Executive Director’s Report
 A new year has begun. Thanks be to God! In looking back on 2020, particularly my monthly articles from April through the end of the year for this eEncounter newsletter, they were very focused on encouraging financial support for St. Christopher. It was so readily apparent that we were in an economic downfall with the loss of so many guests groups due to the impact of COVID-19. Recovery seemed beyond human reason and ability, outside of the trust and hope in God’s providential hand of grace through the generosity of others. Blessedly, St. Christopher finished the year still able to provide guests services and support. A smaller, but faithful staff adapted to wearing multiple hats to get the job done, and to press on in hope. While the final tally is still being calculated, it is apparent that through an ongoing appeal, fundraising efforts, and the generosity of individuals and groups that allowed deposits for canceled events to be received as contributions, St. Christopher received over $400,000 in contributions during 2020. That is a miracle of God.
We begin 2021 much leaner with only 18 staff. Our calendar remains very thin in the first quarter with very few schools making use of our Barrier Island Environmental Education program, and many guest groups deferring their return until later in the year. Regardless, we are here now ready to serve and we welcome your continued prayers, interests, participation and support. Please continue reading all that this eEncounter promotes, from our upcoming retreat with Judith MacNutt of Christian Healing Ministries, to the February Intercessory Prayer Day, to the Barrier Island Family Weekends, to registration for Summer Camp 2021.
We continue to covet your prayers and support. St. Christopher’s proven legacy of resilience through challenging times depends upon it.
Blessings!
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Donate by Venmo: @StChristopher
Donate by mail:
St. Christopher Camp and Conference Center
Attn: COVID-19 Relief
2810 Seabrook Island Road
Seabrook Island, SC 29455-6219
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Wellspring of Life
Healing Retreat with Judith MacNutt
February 5-7, 2021
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Who among us remains untouched by loss in this season, unmoved by upheaval in every sphere of our lives? The Book of Proverbs counsels us, “Pay attention to the welfare of your innermost being, for from there flows the wellspring of life.” Hear this invitation to gather brothers and sisters in Christ to drink in His healing Word, soak in the loving presence of our God, and find release and rest for your soul.
Each morning, afternoon, and evening session includes worship, teaching, and ministry. The retreat will be begin Friday, February 5, 2021 (dinner at 6 p.m.) and conclude on Sunday, February 7, with Holy Communion (before lunch) at St. Christopher Camp & Conference Center.
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Annual Christmas Party
& Farewell to Ned
The St. Christopher staff enjoyed an Annual Christmas Party that also served as a Farewell to Ned Collins. Through the years, Ned is one who always loved to create hats for special occasions and events that honored other staff members at birthdays, special anniversaries and farewells. Each staff member was asked to present Ned with a hat, with some explanation given to Ned as to why the hat they chose would honor or recognize him in some special way. Ned completed 13 years of service and ministry at St. Christopher as the Chief of Operations at the end of 2020.
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Staff Epiphany Celebration
 Justin Johnson leads staff and guests in song during a celebration of Epiphany on Feb. 6 The morning marked the staff’s return from its Christmas sabbath break. The service included traditional Epiphany prayers and a rite of “chalking the doorways” of The Prayer Center with 20+C+M+B+21. The formula is bracketed by the new year, and its letters refer to Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar, the Christian tradition’s names for the Magi. The letters also are short for Christus mansionem benedicat (Latin for “May Christ bless this house”).
After the service, staff and visitors snacked on King’s cake, a French pastry served during the season of Epiphany and the days before Lent.
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Join Us on Intercessory Prayer Day
We invite you to join us for our Intercessory Prayer Day from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, February 13, at The Prayer Center.
We continue to be diligent in maintaining proper social distancing procedures during this event. Please note that we will not serve lunch afterward. If you plan to attend, please bring a mask.
Write to the Rev. Dr. Sandi Kerner, Chaplain (skerner@stchristopher.org), to register.
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Lent - Easter Season On-line Small Group Study
With the Rev. Dr. Sandi Kerner
 When you read What If It’s True?, like the Samaritan woman you will exclaim, “Come see a man who knew all about the things I did, who knows me inside and out (John 4:29)”, and (I would add) “who loves me, fiercely, passionately, and intimately!” THIS is the book to read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest during the Lenten and Easter seasons this year! Join me in this book study/adventure in an on-line small group on Wednesdays beginning February 17th (concluding May 26th).
To join the small group study, purchase the book (Amazon recommended) and enroll in the group by sending me an e-mail and a donation (suggested $50) to “ADOSC” at St. Christopher Camp and Conference Center. A Zoom link with a password will be sent along with a reading schedule. Wednesday daytime and evening groups will be held if interest merits.
The Rev. Dr. Sandi Kerner, Director of Programs and Chaplain
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Mark your Calendar
Summer Camp Registration Opens February 1
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2021 Staff, Intern and Counselor Applications are Live!
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What's it like to serve on staff? Take a look.
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Barrier Island Family Weekend
One Weekend Sold Out
We've Added a Second Weekend in March!
Now that our February offering has sold out we've added a second weekend - March 26-28. Perfect for families ready to get outside and learn about nature!
Activities and classes include:
- Campfire and dance
- Class: Let’s Sea (salt marsh ecology)
- Class: Herpetology and orienteering
- Nocturnal wildlife tour
- Noodle hockey
- Class: Woods and wetlands
For more information, visit the center’s website.
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Internationally acclaimed figurative artist Mary Whyte loves St. Christopher and she's expressed that love by creating two original works to benefit this ministry.
- The first 25 donors supporting St. Christopher with a gift of $5000 or more will receive, as a thank you gift, one of the signed and framed 30X24, limited edition (25) giclee prints of Veil.
- Donors supporting St. Christopher with a gift of $1,000 or more will receive, as a thank you gift, one of the signed, 8X10 giclee prints of Path to the Beach.
- Donors supporting St. Christopher with a gift of $10,000 or more will, in addition to the prints above, receive as a thank you gift, an invitation to Tea with Mary Whyte and Margaret, one of the women from the Hebron Saint Francis Senior Center who has served as Mary’s model many times.
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A Prayer for St. Christopher
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