This December will mark the 16th anniversary of the Diocese’s purchase of the 600+ acre property in Greenwich, NY. By God’s grace the property has been transformed into what is now Christ the King Center. Learn how you can support this very special ministry of the Diocese of Albany
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
A few days ago, I went for an early morning walk at Christ the King Center, before the start of a very busy day of meetings and appointments. As I walked breathing in the cool crisp morning air, looking out over the beauty of the surrounding country side with its tree covered hills and open meadows and the sunrise glistening off the water of the pond near the Barry House Library, I couldn’t help but give thanks to God for the beauty of His creation and the very real presence of the Holy Spirit. It was one of those “special God moments” where I felt engulfed in the Lord’s love, mercy and grace. Perhaps you or someone you know has had a similar experience while walking the grounds of Christ the King Center, or praying in one of its many beautiful chapels. The grounds of CTK are truly holy and sacred.
This December will mark the 16th anniversary of the Diocese’s purchase of this 600+ acre property in Greenwich, NY. Over those years, by God’s grace and the faithful prayers, hard work and extreme generosity of countless individuals, the property has been transformed into what is now Christ the King Center – a first rate Christian Camp, Conference and Retreat Center for people of all ages – kids and adults alike.
At our Annual Diocesan Convention in June, I stated that the one thing that has greatly hampered and limited the ministry at Christ the King Center from the very beginning is the lack of operating capital. We can have the most beautiful grounds and some of the greatest Christian programs and ministry around, but if we don’t have the funds to pay the bills and the staff during the slow months, we find ourselves constantly trying to catch up and financially stressed.
If Christ the King Center — a major ministry and blessing of this Diocese, is ever to truly tap into its potential, and become the ministry resource that I believe the Lord wants it to be for the building up of His Kingdom – the financial situation has to change. This year, we need to raise $500,000 above and beyond the regular level of giving, in order to create the breathing space needed to help Christ the King Center take the next several steps needed to bring about greater financial health and sustainability. New marketing efforts are underway, but they take time. For far too long Christ the King Center has been one of the best kept secrets around. We are working hard to change that, but in the meantime, we need your help. If we can find 500 people who are able to give $1,000 or more, that could make all the difference. I ask you to please pray about what you can do.
Are you one of the 500 willing to help ensure the future of Christ the King Center and its many ministries such as:
- The Beaver Cross Summer Camp Program which annually helps hundreds of kids from all walks of life around the Diocese and the surrounding communities grow stronger in their Christian faith in a safe, loving, Christ-centered environment, surrounded by the beauty of God’s creation. When asked what made Christ the King Center and Beaver Cross so special, the most common responses were: the sense of community; the loving and caring staff; and the overall welcome they received. For many of the kids, Beaver Cross is their first real exposure to the true love and Good News of Jesus Christ.
- Christian Conferences such as the upcoming two day “Inner Healing” conference entitled “Transformed” (October 19-20), with keynote speaker Judith MacNutt, a world renowned leader in Christian Healing Ministry. Judith and her husband Francis MacNutt have taught and ministered to thousands of people around the world. I count myself as one of those richly blessed by their teaching and healing prayer ministry.
- The Welcome Home Initiative, a special three day healing ministry retreat in November for veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress that is completely free for the veterans.
These are just a few of the many ministry programs occurring at CTK. People come year round for retreats, conferences, and various other ministry opportunities and community events.
Earlier this summer, Karen and I gave $5,000 to support the ministry at CTK. In a few days, we will be giving an additional $5,000. I share this, not to brag, but rather to let you know that Karen and I truly believe in what the Lord is doing at Christ the King Center, and the potential of what can be done, given the necessary resources. God has blessed us richly in our lives and we want to share that blessing with others through the ministry of Christ the King. Please join us and others from around the Diocese in supporting this vitally important ministry by investing in the future of Christ the King Center through the “Friends of the King Appeal.”
I am very aware that not everyone is able to give at the same level. For some, a $1,000 gift is beyond their current financial abilities, but a lesser amount is doable. There are others in a position to give far more than the requested $1,000. Whatever your financial circumstances, I pray that you will consider doing all that you can to help us meet the current goal of raising $500,000 over the next couple of months in support of the ministry of Christ the King Center. Your generous gift is greatly needed and most appreciated. You can make the difference!
Faithfully Your Brother in Christ,
William H. Love
Bishop of Albany
