Concept

The Stone Ministry concept is to use the construction of a stone chapel in the woods as a means to provide campers with a tangible earthy anchor into God’s creation. Campers gather stones from designated areas then bring them to the Stone Ministry site at a scheduled cementing session.  The process includes washing the stones and cementing them into the structure. Participants are encouraged to write a personal message in chalk on the stone that will be buried in the building wall forever.

Like people, every stone is different.  Each has its place in the structure helping support others around it and above. Every stone therefore is a keystone.  God loves us all and recognizes that we have a place in the world.

The stones we gather are from stone piles left by the farmers after they chose other stones that they thought were better for building.  Our rejected stones may not be much alone but in community they are building a Chapel in the woods to the glory of God.

 

Hopefully the knowledge that one’s special stone remains part of this sturdy building on this tranquil site, no matter what trials the camper faces in the future, will provide a peace anchor in God’s steadfast love.

Camp Kingswood has a history of long term relationships. There are a number of families who have a three generation tenure there. We envision people cementing in stones regularly when they visit Kingswood, at turning points in their lives, to remember a loved one or when ever they are moved to do so.