Celebrating 50 Years of Re-Creation

On July 11, 2004, we marked Fifty Years of the Fowler experience on the life and ministry of the Albany Synod. Housed in an old Adirondack Great Camp on the shores of Sacandaga Lake, in Speculator, NY, Fowler Camp and Conference Center has grown to become a year round instrument that resonates the Holy Sprit in the lives of thousands of members of the RCA. Fowler's spiritual reach extends beyond it's mountain home, traveling in the memories and connections formed by campers, staff and participants in retreats, worship and special programs.

To honor the gift of Fowler and it's ability to launch Re-Creation in our sprits Albany Synod formed a committee of Fowler friends to organize a Year of Celebration, of Jubillee. Major Celebrations are happening at Fowler. To recognize the encouraging effect Fowler has on the life of the Synod celebration events are also encouraged in the many Congregations and Communities which have shared fellowship at and through Fowler.

Stewardship of God's world and church is a key Fowler ministry. In addition to celebrating Fowler in worship, with fellowship events, (storytelling, outings etc Congregations are encouraged to launch a Re-Creation Stewardship Opportunity, a service in Fowler's Spirit, within their own Church and Community. These could be participating in a Habitat for Humanity project, launching a new needed program such as tutoring, day care, Stephen's Ministry, or a "workcamp" within the congregation or community. Congregations are encouraged to join each other in sponsoring celebration or stewardship opportunities. The Committee encourages your participation at Fowler and within your community hosting one of the Congregation-based Fellowship and Service events projected through the year.

Sunday, July, 11, 2004: Fowler 50th Re-Creation Celebration at Fowler: A Sunday worship service highlighted a weekend celebration; with a Saturday evening dinner and fellowship festival.

August 22-29, 2004: Fowler Alumni Camp: A concerted effort to get back alumni capers and staff for a day, two days or the whole week. Activities will mark each day, as well as, down time for family activities and catch-up conversations.

October 12, 2004: Anniversary Year Celebration and Benediction Service

During the year beginning October 1, 2003, each congregation is encouraged to host at least one Fowler Re-Creation Opportunity.(RCO) More than one would be wonderful for example a pot-lcuk and a hike or visit to camp. Also encouraged are collaborative gatherings or "clusters" involving multiple congregations.

Congregations can have a commemorative Fowler Worship service, or sponsor a Fowler-Alumni night, storytelling program and/or mimick a Fowler camp fire experience. Congregations can come together in clusters to experience a Fowler RCO too.

Congregations and Clusters can visit Fowler or hold an RCO at Fowler

Stewardship of God's world and church is a key Fowler message. Congregations and "clusters' are encouraged to launch a Re-Creation Stewardship Opportunity, a service in Fowler's Spirit, within their own Church and Community. These could be participating in a Habitat for Humanity project, launching a new needed program such as tutoring, day care, Stephen's Ministry, or a "workcamp" within the congregation or community.

It is hoped that a Stewardship Re-Creation Opportunity can be launched between Fowler and it's local community in Hamilton County which will draw on the energy of supportive Congregations.

Sharing the experience: Perhaps most importantly, in addition to participating, we need to have Congregations report on their worship, fellowship and service opportunities. We'll share the energy developed at the October, 12, 2004 Celebration/Benediction Service as well as with the Denomination and other groups.

Our goal is to use the Fiftieth Anniversary Opportunity to Celebrate the Sprit that is Fowler, to share Thanksgiving for Fowler's ability to generate new beginnings, re-creation of the Spirit in those it touches. We hope to use the opportunity of the Anniversary Year to honor and generate stronger connection between Fowler and our Congregations.