The response to the announcement about the upcoming Lake Union Native Ministry Summit, Mar. 9–11, at Camp Wagner in Cassopolis, Mich., has been overwhelming. It appears we have a number of Native American members throughout our union as well as others who feel God is calling them to support a Native Ministry initiative.

We are looking forward to our time together at Camp Wagner. We intend for this weekend to be a time for sharing, praying, and seeking God's will and direction for a ministry to Native Americans within the Lake Union. We want to learn from each other, discover creative possibilities, seek healing and restoration, and enjoy fellowship.

The cost is $50 per person, double occupancy, which includes motel-type accommodations and all meals. The newly-constructed motel units have individual heat controls and private in-room bathrooms.

Registration will begin at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, Mar. 9. Supper will be served at 6:00 p.m., and the first meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. Sabbath will include a full schedule of worship, testimonies, Bible study, discussion groups, and time for fresh air and reflection.

On Sunday, there will be a prayer breakfast, and we hope to form the Lake Union Native Ministry Council. The Council will be responsible for the direction of Native Ministry in the Lake Union and will advise project initiatives and funding.

Pastors are asked to help identify participants for the Native Summit and are encouraged to join them for the weekend. There are some special subsidies available if needed.

Camp Wagner is centrally located in southwest Michigan. The camp is managed by the Lake Region Conference, and the friendly staff makes it a lovely setting for retreats.

Meals will be served by the camp staff in the newly-remodeled dining hall. The hall also includes a very comfortable worship/meeting area. Special guests will be Deb Claymore, Dakota Conference Native Ministry coordinator, and Fred Rogers, Carolina Conference Native Ministry coordinator.

The weekend's agenda includes planning the trip to South Dakota for the combined Native Camp Meeting. Plans are to charter a coach to transport the Lake Union group to South Dakota for a mini-tour of the Black Hills and surrounding points of interest, arriving at Flag Mountain Camp in time for the Native Camp Meeting. Details and registration information for the camp meeting will be posted on the Web following the Native Summit.

Registration forms for the Native Summit are available on the Web at http://7thdirection.org, or by calling the Lake Union Office of Native Ministry at 269-473-8242.

Gary Burns, Lake Union Conference Native Ministry director