne, Pa.
Jonathan & Julie Oberdick In memory of his mother, Anley Oberdick
Emmanuel English Lutheran - Pittsburgh, Pa.
Patrick & Chritine O’Brien In honor of their daughter, Molly O’Brien
Emmanuel Lutheran (Eastmont) - Pittsburgh, Pa.
Rev. Dennis Orsen & Rev. Linda Theophilus Faith Lutheran (Upper St. Clair) - Pittsburgh, Pa.
John Ott First English Evangelical Lutheran - Pittsburgh (Downtown), - Pa.
Margaret & Elmer Pahlman Grace Lutheran - Monongahela, Pa.
Bill Phifer Holy Trinity (Beechview) - Pittsburgh, Pa.
Clarence & Ellen Ritter Mid Mon Valley Lutheran WELCA - Belle Vernon/Monessen/Monongahela/Smithton/W. Newton
Harold Robinson In memory of Sally Robinson, and In honor of Emmanuel Lutheran Church
Nativity Lutheran - Allison Park Pa.
Edward Roehling In memory of his wife, Elaine G. Roehling
Prince of Peace Lutheran (Pleasant Hills ) - Pittsburgh, Pa.
Richard Sarver In memory of his mother, Jennie Sarver
St. Andrew Lutheran (Morewood Avenue) - Pittsburgh, Pa.
Janice Shade St. John Lutheran Church Women - Carnegie
Rev. & Mrs. Robert Schaefer St. Matthew’s Lutheran - Hunker, Pa.
Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Sever St. Matthias Lutheran - Greensburg, Pa.
Nancy Sipe In honor of Pastor Linda Theophilus
St. Paul’s Highfield Lutheran - Vandergrift, Pa.
Rosa Beth Snyder-Boyd St. Paul Lutheran (Hazelwood) - Pittsburgh, Pa.
William Staab St. Paul Lutheran (MMVLP) - Monessen, Pa.
Rev. Matthew Stabe St. Paul Lutheran - Scottdale, Pa.
Clarence & Marlene Strabel Zion Lutheran (Brentwood) - Pittsburgh, Pa.
Gary & Gloria Tiffany Zion Lutheran (Penn Hills) – Pittsburgh, Pa.
Joe & Maren (Alexis) Tomkiel In memory of Claudia, Ian, Marj. & Jerry
Erwin Vettel
Charles & Lavinia Wingert
Janet Wittenberg In memory of her husband, Rev. Virgil D. Wittenberg
Camp Agapé Thanks You
Individuals and Couples who Made Financial Contributions, 11/01/16 – 10/31/17
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AGAPÉ MINISTRIES
Ohio Valley Lutheran Bible Camp Association
PO Box 115
Hickory, PA 15340
Address Service Requested
Phone: 724-2308
Www.campagape.org
Email: [email protected]
Non-profit Org.
US Postage
P A I D
Pittsburgh, PA
Permit No. 2433
Coming up at Camp Agapé:
Fall Foliage Day—October 13
Noon—4:00 p.m.
Family Christmas Craft
Day—December 1
Noon—4:00 p.m.