Initiatives

Initiatives are major areas of focus derived from Camp Deerpark’s Mission and Values.

Current Initiatives

Prayer, Word & Worship

Prayer, Word, & Worship are the center of Jesus-based practice and the root of vibrant Christian community and transformational living, creating experiences that flow from the Triune God’s presence which focus our work and launch us into sent-ness towards others.

Programs: Pastor’s Personal Retreat, Retreat

Stewardship

Stewardship is the acknowledgement and practice that everything belongs to God, and as his children in fellowship with Him and following the model of the Son, we are empowered to sustainably use all that is entrusted to us for the good of all He loves.

Programs: Forestry Stewardship

Peacebuilding

Peacebuilding is the nurture of the holistic thriving in the model of the Prince of Peace who creates shalom within us that is beyond comprehension so we can build the peace of the Kingdom with all creation.

Programs: Peace Camp, Pastor’s Personal Retreat

Discipleship & Leadership Development

Discipleship & Leadership Development is life-on-life practice to grow believers to be like Jesus and to live advancing the Kingdom by their gifts, so young and old alike are fully empowered to serve Christ at Camp, in the city, and beyond.

Programs: Summer Camp, Teen Discipleship

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What Are You Tapped Into?

By Ben Cheek | February 21, 2025

Yesterday we began tapping maple trees, officially opening maple syrup making season at Camp Deerpark! Last year, the transition kept us from producing syrup, so it feels great to be back to it. Starting off, however, has been a bit of a challenge since things are pretty arctic around here. The entire ground is covered…

What Does it Mean to be Spirit-Led with Pastor Mark Perri

By Ben Cheek | January 19, 2025

One small contribution I can make is to share story with you. This could be valuable in several ways: First, I’m coming to the Mennonites from the outside — from non-denominational GenX “simple/ organic/ emergent church“. Sometimes people coming from outside-in have a helpful perspective for those trying to move from inside-out. Second, as an…

2025 NYC LMC District Call Schedule

By Ben Cheek | January 19, 2025

Mark these dates in your calendar if you’re part of the NYC LMC District and want to attend the English-language fellowship and resourcing calls led by Bishop Hyacinth Stevens: January 27th – 6:30 PM February 24th – 6:30 PM March 31st – 6:30 PM April 28th – 6:30 PM May 19th – 6:30 PM June 30th…

Winter: Life Under the Surface

By Ben Cheek | January 11, 2025

On the surface, winter with its cracking and cold seems like the enemy of life. Everything sleeps as though dead, and Camp — quiet and empty — sits waiting. But under the surface, winter is revealed to be a friend to life, not an enemy. In the deep frost, God opens the soil for Spring’s…

Peace Making Presents

By Ben Cheek | December 19, 2024

This is Session 4 of the Prince of Peace: Jesus and Peacebuilding from the Election to the Holidays webinar series. Advent celebrates the central fact that God began building peace with us by giving a Gift. Following this example, gifts are a powerful tool for peacebuilding in our lives, relationships, and organizations. We’ll explore how…

Pain and Need Aren’t Partisan

By Ben Cheek | December 5, 2024

This is Session 3 of the Prince of Peace: Jesus and Peacebuilding from the Election to the Holidays webinar series. (Click here to sign up for session invites.) Sometimes people seem so different from us, we automatically assume we can’t connect. Or, we tried to connect on some level, but it quickly became way too…

What is A Mission Statement?

By Ben Cheek | December 4, 2024

On the LMC NYC District call this month, Dr. Tiffany shared critical information on what is and what is not a mission statement. This is critical as we think about moving the congregations in our district forward towards mission, optimize the mission already underway, and align together on the LMC mission as district churches. In…

Advent Calendar

By Ben Cheek | November 30, 2024

Count Down the Days to Christmas with Camp! Jesus is the center of our Camp community. Let’s celebrate together the coming of the One who brings peace and salvation and life everlasting to humanity. We’ll be posting each day to Facebook and Instagram stories, but you can get our daily post in your email inbox!…

A Spirit-filled Christmas: The Joy in Judgement

By Ben Cheek | November 25, 2024

The end of this week (Black Friday) marks the beginning of the Christmas season for many. (Though the big-box retailers had stuff out before Halloween, can you believe it!?!) For our culture, this season is a time of Joy. We gather for feasting and presents and the delighting of children. And despite the growing chill…

From Inner Peace to the Holiday Table

By Ben Cheek | November 10, 2024

This is Session 2 of the Prince of Peace: Jesus and Peacebuilding from the Election to the Holidays webinar series. (Click here to sign up for session invites.) This session is about what we do when the people around us challenge our peace. It requires us to draw on something deeper in order to continue…