CCC News
Updates from the Christian Conference Center in Newton, Iowa
November | 2021
While I'm Away...

Rev. Tiff Williams
Associate Regional Minister and
CCC Camp Director

When you read this I will be 2 months into my 3 month sabbatical leave. A sabbatical is sometimes given to pastors as a benefit of long-term, full-time employment. I am fortunate that the Christian Church in the Upper Midwest offered a sabbatical in my letter of calling when I agreed to come serve the region and the Christian Conference Center.

Sabbaticals have 2 purposes, as I understand it. 1. to offer the pastor time to rest and retreat. 2. to give them space to study something that will help them thrive in their ministry setting. In my case, I will be retreating by spending time with family and friends and spending time each day outdoors in prayer and study. I will pursue continuing education by visiting national parks, state parks and other campgrounds. My goals are to study operations, programming and hospitality in each of these venues.

I hope to come back to you refreshed by my time away but also inspired with ideas for new ministries at the CCC. I believe God is always calling us toward new life, including new ways of doing ministry. While I'm away I hope you'll pray for me and my family and for a refreshing time together. I also hope you'll pray about the future ministry of the CCC. What is God calling us to next? What new ways can we reach children and youth with the message of Jesus? What new spiritual retreats could we offer to lay leaders or pastors?

What new thing is God calling us to create together? I can't wait to find out with you.
CCC Calendar of Events


Groups at a Glance...
Who's on Campus?


Ever wonder who's on the grounds at the CCC at any given time? Check out our November and December church and rental groups:


Regional Committee on Ministry

Disciples Commissioned Pastors Retreat

3 quilting and scrapbooking groups

4 Family Holiday Gatherings

1 Tae Kwon Do group

Boy Scout Volunteers
1 Pastor solo spiritual retreat

Joint Clergy Cluster Meeting

Disciples Regional Office meetings,
and more.

www.newtonccc.org
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Staff Spotlight
Crystal Harvey
We'd like to take some time in each of the next few newsletters to introduce you to our amazing year-round staff. This month we'd like you to meet Crystal Harvey, Reservations Director.

How long have you worked at the CCC? It will be 6 years this next March!

What are your job responsibilities? I am responsible for the CCC calendar. I communicate with all reservations. I tour, schedule, write contracts, gather details, invoice, and accept payments. I schedule and supervise hospitality positions housekeeping, food service, and hosts). I am responsible for turning in payroll for hourly employees. During camp season, I continue reservation duties and help with day-to-day camp responsibilities. I partner with Tiff and interns. I hire/supervise/schedule lifeguards and schedule lake/pool activities. There are several year-round day-to-day tasks.

What is your favorite thing about the CCC? Hands down, the people! All of you!


Do you have a family? My family and I live in Newton (off site). I am married (Cory Harvey) and have three children (Harley - 17, Wyatt - 15, and Mikalah - 14). We have an English Mastiff named Large Marge.



What do you do for fun outside of work? I enjoy motorcycle rides, my children's sporting events (Go Cardinals!), decorating and crafting, Hallmark Christmas movies (I love LOVE!), and family time (soaking up as much time as I can with my teenagers!). We are in that period of life where we are always busy. I enjoy slowing down and being home with the family!


What is one new thing you hope to try here at the CCC? I would love to help design/program a day camp for campers with special needs!
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What's Going on Around
Holy Ground?

The CCC staff is always working hard on upgrades around the facility. Take a look at some of our more recent improvements. Or better yet, stop in to see them in person!
The BSD Treehouse is coming along nicely! Footings, posts and decking were added by our summer mission camps. Next up were the stairs, roof, and enclosure - completed just as the temps started to turn cold! More will be added, including swings and hopefully, it will be completed before spring.

The treehouse will honor our past Regional Minister, Bill Spangler-Dunning, for his many years of service to the Christian Conference Center.
The Boatwright Boathouse is starting to take shape. The basement of the Boathouse will serve as a storage space for boats, lifejackets and fishing gear at Wolf Lake. The top will provide a shade structure as well as beautiful new birthday party or wedding venue.
Thanks to Altoona Christian Church, the hotel-style rooms in the Lodge have new duvet covers. This was a much needed upgrade as our bedding was starting to look a little worn. The new duvets give our guests a much better first impression when they enter their room. And, they're very cozy. Thank you, ACC! We appreciate your support of our ministry.
Camp Wish List
    
  1. New or used 7 ft aluminum scaffold planks ($135 each, 6 needed)  
  2. Oven vent hood for kitchen fire safety ($5,000)
  3. Campbell Hall Carpet ($8,000 needed, $2800 raised already)
  4. Park-style Grills for cabins ($150 each, 4 needed)
  5. Dishwasher racks for glasses ($15 each, 8 needed)
  6. New commercial grade zero-turn mower ($10,000)
  7. Retractable air hose reel for CCC barn ($250)



Current Volunteer Needs

  1. Chainsaw Volunteers to cut and split firewood for Chi Rho Country and all campfire rings
  2. Someone with Plumbing Experience to help install a triple sink in the CCC kitchen
  3. Property Committee Members to serve a 2 year term on the CCC Property Committee
  4. Someone with art skills to help freshen up a wall on the Chi Rho Bathhouse
  5. Someone with office experience to type up some forms and do basic data entry
  6. Single volunteer or group to help clear brush around power lines
  7. Single volunteer to help winterize equipment
  8. Over 100 individuals to serve as summer camp counselors. Do you love God? Do you love kids? Then you're qualified!

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Winter Sledding Parties

The CCC is a great place to have a sledding party! Youth Groups or families are both welcome. The cost is $100 for 4 hours. Gym space, a meeting space and the Chalice Game Room are all provided during your party. Contact Crystal Harvey to schedule your visit.
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Thank you for your continued support!
Thank you for all the ways you support the ministry of the Christian Conference Center! We value every gift of time, talent and prayer. If you would like to make a financial contribution toward our ministry, simply click the link below.
Christian Conference Center, Newton, IA | www.newtonccc.org