Koinonia

Koinonia, along with Member Congregations and Metro New York Synod Congregations, have worked together to rebuild and refresh Koinonia's infrastructure–including new roofs on all the buildings, new septic systems, road work, a brand new waterfront, renovated cabin kitchens, upgraded showers in the conference center, a brand new floating bridge, and more.  These projects were possible only due to congregations participating in our Capital Campaign, and running campaigns in their church. 15 Metro New York Synod Churches participated, and three of those ran a mini campaign in their churches: St. Luke's Times Square, St. John-St. Matthew-Emanuel in Brooklyn, and Our Reedemer Lutheran, Seaford. 

 

In total, the Metro New York Synod Congregations raised $610,189.11 in new gifts and pledges since the last Synod Assembly, and have brought in $724,924 for the Capital Campaign In addition, the Synod gave a one time gift of $20,000 in 2024 to assist with a staffing transition. We are so grateful for this partnership.  We are incredibly blessed to have so many people who care about the camp, and amazed at what God has done.

 

Due to the incredible interest and support for the ministry and re-birth of Koinonia, we met our one million dollar goal in 2023, passed our 1.5 million challenge goal in 2024, and are making good progress toward our final challenge of raising two million in 2025.  We are also thrilled to report that usage of the camp by Metro NY Synod Congregations has more than doubled, with many congregations coming more than once a year.  In addition, our summer ministry to the community, Nature Camp, runs for the whole summer to offer low cost childcare to an area that is a child care desert, two hot meals a day to many who are food insecure, and outdoor activities that support children's physical and mental health. 

Metro NY Synod congregations are beginning to send families to Koinonia to rent a cabin and send their children to Nature Camp, where they can participate in daily bible study.  We are blessed to be living out our mission: Where God Prepares People in an Outdoor Environment to Love and Serve One Another.

Metro New York Synod Congregations can use Koinonia as a retreat for small and large groups. They can scholarship one of their families to rent a cabin for a week and send their children to Nature Camp. They can become Member Congregations and participate in the growth and ministry of the organization.  They can ask Executive Director Dr. Kathleen Kristin Ruen to come preach or give a Temple talk on a Sunday.  They can pray for Koinonia, and share its good news to those who have not been there.  Finally, they can give a portion of their funds to help Koinonia keep its fees low, and make sure that everyone can enjoy this beautiful, Holy place.