Last week the Southern New England Conference of the United Church of Christ (SNEUCC) shared some important news about the future of Silver Lake Camp & Retreat Center.  I encourage you to read the full articles if you are interested in learning more: 

–SNEUCC Board Votes to Wind Down Programming at Silver Lake

–FAQs: Silver Lake’s Future

In a nutshell, “The Southern New England Conference Board of Directors has made the prayerful decision to wind down programming at Silver Lake Camp & Retreat Center – which has been forming faith and friendship under the pines for nearly seven decades – following one final summer of ministry in 2026.” 

Silver Lake has been operating for 68 years.  There have been generations of our youth and adults from Colchester Federated Church who have experienced all that Silver Lake has to offer, from children attending summer camps to youth and mentors attending Confirmation retreats, to family camps and various events held at Silver Lake over the years.  I know that this news is upsetting for many. 

The future of Silver Lake’s property has not been officially decided.  As was shared by the SNEUCC, “The future of the Silver Lake Camp facilities and grounds is as yet to be determined.  A Property Team will work on assessing the property and land, and will seek out opportunities for partners who might be interested in purchasing the site.” 

The news has made me wonder, did you have a beloved camp (church camp or otherwise) that helped shape you as a young person?  

Because this week I have been thinking about Outdoor Ministry.  In truth, I have been mourning how times have changed (and continue to change) in the church world.  Sometimes these losses are painful.  I wonder about the implications of these decisions when young people often cite climate change and the environment as the issue that they care about the most.  Connecting to God in nature is so important for our physical and spiritual health.  Wishing everyone comfort and peace as we navigate these times of seismic change together. 

Love,
Pastor Lauren 

Photo by Rev. Lauren Ostrout, taken at a Silver Lake Confirmation Retreat.

Thursday Thoughts 11/13/25.