Cross Trails has launched the Legacy of Promise Campaign to respond to the increased need for youth and family ministry by providing improved and expanded sleeping and meeting facilities at both Camp Chrysalis and Ebert Ranch Camp.

To meet current and future ministry needs, the facilities need to:
   Provide simple comfort for all ages, year round
   Be true to the heritage of summer camp
   Be able to meet the needs of adults and families

Primary issues at Lutheran Camp Chrysalis
Twenty percent of Chrysalis’ capacity is lost in the non-summer months. Several of the cabins were built in the early 1900’s and must be shut down due to lack of insulation and heat. Lack of air conditioning is the most common summer complaint.

Primary issues at Ebert Ranch Camp
The primary housing is in two single-sex bunkrooms. These are not suitable for family groups or adults who seek some additional privacy. In addition, there is no large meeting room at Ebert that is suitable for non-summer usage. This greatly limits what retreat groups can do with their time at camp.

In May 2004, at the corporation meeting of Cross Trails Ministry, representatives of the owner congregations voted to authorize the board, staff and volunteers to conduct a capital campaign.

Our goal is to raise $1.5 million to meet current and future ministry needs.

In January 2005 Cross Trails Ministry began the Legacy of Promise capital campaign.

This appeal will fund:
-- 1 new cottage-style duplex cabin at Ebert with a kitchen for small group cooking, and large gathering room with a fireplace
-- 3 new cottage style duplex cabins at Chrysalis to replace the field cabins
-- air-conditioning the remaining cabins at Chrysalis
-- associated infrastructure improvements at both sites

The money will be raised through a combination of individual, organizational and congregational donors. Gifts may be given over a three-year period, and in some cases five years. Gifts of appreciated securities and assets that can be readily converted to cash will be welcomed. Members of Thrivent for Lutherans may be able to have a portion of their donation matched.

This appeal will seek funds in addition to the gifts Cross Trails Ministry needs annually to keep the ministry alive and growing. It will rely on the strong support of congregations and individuals with a heart for this ministry.

Timeline for the Campaign
April-October 2005 - Seek major leadership gifts
April-August 2005 - Campaign orientation of clergy
September-December 2005 - Volunteers visit church councils to inform and ask for participation
January 2006 - Equip local congregational leaders to conduct appeals in their own churches
February-November 2006 - Congregational appeals

Leadership Gifts Division
Major gifts of $5,000 or more may be pledged and given over a 3 to 5 year period on a timetable convenient to the donor.

Congregational Gifts Division
Each of the congregations in the Southwestern Texas Synod will be asked to participate fully and energetically in this appeal during 2005-2006. A careful, multi-step process is designed to empower congregations to involve many members and families of the congregation in this appeal effort.

1) Building understanding and awareness
This step will include events for pastors and lay leaders to hear of the needs and plans and to welcome their input to the appeal. Next a presentation will be made to each congregation council, informing them of the appeal and asking for their participation.

2) Training Leadership
During this step lay leaders from each participating congregation will be selected by congregations and prepared for their responsibilities by the campaign steering committee. They will be given all the printed materials, videos, manual and information they need to conduct successful appeals in their local congregation. An extensive stewardship training session will thoroughly prepare them for their work.

3) Conducting the Congregational Appeal
During this step congregations will conduct a campaign. The campaign is usually carried out over a six-week period, during which time each member of your congregation will learn of the needs addressed in the appeal and the plans to address them. Each congregation will be encouraged to set a non-binding target goal, based on its average weekly worship attendance, and then seek gifts and pledges from individuals to reach that goal.

Steering Committee
Bob Beglau – Chair
Rev. Daryl Koenig – Campaign Manager
Al Sunday – Major Gifts Chair
Rev. Bonnie Claycomb – Congregational Chair
Rev. Danny Koenig – Congregational Chair
Karl Vermace – Lutheran Men in Mission Chair
Dawn Lindsey – Grants Chair
Charlene Spillman – Women of the ELCA Chair
Carol Hansen – Board/Former Board Chair
Rev. Tim Bauerkemper – Staff/Former Staff Chair