I love watching little children get their ice cream cones at our local dairy bar. They are excited to anticipate the treat, and then this huge cone, loaded with their favorite ice cream, arrives. Their eyes get wide and they amazed it is all just for them. They walk over to the tables with their prize as excited as if they had won a million dollar lottery.
Bill and had one such moment this spring. We have been dreaming for several years on how we could make the cabins into three seasons, adult and family friendly buildings that would provide a place of comfort, rest and renewal. At our management team, we spoke of this dream we had, and we were excited to hear that the ministers’ council may be interested in assisting fund that project.
We gathered facts, figures and estimates and set off with informing the council members of the possibility of a pastoral retreat. When discussion came about, it was decided we should not only be granted our original request, but 75% more if necessary to make the project a reality. WOW! I felt like the two year old with a huge ice cream cone. We are so grateful for the Ministers’ council being willing to fund this project so that pastors can have a place of rest and renewal when they need it. What a blessing all the way around and better than the lottery.
Cabin Renovation project: We will be starting this project as soon as we are able to have the building reset on a firm foundation. Groups with skilled volunteers will be most welcome to assist with the renovation. Our goal is to have the cabin ready for spring 2012.
Gazebo project: With a group of volunteer carpenters we began the building of the Gazebo frame on June 11, 2011 in the rain. Bill has been working on the gazebo as well as second wave of volunteers came on July 16 to assist with raising the roof rafters. Pictures are posted on facebook as the building progresses.
Energy Audit Gove Hill has had an energy audit that strongly recommends increased insulation in our attics. Just with this improvement alone we could reduce air loss of 20%. Our budget is stretched with the purchase of the furnace, but we hope to address this within 2012 or sooner if funding becomes available. Other smaller yield efficiency projects, such as windows and doors, will come after this larger project is complete.
Writers’ conference 2011 Just finished last weekend. 14 writers from Vermont and New Hampshire came together to share their works, craft and encouragement. Leaders Matthew Dickerson and David Wright led the workshops in fiction, nonfiction and poetry.
Songwriting Conference 2011 may be in full swing by the time you read this. It begins July 22 and there is still room for you if you would like to come.
Camping at Gove Hill Beginning this summer, we are developing a new primitive camping area at the Pavilion near the pond. Details are on our web site. Brochures are also available.
Camp needs
Gove Hill serves people from many walks of life. Some are less able to afford coming than others. We strive to make retreats at Gove Hill affordable. Your assistance makes this ministry possible. Thank you for your donations. They keep Gove Hill available to all. Donations may be sent to Gove Hill or the region office with an earmark for Gove Hill. Here are a few items Gove Hill could use.
* Two Twin size mattress sets and bed frames new or excellent condition used
* Wood splitter
* Donations for improving energy efficiency (insulation, refrigeration)
* Donations for 60 KW standby generator for manor house.
* Building materials for the cabin renovation project.
* Skilled Volunteers for a work project (insulation installation and spring Gazebo build) on your schedule.
Weekends and weekdays are available!
Contact Bill and Bernice for details. We are here to serve you! Need to plan ahead? We are also receiving bookings for late summer, fall 2011 and into 2012. There is only a one October weekend available for 2011, and then time in November so don’t wait to schedule yours! Mid-week dates are available in the fall still. Check out the calendar on our website for specific dates open. Collaborate with churches near by for a weekend retreat for youth, adults or family groups. Advanced planning helps you get the dates you wish. Contact us at govehill@abcvnh.org or 802-785-4000.
Bill and had one such moment this spring. We have been dreaming for several years on how we could make the cabins into three seasons, adult and family friendly buildings that would provide a place of comfort, rest and renewal. At our management team, we spoke of this dream we had, and we were excited to hear that the ministers’ council may be interested in assisting fund that project.
We gathered facts, figures and estimates and set off with informing the council members of the possibility of a pastoral retreat. When discussion came about, it was decided we should not only be granted our original request, but 75% more if necessary to make the project a reality. WOW! I felt like the two year old with a huge ice cream cone. We are so grateful for the Ministers’ council being willing to fund this project so that pastors can have a place of rest and renewal when they need it. What a blessing all the way around and better than the lottery.
Cabin Renovation project: We will be starting this project as soon as we are able to have the building reset on a firm foundation. Groups with skilled volunteers will be most welcome to assist with the renovation. Our goal is to have the cabin ready for spring 2012.
Gazebo project: With a group of volunteer carpenters we began the building of the Gazebo frame on June 11, 2011 in the rain. Bill has been working on the gazebo as well as second wave of volunteers came on July 16 to assist with raising the roof rafters. Pictures are posted on facebook as the building progresses.
Energy Audit Gove Hill has had an energy audit that strongly recommends increased insulation in our attics. Just with this improvement alone we could reduce air loss of 20%. Our budget is stretched with the purchase of the furnace, but we hope to address this within 2012 or sooner if funding becomes available. Other smaller yield efficiency projects, such as windows and doors, will come after this larger project is complete.
Writers’ conference 2011 Just finished last weekend. 14 writers from Vermont and New Hampshire came together to share their works, craft and encouragement. Leaders Matthew Dickerson and David Wright led the workshops in fiction, nonfiction and poetry.
Songwriting Conference 2011 may be in full swing by the time you read this. It begins July 22 and there is still room for you if you would like to come.
Camping at Gove Hill Beginning this summer, we are developing a new primitive camping area at the Pavilion near the pond. Details are on our web site. Brochures are also available.
Camp needs
Gove Hill serves people from many walks of life. Some are less able to afford coming than others. We strive to make retreats at Gove Hill affordable. Your assistance makes this ministry possible. Thank you for your donations. They keep Gove Hill available to all. Donations may be sent to Gove Hill or the region office with an earmark for Gove Hill. Here are a few items Gove Hill could use.
* Two Twin size mattress sets and bed frames new or excellent condition used
* Wood splitter
* Donations for improving energy efficiency (insulation, refrigeration)
* Donations for 60 KW standby generator for manor house.
* Building materials for the cabin renovation project.
* Skilled Volunteers for a work project (insulation installation and spring Gazebo build) on your schedule.
Weekends and weekdays are available!
Contact Bill and Bernice for details. We are here to serve you! Need to plan ahead? We are also receiving bookings for late summer, fall 2011 and into 2012. There is only a one October weekend available for 2011, and then time in November so don’t wait to schedule yours! Mid-week dates are available in the fall still. Check out the calendar on our website for specific dates open. Collaborate with churches near by for a weekend retreat for youth, adults or family groups. Advanced planning helps you get the dates you wish. Contact us at govehill@abcvnh.org or 802-785-4000.
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